VANGUARD(78)

Sophie’s mouth fell open in shock. “Do you and Will do that…wait, don’t tell me.” She held up her hand as Anjali started to answer. “Forget I asked. Never tell me about stuff like that. I have to see him every day at the office.” Anjali smirked and said nothing further.

“Things feel different this time.” Sophie moved the conversation away from that dangerous topic. “We’ve changed. We’ve been together for days now, and haven’t fought at all. Well, not that much. You don’t know how rare that is for us. There was a time when all we did was fight.”

“Everybody grows up. Even brilliant, overachieving idealists like you two. Maybe you’ve reached a point where your emotional maturity has caught up with your brains and bodies.”

“Maybe. I don’t know what’s going to happen when we get back to New York. It’s like a dream here. Maybe when we go home, it won’t be like that anymore.” Anjali’s laughter filled the room, startling her.

“If you two manage to screw this up again, on your own heads be it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two people who loved each other more, who were so willing to put their lives on the line for one another. You’ve just got to get down to the business of loving each other on a daily basis in real life.” Anjali stroked Sophie’s hair, still damp from her shower. “Love each other hard, and stop being such bloody prideful idiots. If you can do that, you’ll be fine.”





-





Sophie had one more important task to do that day. She dug through her things to find what she needed, hooked up her computer to a portable printer, and cranked out a few sheets. Michael picked one up, scanned it, and looked at her with a resigned sigh.

“For your toy soldiers?”

“Yes, for them.” She didn’t take the bait. “They saved your life and mine. I will not leave them in jeopardy.” She pulled out the crumpled shopping bag Maxwell had given her a lifetime ago in his study. “If they prefer, they can have this instead.” He peeked inside, and his green eyes went wide. “Care to guess who gave me that? For the express purpose of bribery?”

“I can guess. I am also guessing that my mother does not know of this.”

“She does not, and if she did, she’d be enraged,” Sophie conceded. “But I have higher expectations of you.”

He looked away for a moment, then turned back. “I will not stand in your way.”

She smiled and put her hand against his cheek. He leaned into her palm and closed his eyes. “I love you.” She pulled his hand up and kissed his palm. “I love you hard.”





-





Sergei and Sevastian sat down across from Sophie, looking wary. They seemed to know they’d reached the end of a very comfortable gig.

“It is time for me to return to America. Michael and I are well enough to travel, and our lives are in danger.

They looked at one another with resigned expressions. “We thought you might leave soon,” said Sergei. “We are sorry to see you go. You have been kind to us, and not just in business. You are a brave, honorable woman.”

“You have been kind to me as well. I owe you my life and the life of the man I love. I wish to repay you for this, and not just with money.” They looked blank, contemplating what could be better than cash. “Have either of you considered leaving the Soviet Republic? Perhaps you could start a new life in another country. My country.”

Sevastian’s eyes widened. “What you speak of is the dream of many young Soviet men. But few achieve this dream. Our two countries have an uneasy peace, and Soviet citizens cannot gain entry to America easily.”

Sophie pulled out the papers Maxwell had sent her. “It is easier when you know the right people. If you wish, you can fill out this documentation. In a week’s time, you’ll be able to follow me to the US where you will be granted entry.” She pushed the papers across the table. “You’re both young, strong men of character. You could have good lives in America.” They stared at her. “Or, if you prefer to stay here, I can provide considerable financial incentive for your continued silence about what happened here.”

Sergei looked down at the papers. “I would go to America. I have no wife, no children. The Commandant has brought dishonor to the Soviet Republic. I can do better.” He drew the papers across the table.