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For readers of this story, the previous episode involved a situation on roof of The Orient Express.
Part A
The tunnel passed and there was light. Crown lifted his head and gazed back at the distant cavern of darkness, where Azimov met his end. He cautiously stood up and made his way along the carriage roof to negotiate the steps at the rear of the train. After opening the door, he straightened his tie and brushed himself down to improve the ruffled appearance that resulted from his encounter with the Russian. He walked down the corridor to find Lana who had been waiting anxiously. She got out of her seat and smiled with relief on seeing his return.
Are you alright? What happened?
Crown sat down at the table and described the events.
Thank goodness he's gone, said Lana. I didn't know what to do. I'm so glad you're ok.
So am I, replied Crown. I'll order some drinks and have them brought to our cabin. Is Champagne ok?
Fine with me. We can sort out food later.
Crown beckoned the waiter and placed the order. He then held Lana's arm and pulled her towards him. He kissed her tenderly on the lips. You're the most important part of my life and I want you to know that.
I do know, she replied. I feel the same about you.
They left their seats and slowly walked back to the compartment. Occasionally stopping to embrace and feel the love permeate through the attachment of their bodies. Lana opened the door and grabbed Crown's hand, pulling him towards the bed that was so welcoming.
What took you so long? said the voice. There is a gun pointing at you, so don't try anything.
Crown and Lana gazed with shock in the direction of the chair where the glint of gun metal caught their eyes. You didn't think that I'd fall for that trick on the roof, did you? When you suddenly lay down, I did the same thing and when the train entered the tunnel, I slowly crawled to the end of the carriage nearest me. I waited till we were clear and you had disappeared from view. The old carriage doors have pull down windows, and I re entered that way. I knew which cabin was yours. I was next door. My special key did the rest.
What are you going to do now? asked Crown.
Well, soon we will be arriving in Paris, and I will depart with the Cypher and the woman. You, Mr Crown won't. She will be ok as long as you do as you're told, and you can start by very slowly removing your gun. Place it on the floor. Any sudden movement and she gets it, right?
Crown did as instructed.
Now we can all relax, said Asimov.
There was a knock at the door. You can answer it Crown, but no tricks or she gets it.
I've got your drinks sir, said the waiter. A bottle of Champagne was positioned in a bucket of ice, with two glasses, and situated on a portable trolley.
Oh good, said Crown. Bring it in.
Shall I pour it for you sir?
No. That's fine.
Thank you sir.
The door closed and Crown sat beside Lana. Only two glasses, I'm afraid, said Crown. You'll just have to watch.
Very funny, said Asimov. That'll be your last drink. You realise that. Now, in about thirty minutes time we will approach Paris, and you, Mr Crown, will receive A bullet through the heart. I am an expert shot and that's why I am number one in the SEF. You thought you could outsmart me, but I have dealt with many secret service agents and you are no different. To retrieve the Cypher will get me much praise, and to kill a British agent, even more kudos.
Well, said Crown. Do you object to me having a last drink?
Go ahead. But this gun is ready and I won't miss.
Crown stood up and opened the bottle. He poured two drinks and passed one to Lana who looked nervously up at him. He gazed at her and with eye movement only, looked down at the gun on the floor and then back at her, hoping she would get the message.Lana spoke to try and gain a fraction of attention from Asimov.
What will you do with me?

Part B follows shortly

I love old sayings, I really do, like
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, or even
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,
But,,, don’t ever take the bull by the horns, trust me,
My stitches come out next week and hopefully I’ll be home
For Christmas.

He loved her so much, when she died he had her buried at the first tee to his golf course.
That qualifies tax write-offs as the golf course is also a cemetery.

Two days ago a friend of mine showed me a live video feed from the Space Station. This was really amazing as it was in real time. Apparently there are live tours of London, New York and many other city's daily. All this on a phone app called Tik Tok. Amazing.

All this got me thinking of what my parents would say if they were still alive today.

Boggles the mind to think what the future holds.

It's been a fun week in Trump world where he spoke at a rally claiming no other other president in history has been persecuted as he has.
Then he shows up a the LIV Golf tournament at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course sporting towels and a golf cart bearing the seal of the president of the United States.

According to the Washington Post:
It is against federal law to use the presidential and vice-presidential seals in ways that could convey "a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the Government of the United States."
The story goes on to say:
This is not the first time the display of the seal has been reported at Trump properties.

Link:

Reader Comment:
We have passed a point where this former POTUS simply needs to be shut down. Despite having lost the 2020 election, he continues to conduct himself without restraint. He appears in news headlines day after day, which feeds him [regardless of whether it is negative or positive coverage]. It is critical to our democracy and the reputation of America for the madness to be quashed. It would be extremely helpful for the media to refrain from reporting any stories about him until he is indicted. How has the United States of America allowed ONE person to create so much discord and to continually disregard its system of government and its laws?
141 likes, 9 dislikes

I..... wanna love you
And treat you right
I wanna love you
Every day and every night
I wanna love you
And treat you right
I wanna love you
Every day and every night
We'll be together
With a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter
Of my single bed
We'll share the same room
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love that I'm feeling?
I wanna love you
And treat you right
I wanna love you
Every day and every night
We'll be together
With a roof right over our heads
We'll share the shelter
Of my single bed
We'll share the same room
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love that I'm feeling?
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love that I'm feeling?
I wanna know, wanna know, wanna know now!
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love that I'm feeling?
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love
Is this love that I'm feeling?
I wanna love ya

Kids actions and words make us laugh.

Words aren't enough to describe this bands version of Paranoid.

Continued from 10B......
The meal arrived and they both ate in silence. Touching their feet under the table was sufficient communication. Occasionally they would glance out of the window at the passing countryside. The train would travel through Milan, Lausanne and then Paris.
Crown's thoughts were interrupted by Pierre who said that he had found one person from Russia on the passenger list. A Mr Asimov. Should I tell him that you wish to speak?
Thank you Pierre, but no. I am sure we will meet sometime on the journey. I wish to surprise him.
Lana looked up. So he is here. Let's get back to the cabin and perhaps this evening there will be more people around, especially at the bar. They have a pianist there. I noticed when we passed through to this carriage,
They got up from the table and returned to their little sanctuary. The sun was bursting through the window and Crown pulled down the blind. It was a luxury compartment, furnished with bed, seats, en suite.
He felt arms around his waist. I'm going to get undressed and lie down. Come and join me when you're ready, said Lana. She removed her suit, blouse and underwear. The bed sheet was thrown back and she snuggled down, pulling the cover up to her neck.
Crown checked the door was secure and placed a chair against it. He put his gun on a nearby table and undressed. He sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. She pulled him towards her and kissed him softly, then fiercely with passion. His hand caressed her left breast and he pulled the sheet to the end of the bed, exposing her body that was naked except for the small string of pearls round her neck. Crown kissed every inch of her body, working up to her lips.Her arms groped for him. The room was silent except for the sound of the train clicking on the rails and points. Shadows and lights flashed across the compartment as the two lovers entwined their bodies.

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After sleeping and a shower, the two agents prepared themselves for the evening. First to the bar, and then the evening meal. Lana put on a gold coloured, body hugging, silk, full length dress and shoes with a two inch heel. Crown felt comfortable in a dark blue suit, Ben Sherman turquoise shirt and navy tie.
On arrival at the bar, the pianist was playing and singing, "All of Me."
Lana said she would have the same drink as tried lunchtime. Crown ordered two Martinis.
They sat in the luxurious surroundings that were the main feature of this train.
Lana leaned forward and kissed Crown. Thank you.
What for?
For making me happy.
It was my pleasure, said Crown. Always happy to be close to someone beautiful like you.
The music changed and the pianist began to sing, "Some Kind of Wonderful."
Crown particularly liked this song, and without Lana knowing, had requested it.
After an hour, Crown and Lana made their way to the restaurant car. There were a large number of people dining, and Pierre showed the couple to their seats. He mentioned that the man Crown was interested in was sitting to the rear of the carriage. Crown was facing in the opposite direction, and asked Lana to take a look. She looked shocked.
I know that man. He came to the embassy in Delhi and spoke about the SEF. I recognise his reddish hair and face. He's got to be the one who's after us.
If he leaves, tell me, said Crown. I'll follow him. You must wait here with the bag. You'll be safe with all these people around.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
continued in part 10D to follow shortly

Crown arranged with the taxi driver to be picked up in 2 hours time and to be taken to Santa Lucia station. This would allow time to take shower and food. Gerard had left the two of them to use the hotel facilities. This was also an opportunity to update Noon at HQ. The message read:-
RN
Director of Operations
PRISM
Have partner with goods. In Venice. Two interested parties seriously failed in bid. Will take OE to Paris. Today.
BLUE9
After refreshments and a change of clothes, Crown and Lana thanked Gerard for his hospitality. The taxi was waiting and after loading their luggage, they departed. The Orient Express was due to depart at 11:30 leaving half an hour to board the train and be escorted to the cabin booked by Casey,
Mr and Mrs Crown. This is your a accommodation for the journey. I hope everything is to your satisfaction. My name is Pierre. Please ask if you need anything.
Looks really nice, said Lana. We'll have to check out the rest of the carriages.
Yes, Mrs Crown. Whatever you say, replied Crown with a smile. But first I must give you a hug. After all you are supposed to be my wife.
Well, ok. If you insist. I suppose I'd better do as you say. She laughed.
They embraced and kissed as the train started to slowly edge its way out of the station.
There was a knock on the door. Crown automatically withdrew his gun from its holster and held it behind his back as he partially opened the door.
I'm just reminding people that lunch is available now, said Pierre. And I have a letter for you which was given to one of the guards at the station.
Thank you, Pierre. Crown sat down and opened the letter. He remained silent for a while.
What's it say? Asked Lana.
It's from Captain Gerard. He says that when we left the hotel, he noticed a car begin to follow us. He became suspicious and noted the registration number. Dan Casey was contacted to identify the owner. Apparently, it was a hired vehicle. Rented by a man called Sergei Asimov who was known to the CIA as a leading figure in the Special Eliminations Force ( SEF), a branch of the Russian intelligence service. It may well be that he is on this train. Take every precaution.
I knew it, sighed Lana. There's no escape from these people.
Well, we'll just have to be very aware of those around us and always keep this door locked. At some point, if he's on board, he'll make a move to locate us. Let's get some lunch and be around other people. I'll keep the cypher bag with me at all times.
They left their cabin and found the restaurant car. Crown encountered Pierre and asked him if there were any Russian passengers. He was intending to meet an old friend. Pierre agreed to check. Crown and Lana took their seats and examined the menu. Lana wore a fawn two piece suit with a coffee coloured silk shirt and a string of very small pearls around her neck. The dark hair rested on her shoulders. By the way, you look wonderful, said Crown.
Why, thank you, Mr Crown. If you keep saying things like that, I may get to like you.
In that case, I'll keep saying them. Who knows what might happen.
Lana reached out her hand and placed it on top of Crown's. You know how I feel about you. When we've had lunch, let's forget about the difficult situation we're in and make the most of our time here.
The waiter came.
Crown ordered the smoked salmon with eggs, followed by fraises des bois with plenty of cream.
Same here, said Teen.
A dry Martini with mine. How about you Lana?
I don't drink normally, but will try a Martini.
That's two dry Martinis, made with Gordon's gin and Noilly Pratt vermouth. slice of lemon.
The drinks came.
Lana took a large gulp of her drink. Wow! This tastes good.
Crown smiled. Be careful. You're not used to it.
I don't care. She finished off the remainder.
Crown ordered two more.
Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr Crown, so you can have you're way with me?
Of course not, he replied.
Well, you don't need to. I've already planned our after lunch activity.