A Time To Pay

by David Woods

Beads of sweat appeared on Brian’s brow and his stomach turned over. He remembered that the man he spotted had always stood back, watching from a distance as he demonstrated his machines in Germany.

  The officials gathered around as he regained his composure and started to speak. “All the machines I have seen today could be improved in one way or another. What is needed is a complete evaluation after dismantling in a workshop to examine each component.”

  “Would you be prepared to do just that sometime in the future?”

  “It could be part of a future development of our agreement.”

  “Can you suggest any improvements in the meantime?”

  “Yes, all these machines should be stored inside and subject to a regular maintenance schedule.” His words were translated and greeted by the farm staff with nodding heads and smiles.

  They walked back to the car, Brian making sure he was in the middle of the group and hoping the other man would not recognise him. His eyes searched the surrounding area as they approached the car and there was no sign of him, but as they pulled away down the farm drive, he looked out of the rear window and saw him watching. The drive back to Moscow seemed to take an eternity and Sally noticed his worried look, squeezed his arm and smiled. They just had time to freshen up and change in time for dinner.

  Brian knocked on Sally’s door, and when she let him in he noticed she was wearing the same outfit as when she visited his Kent office. He whispered. “Can we have a quiet chat?”

  She beckoned him into the bathroom, ran the cold water into the bath and moved close to his mouth as he said. “I had a terrible fright to-day. I recognised a man from the farm in East Germany.”

  “Did he see you?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well we’ll soon find out. If we manage to eat a meal tonight without interruption, you can be sure he didn’t recognise you.”

  “But what if he did?”

  “They probably won’t do anything about it. After all they need you.”

  They descended to the dining room, where they were joined by Andrew.

  Brian enjoyed the meal even less than before, and found himself glancing at the door from time to time. The conversation did not flow easily, although Sally still managed to chat about home. Andrew sensed Brian’s mood. “Are the negotiations slowly grinding forward?”

  “Yeah, very slowly.”

  “Don’t be discouraged. It’s the way they always work. Endless meetings and red tape. You’ll get there in the end.” At last the meal ended and they walked out. Sally nudged Brian. “I think we’ll have an enjoyable evening.”

  “I do hope so.”

  “Of course we will. Cheer up.” They were joined in the foyer by Andrew, who put an arm around each of them. “Come on, Viktor is looking forward to seeing you.”

  Brian began to feel better as they walked out to the waiting car. Viktor greeted his guests very warmly and Sally, in her mini skirt and matching jacket, became the centre of attention. They spent nearly all evening talking in a group and drinking vodka. Brian did not consume much, preferring to keep a clear head. He suddenly noticed Irina at the other end of the room, talking earnestly to a bearded gentleman and Andrew, and he waved to her. He noticed the man glance at Sally’s pretty legs, and wondered if he assumed that Sally and he were lovers.

  The conversation became louder as the evening progressed, and although Brian wanted to talk to Irina he could not because she was surrounded by two couples, who seemed to laugh loudly at regular intervals. At last the crowd began to thin out as couples departed, each shaking hands with the English couple and Andrew. Sally was still talking and Brian waited for a pause. “We ought to get going, it’s late.”

  She looked around the room. “Just another few minutes?”

  “Ok.”

  Ten minutes later Viktor walked across to them. “Would you like to look at the rest of my flat?”

  Sally replied immediately. “Oh yes that would be nice.” She looked at Brian, who was staring at his watch and whispered. “Come on, Brian, it won’t take long.”

  “I suppose a few more minutes won’t make any difference.” Viktor guided them into an inner corridor and opened a door into a large bedroom. The couple entered and he closed the door behind them. Brian said. “Why has Viktor disappeared?”

  “I expect he thought we wanted to be alone for a while.”

  She took his arm and guided him towards a large double bed. “But what about your m….” She turned quickly placing her hand over his mouth, and then placing her forefinger across her own lips. He understood and looked nervously around the room, it was well furnished with dark oak wardrobes and a large dressing table. Sally pointed towards an armchair by the bed. “You must be very tired. Sit down and relax for a while.” As he sank into the comfortable chair the bedroom door opened slowly and in walked Irina, locking the door behind her.

  The two women embraced, but said nothing. They walked towards the bed with Brian watching their every move, and wondering how the two knew each other and what they would do next. He soon found out. Irina was dressed in a long grey skirt, white blouse and cardigan, which she proceeded to remove. Sally removed her red jacket and laid it carefully on the bed. Brian looked amazed when both women carried on undressing, each forming a small pile of clothes on the bed. He thought they were both beautiful and had superb figures. Sally removed her tights and Irina her stockings and suspender belt, and they both stood smiling and dressed in near identical white panties and bras. Brian was delighted but mystified until both women began dressing again in each other’s clothes, and it soon became clear what they had in mind. It made his stomach turn over when he thought of the risk they were taking, and forcing him to take. When they had dressed he was very surprised to see the clothes fitted perfectly, and shook his head. They would never get away with it unless of course, Sally took off her glasses, wig, false eyebrows and eyelashes to reveal short black hair, thin dark eyebrows and identical eyelashes. He could not help himself saying. “My God, that’s amazing.”

  “Yes, it’s a lovely room isn’t it?” Sally replied.

  Irina carefully put on the wig and other items and looked in a long mirror, the sight of herself in a mini skirt making her smile. Brian appreciated the transformation and grinned at her. The women exchanged handbags and both pulled Brian, who was still stunned by this latest turn of events, to his feet. He responded in a feeble way as they hugged him and took turns to kiss his lips. Then Sally extended her right hand and Brian shook it gently. She repeated the sincere farewell with Irina and watched as she and Brian left the room.

  Andrew was waiting for them and spoke cheerfully. “Lovely flat, isn’t it?”

  Brian agreed. “Yes, it’s beautifully furnished.” Irina just smiled.

  Viktor was nowhere to seen when they wandered out into the corridor, so they pulled the door shut and walked away and down to the car. Brian sat in the back with Irina. He was angry about being tricked and nervous about getting caught, and as he would rather not know if he was being followed he refrained from looking out of the rear window. They travelled in silence, both Irina and Andrew sensing Brian’s anger.

  Sally was joined in the bedroom by Viktor, who said in Russian. “Please allow me to escort you to your flat, as usual.”

  “Thank you Viktor. As always you’re so kind.” They walked down two flights of stairs and along to Irina’s flat. Sally found the key in Irina’s handbag, let herself in, bid farewell and turned on the lights. It was just as she had imagined from the description Hawkins had supplied, quite large by Russian standards with a kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom and lounge all simply furnished with light wood and pastel shades. She wandered around looking at and touching her new possessions, but suddenly felt exhausted, found one of Irina’s nightdresses and collapsed into bed.

  Brian and Irina climbed wearily up to their rooms, and par
ted without a word being uttered. Brian felt so angry with himself. Fancy being tricked by a pretty girl, he thought. Having experienced a very tiring day he went to bed, where he lay awake thinking and getting extremely upset. About an hour later, when he was half asleep, the door to the adjoining room opened and he cursed himself for forgetting to lock it. He watched as Irina crept in, wearing a flimsy nightie, the light behind her showing the outline of her body. She came across to the double bed and whispered. “I’m very sorry Brian. I know you must be very angry, but let me explain.”

  He said nothing as she climbed into bed and wriggled down, burying her head under the covers. He followed suit and they lay in total darkness as she said, “I’ll always be grateful for your help.”

  “I had no choice.”

  “But I must get to England.”

  “What’s so desperate that you want to risk our lives?”

  “I have a lot of information that will be very useful to the West.”

  “Oh yeah, what sort of information?”

  “I can’t tell you until we are safely out of the country.”

  “I see, but where does Sally fit in to all this?”

  “She is a very tough woman.”

  “I know how tough she is, and she managed to con me.”

  “I will tell you about her as soon as I can.”

  “And in the meantime we’ll be in considerable danger if you speak to one of those Russian officials, because they will notice your different voice.”

  “Oh well, I think I will have a headache in the morning and stay in my room.”

  “That’s a good idea, in fact you can stay there until we leave in the afternoon.”

  “Ok. I agree, but please don’t be angry with me. If it makes you feel better you can beat me.”

  “I’ll never hurt you or any other woman. However much you deserve it.”

  “And I know I deserve it, but you can do anything you like with me.”

  “Go back to your room, and leave me in peace.”

  “Please let me stay. We could just lay together.”

  “Oh, all right then.” After they came up for air, she snuggled up beside him and reached out to cuddle his arm and kiss his cheek, which seemed to dissolve some of his anger. They both slept lightly, and were awoken an hour before dawn by heavy footsteps marching down the corridor. She grabbed his arm and shivered but the footsteps faded into the distance, so they both relaxed and she whispered. “Can we talk again?” They both slid down under the bedclothes and she said, “If we have an early breakfast, I could be back in my room before the officials arrive.”

  “Yes you could, but don’t talk to the waiters.”

  “No. I’ll leave that to you.”

  “Why don’t you just hand over this information and stay in Russia?”

  “Because I hate the U.S.S.R. and it’s repressive. I have no ties here because my parents are dead. And I have no other relatives.”

  “I see. So why did they agree to get you out?”

  “It’s the only way I’d hand it over.”

  “I hope it’s good.”

  “Oh, it is. Don’t worry.”

  “What are you going to do in England?”

  “Get a job. And start a new life.”

  “That’s if we do manage to get out today.”

  “We will, I promise. But I wish I could do something for you. I’m willing to do anything.”

  “There’s no need. You’re a very beautiful woman, but I’m a happily married man.”

  “She’s a lucky lady.”

  Brian decided to change the subject. “I wondered what you and Sally were going to do when you started undressing together.”

  “Did you think we were going to seduce you?”

  “No not really, but I was horrified when you dressed in each other’s clothes.”

  “Don’t worry, it’ll work out fine.”

  “I hope so.” She moved closer, pressing her body against him and he lay still while she caressed his chest and arms. She kissed his face and found his lips, kissing them passionately. Brian found himself responding and held her tight, pulling himself up and easing away the covers. She followed and pulled off her nightie. When Brian stared at her beautiful body in the half light, she pulled the cover back up and started kissing him again, guiding his hand on to her breasts. He caressed her while her hands explored his body to find him aroused and straining against his pyjamas, and held him tight. Suddenly their mutual passion evaporated when heavy footsteps approached again, and when they had passed Brian’s thoughts turned to Anna, making him feel ashamed. Irina sensed his change of mood, and they just lay quietly beside each other for half an hour occupied with their own thoughts. He thought about being at home making love to his wife, and she about her new life in England.

  When daylight arrived Irina got up and stood completely naked in front of Brian, smiling as he studied her body, and then turned around to pick up her nightie and walk slowly back to her room.

  They met again an hour later to go down for breakfast, which was quickly eaten without any conversation, but with occasional glances at the entrance door. Brian escorted her back to her room, collected his briefcase and was about to leave when she came into his room and hugged him. He responded and kissed her lips. As he walked down to the foyer, he realised how close he had come to making love to this Russian woman, and if they spent much more time together, he knew he would not be able to stop himself.

  He waited for an hour and was about to give up when the interpreter rushed in, breathless and red faced. “I’m very sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Wilkins.”

  “That doesn’t matter. Is there a problem?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid there is. You see I have been trying to collect my comrades for the meeting, but two of the key men are ill.”

  “Oh dear. Does that mean the meeting is off?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry to say it does. I apologise on behalf of my comrades.”

  “Well, it can’t be helped I suppose. We’ll have to arrange another meeting later on.”

  “But you’ve come all the way from England for this final meeting. I really am sorry.”

  “Don’t worry. We can organise another meeting sometime in the future.” They parted with a handshake, leaving Brian with somewhat mixed feelings; pleased to be able to think things over before committing himself to further visits, but sad not to have concluded a potentially lucrative deal.

  With three hours to fill before he needed to leave for the airport, he wondered what to do. It was cold outside, so he decided to get his coat and dump his briefcase. He entered his bedroom quietly, to find Irina looking out of the window. She spun around with a horrified look on her face that soon disappeared when she saw Brian, and she sat down heavily on the bed. “Sorry to startle you, but the meeting is off. Two of the key men are sick, so I’ll be going back empty handed. Well, nearly anyway.”

  She rose, rushed across to him and flung her arms around his neck whispering, “I’m sorry. It must be a terrible disappointment for you.”

  “Yes, but what are we going to do now?” Her answer was a long and lingering kiss, and Brian found himself getting carried away again as his hands touched her bottom, but a squeaking sound brought them back to reality. “We must go out for a walk. The chambermaids’ trolley is coming.”

  “Ok.”

  Irina was already dressed in Sally’s trouser suit. She put on a coat, adjusted her wig and they walked briskly down the corridor out into the street. She pointed the way through streets that led to a park, and they continued down a path with grass and trees on either side. When she held his hand, Brian felt relaxed and happier in this environment. They walked for half an hour until they decided to sit on a bench and he spoke with feeling. “How can you people live the way you do? Frightened to speak your minds, and not knowing who is lis
tening.”

  “Now you know why I want to get out.”

  “Oh yes. I don’t blame you for that.”

  “It’s well known that hotel rooms reserved for foreigners are bugged.”

  “That’s bloody awful.”

  “I agree. I would like to get you in an English hotel and make love to you.” She cuddled up close to him.

  “You’re a wicked lady to try and seduce a happily married man.”

  “But I’m desperately in love with you. And I’m desperate to make love.”

  “You’ll feel different when we get to England, and you make your own friends.”

  “I’ll still want you.”

  Brian again chose to change the subject. “We must get something to eat, and then go on to the hotel for our bags.”

  “If we must, but kiss me first?” Brian obliged. After a few more minutes they walked back to the hotel where they ate a quick lunch and returned to their rooms to pack quickly. They had twenty minutes left before Andrew was due to collect them, and Brian paced up and down the room. Irina watched, before stopping him with a passionate wet kiss, and despite feeling guilty he responded. He wanted to make love and they were at the point of undressing, with clothes loosened, but he stopped and stood back, taking a deep breath. “We must get ready to go down now.”

  She nodded sadly, pulling up her trousers which had slipped down to her knees, buttoning up her blouse and after adjusting her make-up and wig they proceeded to the waiting car. Andrew was his cheerful self. “Well Jane, did you enjoy your trip to Moscow?”

  “Yes. Very much thank you.”

  “How did your meeting go, Brian?”

  “It didn’t. I’ll have to come back to finalise later.”

  “Sorry about that. But it means you’ll return to see us again.”

  They entered the airport building nervously. Brian felt as though all the eyes of the numerous security men were watching, and Irina viewed all the uniformed men with suspicion. She was beginning to wonder if she really would be able to escape.

  Chapter Twenty-Four