The Soviet Comeback by Jamie Smith (best ereader for academics TXT) 📕

“I do not know. Sooner than has become the norm I hope, Father. It hurts me to leave you more than ever before,” Nikita said, blinking to fight back further tears.

“When will it end? Let your mother’s death not be in vain. Nothing is more important than family. Remember your promise to leave once you returned from the US?”

Nikita gazed out into the freezing mists. “I do what I do for us, Father. One way or another, I think the end is in sight.”

They turned and walked towards Denisov who led them down a track back towards the compound.

“Your helicopter is ready, Agent Allochka.”

“Do not go, Niki! I want you to stay with us!” cried Milena, gripping him tightly.

He peeled her off. “Just think, Milena, next time I see you, it will be in the warm sunshine, with beaches and trees. We can swim in the sea together and chase the fish!”

“But I cannot swim,” she said, looking down, embarrassed.

“Then it will be the perfect place for me to teach you!” he said.

“Promise?”

“I promise,” he said gently and kissed her on the forehead. “Now take Father inside before he collapses. He is going to need you to look after him now.”

Nikita and his father pressed their foreheads together, but there were no words.

Without a look back, Milena took her father’s hand and led him slowly back to the waiting medics.

Nikita watched them go and turned to Denisov. “If you break your promises, if they are mistreated…”

“Do not worry, agent. On this, we have learned our lessons. Now, are you ready?”

Nikita turned to face the sea and cleared his mind. “Afghanistan.”

“Afghanistan,” agreed the leader of the KGB, “and the saviour of the USSR.”

THE BOOK MAY HAVE ENDED, BUT NIKITA’S STORY WILL CONTINUE.