It was a little weird going into the Soviet Embassy. I kept wondering if they were going to return my bowling bag.
It was nothing of the sort. I barely had time to get a coke on ice when I was asked to join the Soviet Ambassador.
He gave me a cold fish handshake and wouldn’t look me in the eye when introduced.
“Sir Richard I have been given instruction to let you know that the recent unpleasantness in East Germany has been resolved. The regional Stasi leader has had a sudden heart attack and has died. A hunting accident claimed the life of the Potsdam Stasi head and two of his guards.”
“They were the only ones involved in the plot to kidnap your sister and exchange her for you. I am to assure you there will never be an attempt on your life through your family again. I think you have made it clear you take a dim view of those actions.”
Dim view my butt. After making that statement he turned and left. I went out and looked around at the audience. There was one young lady there who looked familiar but I couldn’t place her. I didn’t care enough to try to meet her. I decided I had enough and turned to leave.
As I was turning I saw her start a hand gesture. I thought she was going to wave. Instead of waving, I would recognize that finger anywhere.
I continued to turn and left. I didn’t feel up to any scenes tonight.
As I drove home I thought about what had transpired. They were going to leave my family alone so my hot war was over and back to the cold war.
Wait a minute they promised not to attack my family, but nothing about a direct attack. Maybe it was a lukewarm war. To top it all why should I believe anything they told me.
I would pass on to MI6 and others the events of the evening. Everything except the young lady with the rude finger. That was personal. Though I guess trying to kill me could be considered personal.
I managed to get back into a real school routine for the next three weeks. Then it was time for exams. It seemed strange how they were administered.
The Colleges taught or lectured but the University gave the exams. In America, there was really only one institution that taught and gave exams. Here they were split. I’m not certain why it was, but that was the way they did it.
Anyway, I studied hard for the exams. Despite all the extra-curricular things that had happened this term I managed to keep up with everything.
The results of my work were demonstrated by top marks in everything. I was very confident going into the exams, but when I walked out I hoped that I had scraped by.
I learned to hate those blue books for essay type questions.
I hadn’t had a chance to get back to Switzerland to see Nina as school was all-consuming. Now it was December 13th and the end of the Michaelmas term. Because of exam schedules, the term ended on Tuesday.
My Coldstream officer uniforms had been delivered, two sets, one to The Meadows and one to Jackson House. I was looking forward to wearing one at Christmas parties back in the US.
On Friday I flew to Switzerland to have Friday evening and Saturday with Nina. At her request, I took along a dress uniform with all my medals. She wanted to show me off to her girlfriends. I guess I was considered trophy material.
I didn’t mind it with her, she was doing it for fun, not as a one-upmanship I’m better than everyone. She tried to be serious about it but kept giggling thinking of her friends seeing me pick her up at the gate.
It went as she planned. You could hear the buzz as she got into the rented car, yes I got a Roller to put on the dog.
At dinner, we had a more serious conversation. She opened it with, “Rick you were a very good archer in Bandits of Sherwood, did you keep it up?”
“Yes, I enjoy it very much.”
“Apropos of nothing I read an article of some curious deaths in East Germany. Three Stasi officers were killed by an English longbow. “
“That is curious.”
“If they were who I think they were they deserved it!”
“I’m sure they did.”
“How is Mary?”
“She wanted to know when I was going to get those guys.”
“What did you tell her?”
“Someone had got them.”
“Are you going back to the US for Christmas?”
“Yes, it will be nice to spend time at home with the family.”
“We should see each other at some parties. Are you taking your uniform with you.”
“Now that would be vain wouldn’t it?”
“That never occurred to me, we girls think nothing of taking our best.”
“That’s why we men have it better, we aren’t slaves to fashion…besides, I ordered two sets, one is already at Jackson House.
For some reason, she reached across the dinner table and punched me.
I had her back to her school before curfew Friday and Saturday. Why be late when you have a hotel room for the afternoon, and no I’m not going to tell you what went on.
Saturday evening was show off Rick to the girlfriends as we attended an informal gathering at a restaurant. We had a side room to ourselves. There were ten couples.
I must be becoming a snob because most of the guys seemed like Euro-trash to me. Minor titles, nothing to do in life except drive fast cars, gamble, chase women, and drink.
Well, at least I didn’t gamble or drink. The biggest difference was they were a bunch of spongers.
