Tosh
Plop. Tosh dropped a pile of blue and green folders onto his meticulously neat desk. Try hacking into these files. Tosh did not believe in relying on computer backup, since electronic files could be so easily hacked, stolen or destroyed. He didn’t trust who else had access to his computerized data. His paper files even contained information that he would not commit to online.Tosh sat down in front of the folders and rapidly sorted them into Team A (green) and backup team B (blue). Although he had every file memorized, he briefly glanced at each one, speed reading the contents to ensure he had all of the details fresh in his mind.
Tosh had been active as a field agent for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He had heard the lore about him. Others in the profession said that he was legendary - a ghost who could slip into a location, successfully accomplished his mission, and disappear without a trace. I have done well, but I am aging and cannot afford to slip up now.
His mission in 2018 against the United States operative, Elda Ainsworth, was the first time he had ever come close to failing. Although he and Elda had worked on a joint mission last year, he welcomed a chance for a rematch as adversaries. Tosh tapped his fingers on his desk and mused, This is a mission against the United States. And Adrik was rather khitryy when he mentioned letting go of operation Bittman. I have to watch out for that deviousness of his. He pulled a red file labeled Bittman, and quickly reviewed it. He muttered, “Something’s missing.” Aware that his office might be bugged by Adrik, he went silent. Adrik would be livid if he knew Tosh was staffing with newer technical skills. I know you are looking for me to fail, you bastard. I will beat you at your own game. I need to get someone computer savvy to gather more information. He thought about who he could recruit. Aga! Stas Garin! Stas helped us immensely in our last mission. His computer skills are unmatched. He returned the folder to the file cabinet.
He continued to ponder, I wonder if any of the American agents will get involved? I best add to the team, just in case. He returned to his ancient wooden file cabinet, pulled open a creaky drawer, and selected an additional two blue folders. He tossed each onto the top of the two piles on his desk. Now which American might be involved? Carefully closing that drawer, to keep it on its tracks, he opened the one above and pulled out a slender red folder labeled, Elda Ainsworth. Tosh slowly opened the last folder and reviewed his handwritten notes on Elda. He reached for his pen and added a few notations. He kept his private notes unwritten. Ah, Elda. You are extremely skilled at the spy business. Your analytical skills are actually better than mine. Plus, you have your additional insights as a therapist. I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Florence and our mutual love of art and fine food. There is much that we could have learned from each other. You sharpened my skills sparring with you. I wish we were not on opposite sides. In another lifetime we would have been friends. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and only one of us will be left standing in the end.
Tosh placed the folder on top of the ‘Team A’ pile. Patting the folder he told it silently, Pray that we don’t meet again, Elda. It will be the last encounter you have with me.