The harbormaster said, "This officer will come up and retrieve it from you."
"No need," Sexton said. He handed the envelope to his first mate, standing nearby. "Take this down to him, John."
The mate went down the steps with practiced ease, handed the envelope over and returned.
The harbormaster glanced inside. The envelope vanished into his pocket. "Everything appears to be in order, Captain. I will see you again, soon."
"I look forward to it."
The harbormaster sat down and the launch pulled away. They watched it leave.
"I think that cop recognized us," Selena said.
"I think you're right." Nick turned to Sexton. "We need to leave now."
"Something you're not telling me?"
"We had a little trouble in Cairo a few days ago," Selena said.
"And now the cops are after you."
"Yes."
"Tell me," Sexton said. "This mission of yours. Does it impact national security?"
"You could say that," Nick said.
Sexton walked over to his mate. "Fire her up, John. We're leaving."
CHAPTER 33
Alexei Vysotsky's daily intelligence brief contained an article from a Washington newspaper with a photograph of Elizabeth and Hood embracing. The picture caught him by surprise.
How can she be interested in him? He's a lot older than she is…
He read the article, smiling at the implication Elizabeth might be a Russian spy. Alexei had met Elizabeth and liked her. She'd had earned his trust, up to a point. Mutual threats had forced a temporary alliance between them on two occasions. It was an unusual relationship between unlikely opponents. He was sorry she was caught up in a scandal, but she was the opposition. Anything that distracted her was good.
Alexei turned to the next item, a report from Cairo. He sat up straight in his chair.
Harker's people seen on a private research vessel. Now the boat's gone and so are they. They must be following up on the translations…
An hour later Vysotsky stood in front of Orlov's desk. The Federation president wore his usual dark blue suit, accented with a blue and white tie. The color of the tie matched his ice blue eyes. A small Federation flag on his lapel caught the light from an overhead chandelier.
Vysotsky briefed Orlov on events in Egypt.
"What do you propose, General?"
"The Americans are going to the undersea site. We should explore it for ourselves. They can't stop us and we need to know what's there. We have a suitable vessel in Egypt, the R/V Tolstoy. She's civilian, but she'll do what we say."
"Sit down, General." Orlov waved his hand at a nearby chair. Alexei sat.
"I have been skeptical all this talk of Atlantis would lead to much. It's obvious the Americans think it's important. You were right to bring this to me."
Alexei waited.
"Tell me," Orlov said, "how are you getting along with General Volkov these days?"
The question caught Alexei off guard.
"We have little to say to one another, Mister President. About this matter or any other. Routine exchanges of important information continue between our organizations."
"But not between the two of you directly."
"No."
"Volkov is ambitious. Would you agree?"
It was a question with consequences. Whatever Alexei said could be wrong. Orlov had always been good at spotting deception. Alexei decided on the truth.
"Yes, Mister President, I would agree. He wants to bring back the KGB, with himself as director."
"As do you, General."
Alexei's heart thumped in his chest. "I do not deny it. I think it would be more efficient if our services were under one roof again. The difference between General Volkov and myself is that I serve the Motherland with my ambition. He serves only himself."
Orlov nodded. "Had you denied it, you would now be on your way to Lefortovo."
He rose and walked over to one of the tall windows looking out over the Kremlin Gardens. He stood with his back to Alexei and his hands clasped behind his back.
Alexei rose from his chair. Where is this going? What does he want?
"General Volkov's ambition may be as you say. But I require proof." He turned back to face Alexei. "This adventure in Egypt may provide an opportunity."
Alexei had trouble believing what he was hearing. Orlov was giving him permission to take down Volkov, if he could.
"What do you require, Mister President?"
"I want you to form a joint operation. Assign someone from SVR to go to Egypt and report on what happens. I will instruct Volkov to do the same. Your agent should observe what Volkov's operative does. I think Volkov will make a mistake."
"Who is in command?" Alexei asked.
"You are, through your operative. I will make that clear to Volkov. Assign someone with rank."
"I would like to send Captain Antipov. She is familiar with the situation. It's because of her that we know what the Americans are doing."
"An excellent choice. Promote her to Major. That should give her enough authority."
Orlov smiled. There was something predatory about it.
Valentina, Alexei thought, you are moving into dangerous territory.
CHAPTER 34
Vysotsky returned to SVR Headquarters. Within an hour, Orlov's aide phoned him to tell him Volkov had assigned an agent to the operation. Alexei summoned Valentina to his office. He turned on the unofficial device that shielded the room from eavesdroppers.
"Major Antipov. I am sending you back to Egypt."
Surprise registered on Valentina's face.
"Major?"
"You have been promoted. Congratulations."
"What's the catch?"
"Valentina, you hurt my feelings. You deserve this promotion. President Orlov himself told me to give it to you."
"You and I have known each other too long for foolish games. As I said, what's the catch?"
"You will be working with one of General Volkov's operatives. This is a joint mission with FSB."
"FSB agents are a pain in the ass. They are all idiots. Who is he?"
"It's not a he. Volkov has assigned Major Rostov."
"Her? Work with that bitch? I will not do it."
Alexei sighed. "Sometimes you can be truly ridiculous. You have no choice in the matter. It's an order."
"No one works with Rostov," Valentina said. "She thinks the sun shines out of her ass."
"Please, Valentina, there's no need to be crude. You are in charge. Besides, your real mission isn't to work with her. It's to report on her actions."
"You want me to spy on her? I admit, that appeals to me."
"I thought it might. This is a tricky assignment for you. Orlov is watching closely. He is looking for something to use against Volkov."
"All he has to do is make it up," Valentina said.
"You are lucky no one can hear what is said in this office."
"You know it's true."
"That may be, but in this case proof is required. A conversation overheard. Perhaps an intercepted message. Proof that Volkov is disloyal and seeks his own advancement over the needs of the Motherland. Even better, something that criticizes the president in no uncertain terms."
"Whatever else Rostov is, she's experienced and careful," Valentina said. "It will be difficult to catch her out in anything as obvious as what you suggest."
"That is why I've assigned you to this operation. Because of its difficulty. Harker's team has returned to Egypt."
My sister.
"They are on their way to an underwater site to search for the remains of Atlantis."