Leo led the group out of the store, appointed head of this expedition in search of the ordinary. Austin was by his side, his mood already improving as they trampled through the thick snow. Leo glanced back to see the officials in animated conference by the store’s grand doors as a new influx of carefully down-dressed, scraggy shoppers in cheap coats arrived to find the show was over. The party officials didn’t understand what Austin wanted to see but they knew it wasn’t long queues and poorly stocked stores. Since they were under strict orders to accommodate Austin’s every whim they could hardly intervene.

Austin put a friendly hand on Leo’s back.

—Tell me a little about yourself.

Leo had no desire to talk about himself.

—What would you like to know?

Appearing out of nowhere, one of the officials joined them, having evidently overheard their conversation.

—Leo Demidov is one of our bravest officers. He fought heroically during the war and was awarded numerous commendations. Please, Mr Austin, where is it you would like to be taken? Perhaps you could take some tea while we make preparations?

Austin was annoyed at the interruption, ignoring the notion of tea, a crude attempt to stall for time, and addressed Leo.

—What do you do now, Comrade Demidov?

Leo believed in his work as an agent. Communism faced dangers from many sides. It needed to be protected. However, it was much too complex an issue to go into now. He simply said:

—I’m a police officer.

Leo hoped the questions were at an end. But Austin continued:

—Is there a lot of crime in the city?

—Not crime as there is in America. There are no murders or theft. I deal with political criminals, conspiracies against the State.

Austin was quiet for a moment.

—Fairness has many enemies, am I right?

—Yes, you are.

—I’ll wager your job can be difficult.

—Sometimes.

—It’s worth it, my friend. It is worth it.

They’d danced around the edge of this dark subject. Leo was thankful for Austin’s discretion. The conclusion of the conversation seemed to require a long silence, a pause. Jesse Austin eventually broke the silence, opting for a lighter topic.

—No more serious questions. What do you like to do for fun? A handsome man like you, you must be married?

Embarrassed at being called handsome, and at being single, Leo blushed.

—No.

—But why not?

—I don’t know…

—But there’s someone you love, isn’t there? Surely there’s someone? There’s always a love story, right?

The question implied it was simply unthinkable that a person could be without love. Leo was desperate to move the conversation on. A lie was the easiest way to do it.

—There is someone. We met recently.

—What does she do?

Leo hesitated, thinking back on Lena’s pile of schoolbooks:

—She’s a teacher.

—Bring her to the concert tonight!