Kalinin rolled the cold can between his palms. “You’re Grant Stevens, aren’t you?”
Grant tried to conceal his surprise. “And I’ll bet you’re Nicolai Kalinin. Or would you prefer I call you by your American name?” He didn’t have a clue what that was, but bluffed anyway.
Kalinin wasn’t falling for it. “‘Comrade Kalinin’ will be fine.”
Adler had been leaning on the armrest, straining to hear over the engine noise. He whispered to Novak, “This is getting good.”
Grant gave somewhat of a smile. “‘Comrade Kalinin.’ Just doesn’t roll off the tongue easily. Think I’ll call you ‘Nick.’” Kalinin opened the Coke and took a long drink.
Grant pointed to scrape marks on Kalinin’s face. “Do you need something for that? We’ve got… ”
“Not necessary.”
Grant pushed himself back, then put his hands behind his head. “I’ve gotta tell you something.” Kalinin appeared to finally relax somewhat, as Grant continued. “I’ve seen you before. It was years ago, but I’m pretty damn positive.”
“I don’t know where that could’ve been.”
“Well, we both know you’re what we call a ‘sleeper’ which means you’ve been in the States for a helluva long time, probably since you were a little kid.” Grant sat forward again, staring straight on at the Russian. “And I’ll bet you were either in the U.S. Navy or at least worked for a defense contractor aboard one of our ships.”
Kalinin’s expression never changed. “Interesting idea, but still just a guess.”
Grant knew he had him. “No,” he said slowly shaking his head. “I think I’m right on the money.”
Sudden slight air turbulence caught them by surprise. Grant stood, balancing himself against a seat. “Buckle up. Be right back.”
Adler got up and followed him toward the cockpit, then waited. Grant leaned forward between the seats, looking for possible storm clouds. “What’s up, Matt?”
“Caught some CAT winds. I’ve received clearance to thirty-four thousand feet. We should have a smoother ride from there.”
“You need me?”
“Should be okay.” As Grant started to leave, Garrett asked, “How’s the meeting?”
Grant glanced at Kalinin. “Think I’ll reserve my comments for the time being. Oh, listen, Matt. Let me know when I can contact Scott.” Garrett gave a thumb’s up. Grant left the cockpit, then leaned against the bulkhead, preparing to talk with Adler, who was sitting on an armrest.
“Well, did you get your answer, or are you still allowing that foolish thought to cloud your brain?”
“All clear, Joe.”
“And?”
“I told him I’d seen him before.”
“Did you tell him where?”
“Yeah. Gave him something to think about, but I still can’t get his American name.”
Adler slapped Grant’s shoulder. “Give it time!”
Grant glanced toward the rear of the plane, seeing Kalinin drinking Coke. He looked like any other guy, wearing black slacks, a white shirt under a dark blue pullover sweater, now slightly soiled from rolling on filthy tarmac. He could be a ballplayer, a teacher — even a U.S. Navy officer. Lowering his voice, he said to Adler, “Joe, between you and me, if things were different, my gut tells me we could be friends.”
“Then what you’ve gotta do when we land, sure as hell will be damn unpleasant.”
“Tell me about it,” Grant responded. “Say… why don’t you go talk with him for a while. You know how to make friends and influence people.”
“I’ve tried teaching you the secret, but…,” Adler said over his shoulder.
Off and on during the remainder of the flight, Grant Stevens and Nicolai Kalinin conversed, with Grant trying to put Kalinin more at ease, hoping he’d spill information. Not an easy task, considering Kalinin was on his way back to the States, with a “welcoming committee” of special agents ready to assume control.
Chapter 16
Ambassador Vazov reread the message from Moscow. Twice he ordered the embassy’s communication corporal to confirm that the message was authentic and correct. Twice it was confirmed.
He slumped in his chair, with an arm hanging over the side, his hand gripping the piece of paper. “Nicolai. No. No.”
Defense Minister Andrei Troski’s message stated the aircraft carrying the weapons had been reported missing somewhere off the eastern coast of England, apparently crashing into the sea. The British Navy and Coast Guard had vessels and planes searching. Two Russian ships were headed to the area. Reports were coming in slowly, but so far the plane nor its black box had been found. Hope had diminished for finding any survivors.
A knock at the office door didn’t take Vazov’s attention away from his thoughts. Zelesky came in and went directly to the desk, prepared for business and nothing else.
“Mr. Ambassador.”
Vazov slowly raised his head. “What is it, Misha?”
“Will we be giving the American his money as planned?”
Even with his thoughts on Kalinin, Vazov realized he had to move forward. He still hadn’t been able to “shake” his concern about the traitor, concerned he’d want more money, or perhaps he’d notify the American authorities, or he was a double agent. Vazov decided he couldn’t take the risk. “You will make the drop tomorrow night. But I have decided not to give this American his money. I will prepare a message instead.”
“You are sure this is what you want to do?”
“We do not have weapons that were promised. Our men have died and still we do not have weapons. For all we know, the American could have been involved in taking the weapons from the cargo ship. Are you sure you want to question my motive for denying him, Misha?!” Zelesky remained quiet. Vazov continued, giving Zelesky new orders. “I do not care how long you must wait, but you will follow him. Find out where he lives, if he meets anyone else, what car he drives. Do not harm him, do not approach him, just report your findings to me… only me. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“He expects a package by midnight. I will have it ready for you at six.”
Zelesky started to turn then asked, “And what about the Navy SEAL Stevens?”
Vazov hadn’t even thought about him, with his main focus centered on the traitor. “Right now, Misha, concentrate on ‘Primex.’”
Zelesky left the office. As he walked toward his office, he glanced over his shoulder at the ambassador’s door. Once this matter was completed, he would be making a full report to Director Antolov. He was keeping explicit notes.
Grant rubbed a hand across his clean-shaven face, finally free of stubble. His hair was a bit longer than his usual military cut, but it was neat and squared off across the back. Wearing a dark, charcoal gray business suit, a white, long sleeve shirt, with a diagonally-striped gray and white tie, he stood in front of a bank of tall windows, looking out across the West Colonnade. On his mind was an upcoming meeting with President Carr.
On one hand the mission was a success, but on the other, they hadn’t uncovered the traitor. Clues or trails leading to his identity were non-existent or they’d been covered very well. Maybe it was time for the President to turn the matter over to the FBI or Naval Intelligence.
Grant slid his hands into his trouser pockets as he thought about Nicolai Kalinin. Four special agents had been waiting for him when the Team landed at Andrews. Grant had walked with him down the steps of the Gulfstream. An agent immediately handcuffed him, then led him away. Grant remembered the moment vividly with mixed emotions. But he reminded himself Kalinin was a communist, who stole top secret weapons, was probably responsible for the destruction of a chopper and the men aboard, and somehow, for the deaths of four American Navy men.