I was going to lie to you, but I have too much respect for you to do that. You’ve always been able to see right through me anyway.

Russia needs me. As a former KGB spy turned traitor, you’d think I wouldn’t care about the turmoil and injustice in the motherland just now. But defecting was never about the money, that was just icing on the cake. It was because I love Russia, because Russia needed to change. And now she needs me again.

More than that, I may not have much time left. The anti-aging drugs were experimental, but I volunteered anyway. They’ve worked this long, as you can see, but I have no idea how they’ll proceed as time goes on. Worse, some of my comrades from the bad old days have been falling off the radar. If that’s not the drugs, someone’s out to get rid of the last of the old guard.

And I just couldn’t bear to put you in danger. I won’t be able to write or call, or I might put the enemy on your trail.

And if you see me, it’s a plant trying to draw out my allies. Don’t make contact.