The Gray Man Ch. 32 - Natalia

Katya's nipples were hard enough to cut glass and her own tiny, abused pussy was dripping. She could feel her heartbeat in her clit. "Have a nice day, Mrs. Reynolds."

Fiona moaned, "You too, dear. Try riding him dear, feeling that huge cock all the way to your ribs is delightful, you'll love it."

Katya looked at the phone and pushed the red disconnect button.

TJ smirked, "Sorry to ruin your meal ticket. Would you like to go upstairs and fuck now?"

Katya stood, "No. You haven't heard the end of this Mr. Reynolds."

TJ stood and grabbed her wrist, "Listen you little whore. If you come near me again or if you try to publish those pictures I will find you and I will take what I want from that tight little body,kill anyone that you've ever loved, and drag you back to The States to be my personal cock puppet."

Katya grimaced from the pain, "Fuck you."

TJ chuckled, "I already offered, have a good day Katya - if that's even your name." Gray turned and walked to the elevator, went up to his room and waited. He pulled up the pictures that he had taken of the pictures Katya had. Looking around the room he found every camera angle which allowed him to know where he needed to avoid and which cameras to cover before he left this afternoon.

Following lunch, Gray tossed a used towel on one camera, put his suitcase in front of another, and used shampoo to smear the third. He left the bathroom one untouched, if some poor FSB asshole wanted to feel inferior staring at his cock that was fine with Gray.

Fortunately the weather was terrible so TJ could wear a long trench coat which covered the green Colonel's uniform that he was wearing. He dropped off every other thing at the maintenance room, put his tablet and anything incriminating in a black duffle bag and headed out of the hotel. With sunglasses, a long black trench, and a Russian fur cap TJ made his way into the March snow squall that had settled over Moscow. Wind and snow whipped around as TJ stepped into the Yandex taxi and made his way to Ivanov's apartment complex.

Once on site it took TJ all of 30 seconds to pick the lock and move inside of the apartment to wait. TJ walked around the small one bedroom flat, getting to know Ivanov more thoroughly.

Gray found himself immersed in a space that was a reflection of Ivanov's career as a military officer, his unwed status, and his unswerving loyalty to the Communist Party.

The space was modestly decorated, befitting the sensibilities of a disciplined military man. The decor was minimal, with a subtle blend of functionality and ideology. The flat's ambiance exuded a stark, almost utilitarian atmosphere, with clean lines and a preference for simplicity over extravagance. TJ smirked, "A soldier is a soldier no matter where they are from."

The living area, with its muted color palette of grays and greens, featured a comfortable yet unassuming sofa and a coffee table stacked with books on military strategy, psychology, geopolitics, and Soviet history. A large portrait of Vladimir Lenin adorned one wall, a testament to Ivanov's unwavering allegiance to the Communist Party.

A dining nook, with a small wooden table and a pair of chairs, offered a space for solitary meals or the occasional guest, though it was clear that Ivanov valued his privacy.

The bedroom was spartan, housing a neatly made queen sized bed, a bookshelf filled with volumes on the KGB, interrogation, military intelligence and leadership, and a desk where Ivanov likely carried out his work outside of the military. An old Soviet era hammer and sickle flag hung prominently above the bed, a constant reminder of his loyalty to the good old days.

The kitchen, though small, was well-organized, with basic amenities and a few preserved rations, a nod to Ivanov's military preparedness. A modest collection of Soviet propaganda posters adorned the kitchen walls, celebrating the achievements of the Communist state.

The bathroom was functional, with no frills, and a small closet held Ivanov's wardrobe of military uniforms, always neatly pressed and in impeccable order. The one exception to a completely utilitarian space was in the shower. American feminine scented shampoo and soap took up residence with Ivanov's items.

Gray looked in his freezer and pulled out a bottle of vodka and three glasses. He poured himself a drink and took a seat at the table. He didn't have to wait long until the key turned in the lock and Nikolai Ivanov walked into his flat.

TJ didn't wait for Ivanov to notice him, "Comrade Ivanov. Welcome home," Gray spoke with an authoritative voice in perfect Russian. TJ was fluent in Russian, his lie to Katya was to make her think that she could speak around him and he wouldn't understand.

Nikolai stopped, "Who... who are you," Ivanov was ghostly white, scared. He may have read books on leadership and command presence but he wasn't doing a good job of living it, while Gray made his living with it.

TJ stood and motioned to the seat, "Place your phone on the table then sit, we need to talk."

Nikolai took off his outer coat and shook the snow from it. TJ knew he was delaying, trying to form his thoughts. Gray used his ring to knock on the table, "Now, Comrade."

Nikolai did as he was ordered, "Who... who are you? What are you doing in my home?"

Gray smiled and poured Ivanov a glass of the chilled vodka. "Comrade, you know how this works, you are in no place to ask questions."

TJ stood and walked semi circles behind the Russian Major, "Major, I will answer your questions only so that you understand the seriousness of my visit. I am Ivan Petrovich Volkov of Directorate KR."

Ivanov visibly trembled at the information, exactly as Gray intended. "D... Directorate KR?"

Gray put his large hand on the Russian's shoulder, "I see you've heard of us. Trust me, Comrade whatever you have heard is only half truth. As you know we have the responsibility of the infiltration of foreign intelligence and security services and exercises surveillance over Russian citizens abroad." That was the textbook answer, but the truth Gray was about to drop was what terrified Ivanov, "We also make sure that our agents are being truthful with us."

Ivanov gulped his Vodka and poured another, his hands visibly shaking.

TJ smirked, "That brings me to the reason for my visit. I need to know about Natalia Kuznetsova and your relationship with her."

Ivanov's voice shook, "She is an agent for the CIA, the child of Russian immigrants who left Russia when President Gorbachev betrayed us with the Imperialist West."

TJ stopped, "So, they were ones who left oppression at the first opportunity?"

Ivanov shook his head, "No, no comrade. They left to carry the great ideals of Lenin to the west. They saw the writing on the wall of the destruction Gorbachev would bring to our great nation."

Gray chuckled, "So they went to America. The land of capitalism and colonialism."

Ivanov took a deep breath, "I have never met them so I do not know. I have been working on Agent Kuznetsova for years."

TJ smirked, "On or In, Comrade?"

Ivanov blushed, "We have developed a relationship."

Gray pounded the table, "She has used her pussy to lead you astray. Feeding you false information while taking what you have told her to the Americans."

Ivanov gasped, "No Comrade, it's not been like that."

Gray walked to the coffee table and opened one of the books and produced a map of the War in Ukraine with troop movements and attack plans. A map he conveniently placed when he first arrived.

Nikolai's eyes got large, "I've never seen that before in my life?"

TJ slapped the man across the face, "Or maybe that's what you shared with her earlier this week after she blinded her with her large American tits and her tight little pussy!"

Nikolai was stunned silent as TJ tapped the table, "Place your phone here, Comrade."

Ivanov slid the phone across the table as TJ spoke, "You have heard of course of our training at Kazan." TJ stated it as fact and not a question.

Nikolai tilted his head, "Comrade Colonel, like many I have heard legend and rumor of the days of the KGB."

TJ laughed a deep Russian laugh as he sat down and swallowed his Vodka. "It is not a legend. My mother was a graduate of Kazan and my father a KGB Station Chief in East Germany as the wall was coming down. She became pregnant by my father and instead of causing her to have an accident or aborting the child I was born and they were married."

Nikolai looked on with disbelief. "One of the fortunate occurrences of Gorbachev's betrayal."

TJ nodded, "Perhaps. As I was saying, one of the duties of a sparrow was to see to the needs of her superiors. Call Ms. Kuznetsova I have a need that only she can care for."

Ivanov hesitated and Gray slammed the table again, "You do not understand the seriousness of the matter Comrade. If she is truly an agent of the Motherland she will not hesitate." Gray poked Ivanov in the chest, "If you are a true patriot you will not object. If either of these are not true then I will have my answer and you will be sent to the 138th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment at the very tip of the spear in Ukraine."

Ivanov's voice cracked, "Co... comrade, I do not contact her, she contacts me."

Gray slapped Nikolai again, "Just as I thought, she is using you. I am wasting my time." Gray stood and went to Nikolai's closet and took a sturdy leather belt and passed the end through the buckle. "Do not worry Comrade, the stress of the embargo is getting to us all. I will say a kind eulogy for you."

Nikolai broke into tears, "Please, Comrade. I will try... please let me try."

Gray nodded, took his hand and messed up Nikolai's hair like he was a young child, "Now you are thinking properly young Nikolai."

TJ poured Nikolai another drink, "Some courage for you, Comrade."

Nikolai called, Natalia did not answer but 30 minutes later as Nikolai told her that they needed to meet, that he had been given orders and he needed to see her as soon as possible. She agreed to be at his flat at 7 if Nikolai promised to cook for them. Nikolai agreed and the two men waited.

TJ smiled at Nikolai. "Fortunately I am an amazing cook. I will Beef Stroganoff and put another bottle of Vodka in to chill. You just sit there and enjoy your Vodka. Tonight will be a grand evening."

Nikolai sat dumbfounded. His brain wanted him to fight but it was obvious just by the look that he would never overwhelm the Colonel. Nikolai cursed that he had grown soft enjoying the desk job in Moscow instead of out in the field as The Colonel had been.

Gray seared the beef and moved it off to the side. Following he used the same pan to brown and soften onions and mushrooms. He used some red wine to deglaze the pan before marrying all three ingredients back together and placing them in the oven.

While the meat was braising, he whisked together butter, flour, beef broth, and the red wine deglazing liquid to make the sauce. When it had reduced he added a dollop of sour cream while boiling the pasta.

Nikolai watched amazed at how easy Colonel Volkov moved around his kitchen. From time to time asking Nikolai where to find an item. As dinner was cooking TJ moved around the apartment, coming back with a zip drive and another document that Gray had planted earlier.

Nikolai gasped, "I have never seen those before in my life, Comrade."

TJ raised his voice, a deep furrow forming in his brow. "SHUT UP! I am not your Comrade, I am your Superior Officer and your very life is in my hands. We will discuss this once your American Whore arrives." Somewhere deep down Ivanov knew he was being set up, but at the moment it was his word against Colonel Volkov and Directorate KR. That was a section of the SVR that brought with it a true fear to others. Like the old KGB people disappeared when Directorate KR got involved. Many of them fell from windows.

At precisely 7:00 there was a patterned knock on the door. 3 short knocks, a pause, then 2 knocks.

Gray stood and smiled at his captive, "How cute, a patterned knock. Seems very suspicious Nikolai."

Gray stood and slowly straightened his uniform before he walked to the door and opened it.

"Good evening, Ms. Kuznetsova, please come in," Gray offered as he opened the door.

Natalia froze, "Wh.. who are you. Where is Nikolai?"

Gray smirked, "Major Ivanov is inside, My name is Colonel Ivan Petrovich Volkov. Consider me Major Ivanov's commanding officer. I need you to step inside the apartment."

Natalia shook her head, "No, I need to be going."

Gray smirked, "No, I must insist. There are some questions that you need to answer tonight. I can not prevent you from leaving however if you choose to leave the following will happen. First: You will be arrested the instant you leave this building and charged with espionage. Secondly: Nikolai's shame would overwhelm him and he would jump from his window. 8 stories is a long way to fall, isn't it?"

The color drained from Nattie's face as TJ used his arm to usher the CIA agent into the apartment. When the door closed Gray smiled, "I love American police shows and I have always wanted to say this," he said in Russian. He moved into English flawlessly which caught Natalia off-guard.

"Please turn around and place your hands against the wall, I need to search you. Do you have anything that would stick, poke, or harm me?" he asked as one hand gripped her shoulder and spun her, while his free hand pushed her forward between her shoulder blades and his feet kicked her ankles apart.

Natalia growled, "You can not legally do this?"

Gray laughed as he moved back to Russian, "Then by all means, call the police."

Natalia sighed, "I don't have anything that you need to check for.

Gray laughed, "You are a CIA agent in the apartment of a Russian officer. You are asking me to trust you? Like I said, you must be searched."

Natalia moved her hands to her side, "I can not allow that."

Gray chuckled as he moved close behind her, "Go ahead Ms. Kuznetsova, give me an excuse to hurt you" TJ took his role even deeper. My only son, a Captain with the 10th Spetsnaz Brigade. He was killed in the valiant effort to free Ukraine. He was killed by a missile, an American missile. I have a year of grief and anger towards your warmongering people. Now, move your fucking hands over your head again, or I can dislocate them and put them wherever I choose."

Gray was playing good cop/bad cop by himself. Natalia was completely caught off guard as the large Russian raised his voice sharply, "NOW!"

Nikolai interjected, "Just do as he said Nat. It's for your own good."

Natalia obeyed as TJ started at her wrists and patted her down. He seemed to linger and enjoy checking around her large, full breasts, and over her hips. He found her handgun tucked in the small of her back. Nat sighed in protest, hoping that would end the search.

Gray chuckled as he squatted down and put both hands on one of Natalia's ankles then dragged them slowly upward. "Stop!" she protested as Gray slipped her reserve weapon from an ankle holster.

TJ laughed, "So fucking predictable. Now where is the knife?" He slowly ran his hands all the way up her thighs until the fingers of one hand were pressed to the warm spot between her legs. Natalie gritted her teeth as TJ switched legs and started at the other ankle, once again sliding his hands all the way up Natalia's again allowing his hand to linger on her pussy.

"Turn around," he ordered.

Natalia turned and put her hands on her hips.

TJ laughed, "Hands out to your side and stand still. Gray's hands moved around Nattie's waist where he found the folded knife inside of a hidden pocket just over her right pelvic bone. Natalia shivered as Colonel Volkov's hands brushed over her tight stomach.

Gray continued the search, allowing his hands to linger over Natalia's tits and drift down to her hips and across her tight ass. Nikolai was forced to sit and watch as Colonel Volkov's hands lingered over his lover's body. TJ unloaded both pistols and placed the knife and both weapons in the freezer. The cold would not damage any of the weapons, but it would make them more difficult to access.

Colonel Ivan Petrovich Volkov, sat at the small dining table and invited Natalia to sit as well. He poured each of the three a shot from the chilled Vodka bottle and raised a toast. "Va Rodina" (To The Motherland). Gray waited until both Nikolai and Natlia swallowed down their Vodka. Gray was intentionally ramping up the tension in the room.

TJ, however, displayed an unsettling calmness which he knew would make Natalia and Nikolai even more nervous. The traditional Beef Stroganoff steamed on his plate. Without waiting for the other two he picked up a fork, the silverware glinting in the dim light, and speared a piece of tender meat. Savoring the flavors, he took his time, each bite a calculated pause, as if to savor the anticipation of the impending interrogation.

Across the table, Natalia and Ivanov attempted to eat, their movements hesitant and unsure. The room's silence was only broken by the clinking of silverware on china and the occasional glug of red wine being poured into Volkov's glass. His enjoyment of the meal was a stark contrast to their growing anxiety.

Gray's tactics were as strategic as his military maneuvers. He knew that a carefully placed pause, a taste of fine cuisine, and a glass of red wine could be as disconcerting as any question he might ask. It was a psychological game, a prelude to the impending interrogation.

As he continued to savor his meal, the couple exchanged uneasy glances, their thoughts mired in the unknown. Volkov's intentions remained shrouded in mystery, and the atmosphere in Ivanov's apartment was thick with unease.

Natalia and Ivanov knew that the interrogation was inevitable, but the tension that filled the room was a testament to the skill of the FSB officer. TJ understood how Russian Intelligence worked, especially the old adage that 'rank has its privilege'. He knew that a man like Volkov relished his position, knowing that in the world of espionage, power was often determined not by brute force, but by the manipulation of minds and the exploitation of weaknesses. Gray was playing the role perfectly.

After he had finished eating, Volkov ordered Ivanov to clear the table which Nikolai did without hesitation. For a brief instant, the sharp knife in his hand gave him a bit of false courage, but a quick look from the Colonel that was almost inviting a fight made him rethink that decision.

"Shall we talk?" Volkov queried. "Let us see if your tale matches the Directorate's evidence."

Natalia paused, "What evidence?"

Volkov laughed, "We have it on record that Nikolai has been passing state secrets to The Americans through you." Gray picked up the map, "Troops movements," then the zip drive, "Hypersonic Missile technology," he picked up the other documents, "names of our assets within your Pentagon."

Natalia's ice blue eyes grew large, "LIES. Where did you get that information? It has been me passing information to Nikolai. I was raised in the old ways, I only wish to come home."

TJ chuckled, "Ms. Kuznetsova, here is the evidence I found in this very apartment where you were just 3 nights ago for almost 2 hours. Do you think that I could believe that a man shaped like our portly Major would be able to last 2 hours sexually with a woman such as yourself? Please, you were gathering information then rewarded him with a quickie like a typical American whore."

Gray picked up his phone, Ivanov was terrified, "What are you doing?"

TJ smiled, "I am not convinced. I am calling to have Ms. Kuznetsov arrested and to have you taken care of." Gray stood, adjusting his uniform, "I will allow you two a few moments before the inevitable."