Betrayal from Within: Rick and Katja, #3

By Ian Griffin

Rick and Katja made a name for themselves in the world of espionage and have become legendary. After suffering many losses, the enemy's resolve solidified with the determination to take out their biggest adversary, the spy couple. This heinous ambitious effort has made the Taylors the number one target by placing the bullseye squarely on the two agents. 

 

As Rick and Katja focus on the enemy, an unexpected betrayal from within their circle of trust happens and causes devastating effects. The audacious nature of the disloyalty brings their success to a screeching halt while driving the Taylors to question their role in espionage. Their family faces a peril never seen before.

 

Betrayal from Within is the third book in the Rick and Katja series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Griffin
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223903338

Book preview

Chapter 1

Awaitress approaches the outdoor table, where a lonely man sits overlooking the Main River. This view has a breathtaking eyeshot of Wurzburg, which includes the Old Bridge and the Marienberg Fortress as it overlooks the river. The waitress from the Gasthaus looks over at the gentleman. He sits at around five foot ten with a stocky build and weighs close to 200 pounds. He has a two-inch scar in the left corner of his mouth. His blue eyes complement his wavy, sandy blond hair. The gentleman is in his late 30s and is wearing grey capri pants and a green buttoned-up collared shirt.

The waitress tilts her head to the side, then smiles.

May I take your order?

She stands about five foot nine, slender, with wavy blonde hair that comes down to the middle of her back and blue eyes.

I would like a Riesling, the gentleman smiles.

The waitress smiles back and slaps her order book closed.

Perfect, I will have it right out.

She walks to the back of the kitchen to get the order for him. As she enters the kitchen, a blonde in a pixie cut with brown eyes that stands about five foot six looks at her.

I am taking care of this gentleman. Here is fifty Euro. That should cover it, don’t you think? Katja smiles at the waitress.

The waitress smiles back and says, Certainly.

Katja is wearing her regular blue sports coat, red T-shirt, blue jeans, and running shoes. She has red lipstick on that radiates with her tan skin. She pours Riesling into a wine glass and heads to the gentleman’s table. As she approaches, Katja notices he is preoccupied with the tantalizing view over the river.

Your Riesling, Stefan Lange, Katja says as she places the wine on the table.

The gentleman is startled that she knows his name and turns to look at Katja. His eyes widened with astonishment. His lips begin to quiver.

No, he trembles. No, not you, the Frau des Todes.

Katja opens her coat slightly to show her Beretta, then raises her eyebrows as she looks at Stefan.

Now, now, Stefan. I know I normally have that effect on men, but most of the time we are both naked, she says. The man remains frozen in fear.

Why are you so startled? You act as if you have seen, hmm... Katja turns her head a bit, sticking her chin out, then looks at him. Maybe death, face to face.

Katja pauses to be more dramatic, then smiles.

There’s an old Russian proverb. ‘Fear’s eyes are large.’ This seems to be the case here, wouldn’t you agree, Stefan?

Katja sits down across from him, then grabs his wine glass, then points to it as she shakes her head.

You don’t mind, do you? she asks, then takes a drink of his wine. Wow, that is refreshing. Got to love our local wine. I mean, this is just perfect for the occasion. Don’t you think? Katja nods. You should have some, let me finish this. Would you like me to order you some?

No, how do you know about me, Katja? he asks, shaking his head as he gulps. Did Franz send you?

Oh, Stefan. Franz would have been ecstatic for me to get you, but I found you all on my own, Katja says with a smile. The man that has perpetuated my reputation, calling me the Seductress, the Woman of Death and all. Names I couldn’t even live up to, even if I wanted to. The mole himself, who is only supposed to be part of the cleaning crew, Mr. Stefan Lange.

Katja suddenly grabs her chest. Her jaw drops as she gasps.

Stefan, it hurts me to the core, knowing that you would spread those rumors, she says dramatically.

Katja motions with her fingers for Stefan to come closer. They both lean forward as Katja begins to whisper.

But one thing is true out of those rumors. If you read between the lines, I do like to play with my targets before I kill them, Katja rolls her eyes seductively and licks her lips. Oh, the fun I am about to have with you.

Stefan suddenly pushes the table into Katja and runs out of the Gasthaus towards the Old Bridge. Katja watches as he makes his way across the river. She smiles at the challenge and drinks the rest of the Riesling. She exhales in satisfaction and then meticulously places the glass down. She then jumps out of her chair and takes off after him, pushing through people to get outside the Gasthaus. Katja sees him closing in towards the end of the bridge, and she takes off in a dead sprint after him. With every step, she closes the gap between them. His 200-pound frame is not suited for running fast, whereas Katja has always been a runner. For her, this is effortless. It is just another cat-and-mouse game for her.

Stefan reaches the end of the bridge and looks back to see Katja gaining on him. He heads through the vineyards to the fortress on the hill. Katja sees this as she is gaining.

What a fool, I am going to catch him real soon on the hill, she thinks to herself. This dude doesn’t have a chance. He is almost making this boring.

Katja is within about 20 feet of Stefan as he is panting frantically. Katja smiles.

I got him.

She closes in next to him and quickly tackles him.

Stefan hits the ground and tumbles. Katja rolls over him and jumps up on her feet, prepared for the next move. Stefan is so out of breath that he can’t put up much of a defense. He holds his hand over his face to protect himself. Katja looks down at him.

Damn pussy, my children have more balls than you do, she says. Stefan climbs to his knees but keeps his arms up ready to defend his face.

Look at me. This was just a warning, Katja says. Your end will be soon, and I mean real soon. This was only a message; I wouldn’t sleep at night if I were you.

She looks him over for a moment, then walks up to him as he is kneeling. Katja bends down kisses him on the forehead and then steps back to observe him. Stefan looks confused and stunned, still gasping for air. Katja smiles.

Call that the kiss of death, I like to kiss my prey before I kill them.

She turns around without a care in the world and then walks away, heading up to the fortress. A crowd of people is looking on from the bridge. Katja walks with pride as if she owns the fortress. Stefan is still on the ground collecting his thoughts and bearings.

Katja makes her way to her car.

Oh, he has no clue what will happen here soon, she thinks as she gets into the driver’s seat. Then she smiles as she speeds away.

Stefan dusts himself off and realizes he probably needs to go home and regroup. He makes it to his car and finally heads home, still shaking as he drives through the city.

I wonder how much time I have? He thinks to himself. How did she know I was the mole? I got to get my things and go.

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Stefan pulls up in front of his apartment building. Still in shock, he walks up to his apartment and puts his key in the door. He cautiously looks around before he opens the door and walks in.

Stefan removes his shoes and places them on the shoe rack, then walks to the kitchen. There he drops his keys off and makes his way to the bedroom. As he opens the bedroom door, he sees Katja lying on the bed with her Beretta in one hand and a wine glass in the other. Stefan jumps back, startled.

Stefan, come on in. Why don’t you sit on the bed here? Katja says as she pats the mattress next to her. I could use the company. She takes a drink and then places the wine glass on the dresser next to the bed.

Stefan is surprised, wondering how she got to his house so fast. He starts to back away, and Katja jumps up.

Don’t even think about it. Get on the bed, now, she demands as she waves the pistol to emphasize her words. Stefan walks in slowly as Katja steps off the bed. She pushes him onto the bed and points her gun at him.

Feet double shoulder-width apart with your heels on the ground, she commands.

Stefan complies with her directions. Then he looks up at her defiantly.

I see you have grown into your reputation, he says.

Katja smiles at him.

Such a defiant tone, she says seductively. And I thought we would get to know each other a little better Stefan. Isn’t the bedroom the perfect place for that?

I’m not saying anything, Stefan says again in defiance.

Katja walks around the side of the bed where he can’t see her, then starts moving behind him, almost like a snake slithering around its prey. Slow, mesmerizing, methodical, and seductive. Behind him, she leans into his ear, where her breath is bouncing off his neck.

Oh, you will talk, Stefan! That is a fact, she whispers.

He shakes his head no, almost hitting her face with his head. Katja keeps her pistol pointed at him with her right hand and places her left hand on his shoulder. Then slides it down his chest. She undoes the top button of his shirt, then slides her hand down his chest. Stefan lets out a surprised gasp.

Katja slithers out from behind him and steps in front to face him. She stands about three feet in front of him and looks at him with disappointment.

You mean I don’t turn you on, Stefan? Seriously, you wouldn’t want to be in me. Are you saying I am not desirable to you?

It’s more that, I do know you have embraced your reputation.

Katja chuckles and pulls the hammer back on her Beretta.

Then you would just rather die?

Stefan starts shaking, as the fear of death begins taking over his emotions.

No, no I don’t want to die, he stammers.

So, if I wouldn’t kill you, you would want to fuck me then? Is that what you’re saying? We could be fuck buddies. That sounds like fun, doesn’t it, Stefan? Katja asks as she raises her eyebrows.

That is different, he says, gaining some control over his shaking.

Yeah, we could have fun together, Stefan, but since you told me you are not telling me anything, let me show you something that might alter your decision, Katja says seductively as she reaches into her jacket and pulls out some photos. She tosses them on the bed next to Stefan.

Stefan looks over and is in shock. Katja slowly lowers the hammer on the Beretta, so it doesn’t fire. Then she slithers back behind him, keeping her pistol pointed at him, and whispers in his ear.

Oh, I think you know this pretty, young girl who will soon be a woman. I think you know her well, she says. You see, we did a little spy work on you, Stefan. Although you would like everyone to think you have no attachments, I know - and so does The Reaper - that you have a little ten-year-old girl named Petra Lehmann. That’s her right there, isn’t it?

Stefan’s hands start shaking as he grabs the photos in disbelief.

Oh, it gets better, Stefan, Katja says with a smile as she moves back in front of him.

You know these cellphones have cameras now. Do you want to see something cool? Here is the Reaper and your daughter eating ice cream.

Stefan sits up as Katja hands him the phone to see. He starts shaking uncontrollably. Katja kicks him in the face, and he falls back on the bed. He screams as he grabs his bleeding nose. Katja quickly moves so that she is leaning over him and points her Beretta at his forehead.

Yep, Stefan, you are going to tell me every DAMN thing I want to know. If you don’t, The Reaper won’t eat ice cream on his next visit to Petra. He is watching her right now. So, I think you will man up, and be a good boy. Katja taps her hand on his forehead. You will tell me absolutely every damn thing I want to know. I would hate for your daughter to die solely because you don’t talk. She deserves to grow up and have a good life, wouldn’t you say? Do we understand each other?

Katja leans back and pulls him up into a sitting position. She looks at him, then steps about three feet away from him and points her pistol at him.

Feet double shoulder-width apart, she commands.

Stefan immediately complies as Katja reaches into her pocket and turns on a voice recorder to record everything.

Stefan, first of all, did you wiretap all our missions?

Stefan nods. I did, with the help of Nadine.

Nadine? Who is this, Nadine?

Stefan takes a deep breath and shudders for a second.

Nadine and her boyfriend, Klaus, do a lot of electronics work, including surveillance. They live together in Dettelbach right north of Kitzingen.

Katja smiles. Yes, I know, where they live.

Stefan looks shocked.

Was Nadine and Klaus involved in all wiretappings?

Yes, they were,

Who did you turn the wiretaps over to, or did you just tell members of the Sharp Sickle?

I knew some of the members personally, but I am also paid by one of them,

Katja’s head turns just a little bit as she is caught off guard by the comment. Paid? Who pays you?

Stefan sticks his chest out a bit. Dmitriy Petrov, he answers proudly.

Katja turns her head slightly, starting to get annoyed. Who is this Dmitriy guy? Where the fuck does he live? How much does he pay you?

Stefan smiles. Dmitriy pays all of us. He is from Russia and is very wealthy. He paid me 50k just to turn the tapes over. He pays us a monthly salary, I make 60k a year from him without turning over the tapes. That was additional. He predominately lives in Budapest, but he moves a lot.

How long have you been in the Sharp Sickle? Katja asks.

Oh, for some time. I have been with them before Sabine lost her man, Stefan says proudly.

Katja is brewing with rage. So, you leaked information that ended her family?

Yep, that was me, Stefan says smugly.

So, why did you tell people that I fucked Hermann and Otto?

Because it drew more people to do their job better. You were a good enemy for them. It helped in recruitment and them maintaining their focus. They all wanted to kill the sexy spy bitch. What European guy wouldn’t want to screw and kill an American spy girl? I could perpetuate it as long as I was doing the cleanup, he says.

Are you the only mole?

Yes, besides Nadine and Klaus.

Do you have the tattoo of the sickle?

Of course, Stefan smiles as he lifts his shirt and shows the tattoo on his ribs.

Oh, stay still, I need a shot of that, Katja says as she pulls out her cellphone.

Stefan’s face turns to disgust as she takes the photo.

Katja looks over at Stefan for a moment, then asks, Is there anything else you have for me?

Stefan looks down defiantly.

I guess we could have had sex, and then I could have killed you, but this is the route you chose. At least that’s how you like to tell everyone, that I have sex with all the ones I kill, Katja says, then smiles. It’s crazy that you built my persona, I kind of like it to be honest. It suits me.

Stefan shakes his head. I may have exaggerated a bit, but it is true. You like to tease the men before you kill them.

Katja clutches her chest with her free hand.

I am appalled you would think of me as a tease, Stefan. If you don’t know anything about me, know this; if I want to fuck someone, then I will fuck them. So don’t ever confuse me with a tease.

Stefan suddenly jumps up, grabs the gun, and pushes it away from him. Katja is caught off guard as he shoves her against the wall and beats her hand against the wall until she loses her grip on the gun and drops it. Stefan holds her against the wall with one hand on her throat and the other under her armpit. Katja is hitting him with her arms and kicking the best she can.

Stefan quickly throws her and himself on the bed. Katja’s legs are wrapped around him, to maintain some form of control and to stabilize the force. Stefan pins both of her arms onto the bed with all his force.

Who says, I am not going to fuck you? he says as he leans into Katja.

Katja licks her lips and smiles mischievously.

Well, look at you, Stefan. You do want me. This makes me feel better. If that is the case, then pony up. Don’t just sit here and talk smack. Let’s do this. I want to see if you can handle me.

Stefan is surprised by Katja’s talk. He slowly releases her hands, watching her ensure she doesn’t do anything crazy, then he moves his hands to her pants. Katja doesn’t resist as her hands are free. She just smiles and says, I was hoping you had it in you Stefan. This is going to be fun.

Stefan unsnaps her pants, then fumbles with his clothes. Katja looks at Stefan with her mouth seductively open. She rushes to remove her jacket and shoulder harness. Then discreetly reaches in her belt line. Stefan is out of his clothes and lying between Katja’s legs. He reaches to loosen her pants.

Stefan, hmm, Stefan, Katja says softly. Before we travel this road. I want you to call me what you called me today when you first saw me.

Stefan abruptly stops. He props himself up on the bed with his hands on each side of Katja. He looks at her confused and leans back a little.

Katja smiles. You don’t remember?

There is a pause for a moment.

I mean if we are going to be intimate, and you are going to be inside of me, I don’t think it is too much to ask for you to call me by my name in the moment of passion, don’t you think? Katja says with a smile.

Suddenly realizing what she is referring to, Stefan leans up and starts looking around feverously, expecting someone else to be there. He realizes he is in danger.

I believe you called me Frau des Todes, she says in a thick Bavarian accent.

Stefan’s eyes swell with fear. Katja wraps her athletic legs around his buttocks, squeezing him tightly to draw him closer to her and to hold him still.

I guess I might as well live up to my name, The Woman of Death, Katja stares at Stefan and winks. Don’t you think?

Katja squeezes her legs tighter. Stefan tries to pry her legs off as his torso leans towards Katja. She suddenly swings her arm in front of Stefan’s neck, the tip of the T-dagger knife slicing his throat as her arm passes by swiftly.

There you go fucker. I guess you almost got your rocks off, Katja says coldly.

Blood spews over Katja’s face and torso. Katja pushes him off her and just watches him bleed for a few minutes. Sitting there listening to the gurgling sound and watching the disbelief on his face as life fades slowly from his body.

This is a sorry double-crosser. I had him fully distracted, and he was like putty in my hands. It is almost unfair, she thinks to herself. Not that I care for that worthless bastard and his causes, but it sure was fun toying with him. I could have killed him earlier, but that would have taken all the fun out of it. I simply killed him the way he told everyone I did. I lived up to my reputation.

Katja stays there watching until the blood stops oozing out of him. She gets up slowly and then walks over to the front door to ensure it is locked. Once the door is secure, Katja walks to the bathroom and takes a shower.

Taking her time washing, she thinks, this is one of them that stretched my reputation to almost absurdity. But eventually, I grew into it, embracing it, and it fits me just fine.

Katja smiles in satisfaction and then finishes rinsing off. As she gets out of the shower, she takes her time, walking over to retrieve her cellphone from her discarded pants and gives Rick a call.

The mole is dead, she informs. It was almost dirty, on the mission side, my love. You know how I am.

I will meet you at the house later. My mission will kick off momentarily, Rick says.

Good, I will send Franz a note for a cleanup crew and to let him know his mole is dead.

Sounds good, my love. Are you okay?

I am, see you then, Katja replies then hangs up.

She moves around the apartment, slowly getting dressed as she looks through Stefan’s belongings. She retrieves a couple of thumb drives, his cellphone, and his hard drive. She then heads out the door to go home.

Katja steps into her black Mercedes sedan and looks around for a second giving a grin of satisfaction as she cranks the car up. She leans over and turns the radio up, as it is halfway through playing Velvet Revolver’s ♪Slither♪. Katja smiles, thinking I slithered like a snake all around Stefan, and he couldn’t do a damn thing.

A mischievous grin surfaces on Katja’s face as she steps on the gas and sings along with the song.

Katja bobs her head as she shifts gears and sings along to the radio. She turns swiftly at the intersection to head out of Wurzburg, the tires grip the cobblestone streets effortlessly. As the car straightens up, she hits the accelerator and speeds out of the city. Katja drives with the skill only a professional racer has.

As street signs start passing by faster and faster, she ponders, tonight, I simply just lived up to my beautiful reputation. What a reputation to have! A devilish grin comes over Katja’s face, and she says, "The reputation is refreshing!

Chapter 2

Rick picks the lock to a house in Dettelbach. He quietly opens the door, sticks his head inside the door, and then steps in. At the entrance is a place for shoes and jackets, with a restroom to the right. There is a door directly in front of him, about eight feet away. Rick opens it as it leads into the main portion of the house. He closes the door behind him and looks to the right to find a kitchen and a living room. Quietly ensuring that the area is secured, Rick cautiously steps to the middle area of the house and then heads to the left side, where he finds another restroom and two bedrooms. He is the only one in the house.

Rick walks back to the kitchen and opens the refrigerator door to see what is inside. He moves a few things around and notices a sandwich. Rick takes the sandwich and leaves the kitchen to head to the back corner of the living room. Nonchalantly, Rick takes a seat, where he has a small view from the kitchen to the main door of the house. He takes a bite out of the sandwich and nods with satisfaction.

Rick finishes the sandwich and realizes that time has passed by slowly. He looks down at his watch and is surprised that he has been sitting in the living room for over forty minutes. Rick is doing his best not to fall asleep. Suddenly he hears a key entering the lock on the front door. He waits quietly.

The front door opens, and he can hear two people in the front part of the house. They take a few moments, and he sees the second door open as a man and a woman enter. The woman walks in first. She has a fake hair color that is a version of red which fades into purple. She is about five foot six and maybe 130 pounds. The guy behind her is lanky with brown hair and is about two inches taller than the girl. He probably weighs around 160 pounds.

Rick sits there, not making a sound or movement. They both head to the left towards the bedrooms. Rick sits patiently. He is in no hurry.

Rick can hear someone enter the bathroom on the left side of the house, and a woman’s voice calls out.

Klaus, I will only be a moment. Just let me brush my teeth.

Okay, Nadine, a man’s voice replies.

Rick can hear Nadine brushing her teeth. Then a toilet flushes. Rick keeps his eyes on the entrance view that he has. The bathroom door shuts, and he can hear her footsteps heading back to the bedroom. Rick looks down at his watch and notices the time. Quietness fills the house. Still seated, Rick pulls out his Beretta. The silence breaks as he hears a radio turn on. He can make out a little of what is being said on the radio.

Looking down at his watch, Rick realizes about twenty minutes have passed. He gets up and makes his way toward the bedroom. It is not entirely dark in the house, there is still enough light for decent visibility. The radio gets a little louder and he can hear a soft moan coming from the bedroom. Rick peeks into the door and sees Klaus and Nadine’s attention is consumed in each other’s embrace. They are completely distracted by the pleasures of their bodies. Rick walks into the bedroom and sits down in a chair close to the door.

Oh, yes, Nadine moans as she claws Klaus’s shoulders.

Rick thinks that must hurt a little.

Klaus and Nadine are caught up in the moment. While Rick is in no hurry, he finally decides to interrupt.

Hey guys, I am just a fly on the wall, enjoying the show here, he says with a small wave. Take your time, just pretend I am not here. Keep doing what you’re doing, it is quite entertaining.

Klaus jumps immediately, causing him to separate from Nadine. He almost hits the wall as he is disoriented. Nadine swiftly scoots under the blanket as if it is security.

Wow, it seems you two were having a good time, Rick says. I mean those claws and moans - I was enjoying this. Don’t stop on my account.

Nadine and Klaus look at each other for a second in disbelief. Nadine leans over to Klaus and whispers in his ear.

Rick waves his finger from side to side.

Uh, no. No secrets tonight, I’m afraid. I mean, I am already witnessing you in your most vulnerable attire.

She said, you are The Reaper, Klaus reveals.

I see, so that is what you call me? The Reaper? Rick asks.

That is what The Seductress referred to you as, Nadine speaks up.

It is. Not many people know that, but somehow, you do. Don’t you find that a little odd? Rick asks.

Klaus starts to move, but Rick points his gun at him.

Stop! We will do this in a controlled fashion.

Klaus stops immediately.

First, both of you sit up with your backs to the headboard, and push the blanket away from you, Rick explains.

Nadine gives a facial expression as if she is being violated.

Oh, dear. I just saw you and your man bumpin’ uglies. You sitting there naked is not going to change my perception of you, Rick says, then smiles. Trust me, it is memories I will always have of you two. I will cherish them.

Nadine grudgingly pushes the blankets off the bed and moves to the headboard as directed. Klaus sits next to her.

Now, before anyone gets any crazy ideas, Klaus, you don’t have any strap hangers, so to speak. But Nadine, you have an eight-year-old son that lives in Volkach with his dad and his dad’s wife, Rick reveals. I am not here to judge, but it seems you liked to party more than you liked to be a mom. That is neither here nor there for me. But I assure you, The Seductress, as you call her, knows everything about little ole Matthias. Do I need to show you photos of him going to school last week, or in his bedroom? Or do you understand our position here? I think we have one with The Seductress lying in his bed. It is a small bed but quite adequate for a boy growing up.

Nadine is in shock and gasps.

So, you want to see some photos, or do you understand? Rick asks.

Is he safe? Nadine asks nervously.

At the moment, he is in no harm, do we understand? Rick asks.

Nadine nods her head, I understand.

Klaus looks at Nadine puzzled for a moment.

Rick notices Klaus’s reaction and looks back and forth between the two, putting the pieces together.

Oh, Klaus, you didn’t know? Rick asks, shocked. Wow, so much for a healthy relationship. You know, some say you never really, truly know a woman. You only know what she wants you to know.

Rick stands up out of his chair and claps his hands together.

All right, so let’s get down to business. Klaus, face down on the bed with your head towards me.

Klaus repositions himself, face down on the bed.

Now, bring your legs up, grab your feet, and hang on to them, Rick directs.

Klaus does exactly as Rick says.

Nadine, stand up, spread your legs and arms out, then once you get situated, show me where your tattoo is, Rick directs.

Nadine follows Rick’s commands. He notices she has small breasts and brown pubic hair. She stands on the floor, then brings her left leg up to rest on the bed. Then she points with her right hand at the tattoo to the side of her vagina.

Rick pulls out his cellphone and takes a photo of the sickle tattoo.

Okay, I got it. Are there any others of the sickle or of 33 or 9?

Nadine drops her leg down. No.

Okay, Nadine, assume the position that Klaus is in, Rick directs.

Nadine quickly gets on the bed, face down, and grabs her ankles.

Klaus, your turn. Get up and do the same thing, Rick directs as he points his pistol at him, watching every move.

Klaus gets up and assumes the same foot-on-bed position. Rick can see that he is clean-shaven around his penis. He notices the sickle tattoo right where the pubic hair should be. Klaus points to it, and Rick takes a photo, then nods.

Is there any more sickle or any 33 or 9 tattoos? Rick asks.

No, Klaus replies.

Good, I wasn’t excited in watching you two spread your cheeks. Okay then, lay down like you were before, at the headboard. Nadine, get next to him, Rick directs.

Klaus and Nadine follow his orders quickly.

So, Nadine, you answer all our questions along with Klaus here, and you won’t have to worry about us looking in on little ole Matthias again, ever, Rick says. Now, both of you look at me. If either of you so much as withholds an ounce of information from me, we will visit him, and it will be the last time anyone sees him again. Do we understand?

Nadine’s eyes water up, and she nods immediately. Klaus nods as well.

Okay. So, how long have you two been in the Sharp Sickle?

We came in together, Nadine answers. We have been in for about three years.

Why did you wiretap us? How did you know about us?

Stefan asked us to, and we got paid to do it, Klaus replies.

Who paid you to do that?

It’s a Russian guy named Dmitriy. He pays us all, but we got extra for the wiretaps, Klaus replied.

Who is Dmitriy? Have you seen Dmitriy, or does he work through other people?

Dmitriy is a very rich Russian, who controls a lot of things. I don’t think anyone here really has seen him, Klaus explains as Nadine looks away strangely. Klaus continues. He mainly works through the internet, and he used to work through Andreas and then Jan.

He has a place in Budapest, London, and Paris that he bounces between, Nadine explains.

How much did you get for wiretapping? Rick asks.

We got an additional 50k per year for doing it, Nadine explains. He pays each of us 60k a year to be active members in the Sharp Sickle.

Wow, that is a considerable little nest egg you built for yourself, Rick says with astonishment. So, if he mainly works electronically now, where are the emails and bank stuff found?

On the computer in the living room, Klaus replies. There is a folder there that is simply labeled SS. It has everything you need in it.

SS? Rick repeats.

Yes, Klaus answers.

Don’t you think that sounds a little like an old Nazi? I am just saying, Rick says.

Klaus looks at him and nods.

What about passwords? Rick asks.

The underside of the keyboard has the latest password, Klaus answers.

Rick nods, then looks at Nadine for a moment.

Is there anything else you want to tell me to ensure I keep Matthias alive?

Nadine pauses for a second and looks down. Then she lifts her eyes and remains silent. Rick takes a deep breath in frustration then points his Beretta at Klaus’s head and squeezes off a round. The bullet pierces Klaus’s forehead, and he drops to the mattress as blood oozes out over the sheets.

Fuck! What the fuck? Nadine screams in shock and fear. She looks over at Klaus and then back at Rick. You fucker!

Rick points the Berretta at Nadine as smoke billows out from the suppressor and the smell of gunpowder slowly moves throughout the room.

Do I have your attention, Nadine? Rick asks.

Nadine nods her head quickly as tears are flowing down her face.

Good. Now, Nadine, go ahead and sit up with your back to the headboard. I don’t have to watch both of you now so I can stay focused on you, Rick explains as he lifts Klaus’s head to ensure he is dead.

Nadine does exactly what Rick directs.

So, Nadine, you see, I have no problem killing anyone here or anywhere else for that matter. How will you convince me to ensure we let little Matthias grow up and have a happy life? That is the question for today? Rick says.

Nadine looks at Rick for a moment.

I don’t have any other information, but I do have me, she says.

Rick looks at her for a moment, puzzled.

Give me something here, Nadine, he says.

I can provide video surveillance and audio surveillance. I am also good at breaking into places to put the equipment in so that no one notices, Nadine says desperately.

That’s it? Rick asks.

Nadine moves her hands as if asking him not to shoot, then moves slowly off the bed. Rick keeps his gun pointed at her as she slowly walks over to him.

Stop! Rick directs as he points his pistol at her. Take a step back.

Nadine raises her hands and takes a step back as she talks.

Rick, I want my son to live, she pleads. I want to live too, but more importantly, it is my son, I want him to live. I am at the bottom, and I will do whatever it takes for my son to live and hopefully me too. I am not going to do anything crazy because I know if anything goes wrong here, Katja will simply kill him. I also know she would do it without any remorse to avenge anything happening to you. So, I am begging you, Rick. I heard what you said earlier, that if I leave anything out, you will just kill him later. I am laying it all out for you. There is nothing else. Have sex with me if that keeps my son alive. Hell, screw my brains out, if that also keeps me alive. You can have me every night if that is what it takes. I’ll give you a key to the house. Bring Katja too, I don’t care. I just want my son to live, and I want to live.

Nadine, you didn’t seem to think of that when you were cashing in on that 50 and 60k a year, Rick says coldly.

Rick, you are right, but no one put my son in the mix, and with surveillance, my life was never on the line, Nadine says. You have all the power, Rick, and I want no part of having any power or leverage, I just want to live. I will do anything, Rick. Let me show you.

Nadine steps toward Rick slowly, looking into his eyes. She reaches down and rubs her hands over the front of his pants. Nadine kisses him slowly on the neck while unfastening his pants. She steps back, grabs Rick’s hand, and pulls him to the other bedroom.

Anything, you say? Rick says as he follows Nadine.

As they enter the bedroom and step close to the bed, Nadine reaches into Rick’s pants. She then drops down to her knees and Rick abruptly steps back. Nadine is shocked. Rick looks down at her for a second.