Mac and LiAnne were late to the meeting. They were battered, bedraggled, soaking wet, and apprehensive. LiAnne carried the briefcase full of information they'd been sent after. The Director barely glanced at them. Victor was sitting in the Director's chair holding the phone to his ear. His fingers were tangled in hers, white-knuckled. He was speaking in a hushed, hesitant tone. A faint sheen of sweat was on his brow and he seemed to be shaking. He thrust the phone at the Director.
"Mrs. Mansfield? Yes, do give me the information. Victor's rather distraught. Yes, I'll make sure he makes it to the services. Goodbye." She held the phone out and glared until Vic took it back.
"Yes, Mother? Dos vidaniya," he said and then hung up. His partners watched in shock as he pulled his knees up, feet perched in the edge of the chair. He wrapped his arms around his legs. He spoke to the Director easily in Russian for a few words, then put his forehead against his knees and wept silently.
"You got the information? Good. Class dismissed. You have a two week holiday unless I change my mind." The Director took the briefcase, then went to stand behind Victor. She stroked his hair. "Are you two still here? Get out."
"What's going on?" Mac asked coming towards the table. He reached a hand out for Vic's shoulder, but the Director caught it in a vise-like grip. She frowned at him.
"I told you to leave."
"It's okay," Victor said almost too low to hear. "I just got some bad news, Mac. I'll get over it."
"Victor?" LiAnne said.
"I'll be fine. I just need some time."
"Go on." The Director rested a possessive and comforting hand on her agent's bowed head. Vic shivered. She glared at the other agents, who finally, reluctantly, moved to the door. "Two weeks. Be here or I will hunt you down." The door closed. "Kahk vih puhzhee vahyehtyeh?" Victor shrugged. "I'll live," he responded in kind. "I guess I should pack."
"I'll meet you in an hour in front of your place." That snapped his head up.
"And what exactly does that mean?" he asked. His voice wasn't nearly as sharp as he was hoping it would be. He felt as if he'd just rolled over and exposed his throat to her.
"I'm coming with you and before we go anywhere near your family, you are going to answer some questions."
"I don't like the sound of that."
"Good. I want honest answers."
TBC