As the day folded into night, Janus and Lauren reached St. Petersburg. It was agreed, Lauren would again keep watch while Janus went to procure a new vehicle. As 10:00 rolled around, an older man stopped in front of Lauren. He looked both directions furtively, leaned in close, and said something in Russian.

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak Russian,” Lauren told him. The man gave a frustrated sigh and asked, “You Lauren?”

“Yes,” was the confused answer.

“You have item?” Another yes. “Carmen tells me, give you this.” He handed her a folded note.

Lauren grew increasingly happier as she read the note from Carmen. Now, it was only a matter of waiting until Janus got back, which didn’t happen until another two hours later. “We got something,” Lauren announced. Janus didn’t answer but gave a quizzical expression, which Lauren answered with the note. “Well then. That works out nicely,” Janus replied. “So we have a plan.”

“Yes. Yes, we do.” And with those words from Lauren, they set off into the early Russian morning.