The Run Around

Epilogue

Natalia Nikandrova Fedova came with just the slightest hesitancy into Berenkov’s office, surprised at his standing politely to greet her, which was a Western courtesy, not Russian. At first Charlie embarrassed her by doing it.

‘I was told to report to you, Comrade Berenkov?’

‘Natalia Nikandrova,’ smiled the man. ‘I am evolving a mission, a very special mission. One in which you are to be involved.’

‘Yes?’

‘Concerning an Englishman,’ said Berenkov, intent upon her. ‘Someone you once knew.’

‘Someone I knew?’

‘Charlie Muffin.’

She blushed, just slightly but enough. It had been there all the time and he hadn’t realized it, thought Berenkov. But he did now. He knew the way to make it all work, too.