Birth of an Assassin Page 11

  “I will give it my full attention, Vladislav, don’t worry about that.”

  Otto stood, shook hands with Vladislav and ignored Boris, and then Adrik did the same. They left.

  “Could’ve gone better,” Adrik said, as they began the short walk back to downtown Moscow.

  “Yes, but like you said, we’ve come up against thugs before, and like before we’ll take care of them. We’ll tell Stefan what he needs to know in order to deal with the problem. If Nabokovski’s people turn out to be too strong for them, we’ll bring in internal security. But we need to keep out of the limelight. We’ll direct operations from afar.”

  “Oh, that means we’re still going ahead with the move?”

  “Yes, I think we should keep out of the line of fire, don’t you?”

  *

  A couple of days later, the transfer papers were all but ready. Otto had arranged to talk over the final details with General Irishkov, but an unexpected order preceded it.

  “Adrik, other than the fact that General Petrichov was in charge of Spetsnaz and he mentored the Jew, do we know anything about him?”

  “Only that he’s an old-fashioned Bolshevik who wants to do everything by the book.”

  “In other words, nothing. Well, he wants to see me in the Kremlin – today. The very morning I’ve arranged to see Irishkov. I think you should get in touch with our man and put him on hold until I know what this Petrichov wants.”

  “But what about the paperwork?” he asked.

  “Can’t be helped, this might be nothing; but just to be on the safe side, put Irishkov on a backburner.”

  Chapter 19

  Anna had been General Petrichov’s aide for over a year now. She’d worked in and around the city centre and caught the occasional glimpse of Jez. When she did, she’d duck for the cover of an alley or doorway. She’d wanted to yell out his name, but how could she? She’d picked the army over him, a career with boundless opportunities. What was love anyway? No, she’d chosen well. And anyway, if she was to bump into him, what could she say? Sorry, I’m the one who destroyed your career, the most precious thing in your world. No, things were better as they were.

  Now, she stood outside the general’s office; and no matter how often she did, the tall oak door continued to dwarf her. She felt as if a metaphorical tidal wave was on the other side, waiting to sweep her away. She took a deep breath, straightened her back, braced her shoulders and knocked.

  Petrichov had wanted to see her immediately. He’d never asked to see her urgently before. What if, on reflection, he wanted to bring charges against Jez? It had been some time now, but he was a stickler for doing things by the book. Maybe the whole scenario had dogged him. With teeth that seemed forever clamped, her jaw ached. Even the heavy flaxen locks fastened tightly from her face couldn’t stop her brow from furrowing.

  “Enter,” he bade.

  She marched in, formally came to attention and fixed a stare over his shoulder to evade his eyes, for fear he’d read her thoughts.

  “No need for formality, Lieutenant,” he said. “Relax. Take a seat, and when you need to, feel free to speak your mind.”

  Relax. Feel free to speak. It had to be about Jez.

  In the chair, she folded her hands neatly in her lap and sat with spine rigid, face tight.

  Petrichov pulled a file from a drawer in the row of cabinets against the side wall and laid it open on the desk. He wore his grey parade uniform, a double-breasted tunic with royal blue piping and gold embroidery around the cuffs. The collar bore a gold-embroidered insignia, and the gold shoulder boards were flanked by three gold stars. Tall, and lean for a man so broad, he smacked of superiority.

  “I have a meeting in a few minutes with a Captain Mitrokhin, one of the Osnaz unit commanders,” he said. “I would like you to sit in to monitor, take notes. You’ve worked in a number of squads in your time: do you know of him?”

  “No, sir never heard of him.” A weight lifted from her: it wasn’t about Jez.

  “Good, we have a little time. I want to use it to give you background of what we’re about here, and later, when he’s gone, to get your opinion of him.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said.

  “I’ve looked at his files. Both Mitrokhin and his long-time partner, Sergeant Mayakovski, have had more transfers to their credit than can be easily counted.”

  “But that was also true of me before I became your aide, General. It’s not so unusual within our security units.”

  “Yes, but in your case – or any other I’ve looked at – it could be justified on training grounds, or the need for special skills,” he said. “For Mitrokhin and his sergeant there’s been no such validation.”

  “Then how did he do it? As a captain he wouldn’t have the authority to organize his own transfers.”

  “Agreed, that’s one of the factors. Who is he controlled by, or who is he unofficially working with that has enough power to make it happen without questions?”

  “You said one of the factors. What else concerns you?” With the worry of Jez gone, intrigue stepped into its shoes.

  “I’m not sure yet, but this is a step nearer to finding out. In fact, a second step nearer.”

  The general picked up his reading glasses and cleaned them as he walked over to the window. “The Soviet Union set up training camps on the west coast of Africa.” He kept his back to her as he looked out over the Moskva River.

  “And the captain was involved there?” Anna asked.

  “Yes, but only for about six months. After that, he and his sergeant were transferred – too early. That was nearly three years ago now.”

  Anna became more puzzled. “But with respect, sir, an early transfer is not an indictment.”

  The general came back to the desk and put his spectacles down. “Ah yes, but this one’s different. We’ve recently learned of a diamond smuggling operation in that sector, run by Soviet operatives.”

  “Oh, and you think the captain and his sergeant are somehow implicated?”

  “Well, I believe that may be the case, but I can’t prove it.”

  “But sir, if they’ve been out of Africa for three years and you’ve just discovered the operation, how can you possibly think they’re involved?”

  The general nodded. “One of the ringleaders was caught and he named Mitrokhin and his sergeant in a taped interview: he accused them of setting up the operation before they transferred.”

  “You’re losing me, General – surely that’s proof enough?” It seemed that the more information she got, the more confused she became.

  “It might have been, but shortly after the tape was made, the informer was killed in an escape attempt – and the tape went missing. To cloud the issue further, the people responsible for the interrogation now deny knowledge of an interview.”

  “But if the tape has gone and nobody will confirm it ever existed, how do you know of it?”

  The general raised his eyebrows. “We’ve received a copy anonymously, but it can’t be considered proof. It could be a ploy to get Mitrokhin into trouble – revenge. These are tough units and it’s not difficult to put someone’s nose out of joint.”

  “I see.” Illumination dawned. “Because of the death, you believe what’s on the tape, and so the diamond smuggling is the first step you mentioned earlier. Now you’re about to talk to Mitrokhin about something else?”

  “Yes, very good, a new operation has come to light here in Russia. Girls have come to the authorities – on two occasions, to be exact. They claim they were tricked into journeying out of the Soviet Union. Luck was on their side. They escaped. They said they’d been promised careers that would lead to a better life in the West. The girls have made statements and it appears there is military involvement.”

  “Oh, I can see the pieces fitting together now. But my part in this, sir, what would that be?” Anna thrilled, this could be ground-breaking for her career.

  “First, I’d like you to find the people behind Mitrokh
in’s transfers. It sounds trivial, but I’m sure the trail will stop at a lower rank than the one you’re looking for. You’ll need to dig deep. It will take a lot of determination to succeed.”

  “I look forward to the task, sir.” But she would’ve preferred to interview the girls.

  “Also, I want you to take in what you can about Mitrokhin. Watch his responses. I’ll tell him what I’ve just told you about the girls, and he’ll be tasked with the investigation. After we see how he performs, we’ll consider a proper course of action.” He returned to his desk. “So… now you’re up to speed, find yourself a seat out of the way.”

  “Yes, sir.” Anna moved near to the window, and shortly afterwards Captain Mitrokhin came in.

  *

  Months had gone by since the time Jez had approached Mitrokhin, and meanwhile he hadn’t acknowledged his existence, never mind advised him on his career. Patience had worn thin. He rested a hand on the telephone, paused, and then shook his head laughing.

  “Idiot,” he said, “as if another few seconds would make a difference.”

  Still tentative, he lifted the phone from the cradle and dialled Mitrokhin’s fourth-floor office. Jez recognized Mayakovski’s voice.

  “Sergeant, this is Lieutenant Kornfeld. I want you to make me an appointment with Captain Mitrokhin at the earliest convenience.”

  “Oh… just a…”

  “Mayakovski, this is not a request. It’s an order. Find a clear slot in his diary now…”

  “Yes, sir,” Mayakovski said and Jez imagined a sour look on his face.

  Appointment booked, Jez rested his hand on the receiver and mused. Early morning in two days’ time, not as quick as he would’ve liked, but he could be patient for that long. And then he’d be back in the mix – of that he was sure.

  *

  “General Petrichov, good morning, sir,” Captain Mitrokhin greeted him. “I believe you wanted to see me?”

  “Good day, Captain, yes, sit down. I have a lot of pressing work, so I’ll get straight to the point. I want to discuss an investigation that I need you to carry out personally. Oh, this is Lieutenant Puchinskaya. She’ll observe and take notes.”

  “Lieutenant Puchinskaya,” Mitrokhin said. He looked at her with suspicion, gave her a curt nod and turned back to the general.

  Anna’s reply to the nod was to allow her lips to curl at the corners, but no more.

  “Investigations, General – me – are you aware I have a transfer pending? And, if I may add, I oversee investigative work, I don’t get involved.”

  Defensive to the point of insubordination, General Petrichov didn’t look impressed.

  “You had a transfer pending, Captain. And you may add whatever you like, but for this task you do get involved. You can progress your move when this job is over.”

  “Yes, sir,” Mitrokhin said, and Anna smiled down into her chest. The captain actually pouted.

  “What is the work in question?” he continued, and still sounded offhand.

  “What’s known is written up in this file.” He handed Mitrokhin the document. “But the gist of it is that young women are being abducted and trafficked out of the Soviet collective. The violation has to be nipped in the bud.”

  General Petrichov talked Mitrokhin through the contents of the file, and the captain’s face seemed to pale with each paragraph.

  “And you want me to handle it personally, sir?” he eventually said, sounding suspicious.

  “Yes, you can use your sergeant, Mayakovski, but no one else must know of this business. There’s a good chance the military might be involved.”

  “The military… oh, I see.”

  Mitrokhin went quiet, and paled further. He remained soundless, and the general seemed happy to watch his reactions. Anna sensed a heavy atmosphere between the men.

  General Petrichov tired of the stand-off first. “Captain…”

  “Wha-– oh yes, sir, I was thinking how I might approach the task, with ideas coming to me as we speak. I look forward to putting them into action, sir.”

  “Commendable, Captain Mitrokhin, I think we’ve covered everything we need to. You can get started whenever you’re ready.”

  “Thank you, sir, I’ll begin immediately.” He stood, saluted and left.

  The general walked to the door as if cleaning him from the premises. When he’d gone, he returned to his desk. “You can come back over here now, Lieutenant, and tell me what conclusions you’ve reached about our Captain Mitrokhin.”

  Anna took the chair that Mitrokhin had vacated and shifted uncomfortably; it was still warm. “Well, sir, I must begin by saying that my thoughts have been slightly colored by what you told me before he came in. But taking that into account, I felt he handled the situation awkwardly, especially when you told him of military involvement.”

  “I agree. I might be biased, but I think he’s as guilty as hell.”

  Anna gave him a moment to make sure he’d finished. “His behaviour and the taped confession do seem to push it that way, sir. But reaching that opinion, I don’t see how free rein on the case will incriminate him.”

  “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But I believe, or at least hope, that he’ll make a mistake when he tries to cover the path he’s supposed to expose.”

  She raised an enquiring eyebrow. “And if he doesn’t?”

  “If he doesn’t, that will be when you come into the picture. I would ask you to begin now and watch how he handles things, as you did with Lieutenant Kornfeld. But if he tumbles what’s going on, I think it would make our work more difficult. We’ll let him run with it. See how he tries to cover the trail.”

  The general drummed a tattoo on the desk.

  “Shall I have these notes typed up, General?” she asked.

  “No. I want this kept strictly between us, for the moment at least, so you must maintain the file yourself.”

  “No problem, sir.”

  Chapter 20

  “That didn’t take long, can’t have been as bad as you thought,” Adrik said, sitting in Otto’s chair, feet up on the desk. “I didn’t have a chance to get comfortable.”

  Not now, Adrik, he thought; I’m not in the mood. “You’re wrong, it was bad,” he said miserably. “In fact, worse than expected. I need a drink. There’s a bottle of vodka in the top left-hand drawer.”

  “Yes, I think I know where it is by now,” Adrik said sourly, pulling open the drawer, pouring a couple of shots. “Don’t stretch it out, Otto. Just tell me what happened.”

  Otto swallowed the drink in a gulp.

  “The girl who escaped on the way to Rostov, Petrichov has given us the case and we’re to investigate it personally.”

  “But we don’t do that.”

  “And that’s what I told him, but he wouldn’t listen. Some snotty bitch sat in the corner and took notes. A Lieutenant Puchinskaya… and it was a Sergeant Puchinskaya who made the report about the Jew. I’m getting nasty vibes about this.”

  “Okay, we’re fucked with the transfers for the moment, but that’s no big deal.”

  “Adrik! Just because somebody pats you on the back while they’re feeding you bullshit doesn’t mean you have to swallow. You’re not looking at the big picture. He suspects. He must.”

  “But that can’t be. He couldn’t reach that sort of conclusion on what the peasant girl reported. She didn’t know anything that might incriminate us, and none of Stefan’s people has been pulled. There’s no way he could come round to thinking we had anything to do with it.”

  So why did his words come out an octave higher than he normally speaks?

  “I know, but I’m thinking of the more recent termination we organized in Africa.”

  Annoyance crossed Adrik’s face. “Otto, for Christ’s sake, I don’t want to disagree with all you say, but he was dealt with before it became official. The tape was lost and the interrogators turned. I think you’re being a bit... oh – what do you call it?”

  “Paranoid – yes maybe, but
what if I’m not? A tape was made. What if a copy got through?”

  “It didn’t, but look, even if did it wouldn’t mean much without the rat to back it up. We have powerful people working with us. He wouldn’t get anywhere with that sort of flaky evidence.”

  “I agree, and that’s why he hasn’t given us a tug. But I think, because of that girl’s statement, he’s realized the existence of a trafficking scam and somehow linked it with the African operation.” He let his imagination run its course. “By giving me the case, he’ll be watching and willing me to slip up… I prefer your argument, but we must play safe. I need time to think this out.”

  Adrik’s face furrowed. “What you’ve said is guesswork, but I suppose we should be careful. If we could somehow get out of making the investigation and still look as if we’re on it... Oh, and just to cheer your day up a bit more, the Jew has made an appointment with you for the day after tomorrow.”

  Otto’s head swung up, both comments giving him a little jewel to work with. “Excellent. You’re not just a pretty face, are you?”

  “What… yes, as we both know, Otto, I’m not even a pretty face.”

  There was no time to lose. A day to think before meeting the Jew – and he had parts of the plan already in the mix.

  *

  Two days and, at last, time for the long awaited meeting with Mitrokhin. By demanding a transfer, Jez knew he was flying in the face of protocol. Superior ranks stuck together when lower ranks kicked up, so he couldn’t expect help from above if it went wrong. But he’d thought long and hard. The front line was where he belonged, not torturing suspects for thinking the wrong things.

  He stood outside Captain Mitrokhin’s office, knocked, and took a step back.

  *

  Kornfeld came into the office with that smug face of his. He spoke before Otto had a chance. “I expect you know why I’ve asked to see you, Captain,” he said, and placed the paperwork on the desk.

  Otto noticed that Kornfeld had been careful to lay the submission in front of him the right way up.