"Secret Service," Adler said, glancing across at Grant.
Dotsenko was sitting behind the cockpit bulkhead in a single seat, with his seatbelt pulled tight.
Grant leaned closer. "It's all right, sir. The President has sent a special escort for you."
"Where will they take me?"
"Don't know. But you can be assured it'll be one of the safest places in D.C.," Grant replied with a reassuring smile.
"Have you … have you had any word on Sophia?"
"No, sir, only what we told you."
The plane finally came to rest. Both Chevys parked opposite the port side, close to the exit door. Two agents exited from each vehicle, then posted themselves in between the cars and plane, waiting for the plane's door to open.
Grant went to the cockpit. "May as well let us out, guys."
As the door opened and steps unfolded, the agents walked closer. Dressed in black suits, and wearing dark sunglasses, two of them posted themselves at the foot of the steps, while the other two stood watch.
Grant walked halfway down the steps, when Special Agent O'Connor asked, "Are you Captain Stevens?"
"I am. You don't mind if I see some identification, do you?"
O'Connor unbuttoned his jacket. A gold Special Agent's badge was hooked to his belt.
Grant turned and gave a slight jerk of his head, signaling Adler to escort Dotsenko. A.T. gathered near the doorway. The mission was over.
"This is Mr. Dotsenko," Grant said, placing a hand lightly on Dotsenko's arm. "We've assured him he'd have the best protection possible wherever he's being taken."
S.A. O'Connor gave a quick acknowledgement to Dotsenko. "Sir, those two agents will escort you to the vehicle."
Dotsenko hesitated, then focused his eyes on Grant. "I appreciate everything you've done for me and Sophia, Captain … you and your men," he added, looking toward the Team.
"Our pleasure, sir. Good luck to you both."
As Dotsenko walked between the two agents, Grant and Adler started toward the cabin, when O'Connor called, "Just a minute." He looked at Adler. "Are you Lieutenant Adler?" Adler nodded. "The two of you will have to come with us, please."
"Go with you?" Grant asked, with obvious surprise and suspicion.
"Yes, sir."
"Can you tell us where and under whose orders?"
"The White House, sir, by order of the President."
Grant looked over his shoulder. "Joe, get the camera, and that map we found."
Before he left the plane, Adler commented to the Team, "Hang tight, guys. We'll let you know what's going on as soon as we can."
Dotsenko was settled in the back seat of the first Chevy, but Grant and Adler were being led to the second vehicle.
"We'd like to ride with Mr. Dotsenko," Grant indicated pointing toward the lead vehicle.
O'Connor hesitated, then gave a quick nod. "Sure. Not a problem."
Thirty-five minutes later, the vehicles turned off Pennsylvania Avenue, stopping at the West gate of the White House. IDs were presented then they continued south along West Executive Drive, parking next to the West Wing ground floor (basement) entrance.
O'Connor opened the rear door. The three passengers exited, then followed two of the agents to the entrance. After having been informed of Dotsenko's upcoming arrival, and after inspecting the passport, the guard passed him through. The other visitors presented White House clearance IDs.
The group went down a few stairs, past the White House Mess, then were led to the Sit Room.
O'Connor opened the door. "Someone will be with you shortly." Once the door closed, the four agents posted themselves along the passageway.
Grant rolled a chair toward Dotsenko, motioning for him to sit. "I see there's some coffee, sir. Can I pour you a cup?"
"No, thank you."
"Joe, how 'bout you?"
"Definitely,"Adler replied, as he put the camera on the table. Reaching for the filled white cup, he whispered, "Any idea why we were invited?"
Grant sipped the coffee. "Don't know, Joe, but the President hasn't been completely filled in with what we accomplished — or how. The photos should answer most of the questions."
"Do you think our friend had his meeting yet?"
"He said the individuals were supposed to arrive this afternoon. It's still early." He glanced at Dotsenko, who wasn't paying much attention to his surroundings, and probably had no idea he'd be meeting the President.
The Secret Service agents remained in the hallway when Carr walked in. "Gentlemen, welcome back!"
"As usual, sir," Grant smiled, shaking Carr's hand, "it's good to be home!"
"Joe," Carr said, shaking Adler's hand. "You doing okay?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hope you'll excuse the way we're dressed," Grant said. "We didn't expect to … "
"Don't worry about it." He nodded at Dotsenko, and extended his hand. "Mr. Dotsenko, welcome home to you too."
For the first time since Grant and Adler met him, Dotsenko smiled. "Mr. President, it is a real pleasure to meet you."
Carr went to his chair at the head of the table. "Please, sit. I see you already have some coffee," he said looking at Grant and Adler.
"Hope it was okay that we helped ourselves," Grant responded.
Carr let out a short laugh. "Of course. You two should feel right at home by now!" He spotted the camera, and pointed to it. "Does that contain the photos you mentioned, Grant?"
"It does."
Carr reached for the phone, and pressed the intercom button, the connection going directly to his secretary. "Rachel, I need to have film developed. Can you send someone down here?"
"Right away, Mr. President."
"Excuse me, sir, but will anyone else be joining us?" Grant asked curiously.
"Not for the time being." Carr swiveled his chair, focusing his eyes on Dotsenko. It was time to get down to serious business. "Mr. Dotsenko, let me first tell you that you have nothing to fear. I will see that you — and Sophia — have permanent protection."
A knock at the door interrupted the meeting. It was an office assistant who waited until the President told him to enter. Carr handed him the camera. "See that the film is developed asap, then bring the photos to me."
"Right away, sir." The assistant left.
Dotsenko cleared his throat. "Mr. President, when will I see Sophia?"
"Arrangements are being made." Carr rested his arms on the table, and intertwined his fingers. "Mr. Dotsenko, do I have your permission to record your statement?"
"Of course, Mr. President."
Carr set his eyes on a member of the Watch Room staff, who was standing behind a glass panel. Carr nodded, then refocused on Dotsenko. "I would like you to tell me exactly what was supposed to happen after Captain Stevens and his Team brought you to the embassy."
Dotsenko appeared to be very at ease, as he relayed his story. He had volunteered to be sent to Germany, with the assurance Sophia would be rescued. He expected to become part of the team going to Poland. But that was when everything changed, when he learned he would be left at the embassy. "You see," he said, staring directly at Carr, "if I had gone to Drazowe, and once Sophia was rescued, I was to make my escape. Somehow, I was to turn myself over to the Russians at the base. I fully expected to go back to Russia and resume my role at internal security. It was part of the deal to save Sophia. I was guaranteed that she would never be sent to Europe again."
Adler didn't need to look at Grant who was sitting next to him, because he could hear the teeth grinding away.
Carr asked another important question. "Can you tell me if anyone inside the Kremlin was expecting your return?"