Sarah shook her head and pulled up a chart of the northern coast of Russia on her screen. ‘Last time you thought she might be heading for the Pechora Sea. She pointed to the area. ‘But she transited through into the Kara Sea via the Kara strait. That’s when I became curious. Basically the ship has been following the North East Passage. Most countries avoid this route because the channel is ice-free only from August to November.’
‘Whereabouts is she now?’
‘That’s the funny thing. She changed course recently, tracking due north.’ Sarah turned back to her monitor. ‘Right now she’s at latitude 80 degrees, with the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago about 50 miles off their starboard bow.’
‘Where do you believe she’s headed?’
Sarah gestured to the map on the screen. ‘There’s nothing out there for thousands of kilometres. I mean, unless there’s a bunch of tourists on board who want to visit the North Pole.’
Peter smiled. ‘There are some tour operators who take people up there.’
‘What do you think, sir?’
Peter made a face. ‘She could be making for the Lomonosov ridge.’ He leaned over and drew his finger in a line from Russia, through the North Pole and towards Greenland.
‘I read about that,’ she replied. ‘It’s an underwater range. Russia claimed it is part of its continental territory.’
‘Correct, you’ve being doing some homework.’
Sara beamed. ‘The case is still ongoing. But the ridge extends well beyond the 200 mile economic limit from Russia’s border. If they can prove it arises from their continental shelf, they might be entitled to exploit it.’
‘Not until an accord has been signed by all the members of the Arctic Council. If the ship began to mine for oil or gas, Russia would be breaking the terms of its international treaties.’
‘I guess that would stir up many problems for the politicians involved.’
‘Right, Sarah. There’s a lot at stake for the eight member countries.’
‘Ah, sir. One more thing I ought to mention.’
‘Yes?’
‘I’ve done some research about this icebreaker. She’s brand-new. In fact, she’s the first of a new class of nuclear vessels. I hear the reactor designs are new also, and largely untested.’
Peter nodded thoughtfully. ‘I’m aware you’re concerned about the safety aspect. But Russia has led the world for the last 50 years in developing reactors for their Arctic fleets. Are you saying the design is completely different from before?’
‘No, not at all. I just wanted to raise the issue; those reactors are untried.’
Peter shrugged. ‘Each new class builds on a previous class. So far they’ve got a pretty good safety record.’
‘Mm. Let’s suppose a problem developed here.’ Sarah prodded the screen ahead of the last known position of LK-80. ‘There would be next to no help available at such an isolated place.’
He examined the map. ‘I agree — you have a point.’
‘I hope I’m not overstating the issue.’
‘Not at all — you’re doing a good job Sarah. I’ll find out what assets are in the area and pass on the Intel.’
When the American embassy car came to pick them up, they sat apart on the back seat. Kellie wore an elegant short black dress with a matching lace headscarf. Sean glanced at the chauffeur, trying to gauge if he could overhear their conversation. ‘How did you sleep afterwards?’
‘Not very well.’
Yesterday had been a long day. They were at Heathrow at 5 am for their flight to Moscow. Changing at Copenhagen, they eventually landed at Sheremetyevo International at 5 pm local time. She was chatty to start with, but when they arrived at the hotel she was tired and had wanted only the briefest supper before retiring.
Five minutes after 2 am he heard a knock. He opened the door a fraction.
‘Sorry to disturb you,’ she said in a low pitched voice.
Sean took in the fetching nightie and the fact she had taken the time to put on some makeup on. ‘What’s the matter?’ he asked, still holding the door.
‘I’m finding it difficult to sleep.’
For a second he hesitated. If this was a ploy he would tell her to go back. However she sounded genuine enough, and as a representative from the Foreign Office he had his part to play. He moved to allow her in and switched on the light above the writing desk. ‘Drink?’
She followed him in and sat on the bed. ‘Please. Gin and tonic if you have it.’
From her breath, Sean guessed she had already had a couple from the personal bar in her room. He brought out the drinks, taking a diet cola for himself.
‘Are you not joining me?’
‘Early start this morning.’
Kellie groaned and put out a hand to her head. ‘I’m not used to travelling and getting up so early.’
‘You’ll be home later today.’
‘I’m cold.’
‘There’s a spare dressing gown you can wear,’ he said guardedly. He went to the wardrobe. ‘Here.’
She stood up and allowed him to help her into the sleeves, then hugged herself. ‘Would you mind if I stayed tonight?’ she asked in a mild tone. ‘You could keep me warm.’
He shook his head. ‘I’m afraid not.’
She gave Sean a searching look. ‘You know I was divorcing Nic?’
‘No. I’m sorry to hear your marriage wasn’t working out. I was a little surprised when we met..’
‘That I wasn’t quite the grieving widow you expected?’
‘I wouldn’t say that in those terms.’
She flipped her hand. ‘But it’s what you thought. I have been, well, fairly faithful to him.’
‘I sense a but.’
Kellie paused. ‘He hasn’t always been true to me.’ The next sentence came out in a rush. ‘Recently he started to go with other men.’
The silence lingered. Sean finished his drink and placed it on the table deliberately. ‘Well, you deserve better.’
‘Do you have someone?’
‘Yes.’ He didn’t mean to sound curt, but he was tired.
She picked up her glass and downed it in one go. ‘I’m happy for you.’ She walked to the door and half-turned. ‘I’m just sorry for myself; that's all.’
After she left he went back to bed. His mind was alert now, and he couldn’t stop thinking of Natasha, wondering if she had met up with her family. Picking up his mobile, he tried to work out what time it would be in Italy. He should be entirely focused on his mission; a moment’s distraction might have serious consequences. On the other hand, it was hardly a dangerous assignment.
Sean tapped out a short text before falling into a light sleep.
see u day after tomorr
sean x
CHAPTER SIX
The American embassy chauffeur picked up Sean and Kellie. He drove in silence and Sean noticed the route took them northwest of the Kremlin.
Sean glanced at Kellie. She wore an elegant black dress and a lace veil. When the car slowed he peered out of the window. They were on Tverskoy Boulevard, approaching a red brick church. ‘This must be St. Andrew’s’ he said quietly.
She glanced at Sean. ‘Nic always claimed to be Church of England, though he never attended church at home.’
The limousine drew up to the gate and the chauffeur stepped out to open the door for Kellie. A welcoming committee of three stood in front of them.
One of them, a tall man in a black suit, came forward and introduced himself to Kellie as the funeral director. He presented the chaplain who wore a cassock and surplus. The third man wore a smart suit and was the representative from the American Embassy.
The funeral director indicated the entrance. ‘There will be a short service inside.’ He took Kellie’s elbow and gently steered her to one side. ‘Unfortunately you won’t be able to view your husband as the coffin must be sealed before being taken aboard the aircraft.’