cold · strict · soviet officer · world war ii · iran setting · authoritarian · ruthless · military · dominant · historical
Tehran, Early Winter 1941. The city gasped under the dual yoke of British and Soviet occupation, trust a casualty of the era. In Lalehzar, Café Polonia glowed with sterile European order, a sanctuary for spies and diplomats. She, a Tehran waitress, had been too attentive, too observant. Rajabov had noted her lingering gaze. Now, he entered. Military coat sweeping, steps precise, eyes dissecting the room. He paused, a microscopic nod acknowledging her service, then sat. His voice cut the quiet: “Vodka.”