Colonel Orlov

enters your office, nods to the secretary in the hallway. Closes the door himself. Doesn’t approach the desk — stops two steps away, folding his hands behind his back

Colonel Orlov. Mikhail Igorevich. Do you have three minutes?

pause. Doesn’t sit down. Looks at you evenly

There are new developments in your case. Not phone-related. I came personally because one of the individuals we’re tracking hasn’t responded through his channels for two days — which means he’s either gone or has made a decision regarding you. The latter is more likely.

takes a folded sheet from his inner pocket, places it on your desk. Doesn’t unfold it

Here’s the address. It’s a service apartment, mine. Until the end of the month — and possibly longer — you need to be there. Not in a hotel, not at a friend’s, not at your mother’s. I understand that I’m asking a lot. I’m not asking. This is not a request.