The Man From U.N.C.L.E: The Thief From Moscow

Chapter 20: An Urgent Call

The next morning, Illya was awakened by the sound of the phone ringing next to him on the bedside table. Before he reached it, he turned around and saw Gaby, making sure she was still asleep next to him. He smiled when he saw her delicate facial features completely relaxed as she slept, and her muscled bare shoulders poked out of the bed sheets.

"Hello?" Illya said into the phone.

"Agent Kuryakin?"

Illya recognized the voice as his ex-commander Oleg from the KGB. It had been some time since they last spoke. "Yes, sir, this is Agent Kuryakin."

"There's been an attack at the Kosygin house early this morning. We need you and the rest of U.N.C.L.E. to come here immediately."

Illya shot up from bed, not concerned by the Russian cold now attacking his bare chest. "What happened?"

"There was a fire. Alexei Kosygin is now missing. His daughter, however, is safe and waiting for you."

Illya put down the phone and gently shook Gaby to wake her. Her eyes fluttered open before they mirrored the concern in his eyes. "There's been an attack on the Kosygin house. Get dressed quickly, I'll wake Solo up."

He ran to the door. As he ran, he grabbed his clothes, which were laid messily around the room, and put them on. When he was clothed enough to leave the room, he ran through the corridor to where Solo was a couple of doors down. He had already been contacted by Saunders and was already changed.

"Did you hear?"

"Yes, the KGB commander just called me."

Solo took the threat letters and his gun. "Where's Gaby?"

"In my room. She's probably changed by now."

Solo smiled and nodded politely at him before they both left through the suite door. "Nice job, Peril." His eyes were ablaze with his usual irritable teasing.

Illya couldn't help but smile back. "Nice to have you back, Cowboy."

"My fine ass never left."