Looking For A Legend (Book 1)

Looking For A Legend Chapter 48 - Murroh

            Murroh was nervous as he waited for his party at the local pub.  It was one that he and Mischa had used to go to when they were younger men.  No one remembered him, and he didn’t expect them to.  He would be more worried if they did.  He watched young men and their dates drink their ales and lagers and watched a soccer game on the television.  Murroh considered ordering a drink of his own, but he’d promised Ekaterina that he wouldn’t.

He felt guilty knowing he was about to drag his daughter and her boyfriend into what might be just an elaborate conspiracy theory.  But he was CIA, and conspiracy theory was what he does.  Or what he did.  Or what he does.  Coming out of retirement for this assignment was far from perfect.  Not having any assistance, left him wanting.  Going to London, where his best friend died was even less ideal.  It was stressful to Murroh’s sobriety and to hi marriage.  Ekaterina was unhappy with this arrangement, and wanted nothing to do with the investigation.  She was content, barely, to stay in their hotel room, see the sights and most importantly, be there for Murroh at the end of the day.

His good eye watched the door, waiting to see Valentina or Elijah.  Murroh hoped they would arrive first, and with enough time for him to explain his purpose in London, and offer Elijah a position serving as Murroh’s consultant before the fourth member of their party arrived.  He didn’t know what to expect from the Russian representative.  He only had a name, rank and affiliation: Captain Sima of the Spetsgruppa Drakon Pushki.  Naturally, Murroh was a little suspicious of this Captain Sima.  Ekaterina was sure it was simply a cruel joke or worse – someone trying to lure Murroh to share Mischa’s fate.

Murroh spotted Valentina through the window.  She and Elijah paused outside the pub.  They were talking, or at least she was talking.  There were periods where neither his nor her mouth were moving.  He assumed that was Elijah’s turn to speak.  Valentina wore a familiar look of concern as she touched Elijah’s arm.  Murroh had seen that same expression on Malena’s face and on Ekaterina’s.  She didn’t want Elijah to do something he’d already set his mind to.  He vaguely remembered what that felt like.

A few minutes later they were both inside.  Valentina was forcing a smile a she led Elijah to the table.  Murroh had last seen Elijah two weeks before the accident that had put Elijah in a coma.  He seemed to be doing well.  He carried himself with a confidence Murroh hadn’t picked up on when they’d held their interview.  As they approached the table, Eli snapped to gain a waiter’s attention.  He held his hand, fingers straight and pointing up near his chin and held it for a moment before putting his hand under his chin, curling his three fingers and pinching his thumb and index finger together, and then using both hands, fingers straight put his hands together and moved them toward his mouth.  Before sitting down, he offered his hand to Murroh.  Murroh stood to shake Elijah’s hand, and then gave Valentina hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Valentina, honey, I’m so happy to see you again.  And Elijah, it’s great to meet you.” Murroh took his seat again. 

“Dad, Ekaterina didn’t come with you?” Valentina asked as she took her seat.  A waiter came over to take her order.  She stuck to water with lemon and a salad.

“No, she wants to stay out of my work.  And I don’t blame her.  I want to stay out of my work.” Murroh gave her a smile.  It was as fake and forced as hers was.  Elijah was the only one with a natural smile on his face.

Eli moved his right hand across his left, and then with both hands, put both index fingers up, point up and moved his hands toward each other until the heels of his hands met.  He smiled as the waiter showed up with his beer and a turkey sandwich and Valentina’s water and salad.  He moved his hand out from his chin and nodded.