The mole

Misha’s POV

After Will left I laid on the couch with my hands wrapped around a pillow contemplating on my life. I was mad at myself for being stupid and naïve, trying to find a refuge in the people around me even if those people were just pretending to be nice as a sign of good education. I made promises that I could not keep so now karma caught up and slapped me in the most ruthless way considering also the fact that a mafia boss was trying to kill me. Tears flooded my eyes and soon started pouring down my cheeks. I felt powerless thinking that my only chance to remain alive is comply with the FBI’s demands. Will’s absence was a challenge for me as well as I was used to seeing him around. For me, he was a refuge but for him I was only another case to be solved so I had to made my peace with that idea. As the thoughts overwhelmed me, I slowly fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning as I heard the phone calling. I answered and on the other side it was a man's’ voice but I could surely distinguish that it was not Will’s voice:

“Hi miss Misha, my name is Brian” the mans’ voice said.” I will be your new handler from now on.” I felt like someone stabbed me right through the heart but my voice was emotionless when I answered:

“Hi Brian, I’m glad to hear that” I said trying to seem excited although my voice was monotone. There was an awkward silence for a couple of seconds after which he added:

“I will come by your place in approx. 30 minutes to check up on you. I also took the liberty of applying for another identity. You know you need a new identity, don’t you?”

I thought to myself that he had a point. I needed to get rid of my name so that my whereabouts will remain unknown to Nicolai.

“That is great, thank you!” I answered briefly.

“Great! Would you like a particular name or...” he said waiting for me to continue?

“No, I’ll let you decide.” I said eager to end the conversation as soon as possible.

“Ok, Miss Kralenka! See you soon!” he said and hanged up.

I was perplexed to find out that Will gave up the position so easily. I was hoping that, although I asked him to leave, he would have stayed and took care of me as promised. The fact that he tossed me aside to another handler so easily enforced the idea that I was for him just another witness in a murder case and our relationship was nothing more than professional.

Time went by slowly but eventually I met Brian. He came to me five minutes earlier than expected saying that he had business in the vicinity and he was eager to meet me. I was captivated by his appearance at first but it slowly dissipated as I forced myself to be professional and remove any sort of possible attraction towards the guy.

Brian was a nice person, too nice in my opinion. He didn’t look bad, actually he was very pleasant to the eyes but I couldn’t help myself comparing him with Will and note the visible difference between them. He had brown eyes, a muscular body that was complimented by the fine tailoring of his suit, blonde hair which resembled gold with a slightly lighter shade and the face of a model with high cheekbones and luscious lips. Even so, the image of Will and his forever seductive smile was popping in my head making Brian’s fade instantly.

“So, what happened to you?” he asked with innocence in his voice.

I looked at him as if struck by a rock and he noticed my reaction.

“Sorry for the question, I know what happened to you but I would like to know the story behind your arrival in the USA. What made you come here and what exactly did you do to make the Russian mafia chase after you?”

“I honestly have no idea what happened” I said emotionless.” What happened the past week is still blurry”.

“Well, that is too bad.” he said with a forced smile.” We’d better get you to a doctor. I will make an appointment for tomorrow.” he then added while making himself comfortable on the sofa. I sat next to him suspiciously, maybe for the fact that his presence made me feel somehow uncomfortable. Brian’s gaze was measuring my body and he licked his lips when his gaze stopped on my breasts. After a couple of seconds our eyes met.

“I would like to go and buy some groceries” I said briefly.

“Sure thing. We can grab some ice cream on the way.” he followed smiling.

I took my coat and we both got out of the door. After I bought all the necessary things, we stopped at an ice cream stand.

“What flavor do you like?” he asked me.

“Strawberry” I answered with a smile as, although he was an ass in some perspectives, he seemed genuine towards helping me cope with the situation I was in.

“Strawberry...” he repeated to himself and went to the ice cream man to order.

He ordered a strawberry ice cream for me and a chocolate ice cream for him. Suddenly I heard him saying:

“Would you like to go to the park for a little while? I imagine you stayed inside the house for so long you need some fresh air". I looked at him and suddenly started laughing.

“Fresh air?” I asked ironically.

He began laughing as well.

“Well, as fresh as you can get in the Big Apple.” he answered savoring de dessert.

Brian was not as bad as I imagined but still, I didn’t want anything else from or with him except at most having Brian as a friend or companion to pass the time. During our walk through the park, he explained to me about the trial I was going to attend soon and the fact that I should remember all the details so that I can describe everything I saw as clearly as possible. Finally, we got to the safe house and he was a real gentleman helping me arrange the groceries on the shelves and trying to convince me he was a great cook, hence I should let him prepare dinner for me.

“Brian, really there’s no need. I can cook for myself!” I protested but quickly refrained myself as I saw the disappointment in his eyes.

“Maybe some other time and you can cook me a hamburger.” I added with a big smile.

“Oh!” he said excited, "I make the best hamburgers in this town.”

“I won’t know until I try them.” I said and we both chuckled.

“Well miss Kralenka, it was nice meeting you. I will come by tomorrow to pick you up and take you to the doctor.” he said taking his coat from the hanger.

“Thank you, Brian...” I gratefully said. "It means a lot to me” I added with a smile.

“No worries. Have a great evening!” he said opening the front door.

“Same to you!” I followed politely.

Brians’ POV

I left her house and got into the car. I opened my glove compartment, grabbed the burner phone inside it and dialed the only number that was on it.

“Yeah?”

“It’s Brian. I made contact with the girl.” I told him gravely.

“Good!” he followed and then added “What did she tell you about the boss?”

“Nothing, I couldn’t make her get out of her comfort zone to tell me more info." I heard a sigh on the other side of the line.

“My boss pays you for a job and you call me to tell me you don’t know anything?” he told me irritated. “I asked her about her real reason for coming to USA” I added, hoping I could soothe the conversation. Fortunately, it worked.

“And?” he asked curiously.

“She doesn’t remember anything of what happened before” I said.

“Good, make sure you get rid of her before the trial!” he followed dismissively.

“Don’t worry. I'll make sure she’s dead until then!” I reassured him and hanged up the phone.