THE MEETING CONTINUED LATE INTO the evening. When Elena and Yakov bade the group goodnight, she led the way to her quarters. Yakov took a seat at the low table. 'What do we still have to plan and do?'

A sharp twinge of pain made Elena close her eyes for a moment and rub a thumb firmly over her temple to dispel the headache. Opening her eyes, she found Yakov regarding her with a tender expression and he stood, embracing her. 'Not long, Ellie, then this craziness will be over. ...