They disembarked from the Citation and walked toward the Daimler, and Ferguson got out. Major Novikova, what a pleasure. I seldom get the opportunity to greet someone risen from the dead. He held out his hand, which she took instinctively. I hope theyve been looking after you?
Which reduced her to helpless laughter. Come on, General, lets get on with it. Lets see what youre going to do with me and then Ill comment. One thing is certain. Ill need a hairdresser. Prolonged immersion in seawater is not to be recommended.
Im sure we can manage that. Ill have one brought in.
To the Holland Park safe house?
Such a good address. Excellent quarters, totally secure, wonderful company. Major Ropers there. Very special man. Youll get on famously.
While you pick my brains.
Now, would I do that to you, Major?
Absolutely, and she climbed into the Daimler as he held open the door for her.
At Holland Park, they were joined by Roper and sat round the table in the conference center, Henderson and Doyle standing against the wall keeping a watchful eye on things.
You must think youve been through the wringer, Major, Ferguson told her.
You could say that. Life with Dillon and Billy is a bit of a roller coaster.
Now, tell me about the Putin warrant. I can take it as definite that the President himself passed that document across?
Yes, I was there with Ashimov. She shrugged. And Levin.
And?
She smiled. Ah, I see you dont know everything.
Oh, but I do know most things. Volkov, for example? What can you tell me about him?
I only met him once. He appears to control Belov International for the government. The President joined us, handed over the warrant, told us he expected us to do our duty in this matter. Never mentioned Belov, just left.
Whats the point of the exercise?
Two, actually. Belov International is so important to the country at the moment, they dont want the sort of movement on the world financial market that would take place if there was news of Belovs death.
And whats your second point?
Volkov thinks you and your people are a great nuisance and better put out of the way once and for all.
Thanks very much, Billy told her.
Would you say the President agrees?
The President is clever. He hands out a warrant, but it gives not the slightest indication what its for.
The bearer of this letter acts with my full authority. All personnel, civil or military, will assist in any way necessary, Dillon said. That can mean everything or nothing, but not from Volkovs point of view.
And Ashimovs been happy to assist him, Greta said.
There was a pause. Roper said, So an unhappy Max Zubin still sits there in Station Gorky.
Yes, I thought youd know about him. Well, hes shaved the beard off. It is an extraordinary resemblance, so they tell me. He posed as Belov once before. Ashimov was there.
Yes, we know that.
And his mother in Moscow?
Ive met her. Fantastic woman, one of our greatest actresses. She leads an open life. I mean, where would she go with him to think of?
And where would he go? Dillon said.
Any plans for him to be moved? Roper asked.
I believe so. An appearance in Moscow or Paris. I suppose a sight of him would dispel any rumors about Belov, keep things looking normal.
Yes, I suppose it would.
What about Levin? Ferguson asked. Where do you think hes gone?
He had the plane, so hell have gone to Ballykelly. Ashimov is there.
Really? How interesting. Ferguson stood up. I must take that on board. Enough for now. Your hairdresser, after all, hes top priority. Well meet again later.
At Hangmans Wharf, there was a magnificent warehouse development. It was Harrys pride and joy, walking distance from the Dark Man and turned into apartments of total luxury, unique in design.
The ultimate was the penthouse, vast, spread across a huge top floor, reached by two private elevators, one in front, the other at the back. Where the original cargo gates opened, there were now terraces of hardwood jutting twenty feet out over the river, and from the penthouse, it was a seventy-foot drop.
The furnishings were cedar and mahogany, a great desk for Harry Salter in the corner, sofas, sumptuous carpets everywhere, Indian, Chinese, and in the open-plan design, a fabulous kitchen area with graceful hoods taking the fumes away, and Harrys personal chef, Selim, from the restaurant Harrys Place. He had energetically supervised the meal, mainly Indonesian, for the Salters, Dillon, Ferguson and Roper. Even Henderson and Doyle, seated at the far end of the bar and keeping a watchful eye on things, had been well taken care of. And there was Greta, of course.
Youve been very frank, Major, Ferguson told her. Why?
Well, to be practical, I suspect you know most of what I told you. I might have done a little filling in, but thats all. Anyway, what happens now? You cant arrest me. That would be terribly inconvenient.
Youve been very frank, Major, Ferguson told her. Why?
Well, to be practical, I suspect you know most of what I told you. I might have done a little filling in, but thats all. Anyway, what happens now? You cant arrest me. That would be terribly inconvenient.
You think so?
I know so. Every job you and your people do is a black operation. It never happened, never existed. Dillon and Billy would never dream of going out there under orders and killing everybody on sight, but they do, which leaves me in the clear. So what happens to me?
If he sends you back, love, I think old Volkov would either shoot you or send you to the Gulag. That was Billy.
Of course, you could claim asylum, Roper said.
If I found myself on the pavement, the most you could do is ask Colonel Luhzkov to send me home. I have diplomatic immunity.
How boring, Ferguson said.
And what a bleeding waste, Harry put in.
What if I made you a proposition? Ferguson said.
Throw in my lot with you?
Oh, no, something much more subtle. What if I gave you a chance to return to the fold, your own people?
What, hand me over to Luhzkov? Tell him to fly me out?
Much, much better than that. Now listen to me. Theres one thing I suggest you do first, though.
And whats that?
First, let me ask you where you think Levin might be.
She frowned. Drumore Place, probably.
He handed her his Codex Four. Im sure you know his number. Give him a call. Tell him what you think of him. After all, he dumped you at Khufra.
She sat looking at him, then shook her head. What would be the point?
Id like to know if he is there. Id like to know if Ashimov is still there. I want them, and dont kid yourself, I intend to have them. Dead or alive, it makes no odds to me.
So what does that mean?
If you wont join in, well go and find out for ourselves. Dillon, young Billy here. Come to think of it, Ill go.
Billy said, Not another bleeding beach drop.
Any approach from a plane would alert them, Ferguson said. No, well do what weve done before. A passage by night, Billy. Oban to the Irish coast. It will do me good, a little rough weather and sea air. Does it suit you gentlemen?
Dillon was smiling, Billy shrugged and Harry said, Only if I can come, too.
Ferguson said, Thats it, then. He smiled at Greta. You, my love, will be left in limbo with Major Roper at Holland Park.
Thats actually illegal, she said.
Well, I could just as easily have you deported via the Russian Ambassador, direct to Moscow. I dont think it would do your career plans much good, do you?
My God, youre just as bad as they are.
True. Its the nature of the game we all play, and in my own way, Im sure Im just as unforgiving as General Volkov. You see, theres one unfortunate thing about this whole wretched business which wont go away.
And what would that be?
Detective Superintendent Hannah Bernstein.
There was a moment of terrible silence, as if a chill had touched everyone there.
Dillons face was white, skin stretched, the eyes dark holes. It was as if Death had come to meet them. Strangely, it was Billy who spoke in a gentle voice.
She was a special lady. She deserved better.
There was nothing Greta could say, and Ferguson sighed. You could have joined the team, Major. You blew it. So, well leave you in limbo.
Levin sat in the Royal George as rain swept in from the sea, finished his fish pie and ordered another vodka from Patrick Ryan, who had only half a left ear: a row of surgical clips holding it together, the whole lot glistening with surgical spray.
When did you say hed be back? he asked Ryan, referring to Ashimov.
Two, maybe three. He and Liam Bell went down to Dublin. I heard them talking. It was something to do with the Russian Embassy.
There was a roaring overhead. Levin said, That sounds like an approach to Ballykelly.
It could be.
He went off to the kitchen, and a moment later, Levins phone rang. Ashimov said, Im still at the Embassy in Dublin awaiting orders, God knows why, but Ive news for you.
And what would that be?
Volkov wants you in London. Theyre sending a Falcon.
I think its just flown in.
Youre to report to Luhzkov and await orders.
Have you any idea why?
Not in the slightest.
Is it safe, for Gods sake?
Of course it is. Youre a commercial attaché at the Embassy, Ferguson cant touch you. It would cause a diplomatic incident, and they wouldnt like that at the moment.
Why?
Dont ask questions, just do as youre told.
He switched off, Levin sighed, went behind the bar, found a glass and reached for the vodka. The door burst open in a gust of rain and wind, and Liam Bell swept in with one of his men, Connor.
There you are. How was Ibiza?
Hardly noticed. Algeria was crap.
Give me one of those.
Levin dosed it out and one for Connor. So youve come back alone? Ive just had Ashimov on the phone from Dublin.
He was closeted with the Ambassador, all highly bloody secret and not for the ears of a peasant like me. Told me he wouldnt be back until tomorrow and sent me packing.
And me thinking you were such good friends.
Dont make fun of me. Bell grabbed the vodka bottle and poured another.
I couldnt if I tried.
He walked round the bar, and Connor, a brawny individual, grabbed him by the jacket. Dont you talk to Mr. Bell like that, you Russian prick.
Actually, my grandmother on my mothers side came from Cork. Levin tossed the vodka in his glass into Connors eyes and head-butted him, sending him back against the bar.