Challenge: Patriot Missives

Peter’s blood ran cold as he realised the implications of the old man’s message.

“But who would do such a thing?” he wondered. “And why?”

Furthermore, he had no idea what to do next. His career as an analyst had always been firmly rooted in theory; he was no field operative. One thing was clear, though: he had a life to save, and that meant he had to act fast.

Instinctively, he grabbed his mobile phone and began punching in the number for his old liaison officer. He finished dialling, his finger hovered over the call button, and then he stopped. If the message was true—and he knew in his heart that it had to be—he no longer had any idea whom to trust. Talking to the wrong person could put his own life in danger.

Gingerly he placed the telephone down on the dirty white desk, as if somehow the mobile device had become as unstable as his new situation. His heart pounded heavily in his chest and a cold, clammy feeling of fear crept over him. Peter was out of his depth, and he knew it.

Nikolay would have known it too though, surely? Why had he thrown him in at the deep end like this? The knowledge itself was a dangerous burden. Peter inhaled deeply until his lungs felt like they were ready to burst, and then he let out a long, slow sigh.

He stared again at the computer screen, the ominous message shining back at him. Wearily he switched back to Nautilus and double-clicked on the MIDI file. The bold, stoic melody of the anthem washed over him and his mind became temporarily relaxed and unfocused. As the rousing chorus kicked in, he instinctively began to join in with the song.

“Mила Родино, ти си земен рай…”

Suddenly Peter froze, not even daring to breathe. His mind went into overdrive, calculating, spinning… and then a wry grin began to spread across his lips.

“Forgive me, Kolyo,” he smiled. “Forgive me for ever having doubted you.”

Q: Why did he smile? What was he going to do next and where would it end up leading him?