| All Too Familar

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Despite Milan's obvious hunger, she ate slowly, and thoroughly chewed each bite. It was a smart move; she didn't want to get sick from eating too much too fast.

"So," I said after she ate about a quarter of her meal, "what's your real name?"

She paused mid-bite, then she set down her sandwich. "Milan." Her eyes held mine without blinking.

"Don't lie to me." I unlinked my hands and leaned forward. "A spy wouldn't use her real name."

"I didn't say it's Milan Vladimir." She picked up the sandwich again and proceeded to consume another bite before explaining, "Milan is a common name in Russia and Ukraine, and it happens to be my birth name."

"Ah." That made sense. I was inclined to believe her. It was always easier to stick close to your real identity when going undercover. "So, Milan, what is your real last name then?"

"My last name doesn't matter." Her soft lips twisted. "The girl it belonged to no longer exists."