“These are.. interesting,” said the woman, hesitating for a moment. “Not boring, to say the least.”
“Boring isn’t inspiring,” said Ida.
The woman shot Ida a sharp glance, then looked again at the shirt, staring earnestly at the broad frilly arms and decorated collar.
“Can I try it on?”
“We don’t have anywhere to change here, but you can bring it back if it doesn’t fit. We come every week.”
“Yes, friends of mine have bought your clothes,” said the woman. “They were talking about you yesterday over dinner. One of them suggested I drop by and take a look.”
“I hope they were happy with everything,” said Ida.
“I wouldn’t be here otherwise, would I?” said the woman.
“You’re a small, right?” Chi chimed in.
“Usually, yes,” said the woman. “You never know with these brands. They fake sizes all the time, trying to fool you into thinking you’re skinner than you are. ”
“Show me,” said Chi, taking the shirt and holding it up in front of her. “Yep, that’ll fit. But as Ida said, you can bring it back if you’re not happy.”
“Ok, fine. I’ll take it.”
The woman made her purchase, putting the shirt into her handbag.
“Thank you, ladies,” she said. “And thank you, Ida,” she added, looking deeply into Ida’s eyes.
Ida blushed and smiled back before the woman turned and marched away, the heels of her stilettos clacking loudly over the concrete.
The woman’s intoxicating presence lingered for a while, and Ida could not help but be reminded of María Félix, penetrating the environment with her sexuality and beauty. A person later approached and browsed for a long time before they smiled politely and left. Ida then turned and noticed Chi frowning and looking into the distance.
“What is it?” said Ida.
“Creep alert,” said Chi.
The words sucked the wind out of Ida. Vidrik. She backed away and took shelter behind Chi, not daring to look. Somehow she managed to turn her eyes in the direction Chi was staring. When she saw him, she grew giddy with relief. Frederich was standing against the wall of the pharmacy with one leg crossed over the other while looking directly at Ida and Chi.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” said Ida.
“What, you know that guy?”
“Yes. I’ll explain later.”
Ida handed the money box over to Chi and walked out from behind the stall and weaved her way through the crowd.
“Hi,” said Frederich with a shy grin when she approached.
“Hey,” said Ida, stepping forward and giving him a hug.
“Sorry for just showing up like this. You told me you were here on Sundays.”
“No,” said Ida, shaking her head. “It’s fine. We didn’t get a chance to talk after…”
“Yeah,” said Frederich as Ida trailed off. “How are you?”
“I don’t know,” said Ida with a shrug. “I’m still dealing with it, I think. How about you?”
“I’m fine,” said Frederich calmly, looking briefly into the distance.
“That’s good.”
“I just came to see you because I have to go away for a few days, maybe more.”
“Ok,” said Ida, trying to conceal her suspicious thoughts. Where are you going, Frederich?
“We also didn’t get a chance to finish the Vidrik conversation.”
“Was there anything more to say?” said Ida.
Frederich reached into his pocket and took out a folded piece of paper.
“As far as we know, Vidrik’s not in the country, and he’ll have to think twice before coming back to Berlin.” Frederich held out the piece of paper. “But just in case, here’s a number you can call if anything happens while I’m gone. If you feel someone following you, or anything out of the ordinary, you can call in.”
Ida took the piece of paper and opened it.
“Codeword: Abel? Whose number is this?”
“It’s League Intel. They can send someone if you ask.”
Ida studied the piece of paper for a long time.
“I don’t know about this,” she said, holding the paper at a distance and leaning back as though it were infected with something.
“Ida, take it. Kalakia promised you’d be safe, so this has to be his way to keep that promise.”
Ida sighed and lowered her hand.
“If it were up to me, you would go back home until we found him,” said Frederich.
“I’m not going to do that.”
“I know.”
Ida sighed again, then nodded.
“Ok. I’ll call if I need it.”
“Thanks,” said Frederich. “That makes me feel better.”
“Should I ask where you’re going?” said Ida.
Frederich gave a slight squint, appearing hesitant.
“It depends. You wanted me to be honest with you. But you also don’t want anything to do with my work.”
“That’s right. Does it have something to do with the bombing?”
“Yes,” said Frederich.
Ida shuddered.
“You know who did it,” she said flatly.
“Yes.”
Ida now sensed herself treading into darker territory. Reading Frederich’s voice and expression, she knew he would be going to kill the person responsible. How did she feel about that? Did she want that person dead? Yes, she did. Of course, she did. They deserved to die. No! How could she think that? Her cheeks burnt up, and she felt unsteady on her feet.
“I don’t want to know anymore,” she said, holding her palm up.
“Sure,” said Frederich. “It’s going to be fine, ok?”
“I need to get back to the stall.”
“Ok. See you when I get back?” asked Frederich, leaning his head expectantly.
“I.. I need to get back. Bye, Frederich.”
She turned around, nearly bumping into a man behind her who stopped walking abruptly and gave her an annoyed stare. She went around him and marched back toward Chi.
“Ok, I have questions,” said Chi. “Because that guy is cute. Creepy, but cute.”
Once Ida was back on the other side of the table, the hot flush in her face subsided as though she were out of the danger zone. She looked across toward the pharmacy, but Frederich was already gone.
“Ida, spill it. Who is he?”
“What?” said Ida, still distracted.
“I said who’s the guy?”
“He’s a friend.”
“And?”
“And we need to start packing.”
“Ugh! You’re impossible,” said Chi, slapping Ida’s shoulder softly. “Sometimes I think you’re the Virgin Queen.”
Chi walked around Ida and began taking the clothes off the
