“Sorry Steve no leads.” Oscar sighed.

“What about Marc. He didn’t come with anything in the mug books? Steve pressed.

Oscar shook his head. “Maybe Marc didn’t get as good a look as he thought.”

Come on Oscar if this guy was a professional he has to be there. And besides I’ve taught Marc everything he knows. If he says he saw, he should be able to identify.”

“He could be a professional who just hasn’t been caught yet. We have Marc working with an artist to see if we can’t get a composite of him.”

“Didn’t that Pine guy say that the man had an accent? Does Marc recognize the accent?” Steve continued to press.

“We’re working on that too. That’s another possibility Steve. That he is from another country and therefore would not be in our system.” Oscar surmised.

“Yea? I never thought of that. Where is Marc anyway?”

“He’s working with Bill Vance to see if we can get at least a sketch to go on.” Oscar muttered.

“Maybe I’ll go see how they are doing I would like to get this solved before Christmas.”

“I know, me to. By the way speaking of Christmas. You and Jaime are planning on joining us again?”

“Yea sure. Why don’t we do it the same as last year? Christmas at you place News Years at ours?”

“Sounds good. Say hi to Marc for me. I still haven’t forgiven myself for not listening to him the other day. Maybe they were still around and Marc could have pointed them out to us.”

Steve left and headed for Bill Vance’s office to see how they were coming on the composite sketch.

“How’s it going Bill?” Steve asked. “Where’s Marc?”

“Not to bad. I gave him a little break. He is giving me a pretty good description of the guy. But so far he doesn’t match anyone in our data banks.”

“Oscar suggested that he might be from another country.” Steve mentioned.

“That’s why as soon as I finish, I’m sending the composite to Interpol.”

“That might help. Maybe he’s done this before.” Steve added.

“Let’s hope so.” Vance sighed.

“You through with Marc?” Steve asked.

“Not quite we have some things we need to add.” Vance explained.

“Ok tell him I’ll be back in just a bit. I’ll give him a ride home.”

“Sounds good. I need to get back to work with him.”

Steve went down to Rudy’s office. Jaime had an appointment with him.

“So Rudy. How’s it looking?” Steve asked.

“We’re getting close. If I have it calculated right you two should be parents by the first of the year. Maybe sooner.”

“Well that’s good. I can’t wait for him to be born.” Steve smiled.

As Jaime and Steve headed down the hall they stopped at Bill Vance’s office again.

“Why are we stopping here?” Jaime asked.

“I want to get Marc. He’s been working with Vance on making a composite sketch to the man who hired Pine.”

“Ready Marc.” Steve asked when they walked in.

“Yes. Mr. Vance says they should know who the guy is by tomorrow morning.”

“That will be a relief I’m getting tired of looking over my shoulders every time I go out the door.”

They were just headed for the elevator when Rudy caught up to them.

“Steve. I need to get hold of the hospital you were born in. I would really like the records from your birth. I don’t want any surprises.”

“I’ll get them for you Doc. See you later.”

“Thanks. See you later then.”

After dropping Marc off Jaime and Steve went to their own house. The same black car that had followed them when the left the hospital was still close to them.

Again Yuriy Shurik sat in Rustam’s office. “It’s been two weeks now. Boris has been tracking Austin?”

“Yes he has. He knows his every move.”

“When are you going to let me go after him?” Yuriy wondered.

“I don’t know if I am Yuriy. Since Pine was caught…”

“He doesn’t know who I am. I never gave him my name.”

“He heard your accent I’m sure.” Rustam glared at him.

“No he heard an accent. I used a German one.” Yuriy smiled.

“Very clever of you. But he could still recognize you.” Rustam reminded

“I don’t think so. Even if he did he won’t say anything. I sent him a little love package.” Yuriy started laughing.

“Very good!” Rustam agreed.

In a small modest house just outside the City Jon Pine collected his mail. He held the package in one hand and the note that accompanied it in the other.

The note simply read

Jon In appreciation of all you did

There was no signature.

Hoping for a payment Jon quickly opened the package igniting the bomb inside. Jon and his entire house blew up.

Before returning home Oscar stopped by Steve and Jaime’s and informed them of the latest development.

“You can’t be serious Oscar.” Steve gasped

“I’m afraid I’m very serious. The man that was hired to kill you the other night was killed in an explosion at his home around 3:00 this afternoon.”

“This is getting worse all the time.” Jaime interjected. “Maybe Steve should get out of DC for a while.”

“Absolutely not!” Steve shouted. “I’m not about to be pushed out of my own home, much less leave my pregnant wife…”

“But Steve if they are this desperate…I mean I think this guy was about to break.” Oscar told him. “That’s why we allowed him to be out.”

“Any luck with Interpol?” Steve asked.

“They’re still working on it. They said first thing in the morning. I plan to be in the office around 7:00.”

“I’ll be at the house early.” Jaime offered.

“I’ll just ride with Jaime to the house, then I’ll come back with you.” Steve said.

“Ok Steve. Just be careful tonight.” Oscar warned.

“I will.” Steve agreed.

Boris sat in his car three houses up on the other side of the street. He didn’t want to bring any unwanted attention.

He watched as Oscar pulled out of Steve’s drive and headed up the street. As soon as Oscar rounded the corner he lifted his car phone. “Austin and his wife are alone. It appears they have turned in for the night.”

“Good Boris. Why don’t you come back in? You can resume you post tomorrow. Or maybe Yuriy will take over.”

“What ever you say. I’ll be back here at 6:00 in the morning.” Boris hung up and pulled away from the curb.

He drove to the Russian Embassy. “So Rustam. Is Yuriy taking over tomorrow?”

“Yes he is. Please hand him your reports.”

Boris handed Yuriy all the information he had gathered in the last two weeks. “I will make it look like an accident this time.” Yuriy grinned.

At six the next morning Yuriy was at his post across from Steve and Jaime’s house. He was surprised to see the two of them leaving the house so early in the morning but he followed them anyway.

He followed them all the way to Oscar’s house, but tried to remain low key. He waited till Oscar and Steve pulled out of the drive again.

While Yuriy was watching Steve, Marc was watching Yuriy. Marc woke up when he heard Steve’s voice. He watched out his bedroom window as Steve pulled out of the driveway.

Then he watched as the unfamiliar car pulled onto the street and followed Steve up the block.

‘That car doesn’t belong here.’ Marc thought. He quickly used his eye to see who was behind the wheel. He gasped so loud that he woke up Matt.

“What’s wrong?” Matt asked coming into Marc’s room.

“Don’t worry about it.” Marc was quickly getting dressed. He put his jeans on over his pajama bottoms and grabbed his jacket out of the closet. He then opened the window. A cold winter blast hit both boys.

“You better be careful.” Matt warned. “It’s pretty cold out.”

“I’ll be fine.” Marc leaped out of the window and chased after the car.

Oscar and Steve pulled into the OSI parking lot. Followed by Yuriy and then Marc.

He pulled in to his parking space and Steve and Oscar headed for the building. As they walked across the parking lot Yuriy gunned the engine and headed right for Steve

Marc raced after Steve. He grabbed him and his father and pushed them out of the way. Yuriy turned around and again sped off. This time Steve was right behind him. He grabbed onto the bumper of Yuriy’s car

Oscar jogged over to lend his assistance. He opened the driver’s door and grabbed Yuriy out of the car.

“That’s him dad. That’s the man I saw at the hospital. The one who was going to pay that Pine guy money to kill Steve.”

Holding Yuriy tightly Oscar turned to his young son. “Are you sure Marc?”

“Marc nodded “I sure am!”

By now Russ was on the scene

“Ok then.” Oscar pushed Yuriy toward Russ. “Get him out of here! Take him up to room three.”

Steve walked over to Marc. “That’s twice you saved my life.” Steve ruffled his hair.

Marc’s face turned red. “Yea Steve.” Then he turned to Oscar. “I’m sorry dad. I would have told someone, but there was no time.”

Oscar bent down to him. “I guess I have to face the fact. You’re not your average run of the mill eight year old.” He smiled.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Marc smiled back.

“Come on Marc.” Steve put his arm around Marc’s shoulder. “Let’s get inside, it’s getting cold out here.”

Oscar followed the two inside. Russ was waiting when they stepped into Oscar’s office.

“I have him in room three, but I don’t think he’s going to give us much information.”

“Yea? Why’s that?” Oscar wondered.

He refuses to speak at all.” Russ sighed.

“Great!” Oscar slammed the files he was carrying down on his desk.

“Calm down Oscar.” Steve cautioned. “At least we have the man who hired the hit.”

“But who is he Steve. Who the…” Oscar glanced over to where Marc was sitting on the couch.

“Russ would you please give Marc a ride home.” He looked down at his watch. “I’ll call Jaime. We left in such a hurry. I’ll let her know that you’ll get Dan when you drop Marc off.”

“Sure Oscar.” Russ prepared to give Marc a ride home.

“Hang on a second Russ. “ Steve stopped him then bent down to Marc. “Thanks again Partner.”

“Anytime Steve.” Marc gave him a hug then left with Russ.

Oscar picked up his phone.

“….Yes Jaime, Marc was here. But he’s on his way home. We’ll explain everything later.” He hung up the phone. “Now as I was saying. “ Oscar continued. “Who the hell is this guy?”

“His accent would tell me Russian.” Steve pointed out. “I mean he didn’t say much, but I would say he’s Russian.”

“I suppose…”

“Oscar.” Rudy called out as he burst into Oscar’s office. “This just came in. It’s from Interpol.”

“Now. We get some answers.” Oscar took the report from Rudy

“Yuriy Shurik” Oscar proclaimed. “I’ve heard that name some where.”

“We suspect he’s responsible for kidnapping Dan last summer.” Rudy reminded.

“Of course. I would bet money Rustam is behind it too.” Oscar cried out. He was silent for a few moments “From what I’ve heard this Yuriy Shurik is Rustam’s right hand man. Not only is he an expert in getting our people to go over to their side…”

“He is also Russia’s number one hit man. That’s what the report states anyway.” Rudy finished.

“I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Steve threatened Rustam after they kidnapped Dan last summer.” Oscar pondered.

“Wait a minute. I did what?” Steve questioned.

Rudy explained to Steve what had happened a few months back.

“You can’t be serious?” Steve stared wide-eyed at them.

“I’m afraid I am. I wonder. I’m sure he’s the one responsible for shooting you in Florida.” Oscar continued.

Rudy and Steve nodded.

“So now what. We got him, we know who he is…” Steve started.

“So are you going to press charges?” Rudy asked.

Oscar scowled. “No one tries to kill my people and gets away with it Of course we press charges.”

“You might have a difficult time with that.”

What do you mean by that Rudy?” Oscar demanded.

“Two words. Diplomatic Immunity.” Rudy stated.

“What’s that mean.” Steve wondered.

“I don’t think Diplomatic Immunity will protect him Rudy.” Oscar turned to Steve. “Some times if someone from another country commits a crime in this county. They get away with it. I guess they claim they didn’t understand our laws.”

“But that excuse won’t work?” Rudy added.

“No. He tried to kill a federal agent. He knows Steve is an agent, other wise he wouldn’t have tried to kill him…”

“What if Rustam is the one who hired Yuriy?” Rudy wondered.

“Then we go after him as well.” Oscar continued to grumble.

“Can we do that?” Steve wondered. “I mean go after an ambassador for murder?”

“If it were the other way around. Our ambassador would have been jailed and more than likely executed by now.”

“I see what you’re saying.” Steve muttered. “Is there anything I can do to get this going?”

“I want you to remain low key for a while Steve. After doing what you did just a few moments ago…”

“Yuriy isn’t going to say anything. We have him in custody.” Steve interrupted.

“I know that.” Again Oscar reached for his phone. “Yes?” He spoke into the receiver.

“Say what?” Oscar bellowed. “How the heck did he get away?” He screamed.

Steve and Rudy turned to one another, then back to Oscar.

“Shurik?” Rudy wondered

“He got away.” Oscar slammed the receiver down.

“That’s just great! Rudy thundered. ”Now what?”

“Steve I don’t want you to leave here. If he’s on the loose I’m sure he’s gone back to the Embassy now. I’m sure he’s telling Rustam all about how you stopped his car with your bare hands.”

“Oscar I refuse to be a prisoner I’m not going to let one group of people dictate where I go and what I do.”

“Don’t forget, he still has a contract out on you.” Rudy reminded.

“Yea but now I know who and what to look out for.” Steve sighed.

“I don’t like it Steve.” Oscar interjected. “You’re setting yourself up.”

“Maybe that’s what I need to do.” Steve continued. “Let him come after me.”

“Want to run that one by me again.” Oscar narrowed his eyes and looked at Steve.

“You heard me. Let him come after me, now that I know who’s after me. Maybe we can wrap everything up at once and deport both Yuriy Shurik and Rustam.”

“I see your plan. I just wish I could agree with it. I don’t like the idea at all. But I suppose you’re right.”

“I know I am.” Steve turned to leave Oscar’s office.

“Be careful Steve. If Yuriy Shurik has already told Rustam…”

“I know. I’ll watch my back so to speak.” Steve headed out the door and down the hall

“You’re worried aren’t you Oscar?” Rudy wondered.

“You dam right I am Rudy. You know as well as I do. If the Soviets suspect Steve is bionic they will not want to kill him. They’ll want to…. I shudder at the thought.”

‘You saw him do what Yuriy?” Rustam was very interested in what he was saying.

“You heard me Rustam. He stopped my car with his bare hands.”

“Well, well. This sheds a totally different light on the matter. I want Austin, but I want him alive.”

“I don’t do that.” Yuriy shook his head. “I’m hired to kill them. I don’t like taking prisoners.”

“I know. Don’t’ worry I’ll find someone else for this job. I’ll have Boris continue to track him though. I am sending you back to Russia If you are out of the country, they can’t touch you.”

“I’ll be ready to leave when you give the word.”

Rustam placed a few calls. Then hung up the phone. “You are leaving on the next flight. You leave at 2:30

“Who did you get to replace me?” Yuriy asked.

“Petrovich Kotov” Rustam smiled.

“Good choice!” Yuriy laughed. “Good choice.”

“He’ll be here first thing in the morning, then we make arrangements to kidnap Col. Steve Austin”

Steve stopped by Oscar’s. “Jaime I was wondering if you wanted to go Christmas tree shopping tonight when you get off work.”

“I’d love to. How is everything?” Oscar said he would explain everything later.”

Steve turned to Marc sitting in one of the desks in there outer room. “I’ll tell you later.”

“I’ll be anxious to hear. I’ll be home by 6:00” Jaime gave him a light kiss.

“I’ll be waiting. I figured we’d just go out for dinner.” Steve told her.

“Sounds good. I’ll be home by six.”

At five after six Jaime walked through the door. “Ready?” she asked.

“Yea let’s go.” Steve got up and greeted her at the door.

The two headed out to buy a Christmas tree.

“So.” Jaime asked when they were in the car. “Are we getting a real one or an artificial one?”

“I say a real one. I know Dan is allergic, but he’s not here that often.”

“Ok then. I know the place to go. There is a Christmas tree farm just outside the City. You get to cut it down your own.”

“I like that idea.” Steve smiled. “If we’re going to cut down our own, I better grab a saw.”

“That might help. Will you drive?”

“Yea sure why?”

“Well.” Jaime smiled as she pulled a bag of chips out of her bag.

Steve laughed. “I can’t wait for that baby to be born. Then maybe these craving’s will stop.”

“Yea I suppose you right.”

Steve pulled out of the drive. And on to the street Boris was right behind him. He was to keep them under surveillance till Petrovich Kotov arrived.

“So. You were going to fill me in on what was going on.”

Steve turned toward her; he then cast his eyes back on the road ahead of him. “Yea he started. “We found out who tried to kill me …” Steve told her all of the events of the day.

“Steve!” Jaime cried. “You mean this Yuriy Shurik guy is still on the loose?”

“Yea, but now I know…” Steve kept looking in the review mirror. At the next stoplight he turned around and scanned the car in back of him.

“Something wrong?” Jaime asked.

“It just looks like that car is following us.” Steve muttered.

Jaime turned and looked at the man in the car behind them. “Are you sure?”

“No not positive, but he’s been behind us for several blocks now.”

“Well let’s just keep going the way we are.” Jaime suggested.

As they pulled into the Tree farm the car passed them and continued up the road.

It took several tries before they agreed on the same tree. Steve went and told the tree farm owner which tree they wanted. He paid for it then joined Jaime. He looked around to make sure no one was looking, and then cut the tree down in 10 seconds.

“I just thought of something.” Steve noted when they got back into the car. “This will be our first Christmas as husband and wife.”

“And our last Christmas alone.” Jaime patted her stomach

“Well I’m all for that one.” Steve smiled.

They were so busy talking they didn’t notice the car that had followed them was once again behind them.

They stopped at a small diner and started inside. “Do you think the tree will be all right?” Jaime asked.

“There’s a booth right by the window there.” Steve pointed. “We can keep an eye on it.”

“Well then I guess that settles that.” They walked into the diner and ordered their food.

“Good.” Thought Boris. “They should be busy for quite sometime. I’ll sneak back to their house and plant the transmitter.”

Boris kept driving till he came to Steve and Jaime’s house. He got out of his car and headed into the house.

After searching he found the perfect place to plant the listening devise He then picked up the phone and dialed the Russian Embassy.

“Rustam. Boris, I planted the bug. Now we will know everything Austin does and when he plans to leave the house.”

“Very good Boris. Now we just sit back a wait. Petrovich Kotov is on his way; he will be here first thing in the morning. I need you to pick him up at the airport. We will monitor Austin from here. Where are they now?”

“Eating dinner. I need to get back to the diner. It is still early. They may not go home.”

“Don’t worry about it Boris. You go and get some well deserved rest.”

“Thanks Rustam. Hopefully tomorrow night at this time we will have Austin.”

“Well.” Rustam began. “Kotov works quickly.”

“Let’s hope that’s the case this time.” Boris laughed.

He was just pulling up the street as Steve and Jaime turned the corner. They never even saw the car. And even if they did they never figured it to be the same one that had followed them to the tree farm.

“Well.” Steve proclaimed as they stepped into the living “Where shall we put it?”

“How about in that corner over there.” Jaime pointed to the large window that faced the street.

“Looks good. I’m glad tomorrow is Saturday. We can decorate it.” Steve pondered.

“We’ll get started early. Oscar thought he would stop by to see how things are going. Maybe he’ll have a new lead for us.”

“You wouldn’t consider going after him…Yes. I guess you would.” Jaime sighed.

“I have to Jaime.” Steve started moving the table that sat in front of the window. Then he set the tree in its spot. “How’s that look?”

“I like it. Let’s go to bed so we can get up early and get started.”

“I’m for that. By the way remind me to call Ojai in the morning. Rudy wants my birth records. He says he wants no surprises. From little Junior.”

“I will.” Jaime headed upstairs. “I have a lot of work tomorrow. I need to get out all of the Christmas stuff.”

Boris arrived back at the Russian Embassy. “How is the transmission?”

“It is perfect.” Rustam smiled. “Now we wait for Petrovich Kotov to arrive in the morning.”

“What time do I pick him up?” Boris asked.

“He arrives at 7:00 in the morning.” Rustam handed him a folder. “Your passport and ticket. You will leave as soon as you drop Petrovich off here.

“I’ll be there.” Boris left Rustam’s office and left him to monitor the conversations that would take place in the Austin home.

The next morning Oscar was at Steve and Jaime’s house at 8:00

“Rudy is with the kids.” He explained. “I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I worried all night long.”

“Oscar! That’s to bad. While you were sitting around worrying, Jaime and I went shopping for a Christmas tree.”

“I guess it’s my job to worry pal. Anything unusual happen?”

“Not that I can think. Except I thought we were being followed last night.” Steve indicated

“Followed?” Oscar raised he eyebrows and turned toward Steve.

“Well that’s what we thought, turned out we were wrong. Do you have any new information?”

“Not so far.” Oscar grumbled. “I just don’t like the idea of the Soviets knowing about your bionics.”

“Oscar.” Jaime interrupted as she set down a box of Christmas Ornaments. “Did it occur to you that maybe this Yuriy Shurik didn’t say anything?”

“I would like to think that. But the possibility is not very likely.” Oscar sighed.

“Then I guess we just sit back and wait.” Steve started unpacking the boxes

“Just be careful Steve.” Oscar cautioned “I’ll be in my office all morning. I’m working on the situation”

“Poor Oscar.” Jaime noted. “Here we sit decorating our tree and he’s …”

“Yea I know. When I finish I’ll stop by his office. Least I can do is wait with him.”

“After dropping Petrovich Kotov off at The Russian Embassy Boris boarded the next flight to Moscow.

Kotov sat in Rustam’s office. ‘Now who do you want me to kidnap.” He asked

“A man by the name of Col. Steve Austin.” Rustam handed him the reports Boris had filled out. “I want him as soon as possible.”

“Ok Rustam.” Petrovich smiled. “I’ll get right on it.”

This is taking longer than I thought.” Steve complained. “I’m hungry let’s order a pizza.”

“I’m for that. I’ll call it in.” Jaime agreed. “That way we won’t have to stop.”

At the sound of this Petrovich Kotov’s smile brightened. I have the perfect idea. Give me Austin’s address.”

Rustam handed it to him. “I’ll check in with you in about an hour. I should have Austin by then.”

“When did you find this out Russ.” Oscar shouted.

“Just a few minutes ago.” Russ stood over Oscar’s shoulder as he read the intelligence brief he had just received.

“I’m sure he’s here for Steve.” Oscar sighed. “I have to call him and warn him.”

At Steve and Jaime’s house the pizza deliveryman pulled up in front of the house.

“Hey come here.” Kotov coaxed. The man…well not actually a man, a young kid walked over to him. “Can I help you?”

“Yes.” Petrovich Kotov stated “Let me see that pizza for a moment.”

“Gee Mr. I don’t think so.” The kid’s voice squeaked.

Petrovich walked over to him and handed him a fifty-dollar bill. “I have another one just like it if you let me see the pizza for just a second.”

Smiling the kid handed him the pizza and Kotov. Kotov took it and began to sprinkle it with a fine powder. “Thank you.” He handed the man back pizza along with another fifty. “Don’t say a word.” Petrovich warned.

“I won’t. The kid took the pizza and headed up the porch steps Jaime answered “Thank you. She paid him and stepped into the house with the pizza…

The drug had an instant effect. Steve and Jaime were sleeping in no time. Petrovich Kotov crept into the house just as the phone was ringing. He ignored it. First he removed the transmitter then dragged Steve out to his car. He headed for the embassy.

“No answer!” Oscar shouted. “Come on Russ we have to get to Steve and Jaime’s and warn them about Petrovich Kotov” Oscar grabbed his coat and the two men flew down the hall and toward the elevator.

When they arrived at Steve and Jaime’s Jaime was still sleeping.

“Russ you look for Steve.” Oscar tried to wake Jaime. “Jaime? Jaime, wake up!” Oscar called.

“Oscar? What is it?” A groggy Jaime finally responded.

“I’m not sure.” Oscar started. He was frantically looking around for Steve.

“Oscar. Steve is not in the house at all.” Russ reported after his search.

“Oscar!” Jaime shouted. “What is going on?”

“A Russian by the name of Petrovich Kotov entered this country this morning.” Oscar explained.

“I’m listening. Does this have anything to do with what’s been going on?” Jaime asked. She was now fully awake.

“It has everything to do with it.” Oscar continued.

“Well what are we going to do?” Jaime wondered.

“I don’t know. Apparently The Soviets have Steve. I guess that Petrovich Kotov didn’t waste anytime.”

“Would they have him at the Embassy?” Jaime pressed.

“I don’t know. I would assume that would be way to obvious.”

“Well we have to find him.” Jaime stated.

“We will Jaime. I’ll get every available agent on it.” Oscar assured.

“I want on it to.” Jaime demanded.

“No way Jaime. Steve would have my head, and Rudy would have me committed for sending a woman who is only weeks away from giving birth on a mission.”

“I suppose you’re right. I want to do what I can though He’s my husband and the father of my child. He’s more than that.” Jaime proclaimed.

“Don’t worry Jaime we’ll find him.”

In the basement of the Russian Embassy Steve slowly woke up.

“What in the devil is going on?” He demanded.

“Just relax Col.,” the guard said. “We won’t hurt you if you cooperate with us.”

“How did you get me here?” Steve wanted to know.

“We drugged you.” Petrovich Kotov said smiling as he walked into the room they were holding him in.

“How.” Steve was becoming very suspicious and very angry.

“I drugged the pizza.” Petrovich laughed.

“You did what?” Steve thundered.

“You heard me. Now do as you’re told and no one gets hurt.”

Furious Steve leaped up. “You’re the only one who’s going to get hurt!!” Steve shouted. Startling the guard he grabbed him and threw him against the wall. “Now for you!” Steve turned his wrath on Kotov “Do you realize my wife is pregnant? If you harmed my son I’ll kill you.” Steve screamed.

He grabbed Petrovich by the throat and began choking him. “Now you let me out of here or you’re dead!” Steve hissed.

Petrovich Kotov lost conciseness and fell to the floor. Steve gave him several kicks in the ribs for good measure then walked out of the basement and into the Embassy.

He had just about made it to the door when Rustam stepped up to him. Two guards flanked him “Well, well Col. It appears we underestimated you.”

Steve grabbed the guns from the guards. He slammed both of them in the head then pointed the rifle at Rustam.

“Your man down there.” Steve indicated the direction he had just come from “Drugged my wife. She’s pregnant and has nothing to do with this. I swear to you Rustam, if you harmed my son so help me…”

Frightened, Rustam stood out of Steve’s way and allowed him to pass.

Steve left the Embassy grounds and headed for his own home.

“Now Jaime what was the last thing you remember?” Oscar coaxed.

“Steve and I ordered pizza…Steve!” Jaime cried when he walked through the door. “Are you all right?”

“Yea it seems that Russia’s number one kidnapper is nothing but a wimp He didn’t even try to fight me.”

“I wouldn’t trust it Steve.” Oscar muttered. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I am, but I want Rudy to check Jaime and the baby. Petrovich admitted he drugged us” He turned to Jaime. “He put something on our pizza. I want to make sure the baby is going to be all right.”

“I’ll get him right on it.” Oscar assured. “Then we’ll find Petrovich Kotov…”

“I’m sure he’s on his way out of the country by now.” Jaime surmised. “They seem to be rather quick at getting their people out.”

Jaime was wrong. At that very moment Petrovich Kotov’s body was being dumped into the Potomac River.

“Isn’t there any one in the KGB with guts enough to kidnap one man.” Rustam barked.

“Well sir.” Vasilii Gubina exclaimed. “There are other ways.”

“And that would be?”

“Col Austin doesn’t have to be alive for us to get the information we neeed..” Gubina stated.

“Really?” Rustam raised his eyebrows. “I’ll put you in charge of this. I want Col Austin Dead or alive. It doesn’t matter. Preferbably dead.”

“I’m on it.” Gubina Left the Embassy to hunt down his victim.

“Everything seems ok.” Rudy stated after examined both of his patients. But don’t be so quick to believe this is over. I’m afraid Rustam won’t give up till he has Steve, one way or the other.”

“Yea I suppose you’re right.” Oscar agreed. He turned to Steve and Jaime. “All right you two. I want you to stay here…”

“No way Oscar!” Steve shouted. “I’m not going to be forced out of my own home.”

“Meet me half way then pal. I’ll assign a guard to…”

“Oscar. I’m a big boy I don’t need a baby sitter. I can take care of myself.” He looked over and saw Jaime sitting on the couch. “Of course I’m not the only one involved in this. I have my wife and son to consider. Ok Oscar. If it will put your mind at ease, we’ll take the guard.”

“Perfect I’ll get someone on it right away.” Oscar headed for his office to make the arrangements.

“Well” Steve pointed out looking around. “We still have to finish decorating the tree.” Steve noted when they stepped into the living room. “All I managed was to get on the lights and a few bulbs before we were so rudely interupted.”

They had just put the last bulb on the tree when the doorbell rang. Oscar and Russ stood on the porch.

“Russ will take the first watch. Then the guards from my house will take over here for a while.”

“Are you sure you want to forgo your own security?” Steve was concerned of leaving his friend open.

“It will be all right till we get this resolved.” Oscar told them. Besides I haven’t had any problems for some time now.”

“Yea I guess you’re right. Ok then. If you think it’s for the best. If it weren’t for Jaime and the baby, I wouldn’t even cosider this. But I’m not going to have someone drug them again.”

“I agree. I’ll leave you in Russ’ capable hands then. The police will also make frequent drives by. “I’ve arranged for them to patrol the place every 10 minutes.”

“Ok Oscar that sounds good. Thanks for everything.”

“No problem. I’ll see you later.” Oscar turned and headed down the steps. Russ assumed his post.

...Continued