Chapter 43
After hearing Jianjun's story, Michael realized Irina had lied to him. Even if she didn’t know Jianjun’s name, she knew enough to trap him. And who was this mysterious Stana? And why did she call Irina Militsa? He wondered if they were working with William Claude, despite all Irina’s denials.
The next day Michael bought some oil paint supplies at an art store. He took the bag with the shop logo prominently displayed with him as he went to the employee entrance to the Hermitage. Fortunately, the guard wasn’t one he’d seen before, so he said Irina’s name. The guard checked the employee roster and the bag Michael carried, then waved him in.
Michael took the elevator up to the room where he’d first seen Irina. She was there.
A woman came up to him speaking in Russian. He handed
