a lock on the bathroom door, so whenever you are using it, you will at least be able to lock the door from the inside.”
“That should be fine.” I truly appreciate the extra things he did to make me feel comfortable.
“I’m sorry, Katerina, that the accommodations here are not what you are used to.” He shrugs. “We are not equipped for women, as you are our first.”
“I am?” This surprises me too. “I would think a woman would make a better spy,” I say with a chuckle. “Well, not emotionally because women tend to wear their emotions on the outside.” I blush. “But international governments would not expect a woman to be a spy.”
“Actually, other governments use women more than you think. Our country has considered it many times, but we just never came across the right woman, until now.”
I grin. “Oh, and you are so sure of me?” I tease.
He pulls me into his arms. “I am.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I must go now. We will not be in contact during your training, but if you need to get in touch with me for any reason, just tell Gerhardt, and he will notify me.” He hands me a card containing several contact numbers, which I take. “Good luck, Katerina,” he says and then turns to leave.
“Thank you, Malcolm, for everything.”
He turns back to face me. “No, my dear, thank you. You will be doing my country a great service.”
That is what you think, I think to myself as he turns back and leaves the room.
Berlin, Germany
October, 1916
My training is almost complete. I am two weeks into the third block of training, and so far, I have been an exceptional student. I have to agree with Gerhardt. The book stuff was easy. All it took was many nights of studying to pass with flying colors. The men who are training with me have been kind and surprisingly well behaved. Not one of them has tried anything untoward, and for that I am thankful. I have only talked with Malcolm a couple of times, but it was always him calling in to check on me. During our last conversation, he made it perfectly clear that once I am released from my training, he and I will no longer be in contact. Malcolm is a friend but not someone I will miss too terribly.
Today, we are working on situational awareness. I was awakened at an early hour—I have no idea what time—and was immediately blindfolded. Taken from my bed, I was dressed and moved to a location outside. I have no idea where I am. Several minutes go by, and I believe I am alone, but then I hear Gerhardt’s voice.
“Katerina, concentrate. Tell me everything you can about where you are.”
I close my eyes. Why, I really don’t know, because I am blindfolded, but somehow it allows me to concentrate. I’m silent for several minutes and then I begin. “Birds. I hear birds chirping.” Leaving my eyes closed, I continue. “We are outside. I feel the slight breeze on my skin.”
“Very good,” Gerhardt says, “but tell me something that may be less obvious. Use your senses and instinct.”
I try to concentrate more. Several minutes go by. “I can smell something burning.”
Before I can say more, Gerhardt interrupts. “Where?”
I point to my left. “Over there.”
“Good, what else?”
“Someone else is out here with us.”
“Go on.”
I stand very still and listen, pointing to my right. “You are standing there, but you are not alone. Someone is standing next to you.”
“How do you know this?”
“I smell sweat.”
He chuckles. “It could be me.”
I shake my head. “No, I’ve known you almost a year, and I have never seen you nor smelled you sweat.” I quickly turn around. “And someone who ate Italian food last night is standing there.” I point in front of me.
“Italian food?” he questions.
“Yes, I can smell garlic.”
He chuckles again and says, “Remove your blindfold.”
I do as he says, and when I open my eyes, I see Jacob, one of my classmates, standing before me.
Before I can say anything, he says, “Pasta Bolognese, and it was delicious.”
I smile and turn back toward Gerhardt and see another of my classmates, this one dressed in athletic attire and his shirt wet with sweat. Inside, I’m so excited I got it right and then I remember the fire. Turning to my left, I am pleased to see a barrel with flames coming out of it. Yes, I got it all right.
“Very good,