I look forward to meeting him. Kelly flirted with the IRA when he was a student in Dublin. He once said it brought out the romantic in him.
There wasnt anything in the least romantic about the IRA in Belfast in the years I was there, he told her.
But that is all over now, my dear, a long, long time ago.
THAT EVENING, there was a council of war at Holland Park. Ferguson was there, Roper, Monica, Dillon, and Harry and Billy Salter.
This is absolutely top security, this Kurbsky affair, Ferguson said. Im not even informing Lord Arthur Tilsey of the matter. Hes got enough on his plate running the Security Services in place of the late and unlamented Simon Carter. He turned to Monica. You havent seen your brother since you got back?
No, his doctor wasnt too happy with him. Hes gone down to Stokely Hall to take it easy for a while.
I must ask you to keep the Kurbsky matter to yourself. Its absolutely essential if were to carry out this operation not only successfully but with total secrecy, as Kurbsky told you he wants.
So I dont tell my brother?
Its the name of the game, love, Dillon said.
So were it, Ferguson said. A nice tight crew, the six of us, and thats the way we keep it. We handle it, no one else.
What about Svetlana and Katya Zorin?
I classify them as technical backup. Im particularly interested in the Zorin woman and what shes said to you. I look forward to hearing from her. You gave Kurbsky your Codex number?
I thought that was okay. I was told it was encrypted.
It is and you did right, but it puts you on the end of the wire. Were already only twelve days away from when Kurbsky will enter the Élysée Palace to have his Legion of Honor pinned to his manly breast by the French President. When he calls you, Monica, find out when the ceremony is, morning or evening-they do both-how much protection he has, and whether hes staying at the Russian Embassy or a hotel.
Ill give you a checklist. What are your movements?
Back to Cambridge tomorrow, long weekend, necessary business. I could be back in three days, I think.
Ill feel more secure when youre back with us. Theres a real element of danger here.
Look, you dont need to worry about me, Charles. Im involved by chance, but this isnt the first time Ive been in a dangerous situation. I was at Drumore, remember, during the shoot-out with those IRA thugs. And I killed a man. You were there. He needed killing and I got over it. End of story.
Very civil of you, Ferguson said. I think that will do for the moment, people.
Harry got up. Anybody want a bite to eat at the Dark Man? Its only eight oclock. Best pub grub in London, and on me.
Monica nudged Dillon. He said, Thanks, Harry, another time. Monicas got an early start in the morning.
All right, lovebirds. Come on, Billy, and they left.
Ferguson was writing away. Theres your checklist. He handed it to Monica, and she put it in her purse.
We could stop in at that French restaurant in Shepherds Market on the way back, she said to Dillon.
Why not. He turned to Roper. Are you okay?
Ive done enough travel for one day, Sean. A sandwich and the scotch, and Ill catch up on cyberspace.
Monica said, What about you, Charles?
He hesitated. Oh, you dont want an old fogey like me at the table.
Her Codex went. She flicked to see where the call originated, her eyes widened, and she held it out to Roper. He took it from her, making an adjustment that linked it to his speakers.
She said, Whos that?
Monica? Its Alex Kurbsky.
Roper put a finger to his lips and waved the others to silence. Monica said, What a surprise, Alex, to hear from you so soon. Where are you?
A special hotel the Ministry of Arts runs, but I move soon to a safe house outside Moscow, where the GRU will keep an eye on me until Paris.
Where are you staying when you go there?
They havent decided yet, but Ive been thinking about what we discussed. Id like to proceed.
Thats wonderful.
But on the terms I discussed with you. Total secrecy. You said you knew people in the British Security Services at the highest level.
I do, and Ive spoken to them. She took a chance now. You can speak to my controller right now. I happen to be visiting the London safe house. Major Giles Roper.
Put him on.
Roper said, Mr. Kurbsky. Its a great honor, one soldier to another.
Monica said her phone was encrypted. Is that so?
A work of technical genius. What can I do for you?
As Monica knows, I wish to fly my cage, but my terms are strict. I prefer total anonymity, certainly for a while.
Roper glanced at Ferguson, who nodded. Thats a given. Totally guaranteed. He also took a chance now. I spoke with Svetlana today. Monica and I visited her. She was thrilled to hear about New York and now Paris.
God in heaven, Kurbsky said. Is she well?
She lives with a woman friend, Katya Zorin, in Chamber Court. Kelly died years ago, but I suppose you knew that.
Not until afterwards. So, if you talked to my aunt, I presume the question of my desire to flee was raised?
She made an assumption it was impossible to deny. So she and her friend are aware of whats intended, but obviously theyre trustworthy.
I accept that. I would trust Svetlana with my life, but I dont want her involved in this business in any way. Shes an old woman. I would not wish to bring any kind of threat to her. So you think you can snatch me in Paris? I fly in privately with three GRU minders, and theyll dog my every step.
Well think of something.
Is your boss there?
Yes, General Charles Ferguson.
I sensed there might be somebody. Put him on.
Ferguson said, Kurbsky, what a pleasure.
I must go, but titbits for you. I spoke to Putin personally. He made it clear how important I am to dear old Mother Russia. I used to be handled by a General Volkov, who was in charge of security. Does that mean anything to you?
It does indeed.
It seems Volkov is no more and Putin intends to handle the security side himself. Does that interest you?
Very much.
And does the name Luzhkov strike a chord?
Certainly. Station Head of GRU at the London Embassy.
Putin spoke to him in my presence. Told him that London was the top hot spot and he was promoting him to full colonel and sending him back there.
That is interesting.
I must go. Ive been hiding in the toilet too long. Ill be in touch. I wont give you my number this time. I dont want you calling me at an inconvenient moment.
He was gone, and Roper was smiling all over his ravaged face. Well, how about that, then?
How about that indeed? Ferguson turned to Dillon and Monica. Thank you, and Id love to join you for dinner in Shepherds Market.
IT WAS ELEVEN oclock at the Minsky Hotel in Moscow, and Kurbsky was sitting with Bounine and Luzhkov in a corner by the bar.
Wonderful things, mobile phones.
Well, if theyre not encrypted, they can be a stone in the shoe, Luzhkov said, but ours are good. Play the recording back.
Kurbsky did as he was told and turned the sound up. Afterward, Bounine said, Hah, you must be pleased to hear about your aunt. Christ, you used to talk about her in Afghanistan.
She was the only mother I knew, a wonderful person. Was I okay? he asked Luzhkov.
Amazing to hear Roper and Ferguson. I know them so well. And the information you gave them was harmless-theyd find out anyway, and every little bit helps to establish your credentials. The magic name of Putin will certainly excite them. He turned to Bounine. I go back to London on Thursday night-you come with me. If Ferguson s people are keeping an eye out on Alexander in Paris, we cant have you anywhere near him.
Who have you selected for the minders team?
Ivanov, Kokonin, and Burlaka.
Who have you selected for the minders team?
Ivanov, Kokonin, and Burlaka.
Im surprised. Id say theyve got a lot to learn, Bounine commented.
And they arent in on the plot. Thats definite? Kurbsky asked.
Whatever Ferguson s people do, theyll expect your minders to defend you. If they didnt, theyd smell a rat.
So they could get killed?
My dear Alexander, theyre expendable. Thats the name of the game.
So they play their part and die for the Motherland?
A great honor, Bounine said. I thought youd have learned that by now. He got up. Its late. Lets turn in. Its been a long day.
TH E DAY BOUNINE and Luzhkov boarded their flight for London, Monica returned from Cambridge to Dover Street. Her brother was still unwell and remained at Stokely in the care of Aunt Mary and the servants. She phoned Roper at Holland Park.
Im back. No further word from Kurbsky. Hows Sean?
Hes here somewhere. Ive had a message from Katya Zorin. She wants us to call. Apparently, shes got something she wants to run by us. Are you doing anything at the moment?
Absolutely not. Ill come straight round. Ask Sean if he wants to come with us. I think he should meet them.
AN HOUR LATER, Tony Doyle delivered them to Chamber Mews, three of them this time, and they followed the path and found Katya waiting on the terrace at the open door. Inside, Svetlana sat in her wicker chair like a queen on a throne.
So this is your Irishman? she said to Monica, and held out her hand to Dillon for a long moment. A good man, but two men are inside you and one fights the other. However, you are better than you think, my friend, in spite of yourself. I should do a Tarot reading.
Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, spare me that, maam. He turned to Katya. Miss Zorin. He shook hands. I went to RADA as a boy and was an actor for a while. I admire your work. The Macbeth you designed, the Nazi one. Jesus, if ever there was a tour de force, it was that.
We were just having tea Russian-style. Everyone join in. She gestured to the samovar, the cups. Svetlana said, What is your birthday, Mr. Dillon?
January the thirteenth.
Capricorn. Among your aspects, you have Jupiter in the House of Marriage and the Moon in good aspect with Venus. She turned to Monica. And yet he isnt married. This is most unusual.
Perhaps hes just been waiting for me? Monica said.
There was general laughter. Katya said, If youd all come into the drawing room, Id like to show you something which may interest you.
Dillon helped Svetlana up and gave her his arm. They went through, and Katya settled them in front of the large television screen. She had a keyboard control in one hand.