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The Fun House

April dressed in a lacy blouse, chiffon pants, hair up in a bun, and two-inch heel boots all in black met up with Mark, also in black.
read on )
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
glennagirl     ,Chapter 1 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2696261.html
ssclassof56   Chapter 2 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2696624.html
mrua7           Chapter 3 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2698329.html
glennagirl      Chapter 4 https://section7mfu.livejournal.com/2701431.html



The trip back to the estate was quiet once more.  Justin stared at the fan while holding it close to himself. His eyes frequently checked the others in the car, almost as if someone would take it away from him.  

Denise cuddled up to Illya, “Father is so strange with this collection of his.  He usually is so involved in his business that he often forgets about mother and I until I need to remind him.”

“I don’t remember him mentioning what business he is in?”  Illya said innocently.

“I’m not sure, but frequently men with bulges in their coats just like yours come and go. They often will be locked in father’s home office for hours at a time.”

Illya glanced at Napoleon, who nodded for Illya to continue.  Although the Russian felt that it was insensitive to trick the girl, the assignment came first.  “It must be frightening to have them coming in with those bulges.”

“Well, the only scary thing was I don’t see all of them leave.  It’s the yelling that upsets me...” Denise started.

“DENISE,” Depardieu's voice was raised in anger.  “Enough.”

Everyone stared at him, “Excuse me.  Denise, I’m sure Mr. Kuryakin isn’t interested in my business activities.” Turning toward Napoleon, “Mr. Solo, you do have the information for the next item, I hope.”  The tone of his voice went from anger to intimidation as he changed the subject.

“An envelope will be brought to your home tonight,” Napoleon assured him.

“It better be,” was the menacing comment.

---------------

After arriving back to the estate, Depardieu entered his office, ignoring his guests only to reappear when his valet informed him that a message had been delivered to his guest.  He found Illya and Napoleon opening an envelope.

“Mr. Solo?”


“It states there will be a reservation for dinner tomorrow night in Nice, France, waiting for me at the Hotel Le Negresco for their Regency-style Le Chantecler restaurant.  It seems like we need to wear that monkey suit once more that you dislike so much Illya,” Napoleon teased his partner.

“I’m sure if we need to dress up for this meeting Mr. Kuryakin will have no problems with it,” Depardieu made it clear that he wouldn’t be prevented from getting the next item by Illya’s dislike of a tux.

“No problems Justin,” Illya assured him just as Denise came into the hall. 

“Oh, where are we going next?” she asked, seeing the envelope in Napoleon’s hands.

“Le Chantecler in Nice, dear,” Depardieu informed her.

Letting out a shriek, she threw her arms around Illya’s neck.  “Just think. You in a tux.  Me in a sexy little thing.  We’ll be the talk of the restaurant.”

Napoleon tried to hide a grin as he turned to his friend, who had Denise draped over him, kissing his neck and nibbling his ear.  “Sounds like an entertaining night.”  Napoleon smiled at his partner, who looked uncomfortable with Denise’s attention.

“As long as I get my item, it should be,” the threatening tone returned.  Depardieu returned to his office.  Before the door was closed, they saw the items he had purchased so far on his desk.

-----------------

The next afternoon the men met Denise, and Regina in the front hall.  “You’re ten minutes late,” Depardieu informed them.

“Sorry,” Illya said, “We were just making last-minute arrangements to ensure this sale would run smoothly.” He nodded to Napoleon, who pull a piece of paper out of his pocket.

“This seller is once more demanding 430,000 francs,” as Justin, began to complain, Napoleon interrupted him.  “I didn’t want to say yes until I talked to you.”

Depardieu stood still. It was a lot of money, and he would have to cash in some of his bonds to afford it if it was truly Marie’s.  However, if it truly belonged to her and something breathtaking, it would be his forever. “What is it?”

“We were not informed, just that the latest offer for it was 425,000 francs.  However, as a favorite to Napoleon and myself, the seller was willing to let it go for 430,000.”

Regina shook her head,” You can’t be seriously thinking of spending that type of money on an object.”

Everyone waited for his response.  “Let’s go.”

Regina gasped.  “This obsession of yours is getting out of hand.  Go, spend the money, but don’t expect me to support this decision.” Then turned to head back up the staircase.

“Let’s go, gentlemen.  Are you going to support your mother or come with us, Denise?”

The girl dressed in a black, sleeveless mini dress with a deep, plunging V neckline that was a crossover front draped style, leaving nothing to the imagination. “I did promise Illya a good time and intent to make sure he remembers every minute of it.”

“Then at least take a stole with you to cover up some of your nakedness.  I don’t want to have a conversation with Mr. Kuryakin because of him getting the wrong idea,” Justin, ordered, heading toward the car. 

Walking with his partner, Napoleon whispered, “Good time, you will remember?”

“Shut up, Napoleon.  She’s the one with the ideas.” The Russian entered Napoleon’s regular front seat.

“Illya, I was hoping you would sit by me,” Denise whined.

“I have to give your father the directions.”

Pouting, Denise moved over to the window giving Napoleon more than half the seat, which made him smile.

------------

Once they arrived at Hotel Le Negresco, Napoleon retrieved the information then directed everyone to the Le Chantecler and a private room. 

An older man sat at the top of the table.  Beside him, a older dark-haired woman with makeup so thick you could see it across the room was feeding him.

“I’m sorry, but he hoped he’d be done before you came.  He doesn’t like to have others seeing him eat.  Please help yourself to the offerings.” She said, continuing to offer the man his dinner.

“I’d like to see the item,” Depardieu said, ignoring the cuisine.

The man’s shaky, weak voice said as his two clawed hands hit the table. “A gentleman eats before business.” Then looked at Napoleon, “You said he was a gentleman.  I’m not sure he is the man for this item.”

“Please forgive me,” Justin, backtracked.  “I’m just excited to see the item.”  He quickly moved to the food and loaded his dish.

As he ate, Justin, kept glancing at the box on the table behind the older man.  When everyone was finished and sherry was poured, the man looked at Illya, “You look strong.  Please place the box in front of Depardieu.”

After sitting the box by Justin, Illya returned next to Napoleon.  “Something is familiar about that old man, but I can’t place it.”

“We’ll have to up our security.  Keep an eye on him.”

Opening the cardboard box, Justin’s eyes widened while he tried to speak.  Finally, he was able to mumble out, “Is it?”

“Yes, her second one.” The man said, “You can take it out and examine it.”

Justin heaved the heavy item that weighed over 40 kilos (100 pounds) out and stared at it.  Slowly he opened the chest.  It was Marie Antoinette’s second traveling case that was handmade by the Royal Cabinetmaker in veined mahogany from Cuba with gilded brass hinges and corners. The locking system is a complex two turn system with a cloverleaf shaped key which latches down in four places. It includes over 50 items such as desk accessories, glasses and bottles, silver cutlery, porcelain tableware, candlesticks, bed warmer, coffee, tea, and chocolate pots and spirit burner.

“Wow, I could use that,” Denise’s excitement broke the silence.

“You will not touch it,”
Justin demanded.

“Did Mr. Solo tell you my price?”  the old man asked.

“Yes, and worth every franc of it,”
Justin, stood paying the man then asked.  “Are you ready to leave?” 

The others stood following him out as
Justin, hurried to the car holding the chest.

----------------

As the group left, Mark looked at April.  “Love, I think Napoleon and Illya are getting suspicious.”

April removed the wig and began to remove the makeup, “I agree.  We need to let Waverly know.”

“I don’t think it will make a difference, but it seems like the smart thing to do.”

---------
Leaving the room, Depardieu “Mr. Kuryakin, you drive.  I don’t want anything to happen to this.”

As they walked toward the car, “I agree there is something about those two, but I can’t figure it out also.  We need to watch out from now on.  Something is going on, and I don’t like it.”

“I agree,” Illya sat as he entered the driver seat and Denise slid in next to him.

Illya floored the car, thrilled with the power it had. He often was taking the curves on two wheels.  Sitting next to him, Denise cuddled into his arm giving a shout of joy frequently.  “It’s hard to drive with you holding onto my arm.”

“But I’m so comfortable, and we had to leave before I could show you how much I enjoyed being with you,” Denise complained.

“Later,” Illya told her as he removed her arm.  Pouting once more, she moved to the window.

“We’ll see if I’m in the mood,” her disappointment was obvious.

Napoleon kept an eye on both his partner and
Justin,, who sat in the back seat, oblivious to anything around him.  He ran his hand over the box touching everything in it whispering mine repeatedly.  He was beginning to see what obsession could do to an ambitious man.

[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Prompt:  office, purple, swell

One again, Illya follows his heart.

Read more... )
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Illya waited until Angelique disappeared around the corner before heading toward the room.  Figuring there would be a monitor in Napoleon’s room as there was in his, he opened the door only a crack.  A man was sitting facing the other way so Illya finished opening the door quickly heading for the operator.

chapter 11 )
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Napoleon watched the car slide before him.   “Mr. Solo, I’m agent Smith, and this is Agent Hope from Section 3.   Mr. Waverly asked us to pick you up and bring you in.”

“Hi guys. Are we picking up Kuryakin also?” Napoleon asked climbing in the back of the car.  

“Sorry sir, but who is Kuryakin?”  The driver, Smith, asked.

“My partner,” Napoleon knew where this was going but felt he needed to see how far this sham went.

“I don’t know anything about picking up Kuryakin.  We were told just to pick you up.” Hope informed him.

“I see.  How come the early pickup?  I was scheduled to come in later today.”

“You know what the old man is like.   When he makes up his mind, you just jump when he says jump. Probably afraid you’ll pad your expense account.  So how did your mission go sir?” Smith laughed.

“As always, a little sneaking, a little running, and a big blast from my partner. At least this time my suit doesn’t have to be replaced.”

“I’m sure it’s never a problem to get a replacement suit as you are risking your life, sir,” Hope said.
“Did you get what you went after?”


“You know that’s an inappropriate question, Hope.”  Napoleon chided him.

“Sorry, sir.   But you know us Section 3 agents look forward to the stories of your adventures.”

“Just keep the questions acceptable from now on,” Napoleon turned to the window in silence.  
A little later he said, “Isn’t this the wrong way?”

“Mr. Waverly said to bring you in the backway sir, so this is a shortcut to the back of the building,”  Hope assured him.

“Pull over.  I don’t like this.  I’m going to check in with Waverly to see what’s going on.” Napoleon ordered.

Trying to open the door he found the lock engaged.  A moment later a divider window raised as gas began to fill the back of the car.   Napoleon was able to get his small breathing device in before becoming overcome by the gas.


Illya nodded to the two men in the sedan.   “Do you have orders to pick up Agent Solo also?”

“Mr. Solo, sir?”  Thomas asked.

“My partner.   You know the Casanova of UNCLE, the CEA.”

“Sorry sir, I’ve never met a Solo.  Please get in so we can get you back to headquarters as quickly as possible.  Mr. Waverly is waiting for you,” Robinson requested pushing the back door open.

As Illya climbed in, “How long have you been at New York’s headquarters?

“Thomas and I were assigned there about a year ago.  Did you have a hard time completing your assignment sir?” Robinson asked.


Instead of answering Illya  closed his eyes. A few minutes later Illya opened them again, “I hope that I am not going to have to still put up with the aftermath of Slate’s joke.”

“Sir?”

“The explosion of the gunk he created before I left. Even my office reeked of it. Surely you smelt it.  The whole of headquarters was overwhelmed with it.” Illya complained.

“We were lucky sir, and out on a run.  Missed the whole thing.”  Robinson said.

“It must have been a long run as I was there four days before going out on assignment and it was still reeking.” Illya tested to prove that this wasn’t his imagination but someone after him, Napoleon, or both of them.

“We had a three-day weekend, then a number of runs in a row.   Guess we lucked out sir,” Thomas smiled.

That was the final proof that he needed.   He hadn’t imagined that something was wrong. He knew it.  Mark had been in England all week and not due back for another one.   Reaching for his gun, the separation window began to rise as gas began to fill the back of the car.  Illya had expected something like this and was able to get his small breathing device in before becoming overcome by the gas.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
The agents surfaced under a dock, Napoleon sputtering water from his lungs.  “Did you have to push me in?  I wasn’t ready.” 

“It was either get into the river or shot.   I thought you would prefer the water than a bullet in the back,” Illya started shaking his hair with droplets hitting Napoleon in the face.

“Aren’t I wet enough? Stop it,” looking around he continued.  “You realize we’re surrounded.”  A squawking sound called their attention to the brown Pelicans standing above them on the dock.  

“They are not dangerous unless we threaten their nest so don’t worry,” Illya explained just as the sound changed to a loud popping sound as the birds became to snap their bills together making a loud popping sound that resonated in their throat pouch.

“Why are they making that sound now?” Napoleon asked as Illya yelled.

“There must be a nest around here.   Move it.  They aren’t friendly to those who disturb their nest.”

Napoleon began swimming quickly, “It’s not bad enough we have a group of thrushes after us now we have pelicans too.”  He complained as they moved further downstream.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com

After hiding the money, Illya walked along the road lined with beads and other trinkets that had been tossed during the Mardi Gras parade and tangled up in the branches along the parade route early that morning.   While trying to figure out how to get Napoleon free, he thought about the loops of purple, gold, and green symbolizing justice, power, and faith. They were a representation of what the two agents stood for.  Fighting for justice, having faith in one another and fighting evil wrongdoing who were after more power than there were entitled to. One day their time may come to an end but not today.

Knowing the Thrush agents who had Napoleon would have to come down this street with his partner to avoid the crowd on the main streets, Illya was looking for a place to ambush them. 
tree of life.jpg Looking ahead he smiled.  Up ahead was the main Mardi Gras tree.  The aged large oak its branches covered normally with moss, now was covered with purple, green and gold Mardi Gras ornaments in the shape of masks, crowns, jesters, king cake babies and more.


Climbing it quickly, he was soon hidden in the branches along with the other Mardi Gras items.   It wasn’t a minute too soon now four Thrush agents surrounded his partner pushing him along between them.  A whistle had Napoleon eyes raising without moving his head.

Once they were under the tree, Illya leaped taking down two of the men with him while all of them were hit with other items in from the tree raining down on them.   The surprised Thrush agents were soon down as the two UNCLE agents made a run for the river.  The pinging of bullets behind them had them diving into the water and disappearing from sight.

[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
After stopping at headquarters for appropriate clothing, the men walked up the gangplank for the Steamboat Natchez.    The sounds of a steam calliope greeted them.  The old world look of the ship had the men looking at everything that they passed.  Entering the main hall, they looked over the rich red furniture, golden accents on the walls and a golden chandelier hanging in the middle of the hall.  Men in evening jackets and women in long dresses were dancing to the jazz band. 

“How do we find the Thrush transfer in this crowd,” Illya asked. 

After looking around, Napoleon pointed at a beautiful woman in the center of the floor, “There.”

“And what makes you so sure?” Illya huffed.  “Remember we are here to stop Thrush to from receiving the poison not find you a date.”

Napoleon placed his hand over his heart, “You wound me.   I do know how to keep my mind on the assignment.”

“Right,” Illya mumbled.   “So how do you know.”

“Look at her purse.   Every other woman here has a clutch bag, here is a large over the shoulder.   No woman coming to a place like this would carry one like that.”

Glancing around Illya noticed that Napoleon was correct.  “So how do we get it away from her?”  

“Just watch and learn.  When I give you the signal, be ready to grab it.”

“And how do you suggest we get away from the boat while it’s moving?”

“How deep is that water do you think?”  Napoleon gulped.

“Over the side then,” Illya looked at his uncomfortable partner.

With a nod, Napoleon headed toward the lady in question.   Within a few minutes and whisper in her ear, she placed the purse under her chair and accepted his hand heading toward the dance floor. 

Illya quickly moved towards the table, grabbed the purse and headed toward the door as two men started to chase him at the same time as Napoleon felt a gun in his back.

The splash outside let Napoleon know his partner was heading toward the shore so he bowed to the woman and allowed himself to be taken out quietly so no one would be injured.


Watching from the shore, Illya saw two men escorting Napoleon to a dingy after showing papers to the captain.  Handcuffed the three men slowly headed toward the shore. 
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Napoleon and Illya heard the Thrush agents yelled, “Over there,” as they were spotted. A few more steps and the UNCLE agents disappeared into a grove. Weaving through the tree, they could hear their pursuers swearing about losing them then heard them going the other way. Napoleon allowed himself to collapse against a white flowering tree while Illya flopped down beside him.

“I think we lose them,” Napoleon said.

“Obvious.”

A flower dropped down Napoleon’s face. What type of tree is this?”

“Magnolia, to be exact southern magnolia, the state flower of Louisiana. The guide book states it is a very aromas flower,” Illya began.

“I shouldn’t have asked,” Napoleon said then grumbled. “I should have never bought you that book at the airport."

“You did ask. Now back to business. What did the message say?”

“We need to catch the Natchez steamboat, and intercept the money Thrush is going to use to buy the poison sumac dust.”

Illya shook his head, “Do they ever run out of ways to kill? I suppose they plan on spraying over the Mardi Gras crown. It is surprising that Thrush Central would agree to a plan like this. It will bring so many governments on their head.”

“Actually, I think this is Crocker’s way of getting Central to notice him.”

“He may get his wish with a bullet,” Illya agreed.

Something fell on Napoleon's face, causing him to jump off while he wiped it off. “What in God name was that?”

Illya picked up the beetle and showed him. “It is just a sap-feeding beetle just one of the insects that live on the magnolia tree.”

“Whatever,” Napoleon shivered and moved away. “I have no intention of becoming beetle food."

Illya smirked, “You are afraid of this little bug but not Thrush guns?”

Napoleon brushed himself off, “We have a boat to catch.” He sulked away toward the sound of the water. The sound of Illya’s laughter following him.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com

Leaving the restaurant, the boys saw a group of Thrush agents searching the crowds.   “Looks like Thrush knows we’re here and looking into the decreasing alligators’ population while their products are increasing and going for outrageous prices,” Napoleon said pointing to the group.

“I rather not be drugged again.  We should keep out of their way for a while until we find where they're killing the Gators.” Illya suggested.

“Sounds like a great idea,” and with that, the guys took off into the crowds.  Hearing a yell from the Thrush agents the men began to run.

They were slowed down while dodging ladders with a seat on top of them. ladders.jpg Some of the ladders were stand alone, while many are tied together with ropes and chains. Many were decorated with glitter and fleurs-de-lis. And many had seatbelts, wheels, battery operated lights, and cup holders.  Stopping to catch his breath, a two-year-old kicked him in the head.

“What the heck?”  Napoleon demanded.

Breathing heavily Illya said, “According to the book, it is a custom to see the parades.  Look over there.”  Following Illya finger, Napoleon saw a field of flowers at the end of the alley, and more importantly no crowds. 

“Partner, I think we lost them for a while.   Let’s go.”  Napoleon said

[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
“Leave it to you to arrange the meeting in a restaurant.  What’s that your eating?”  Napoleon and Illya had managed to get to the meeting without Thrush following them.  Once they had sat down, another restaurant, Illya had immediately ordered a cake that he claimed was only available during Mardi gras according to his guidebook.

“It is called a King Cake.  We had to meet someplace so why not have a snack while we wait.”  Illya explained his rationale.

“Besides these cakes are only served during the season.   Now help me eat this.”


Napoleon had to admit the sweet brioche dough in the shape of a hollow circle with a glazed topping sprinkled with colored sugar looked inviting.   Accepting a piece from his partner, he took a big bite before choking.   Coughing out the offending item, a small plastic baby dropped to the dish.  “What the hell is this?”  he complained.

Laughing Illya said, “You should be thrilled.  Whoever finds it in his slice of cake is said to have luck and prosperity.   Perfect in our line of work.”

“If the person manages not to choke to death first,” Napoleon mumbled. 

“Are you okay sir?” their contact asked dropping a small package as she bent over to tap him on the back then quickly disappeared.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
"No way! Absolutely not!”  Napoleon shook his head and threw the item Illya had handed to him.
“We need to fit in more.  So, get out of that suit and put it on.”  Illya insisted handed it back to his partner.  “Do not be a baby about it.  Everyone is wearing them.”

“I’m not everyone.  My style is special, and I refuse to change it for anyone.”

“Perhaps, Mr. Waverly would disagree with your comment.   You told me that we need to meet our contact without drawing attention to ourselves or them.  This will help us blend in, NOW PUT IT ON.”


jazz shirt.jpgNapoleon grabbed the jazz shirt and put it on threatening.  “If I see a picture of me in this, you wouldn’t have to worry about dying by Thrush's hands.  I will take care of it for them.” 

“I would never,” the grin on Illya’s face denying what he was saying.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
As the agents walked toward downtown, Napoleon complained about the outfit he had chosen to escape in.  “This thing is heavy.”  The headdress was decorated with beads, feathers, and sequins.  

“If your ego was not so big, you would not have taken the biggest headdress,” Illya answered as he adjusted his own small headpiece.
 

“Why would anyone want to wear this thing around?  My head is hurting.”

Walking along they noticed others with beautiful Indian dress.  “The guide book says that this is the first year the Super Sunday festival and parade featuring roughly 40 Mardi Gras Indian tribes throughout the city went through the city are officially participating.
Both the Downtown and Uptown tribes come together.  Indian suits are composed of three main pieces: a crown, a dickie, and an apron.”

Napoleon was tired and frustrated. “Enough history.  Let’s just find someplace to take these off, so they don’t get destroyed.  Also, we need to check in with Wavery.  He’s not going to be happy.” 

“Good thing you’re the senior agent, by two years,”  Illya smirked.

“Funny Russian, aren’t you?  Come on.  The hotel is over there.  After we rest, we’ll have to look for Crocker again.”
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Waking up in a small shed tired to each other while sitting on back to back chairs, “Maybe we should give Thrush our knock out meds, so we do not wind up with headaches every time we wake up,” Illya complained.

“I wouldn’t use it,” Crocker said walking in the door.  “I enjoy seeing you boys suffering.”  His huge stomach shook as he laughed at his joke.  The man was dressed in blue jean overalls, red checked shirt, and straw hat. 

“Wonderful,” Napoleon mumbled running his eyes up his body.  “Going to a hoedown?”

‘Slap’

“You better respect me if you plan on surviving our encounter.  Now, boys, you want to tell me what you’re doing down here.”

“Enjoying Mardi Gras like the rest of the city,” Napoleon looked at him as if to say, ‘why else would we be here’.

‘Slap’

“I’m busy right now so you boys, just think about what my boys over there can do to get my information,” Crocker pointed out the window at the four men built like a house outside the window before leaving.

“You and your stomach, are you happy now?”  Napoleon complained as the two of them wiggled to get out of their bonds.

“Now you know how I feel with your women,” Illya angry shot back.  Finally getting the bonds off, he turned to untie his partner.  Looking out the window, he whistled.  “What is with that house?”

Looking at the house, Napoleon laughed.  “That my friend is Crocker’s attempt to fit into the celebration.  It seems he has to overdo everything.”

“What do you mean overdue?”

“Look at this place overdone with decorations and this shed with all the costumes of shapes and colors in one style.”

Illya looked up from digging in the boxes of Mardi Gras items. “If you could stop admiring the scenery, help me figure out how we're going to get out of here.  There has to be at least twenty men in costumes out there.” 

“You just answered your own question.  Pick one of these costumes out, and we’ll just saunter out of here.”

“Napoleon, you cannot be serious.”

“Costumes or torture.  Which would you prefer?” 

Sighing Illya grabbed one of the outfits, “They weigh a ton.”

Once they were dressed, they opened the door and strolled unnoticed through the crowd and into freedom.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Illya’s eyes lit up as they walked into the restaurant.   Rubbing his hands together, he turned to Napoleon, “You get that table while I grabbed some dinner.”

Napoleon rolled his eyes and headed toward the only free table. Normally they wouldn’t have accepted it as there was no wall to protect their back.  The table was in the middle of the floor with and crowds were running into it as they went back for me. However, he didn’t want to suggest his partner wait to they found a better place to eat when his sights were set on the food in front of him.

Illya returned with both hands filled overflowing plates.  One hand had a dish full of crawdaddy while the other had the biggest bowl of gumbo Napoleon had ever seen.

“Hungry, are we?”  Napoleon asked sarcastically. 

“It is all you can eat, and I want to make sure to get my share.”  Illya countered taking another large spoonful of gumbo.
Upon returning with his dinner, Napoleon saw a second full bowl next to the emptied one.

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Very, if only we were not being jostled so much.”   Mumbled around his food.

“One day your stomach is going to get us into trouble, and you complain it’s my women. Remember when you finish feeding your face, we still have Crocker to fine.”  Napoleon teased.

Before could say anything else, they felt someone bumping into the table and then felt a sharp pinprick. “And I hope he enjoyed that meal as I’m right behind you Solo,” was the last thing either heard before darkness took them.
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Once more they spotted Crocker and took off after him, straight into the middle of another parade.  Dodging parade goers, bands, and floats they headed after him to capture him   Of course, it wasn’t to be.

Crocker ran behind a float and disappeared.  “I am getting tired of being led around by the nose by that man,”  Illya grumbled.

“We’ll just stay in one spot, and he’ll reappear.  He wants something and is enjoying this game too much to stay away for long.  We’ll spot him again when he’s ready.”  Napoleon decided.

“Waverly won’t be happy that we lost him again,” Illya protested.

“It’s only you and me that know that, so we’ll just leave it out.”  Napoleon said, “What he doesn’t know wouldn’t hurt us.”

“I thought it was supposed to be ‘hurt him.’"

“In this case Illya, I think it more appropriate my way.   Keep an eye out.”

Standing in one spot for almost an hour as the parade passed by, Illya turned to see his partner head turning to follow the partygoers and floats with ladies in only masks and bathing suits.  “You are supposed to be watching for Crocker, not the ladies.”  Illya disapproving voice ran out.

“I’m not watching the ladies.   I’m scanning the crowds,” Napoleon insisted.

“If you say so.   Look, he will show up before long and let us see him.  I am hungry and that restaurant that looks interesting.”

Following his partner to the food, he mumbled, “And he complains about my women.”
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Trying to get through crowds once more in the Krewe of Endymion which was holding ‘the greatest block party on earth to kick off the Endymion Party’ according to signs all around the area   Pushing through the crowd after spotting Crocker again, the men ran into another parade at the end of the French Quarter on Canal Street.

Napoleon complained as he was bumped into again, “Thought you read the guidebook all the parades were going down St. Charles Avenue into the Central Business District.”

“According to it, only one doesn’t, the Endymion Parade and just started in 1967, last year.  Does New Olean ever stop partying:” Illya shout back almost drowned out by the noise of the crowd cheer on the participates.

“And of course, not after all it’s Mardi Gras,” Napoleon yelled back. “Stopping to watch Crocker who had stopped to watch the parade, he leaned down, hands on his knees to catch his breath.  “I afraid that I’ll pull my gun if someone pushes me too hard.   With all these people who know if they’re thrush or not.”

“I know what you mean.  Guess we can only hope someone doesn’t get throughout radar.”  Illya kept an eye on the Thrush agent.

“Maybe you need to get some more exercise in, so you don’t become short of breath easily.”  He teased.


“Funny, partner.   By the way who’s this Endymion anyways to have a parade named after him?”  

Illya turned toward Napoleon, “Actually you should be jealous of him.  He was a beautiful youth loved by Selene, the moon goddess in Greek mythology.  She had Zeus put him under eternal sleep and put him into an eternal sleep then visited him nightly for a romantic encounter.  Something even you have not mastered.”

Standing up, “Oh, you are a funny man tonight aren’t you.  Well, where did Crocker go?”

“Damn!” the two agents said at the same time.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
The men hurried out of the restaurant following Crocker who had turned and hurried out of place.  

“You know this could be a trap, right?”  Illya asked.

“Do you have a better idea on how to find his headquarter?”  Napoleon called over his shoulder keep an eye on Crocker’s head.

“Not at the moment, but hopefully we do not wind up as alligator bait,” Illya muttered trailing his partner.

As they turned onto the next street, they were surrounded by a crowd.

“Finding him in this dumonde will be impossible,” Illya complained.

“Pardon me?” 

“Really Napoleon you insist on using a French accent which you cannot achieve but do not know any French itself.  It means a lot of people that at this time are blocking our vision of Crocker.”

“I know French for your information just not that word.  I thought it was a restaurant as there’s one right there named DuMonde.”  Napoleon answered indignantly.
[identity profile] jkkitty.livejournal.com
Meeting Illya in the restaurant of the hotel, they sat down to an all you can eat crawfish dinner. Illya plucked them from a metal mixing bowl. He held it between his index fingers, and thumbs then twisted the head off and sucked the juice from it.   Next, he unwrapped the top of the shell pinching the tail and squeezed the seasoned, spicy meat into his mouth.  He did this all in one smooth move. Once Illya had eaten three bowls of them, he sat back looking at Napoleon.

“I was attacked by dogs a number of times,” he said out of the blue.  “I prefer not to be around them as possible.”

Napoleon nodded saying nothing knowing his partner wasn’t finished.

“One of my friends at the orphanage was killed by a dog after a group of us ran away the first time and caught.  As punishment, they put us in a courtyard surrounded by hungry dogs and told not to move until we were told we could.   Nicklaus became so tired he fell down, and the guards did not stop the dogs from tearing him apart.” Illya explained.

“How old were you?” 

“Ten.”

“That’s evil.”

“Just one of many things I witnessed going up,” Illya looked down at the table.

“You said the first time?”

Illya grinned, “Have you ever seen me give up?”  and signaled for the waitress for another dish of crawfish.

“Not even when eating,” Napoleon mumbled.

“I heard that,” Illya said popping another crawfish in before Napoleon whispered.

“I think Thrush knows we’re here.”

Following Napoleon glaze, he saw Crocker staring at them.

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Section VII Propaganda and Public Relations

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