Critical Play

Chapter 1

Dimitri Kirsanov was a Russian special agent and a close friend of Michael and Jessica Cailen. It was that friendship he was now counting on as he ran for his life through a forest in the Ukraine with two of his teammates, Ivan and Timur. Their pursuers were members of the SVR, Russia's foreign intelligence service. Dmitri and his teammates were members of a highly classified branch of the SVR. Only a handful in the government were even aware it existed.

Charged with crimes of treason, they had been given two options: Spend the rest of their lives in prison or die as traitors. The choice was presented to them in darkly lit, barbaric interrogation rooms where they were shown the evidence against them. Though they had done exactly what they were being accused of, they were innocent.

Just three days earlier, they had sold a nuclear weapon to a group of Syrian extremists. It was part of a top secret sting operation that was designed to expose the group's leaders. The weapon was supposed to be fake, but made to look like the real thing. The mission went down flawlessly, or so they believed, until they were subsequently arrested when they arrived back in Russia to debrief their superiors.

The nuclear weapon they sold was no fake, but the real thing. There was also no tracking device on it as they had been led to believe. The evidence against Dmitri and his teammates was indisputable. They had sold a nuclear weapon to terrorists. They tried to explain the mission they had been given but there was no record of such a mission. Worse yet, their commanding officer had been murdered. Dmitri and his team were suspected of killing him to cover for their crimes. There would be no trial. They could either die or give up their nonexistent criminal contacts and go to prison.

Knowing he and his teammates were innocent, Dmitri couldn't accept either option. He decided to take a third option, escape. He told the investigators he didn't want to die. They took that to mean he would turn on his criminal cohorts and serve his time in prison.

Dmitri reluctantly admitted to the agents interrogating him that he was supposed to meet up with a suspected arms dealer near the Ukraine border to get instructions for another weapon they were going to sell. Knowing his agency had been trying to gather evidence on that arms dealer for years, Dmitri knew they would jump at the chance to catch him in the act. As expected, the agents insisted that Dmitri assist them in setting the dealer up. Though it was exactly what he wanted, Dmitri made a showy protest. After more threats and intimidation from his interrogators, Dmitri pretended to cave. He then insisted that Ivan and Timur go along, otherwise the arms dealer would get suspicious. The agents eventually agreed and soon arrangements were made to transport the three men to the meet.

When Ivan and Timur heard that Dmitri confessed and gave up the meet with an elusive arms dealer, they knew what Dmitri was planning.

Heavily guarded, Dmitri, Ivan and Timur were being driven to a secure site in Russia near the Ukraine border before then being transported to the fictitious meeting with the arms dealer. This would be their only opportunity to escape. Once they reached the secure site there would be significantly more security and their chances fell dramatically. Still, escaping would not be easy. They were each in a different vehicle and outnumbered two to one on top of being handcuffed. But they were good at what they did.

Dmitri rode along silently in the backseat of the first Range Rover with a guard sitting next to him watching him like a hawk. Dmitri waited patiently for one of his men to cause a distraction. One of the other drivers radioed to Dmitri's driver that they needed to pull over. Ivan had just thrown up all over the backseat of their vehicle. Dmitri restrained a smile as he recalled how Ivan had once used the same tactic to get out of a blind date with a gluttonous woman who never learned to chew with her mouth closed.

The three cars pulled over and everyone vacated the truck with puke all over it. Cursing and swearing the guards were not happy. Ivan slumped to the ground next to the truck and leaned against the side appearing still very ill.

While the driver and guard with Dmitri looked back at the other truck to see what was happening, Dmitri lifted his right foot up while trying to move as little as possible and pulled a pin from the sole of his boot. He put his foot back down and tried to look like he wasn't doing anything. He took the pin and slowly picked the lock on his cuffs. His heart raced as he felt them release, knowing his one shot at escaping was nearly here.

Dmitri knew Timur was performing the same trick with his boot and cuffs while Ivan continued to hold everyone's attention. One of Ivan's guards tried to stand him up. Ivan staggered to his feet. Miraculously regaining strength, Ivan grabbed the guard and put him in a choke hold. The driver had his back turned to get back into the vehicle and didn't see what was happening behind him. The men in the other cars saw and began scrambling to get to Ivan. No longer restrained, Timur and Dmitri took on the guards in the seats next to them while the drivers had left to help Ivan's guards. In no time, the guards with Dmitri and Timur were unconscious.

When the drivers saw Dmitri and Timur free and armed, they took cover behind the third vehicle and began firing their weapons at them. Dmitri and Timur returned fire to keep them at bay as they slowly worked their way to the first Rover. They climbed in and drove off. The other men piled into the second Rover, as the third had taken one too many bullets.

Well, that was exciting, Ivan remarked from the backseat as they sped away. Can I get some help? He held his hands out to Timur in the front passenger seat.

Timur picked the lock on his cuffs and soon he was free of them.

Ivan, can you slow them down? Dmitri asked as the guards advanced on them.

Can I have a weapon?

Dmitri passed his gun back. Ivan rolled down his window and fired at them, slowing them down a little but not enough to make a clean break. The agents returned fire and Ivan had to retreat back inside.

We're going to have to try something else, Ivan said.

Everyone buckled? Dmitri asked.

Ivan and Timur took that as their cue to strap in. With everyone secure Dmitri let the agents catch up a little. They began taking fire again. Bullets shattered the back window and whizzed past their heads. Dmitri stomped on the brakes. The sound of tires screeching was followed quickly by the sound of metal crunching as the Rover behind them plowed into them. The airbags deployed in the second Rover, stunning the agents and hindering their view of anything in front of them.

Dmitri hit the gas, leaving the disabled vehicle behind.

They probably have already called it in, Timur said.

Yes, Dmitri agreed. We need to ditch the truck. They could be tracking it. We'll have to go the rest on foot.

So what's the next part of the plan? asked Ivan.

I have a friend in the Ukraine who can get us out of the country, Dmitri answered.

Where are we going? Timur asked.

America, said Dmitri.

What are we going to do there? Ivan asked.

See an old friend, Dmitri replied.

Chapter 2

Michael stepped onto the back porch of his rented condo on St. Thomas holding two beers and clothed only in a pair of swim trunks that showed off his chiseled body. He looked out on the beach a few steps away where his wife Jessica, sat soaking up the rays in a cute blue one-piece and chatting with Hank and Gloria, the young couple who were staying in the condo next to them.

Six feet and three inches tall, with short brown hair and brown eyes, Michael was just as handsome as he was almost four years ago when he and Jessica first met.

Jessica was five feet seven inches with an athletic frame, beautiful long brown hair, and amber eyes. She turned heads nearly everywhere she went. Though Michael was used to it, he still didn't like it. It took constant effort to quell the feelings of jealousy aroused when he saw the way other men looked at her. Today was no exception. It was the fourth day of their vacation and the looks he caught Hank giving his wife were beginning to severely grate on his nerves.

If anyone had seen the expression on Michael's face as he watched his wife interacting with the neighbors, they would have known exactly how he was feeling. Yet the only reason he even allowed the look to cross his face was due to the fact that no one was watching. With years of experience in covert ops, Michael was extremely adept at masking his feelings. Though that was no longer his life, he retained the skills he had picked up from that occupation.

As he walked to them on the beach, he put on a smile. He handed Jessica one of the beers and happily resumed his position in the seat next to her.

Jessica was oblivious to Hank's lustful gaze which he managed to hide from Gloria. Michael could see it clear as day though and it was a struggle to pretend he didn't. Jessica carelessly carried on a lively conversation with the pair. Michael silently grit his teeth and tried to avoid looking at Hank. After another hour, Michael decided he had enough.

Well, hon, he said to Jessica. How about a dip?

She scrunched her face. Not right now. Maybe in a little bit.

Michael grinned and stood up. That wasn't a request.

Under the guise of being playful, he lifted her off her chair and threw her over his shoulder.

Michael! she shouted. Put me down!

Despite her protests he carried her into the water. When he was waist deep he let her down but didn't let her go. He held his arms around her so she couldn't get away. She responded by punching his arm as hard as she could, which did actually hurt him though he would never admit it.

I love you. He grinned playfully at her.

One look at that devilish smile and she couldn't stay mad. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Why do I put up with you? she asked.

Because you love me, he replied.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. That I do.

He squeezed his arms tight around her back and glanced at Hank on the beach, relishing the unhappy expression on Hank's face as he and Jessica embraced. After some more passionate kissing and embracing, Michael suggested they retire inside to share a shower and spend some quality time together.

After an extended workout that began in the shower and ended in the bedroom, they dozed off for a few hours in each other’s arms. When Michael woke he found himself alone in bed. He called out to Jessica and she stepped from the bathroom with half her hair curled.

Yeah, babe? she said.

What are you doing? he asked.

Oh, I told Hank and Gloria we would have dinner with them tonight. I just thought I should start getting ready.

She stepped back into the bathroom to finish curling her hair. Michael closed his eyes and sighed. The last thing he wanted to do was go to dinner with Hank and Gloria.

You should have checked with me first, Michael said loudly.

She came back out of the bathroom. Why?

I don't want to go to dinner with Hank and Gloria.

But I already said we would.

Well tell them we're not.

I'm not telling them that, she said somewhat miffed by his attitude.

We're not going. Michael sat up and grabbed his boxers.

I'll go without you then, she said defiantly.

No, you won't, he said firmly. He slid his boxers on and left the room.

She followed him into the living room. Why are you like this?

I don't like the way he looks at you, he finally admitted.

What do you mean?

Michael exhaled a growl of frustration, his expression pleading with her to just let it go.

He has been nothing but nice to us. What is it you think you're seeing?

Michael didn't want to have this conversation with her. She never believed him when he told her that men were gawking at her. She never saw it.

I see what I see, Jess, he said.

You're paranoid.

He shook his head and laughed. I'm not paranoid.

Jessica crossed her arms, stewing over the situation.

I'm not going to dinner with them, Jess. And I don't want you going without me.

What am I supposed to tell them? she asked.

Whatever you want to tell them, as long as it includes us not going to dinner with them tonight or any other night.

She shook her head. You're unbelievable.

Jessica went to the bedroom to get dressed before delivering the bad news to Hank and Gloria. She didn't say another word to Michael as she left the condo to knock on their door. Michael sat on the couch and turned on the TV. Jessica returned a few minutes later. She shut the door loudly, slumped down in the recliner and grabbed her magazine from off the coffee table. Anyone looking at her would assume she was angry with Michael for having to cancel her dinner plans, but Michael knew better. He read her like a book and knew it was something else.

What happened? he asked.

Nothing, she replied curtly. I did as you asked.

An enormous grin crossed his lips. What happened? he asked again.

She clenched her jaw and buried her nose in her magazine, refusing to answer him.

Jess, you're not mad at me. I can tell the difference.

You were right, OK? she blurted sharply, never taking her eyes off the words in front of her.

I'm sorry, what was that? he said. Feeling intensely amused at finally being proven right he wanted to make her say it again.

Her eyes slowly moved to where he was sitting. He continued to grin wildly despite the icy glare she gave him. You heard me, she said flatly.

He hit on you?

Indignation poured off her tongue. He asked me to go skinny dipping with him tonight after you go to sleep.

Michael restrained a laugh. Jessica began to grow aggravated with Michael as he gloated.

It's not funny, Michael.

You have to admit, it's a little funny, he said, still smiling.

It's not funny at all! she growled. I don't even want to be here anymore. I can't go outside knowing that creep is ogling me. She crossed her arms and turned away.

Michael wiped the grin off his face. I'm sorry. He held his arm out to her. Come here.

She refused to move so he stood up and took her by the arm and sat her next to him on the couch. He put his arm around her and kissed her cheek.

Sweetheart, I'll take care of it, he told her.

No, Michael. Please. I don't want to be bailing you out of jail on our vacation.

Michael laughed. You make it sound like you've had to bail me out of jail before. I've never been arrested.

There's a first time for everything, she replied. Still visibly upset, she sat silently staring at her lap.

Michael took a deep breath. Baby, look at me.

Reluctantly she looked up at him. She was met with the same compassionate, reassuring smile she had seen many times in the past.

I will take care of it, he assured her. And no one is getting arrested. At least not me.

How?

Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it. He brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her. He looked deep in her eyes and light-heartedly reminded her, I love you.

I love you too, she softly replied.

Though still mildly concerned about how Michael was going to get rid of the neighbors, she began to feel more at ease about the situation, knowing he was going to do something about it.

Michael got dressed as dinner time approached. He went out to the car as Hank and Gloria were preparing to leave and pretended to do something in the trunk. As Hank and Gloria exited their condo Michael shut the trunk and walked over to them.

Sorry we can't make dinner tonight, Michael said. But Hank, if you still want to go swimming later, I can go with you.

Hank didn't seem to know what to do with that statement. Clearly getting nervous, he pretended he didn't know what Michael was talking about.

Jess said you invited her to go swimming later tonight. I know she didn't feel up to it but I'll go with you if you still want. Although, I don't know about skinny dipping. I feel a little weird about that. I think I'll wear my trunks if that's alright?

Hank's face turned bright red and beads of sweat were already starting to form. He looked absolutely horrified. Gloria on the other hand, looked absolutely furious.

Feeling things were about to erupt, Michael decided he'd better high tail it out of there.

Well, let me know. Michael smiled innocently and walked back to his condo.

The screaming began before Michael was even able to shut the door.

What happened? Jessica asked as he walked in.

Shh. He gestured for her to come near the door.

She walked over and they both listened to the heated argument happening just outside.

You invited her to go skinny dipping! Gloria shouted.

Baby, I didn't. I don't know what he was talking about, Hank tried to deny the accusation.

Oh, right. Like you didn't give that other girl your cell phone number? She just happened to get it some other way and started texting you?

When the argument ended, so did Hank and Gloria's vacation and relationship. Gloria stormed off to pack her bags and since she had paid for the condo, she kicked Hank out to fend for himself.

I feel bad, ruining Gloria's vacation, Jessica said.

Oh please, said Michael as he walked back to the couch. I did her a favor. That man is worthless. And now she's free of him. As are we.

I almost rather you had just beat him up. She sat down next to him.

He squeezed her thigh and smiled at her. You hungry?

Yes, but we should call Ana before we go. Kevin will be putting her to bed soon.

Agreed. Michael reached for the phone on the coffee table and began dialing. He handed the phone to Jessica as it rang.

Ana was short for Tatiana, a little girl they had adopted just over a year ago. Based on doctors' estimates she was approximately eight years old. Michael was part of a rescue operation that saved her from the hands of child traffickers. The authorities were unable to find any family to return her to. When Michael and Jessica heard of her situation, they readily adopted her. She spoke better Russian than English, but after a year with Michael and Jessica, that was beginning to level off. Michael was fluent in both languages while Jessica spoke mainly English though she had picked up a little Russian over the past year. Michael wanted Tatiana to retain her Russian so he often spoke to her in her native tongue.

Kevin was a close family friend who was more like a father or older brother to Jessica. He had two little girls, Lauren and Emily, who were around the same age as Tatiana. The three girls had become great friends. Michael and Jessica even enrolled Tatiana in the same private school that Kevin's girls went to so that they could be together.

Hi, Kevin, Jessica greeted him.

Hi, Jess. How is your vacation going?

Wonderful, she replied. I think it's been just what we needed.

That's great. I'm glad to hear it.

How's Ana?

Umm. I need to talk to you about that.

What's going on? Jessica asked, concerned.

Well … the past two nights she's been up crying for you and Michael. I didn't say anything yesterday because I thought maybe it was just the one night and I didn't want to worry you. But it happened last night, too. The first night she woke up around 1:00, crying for Michael. She wouldn't let me hold her or anything. She ended up crying herself to sleep at 4:00 in the morning.

Kevin continued, Last night she seemed fine after she talked to you but when it was time to go to bed she said she was scared. Again, she wouldn't let me touch her. Lauren and Emily tried to comfort her. They all ended up sleeping on my bedroom floor in sleeping bags. But she woke up around midnight and cried until 3:00. I don't know what to do, Jess.

Kevin, I’m so sorry! She turned to Michael. Ana isn't doing well. She was up the last two nights crying.

Is she having nightmares? Michael asked.

I don't know. It would seem like she is, Jessica answered.

Let me talk to her, said Michael.

Jessica turned her attention back to Kevin. Can Ana come to the phone?

Yeah, one minute. He called out for Tatiana to come and take the phone while Jessica handed the phone to Michael.

A few minutes later Tatiana's little voice came over the phone line. Hello?

Hey sweetie, Michael said in Russian. How are you doing?

Fine, she answered in Russian.

Kevin says you're not sleeping. Are you having bad dreams? Michael continued to speak in Russian. Of the two languages she spoke, Russian was the one she felt more comfortable expressing her feelings in.

I dreamed that bad men came and took me away, Tatiana said as she started to cry.

Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry you're having bad dreams. You know Kevin loves you very much and he would never let anything like that happen to you.

When are you coming home? she asked, still crying.

Not for a few more days.

Apparently not the news she was hoping for, Tatiana began crying harder. Daddy, please can't you come home now?

Michael's heart was torn to shreds listening to his daughter crying and begging him to come home and get her. He ran his hand down his face and looked at Jessica. I don't know sweetie. Let me talk to Mommy. I'll call you back in a few minutes.

OK, she said, still sobbing.

Michael hung up the phone and sighed deeply.

She's not doing well, huh? said Jessica.

Michael shook his head. I think we need to go back.

That bad?

Michael nodded. He looked greatly distressed. She's only going to get worse the longer we're away. I don't want to put her through that. I'm not going to enjoy anything here after tonight anyway.

We'll get on the next flight out then.

I'll call the airline, Michael said. Then we can call Ana back.

The next available flight didn't leave until the following morning. Michael booked two tickets and then called Tatiana to let her know she would only have to tough it out one more night. Tatiana said she wanted to wait for them at the airport. Kevin agreed to bring her the next day and that seemed to satisfy her for the time being.

Chapter 3

Jessica and Michael wearily boarded their plane. Neither had gotten much sleep the night before. Worried for Tatiana, they tossed and turned. Michael took the brunt of it. He spent the majority of the night keeping Jessica calm. She was a highly emotional person. It was just the way she was made. Everything she felt, she felt deeply. Whether it was love, hate, joy, sadness, or worry, she felt it to a degree beyond what most people would. It was a quality Michael both loved and feared in her. On one hand, it made her an extremely compassionate, loving, empathetic, and kind person. But on the other hand, it was hard to talk her down when she experienced negative emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness. She was feeling all three presently. Anxiety over what was happening with Tatiana. Anger and sadness over how she had been treated prior to their adopting her.

They sat in their seats, feeling both relieved and disappointed to be going home.

It's times like this, I'm glad we weren't able to conceive, Michael said, expressing his frustration with the situation.

The words stung Jessica, who strongly desired children of her own. They adopted Tatiana before they even began trying for children. She was in need and they wanted her regardless of whether or not they had their own biological children. Seven months of trying for a baby and failing had begun to strain their relationship. The purpose of this vacation was to try and bring their relationship back on track.

Jessica turned and looked out the window trying not to let on how much his remark hurt. A few minutes passed and Michael picked up on the change in her demeanor.

I'm sorry, Jess. I didn't mean it like that. He reached out and took her hand.

I know, she said, wiping away a few tears that defiantly fell. I know you're just frustrated.

I told you before, I'll go with you to see a doctor. We might have other options.

She shook her head. No. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.

You're just being stubborn. Why don't you want to see a doctor?

She shook her head. It was a question he had asked her many times before but she would never answer him.

Jess, you want kids so bad. I don't understand why you don't want to try everything?

Maybe I'm not meant to be a mother, she tearfully replied.

That's absurd. You're a terrific mother to Ana and you'd be a great mother to your own biological children.

Can we please not talk about it? she asked, not wanting to have a complete breakdown on the plane.

Michael took a deep breath and squeezed her hand. He sat back in his seat and didn't say anything more about it. Jessica stared out the window as the plane took off. She watched the ground move farther away, trying to clear her head of all the thoughts that were flooding it.

KEVIN STOOD with Lauren, Emily, and Tatiana just outside the secured area at the airport waiting for Michael and Jessica to arrive. Tatiana bounced up and down like a pogo stick when she caught sight of them. She could hardly contain herself.

Tatiana looked like she could be Jessica and Michael's natural daughter. She had the same skin tone as Michael and luxurious brown hair like Jessica. With her big, beautiful, hazel eyes Michael knew he would have trouble with boys when she got older. He didn't look forward to it.

Five feet ten inches tall with blond hair and blue-grey eyes, Kevin had lost a lot of weight with Michael's help over the past year. His doctor told him to lose the weight or start shopping for life insurance. Given that ultimatum, he worked hard and now looked better than he did ten years ago.

Both his girls had beautiful, long, straight, light brown hair. Lauren was ten with blue-grey eyes like her father, while her sister, who was the same age as Tatiana, had her mother's honey-colored eyes. Unfortunately, Emily never knew her mother. Kevin’s wife had died giving birth to her. What little memory Lauren had of her mother had faded over the years. Jessica was the closest thing the girls had to a mother and they both loved her dearly.

Tatiana ran to Michael and Jessica as they left the secured area.

Mommy! Daddy! she cried out.

Michael dropped his bags and scooped her up in his arms. She tightly held onto him. Jessica came near and stroked her hair.

Please don't go away again, Tatiana said as she began to cry.

Michael squeezed her tight. We're not going anywhere, sweetheart.

Don't cry, sweetie, Jessica said. We're home now.

Feeling overwhelmed, Tatiana buried her face in Michael's neck and wept. Michael held her tight, assuring her they wouldn't leave her again. Jessica continued stroking her hair and rubbing her back, trying to calm her down. They both reaffirmed their love for her. After a few minutes she settled down.

Feeling satisfied with her hug from Michael, Tatiana pulled away from him and held her arms out to Jessica. Michael transferred her to Jessica’s arms and picked up their bags. They walked over to Kevin, who had kept his distance so they could have a private moment with Tatiana. Jessica had to put Tatiana down as she was too heavy to continue holding. She clung to Jessica's legs as they talked with Kevin.

It was Lauren and Emily's turn to smother them now. The girls adored Michael just as much as they did Jessica. Michael picked up Emily and patted Lauren's head as she hung on him.

Rough flight? Kevin asked, noting their weary and exhausted appearance.

Rough night, Michael answered.

I'm just happy to be on solid ground, Jessica said.

She was sick during the whole flight, Michael explained.

You don't usually get airsick, Kevin remarked, appearing concerned.

It's probably just nerves, Jessica replied. I didn't feel good last night either.

I hope you're not coming down with something, Kevin said.

Me too, Michael agreed.

I'm starting to feel better, Jessica said. Like I said, it's probably just nerves.

Well, you guys probably want to get going, Kevin said.

Yeah, we should get this munchkin home. Michael smiled at Tatiana.

Would you guys like to come over for dinner later? Kevin asked. I'm sure neither of you feel like cooking.

Sounds good to me. Jessica turned to Michael.

Sure, Michael said. How about 6:00?

Perfect. Kevin smiled.

MICHAEL DROVE down the long driveway of their home in Newton, Massachusetts. It was a large tan colonial with white trim and black shutters. A spacious yard sprawled out behind and in front of the house.

Daddy, I have to pee! Tatiana declared loudly.

Michael shut the truck off. Can you wait a few minutes for me to unload the truck?

I have to go really bad.

OK, come on. I'll open the door.

She ran to the front door and bounced up and down as she waited for him to get there with the key. He opened the door and she went running inside. Michael stepped over to disarm the alarm but found it wasn't even armed. He let out an annoyed grunt and stepped back out the door.

Jess! he yelled out to her. I thought you said you set the alarm! He began walking back to the truck to help her unload.

Hearing the irritation in his voice, she answered somewhat defensively. I did.

Then why wasn't it on? he asked. He glanced in the front windows as he walked down the sidewalk. He noticed the blanket on the couch wasn't folded neatly over the top like it had been when they left. It was bunched up against the armrest and the pillows were rearranged. He stopped dead in his tracks.

I don't know, she answered.

Realizing there had been an intruder in their house who could very well still be inside and that he had just sent Tatiana in there alone, Michael bolted back into the house. He ran through the living room towards the kitchen where the nearest bathroom was located. In the kitchen he found Tatiana face to face with the intruder. She was frozen with fear as the man crouched in front of her trying to talk to her. He stood up nervously when Michael entered the room. He was tall and well-built with short brown hair and brown eyes. His clothes were clean and in good shape so Michael dismissed the possibility of him being homeless.

Michael quickly spotted a gun on the kitchen table just a few feet from the intruder. The intruder seemed to be contemplating whether or not to make a move for it. Michael reached for his own gun in his back waistband. Only after not finding it did he remember that he had locked it away before they left for their vacation. Now he was at a loss for what to do. He was afraid to make any further moves towards the man because Tatiana was so close to him. He feared the man would hurt her.

Even after realizing Michael was unarmed, the man seemed reluctant to go for his gun. Michael wasn't sure why.

I'm not going to hurt her, the intruder said. He put his hands up and took a step away from her. I don't want to hurt anyone, he added.

Michael discerned a subtle eastern European accent in his voice. He began to fear their unwanted guest had something to do with the Russian mob that he and Jessica had just about dismantled a few years ago.

Ana, he called out to her while keeping his eye trained on their unwanted guest. Ana, come to Daddy, he said in Russian.

Tatiana didn't move. She was petrified.

Ana, Michael called out to her again and took a cautious step forward.

Just then they heard the toilet flush from the bathroom, and a few seconds later the door opened. Not knowing who else he was going to have to deal with, Michael rushed to grab Tatiana. He picked her up just as the second man stepped from the bathroom. He was the same height and build as Michael, also with brown hair and brown eyes.

What the hell?! Michael exclaimed when he saw who it was.

Dmitri looked almost as surprised to see Michael. Oh, you're home finally.

Now that he knew they weren't in any danger, Michael turned his attention to Tatiana. He could question and curse out Dmitri later. Tatiana, on the other hand, needed his care. She was completely traumatized, having wet herself upon seeing the strange man in her kitchen.

Ana, Michael said softly. He walked outside with her. Ana, look at me. He spoke to her in Russian.

She didn't seem to register anything he was saying. Sensing something was amiss Jessica was soon at their side. She quickly noticed that Tatiana had peed herself and seemed completely out of it.

What's going on? What happened? she asked.

I don't know yet, but Dmitri is here with a friend and they scared the crap out of her, Michael answered.

Dmitri is here?

Yeah, he's inside. I'm going to kill him. Michael shook his head, furious because of how badly Tatiana was affected.

Ana, sweetie, Jessica stroked her hair. It's OK. You're safe. Those men are friends of Daddy’s. They're not here to hurt you.

Tatiana finally looked at her as tears rolled down her cheeks. She broke down in Michael's arms. Her body went limp and she sobbed into his neck. He held her tightly, reassuring her that everything was fine. After she had calmed down, Michael passed her to Jessica.

You want to get her cleaned up while I find out what the hell they're doing here? Michael asked.

Jessica nodded. She turned to Tatiana. Let's get you in a nice bubble bath.

Daddy, don't leave me, Tatiana said with tears in her eyes.

I'm not leaving you, sweetheart. I'm going to be right downstairs. Go with Mommy, take a bath and put some clean clothes on. You'll feel better.

We'll see Daddy again when you're all cleaned up, Jessica added.

Tatiana finally relented and let Jessica take her upstairs. Michael asked Jessica to toss him down a clean shirt. Sporting a clean, dry shirt Michael then went to talk to Dmitri and find out why he had broken into his house and scared his daughter half to death. When he returned to the kitchen he saw a third man sitting with Dmitri and the other guy who Tatiana had run into. Michael crossed his arms, glowering unhappily at them.

You know she has nightmares that men are going to come and take her away? Michael didn't even try to hide his irritation with them. She's probably going to sleep with us for the next year after today.

All three men looked around uncomfortably.

I'm sorry, Michael, Dmitri said. We weren't trying to scare her.

You want to tell me who your friends are and why you broke into my house?

Dmitri took a deep breath. Pointing to the man Tatiana met, he said, This is Timur. He gestured to the other man who looked much younger than Dmitri and Timur. This is Ivan.

Ivan was a little shorter with a scruffy beard, brown hair and brown eyes.

Dmitri looked back at Michael. We need your help.

Help with what?

It's hard to explain. I'm not even sure myself what happened.

Start with the beginning.

As Dmitri was about to speak, Michael's phone rang. It was a private number. He told Dmitri to hold on while he answered.

Michael, the caller spoke.

Michael recognized the voice right away. Hi Tim. What's going on?

Timothy Gatti was the recently appointed Director of the CIA and a close personal friend of Michael and Jessica. Their relationship went back almost four years to