Would you and your friends like a table, Monsieur?
Im not sure. When is the next stop?
Belleville, Monsieur, about an hour and a quarter.
Ill see what my friends think.
He returned to the compartment and found Monica asleep on one of the pull-down bunks, and Dillon and Billy with their heads down in the second compartment, so he picked up Monicas book, something to do with the Roman army in Britain that shed written herself, went back to the restaurant car, and took a table.
He had a sort of Russian breakfast-vodka, caviar, smoked salmon and herrings and strong black bread, more vodka, and then black bitter tea. All this was provided with impeccable service. Monicas book was fascinating and made the meal a true experience.
The time had passed so quickly that when they started to slow, he was quite caught out, and then they were gradually stopping, and the headwaiter said, Belleville, Monsieur.
Kurbsky peered out. He saw only a small station and platform and a few decaying warehouses. Some people had got off to walk around, stretching their legs, ambling between stacks of railway sleepers. And then Kokonin and Burlaka walked past, hands in pockets, chatting to each other.
There was a kind of inevitability to it, and Kurbsky moved along, found an open door, and went down the steps. They were over by a coppice of crowded trees and seemed to disappear. He hurried, half running, went around a corner, and found them standing at the edge of a deep ditch, half filled with water.
He was upon them before they realized he was there, pulled his Walther from the belt clip at the small of his back. Kokonin said, You! and put a hand in his inside pocket. Kurbsky shot him between the eyes, the silenced Walther making a dull thud. He was blasted backward and fell half over the edge of the ditch. Burlaka actually got his gun out, but too late, as Kurbsky did exactly the same to him. He rolled first one, then the other, into the water, turned, and walked away around the coppice, joining the few people getting back onto the train.
He returned to the restaurant car and found the book where he had left it. The headwaiter approached with the bill. Kurbsky paid him in euros and tipped well. Im obliged to you. It was excellent. When is the next stop?
Another hour, perhaps more, Monsieur- Rennes.
Instead of returning to the compartment, he worked his way back to the club car and peered in. Ivanov was standing, talking to the car steward, upset. The steward was shrugging, obviously unable to satisfy him. So Kokonin and Burlaka had missed the train. Not his fault. Theyd have to get the next one. That seemed the official attitude.
Kurbsky turned and went back. From the first day you put on a uniform, you had to accept you could die wearing it. He was fighting in a war of sorts; he seemed to have done so all his life. He should have had a little pity for the two dead men perhaps, but hed used that all up in Afghanistan and Chechnya.
HE DIDNT GO in when he got back to the compartments, simply checked to see that his three companions were still resting, turned, and started to make his way toward the rear of the train. It was time to finish the thing, whatever it took. The entire train seemed to be asleep, a passenger here or there with a magazine or a book.
After midnight, when anything is possible and death is in the air. It wasnt Shakespeare, he knew that, some minor writer from times past, not that it mattered. He had reached the club car. The car steward in his cramped booth was asleep and the passengers in their seats seemed well away too. He walked along between the seats to where Ivanov sat by himself, eyes closed, head back, arms folded. Kurbsky slid into the opposite seat, and Ivanov opened his eyes and nearly jumped out of his skin.
Kurbsky said softly, Dont say a word. Youve been caught up in a matter of the highest security to the State-we both have. Now, keep your voice down.
What about Kokonin and Burlaka? Ivanov whispered.
Back at Belleville. I disarmed them and told them to run for it or else.
But why did you do this?
I am under orders, from Putin himself. He stood up. We cant talk freely here. Come out on the viewing platform.
He went and opened the door that gave onto the platform with the ironwork rail; it was a spot much popular with smokers in these anti-cigarette times. Although there was a canopy, the rain blew in.
Ivanov said, Were going to get soaked. What the hell is going on?
Kurbsky produced the silenced Walther, jammed the muzzle into him at close quarters, and shot him in the heart. He lurched back, half turning, and fell head down over the rail. Kurbsky toppled him the rest of the way over, and the body was swept away in the darkness and rain. He replaced the Walther in his belt clip, his iron composure clicking in, and calmly worked his way up the aisle to the end, where the car steward still dozed in his booth.
After midnight, when anything is possible and death is in the air. It wouldnt go away, went around and around in his brain. He had killed three men without a hint of pity, but hed have to put that behind him, as he had with so many others over the years. He was clear now to follow the future mapped out for him, however uncertain.
Back in first class, he went into the lavatory and called Luzhkov, who had not been able to sleep, waiting for news.
Its done, Boris. Ive killed all three.
Will there be repercussions?
I shouldnt imagine theyll be found for a while. Their bodies arent on the train, if thats what you mean. By the time anybody finds them, we should be flying out from Saint-Denis.
Did it give you any problem, Alex?
Boris, people like you, acting on behalf of the State, have sent people out to do your killing for years. When did you ever ask if it gave them a problem?
He rang off, paused, and then called Roper.
ROPER ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY. How are you? Dillon called just before the train left, saying you were in good hands. Hows the trip so far?
It turned out to be rather lively. Kurbsky started the lying now. The others were having a sleep, and I went into the restaurant car for a bite to eat. We stopped at Belleville for fifteen minutes, a few people got off, and to my astonishment I saw Kokonin and Burlaka, two of my GRU minders, having a stroll.
How the hell did that happen?
Pure bad luck. I found out later some chambermaid saw me get into the taxi, heard where I was going, and told them. They got their act together and followed me to the station. They must have just caught the train.
So what did you do?
At Belleville? I slipped off the train, followed them to a suitable spot, and braced them.
Which means what, exactly?
I shot them both, left them in a ditch, and got back on board.
What about the third man?
Ivanov. When we got going again, I searched the train and found him in the club car. I think he thought theyd simply missed the train. I told him we were all victims of a complicated plot direct from Putin himself. He lied again. When I asked him how hed got on my tracks so quickly, he told me about the chambermaid.
And where did this confrontation take place?
On the viewing platform at the end of the train. Its a smokers paradise these days, but not so much for him.
You killed him too.
Of course, and put him over the rail. I had to, Roper, you can see that. Those GRU idiots would have cocked things up big-time. By the way, speaking of the GRU, has Boris Luzhkov turned up at the London Embassy yet?
So I hear, Roper said. What were Dillon and Billy doing while all this was going on?
Sleeping the sleep of the righteous.
And it didnt occur to you that they might have appreciated the chance to join in?
You have a point, but there was Monica to consider, and frankly, I thought itd be more efficient if I took care of it myself. Ill leave you to break the news to Dillon.
He left the lavatory and paused to look in at the compartment, where Monica was sitting up now and swinging her legs to the ground.
Have you had a good trip?
At least I slept. Sean and Billy were stirring next door. What about you? she said.
Trains and planes, I can never sleep on them, he said. I had a great meal in the restaurant car and read your book on the Roman army in Britain.
And what was the verdict?
Wonderful. Action and passion, thats what I like. Ill go down and get a table for breakfast. Ill see you there.
Billy was at the washbasin and Dillon had his mobile to his ear and looked serious, so Kurbsky got out fast.
FIVE OCLOCK and still dark outside, rain driving against the window. The headwaiter provided the black bitter tea. Would you care for vodka with it, Monsieur?
Why not? Dinner, breakfast-his time scale was seriously out of joint. He swallowed some tea, knocked the vodka back, and examined the passport and papers Dillon had given him when hed first boarded the train. Dillon arrived, still looking serious. Billy, on the other hand, was full of excitement.
Three at one blow, Kurbsky! I always thought that was for flies on a slice of bread and jam.
Dillon said, Damn it, Billy, this is serious. He turned to Kurbsky. I understand discovering Kokonin and Burlaka was a shock, but you should have called us in. Thats what were here for.
Well, I didnt, Kurbsky told him. I needed to act fast.
Well, I didnt, Kurbsky told him. I needed to act fast.
And Ivanov?
Look, I knew him, so I knew how to handle him. Its done now. Hows Monica?
Upset, Dillon said.
Shell get over it, Billy put in. She shot an IRA bastard dead in the Drumore affair, and she didnt have any trouble getting over that. Lets order breakfast.
Ill go and get her, said Kurbsky. Would that be all right with you?
I dont own the lady, Dillon told him.
Tell the headwaiter Ill have the same as I did before.
She was standing at the washbasin in the compartment, looking in the mirror and applying her lipstick. Well, here I am, he said. Are you angry with me?
Not anymore. Let me just ask you: Was it necessary?
Theyd have tried to take me back by force, and it could have been very messy.
She nodded. That makes sense. This venture youve embarked on, that were all involved in, it was bound to bring demands and consequences we didnt perhaps anticipate.
Youre right.
I know I am, Alex, and this may not be the last of them. But thats in the future. Right now, lets join the others for breakfast. She brushed past him and led the way down the corridor.