Upstairs, the phone rang. Ivan ran to pick it up. Using his special anthropomorphic paws, he picked up the phone and put it near his ear.
"Hello," said the voice. The voice sounded deep and sketchy, with a heavy Russian accent.
"Hello," replied Ivan
"I would like to meet you at the park across the street. At 11:00, sharp. Also, don't bring anyone with you."
"S-sure," replied Ivan hesitantly. "See you in um, 30 minutes."
"Also," said the voice. "Make sure your daughter is alone in her room, playing video games. Also, tell her to not live stream."
"What are you even trying to accom--"
"No asking questions!" shouted the voice. "Do what I tell you to do!"
"Fine fine," retorted Ivan. "I'll meet you at 11."
He hung up the phone, feeling bizarre.
When it was 10:55, Ivan walked out of the house. He looked like a lost dog without Jeff and Max walking with him. When he arrived at the park, it was 10:59.
"Hello," said the voice behind him.
The man was a blonde man, with blue eyes. He stood at about 5' 10''. He had his right hand covering his left arm.
"Hi," replied Ivan. "Are you hurt? Why did you bring me here?"
"No, I am fine. I, uh, just wanted to meet you in person," chuckled the man. "I'm a fan. My name is Dmitri Shpion."
"Oh," replied Ivan, pretending he was convinced. "That's cool. I have lots of fans. By the way, your last name means spy in Russian."
"Haha! So, what are Jeff and Max doing?"
"Oh, they're just in the basement playing video games."
"And I suppose Poppy is in the spa room?"
"Yeah, she loves the spa room."
"Ah nice, let's go for a walk around the corner. Hold up, need to make a phone call"
The man walked away from Ivan and started dialling on his phone. Ivan could see a badge on the man's left arm. He couldn't make out the details, but the badge's colours had reminded him of something. Something he saw before.
"Go execute the plan. Ivan JR. is isolated," whispered the man to the phone. "I've distracted Ivan. Now's our chance."
And so Dmitri walked with Ivan around the corner, distracting Ivan from whatever plan he had.