"All the more reason to press forward strategically," said Irina.
Reaching over Stalin's body on the floor, I clapped a hand on Irina's shoulder. "Tell me what you need me to do." I gave her shoulder a squeeze and gazed deep into her eyes. "You know I will stand by your side."
Irina held my gaze for a long moment, then laid her hand on my forearm. "Stay the course. That's all."
"I'll have one of the others take my place as Mao," I said. "You'll need my help to consolidate power here."
"I need your help most in China right now," said Irina. "The People's Republic is at a formative, vulnerable stage."
Instead of giving up and letting go, I took hold of her other shoulder. "No." It was the first time I'd ever said that to her. "I'm staying with you."
"That's sweet." Irina lig
