"He's upstairs with Solo.  We haven't long to wait, given Illya's devotion to family", he said.

"Do not underestimate Napoleon Solo", chided the man.  "He is not CEA of UNCLE for nothing."

Quinlan smiled.  "Oh, I'm way ahead of you.  I'll give him five more minutes, then initiate phase three."

"Which is?"

To make certain Solo is out of the way."

"And you will see to that?"

"Oh, there are no doubts in my mind.  He will be furious at Illya's lack of co-operation and storm out the fastest way possible.  Once he is clear of the building, I'll bring Illya down."

"What do I?"

"Remain as you are."  Quinlan saw the other man frown.  "Don't worry. I'll know when Solo is gone."  A chiming noise caught his attention.  He looked at his watch.  "It's time."

Minutes later, Quinlan arrived at the Russian's door, which he'd left partially open, just in time to hear his brother-in-law say 'You won't like it'.

Like an actor given his queue, Roland burst in before the conversation could continue.  Immediately he positioned himself between the partner's, ignoring

Solo entirely.  "Illya, I couldn't get the flight changed; we have less than three hours before the plane leaves." Roland said, making certain the urgency in his voice was evident.

"Excuse me ?" Solo began.

"This is none of your affair, Mister Solo.  This is family business." snapped Quinlan, keeping his back to the agent.

"What affects my partner."

" Professionally, only,  is your business."

Already emotionally drained, Illya had enough.  "Stop it, both of you!" he commanded, his voice cracking like thunder.

Both men stared at him, but Illya continued before either man could react. "Napoleon", he said, addressing his partner.  "This is one reason I did not tell you.  Mr. Waverly approved this, Mark Slate will be your partner for the Conference, and this is all you need to know.  Now, please, I have a  plane to catch."

For the briefest moment Solo stared at the man he called 'friend'.  The reprimand cut him to the soul.  "Very well", he replied, fighting hard  not to grab the Russian and shake some sense into him.  "I hope everything goes well." Not trusting himself to say anymore, he left the apartment, closing the door behind him.

It wasn't until he was almost to the elevator when it dawned on him, Quinlan hadn't knocked; in fact, he'd burst in without  pening the door.

Realizing that the crisis had somehow dulled his friend's usual keen sense of danger, Napoleon abandoned the elevator and headed for the stairs.

Descending them with all the skills of the great hunting cats, he reached the landing just above the first floor; it offered the best view of the street.  What he saw confirmed his worst fears and suspicions for he recognized the man, pacing up and down the sidewalk,  as one of  THRUSH's  top agents.

Using the same stealth he retraced his steps, until he'd reached the landing on Illya's floor. Peeking around the wall into the corridor he observed  Quinlan and Illya standing outside the apartment  with their backs to him.

The two were deep in conversation.

Glancing behind him to make certain he was still alone, and knowing surprise was on his side, Solo approached quickly.

Too late Quinlan's instincts warned him they were not alone.  Whirling, he came face to face with the barrel of Solo's gun.
 

Illya was appalled at this definite breech of etiquette.  "I thought we'd settle this matter, Napoleon", he said, trying to keep a rein on his  formidable temper.  Really, the American could be most annoying.

Solo smiled but it was devoid of amusement.  "Not quiet, Illya.  I suggest we go back inside and your brother-in-law, if that's who he really is,  can explain two things to us."

Quinlan, to his credit, kept his composure.  "And what would that be?" he inquired.

Solo's eyes narrowed.  "Oh, let's see.  For starters - why did you leave Illya's door partially opened?"

"And.?"

"And, two", Solo continued as if Quinlan hadn't spoken, "why one of THRUSH's top agents is waiting out the front of the building?"

Now it was Quinlan's turn to smile.  When he finally responded his voice was filled with contempt.  "Because, he, like everything else in his affair, Mr. Solo, is family business."
Next?? To part 5