Page 16 of Wicked Deceptions
“Indefinitely.” One thing I was taught during my training was how to lie and be convincing. I’d never been a good liar, so it was probably the most difficult thing for me to learn. It concerns me how easily the deceit comes these days. I knew I would only be here a few months, if even that long. My mission in Paris is to entertain French officials, in the hopes of gaining the information Germany needs. During my time here before, I entertained several members of the French government, and my superiors are hoping that when they hear of my return to Madame LaRue, they will want to see me.
“Indefinitely?” she questions.
“Things did not work out with Malcolm.” I lower my eyes in shame. “I had the option to stay in Germany, but I really did not like it there. I cannot return to Russia, and Paris has been my true home for quite some time now.” I hesitate. “And I had hope that perhaps I could find work.”
“You want to come back here?” She wipes the tears from her eyes.
“I do, if you will have me?” I smile eagerly.
“Oh my word, child, of course I will have you. You were one of my best girls, not to mention a dear friend.”
“Oh, thank you!” I give her a hug.
“Now, let me prepare a room for you. I’ll give you a couple of days to settle in, and we can get you back to work on Monday. How does that sound?”
“Sounds wonderful, thank you again.” I’m glad I have a few days. I want to go visit Gabriella and Jonathan. I have not been able to write anyone while I was gone and want them both to know I am doing all right.
“Are your bags outside?” Madame LaRue asks.
I lift the small bag from the floor. “This is all I have.” Another thing I was taught in training was always travel light and be prepared to leave any given location at a moment’s notice.
She takes my bag from me. “Are you hungry, child?”
I smile. “Famished.” I exhale a heavy sigh.
“Come, let’s get you something to eat, and we can catch up.”
I take a seat at one of the many tables while Madame LaRue shuffles about, arranging for my room and a meal. I’ve been traveling for days and have not had anything decent to eat. Once she has everything sorted, we settle into easy conversation catching up. I tell her lie after lie, and with each one, I begin to believe my own story.
The next day, I venture back to my old neighborhood, only to find that Gabriella and Jonathan no longer live there. I ask around to the neighbors and find out Jonathan passed away about six months ago, and Gabriella left. Nobody knows where she went. I am saddened for her and hope she and I will meet again someday.
Paris
March 1917
I cannot say I missed this type of work, but it has become a means to an end, and as they say, it’s all part of the job.
I have been at Madame LaRue’s for a few months now and have entertained several members of the French government, as well as a few American officers. I know they are not part of the mission, but they are here, so why not take advantage of their presence? And does it really matter who I get the information from? The French are more tight-lipped than the Americans. I suppose it is their pride that gets them to talk because they boast more than the French do. It works to my advantage. I have become quite the opportunist and will get what I am tasked to get by whatever means I can.
One American officer I met is Lieutenant Chris Barnett. He has become a regular, and we see each other at least three, sometimes four times a week. I find I look forward to his visits, so I have to caution myself not to get too close, but I am struggling. I’m afraid I am falling in love with him, which is a big no-no in my line of work. He is probably the most handsome man I have ever met, kind and caring, and I believe he loves me too. Which would be problematic.
“So, my darling Katerina, what shall we do today?” Chris is so different than the other men I entertain. Most of them stay in my boudoir, drink, and want sex, but not Chris. Yes, we have sex, and it is the most amazing sex I have ever had, but it is not the only thing that occupies our time. Perhapsthat is what makes him special. He takes me out to dine in fancy restaurants. We have attended the theater, and I have finally been to the Moulin Rouge, all thanks to Chris.
“Surprise me,” I reply with a giggle. The anticipation of a day or evening out with him makes me giddy. I know I will enjoy anything he may have planned.
He grins. “I was hoping you would say that.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out two tickets. “How about the premier ofParade?
“Parade, that’s the Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes!” I have not attended a ballet since I left Russia and have missed it so much. I remember going with my cousins, watching the gracefulness of the ballerinas. It was a time of happiness and is now long gone. “At the Théâtre du Châtelet?”
“Yes, are you pleased?”
“Oh, Chris! Yes, I am!” I run into his arms and give him a big hug and kiss. “Thank you so much.”
“Now run along and get ready. We need to leave soon.”
I scurry off with the excitement of a little girl. For the first time in my life, I am starting to feel normal again. Is it Chris, or is it because I have settled into this life so comfortably that I have been removed from the realities of what I have endured?I guess I will never know,I think to myself as I prepare for the ballet.
The ballet consumed me. The dancers so graceful and precise, and the music enthralling. It allowed me to escape for a couple of hours. After the ballet, while in the carriage back to Madame LaRue’s, Chris asks, “So, my darling, did you enjoy the ballet?”
