‘I am relieved that your injuries weren’t more severe.’ Fydorov’s manner grew more somber. ‘I have received a message from our President. On behalf of the Russian people, he extends our gratitude to both you and Bart Cooper for your assistance in bringing Orlov and his associates to justice.’
‘I guess the appropriate thing to say would be pazhalsta. ’ Kilkenny then laughed.
‘What do you find amusing?’
‘Nothing, really. It just struck me a little odd that, after everything that’s happened, I can be thanked for my “assistance” in this matter. It sounds like I changed a flat tire for the guy.’
A toothy grin transformed Fydorov’s stern face. ‘Politicians. They have the unnatural ability to state things in such a way as to render the words utterly devoid of meaning.’
‘I see some things are universal.’
‘ Da. Death, taxes, and politicians, who are often responsible for some of the former and all of the latter.’
Fydorov reached down and picked up a black, softsided briefcase, which he set on top of his wooden desk.
‘This was retrieved from the lab; I believe it belongs to you.’
Kilkenny unzipped the briefcase; his laptop was inside.
‘Our technicians were very impressed with your computer, particularly with the internal satellite modem.’
‘It turned out to be quite useful in tackling Orlov’s network. Did you get everything you need?’
‘ Da. Your associate Grinelli was most helpful in unlocking Orlov’s secrets. I realize that we may not have as sophisticated computer equipment here as you do in the United States, but how did you take so much information out of Orlov’s network in so short a time? It took hours for my people to download the information Grinelli sent them.’
Kilkenny sucked in a deep breath through his teeth. ‘I’m afraid I’m not allowed to answer that.’
‘State secret. I understand,’ Fydorov replied, withdrawing the question. ‘We have an entire team of people sifting through the information you and your associates siphoned out of Orlov’s various businesses. This investigation will go on for years, and before it’s done, a lot of very powerful individuals will have to explain their dealings with Orlov. This may result in some much-needed housecleaning in the executive and legislative areas of our government.’
‘Sometimes, a little revolution is a good thing.’
‘Oh, I have something else that I believe belongs to you.’ Fydorov picked up a wooden box from his credenza and placed it on his desk. ‘We found this in the vault at Orlov’s bank.’
The side of the box bore a University of Michigan library bar code label. Kilkenny opened the lid and saw Johann Wolff’s six notebooks.
‘There is no need for these books to remain here as evidence. Cooper told me of their suspected importance, and I agree with him that they should be put back in the hands of their rightful owner.’
‘What about all the lab equipment that was stolen by Leskov?’
‘Dr Avvakum was most helpful in identifying those materials in her lab that she believes were stolen. These items have been packed and will be sent back to the United States.’
‘Thank you,’ Kilkenny said gratefully. ‘This is a great help in getting Ted Sandstrom’s research back on track.’
‘Regarding this research project you are involved in, I have a favor to ask.’
‘Oh,’ Kilkenny said, wondering what possible conditions Fydorov might have in exchange for the equipment and the notebooks.
‘Dr Avvakum has been completely cleared of any criminal involvement in this affair. Unfortunately, due to circumstances well beyond her control, she now finds herself unemployed. Cutbacks in the Academy of Sciences budget make it unlikely that she will be rehired there, not that I believe she wishes to return to her former posting in Siberia.’
‘Are you saying she needs a job?’
‘She has expressed an interest in continuing to work on this project. Do you think this Sandstrom might have an opening on his research staff for someone with her qualifications? I understand she’s quite a gifted physicist.’
‘I’ll talk to Sandstrom about it,’ Kilkenny replied. ‘He’s going to need someone who understands the work to help out while he’s getting back on his feet.’
‘Excellent. I’ve already spoken with officials at your embassy. There will be no problem with her visa or work permit. In fact, I’ve even made arrangements for her to fly back with you.’
‘How convenient.’
‘Yes, isn’t it? When Cooper explained your plan to me, he said that two of the goals were the retrieval of the notebooks and the liberation of Dr Avvakum. I can think of no better way to honor my old friend than to see that Avvakum has the opportunity to choose what she will do with the rest of her life.’
Kilkenny recalled the conversation he had had with Cooper during the flight to Moscow, and nodded his head. ‘I think he would be pleased.’
‘There is one more thing. I’ve taken the liberty of making a small change in your flight back to the United States. Instead of Detroit, you will be arriving at Washington, D.C. I didn’t want to send Cooper’s body home unescorted.’
Kilkenny stood and extended a hand across Fydorov’s desk. ‘That’s very thoughtful of you, Igor Sergeevich. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ Fydorov replied, grasping Kilkenny’s hand with firm respect.
68
Washington, D.C.
Upon their arrival at Dulles Airport, Kilkenny and Avvakum were met by a Customs official who whisked them through the border-entry process in near record time. Once their passports were stamped, they gathered up their carry-on baggage and entered the airport’s main concourse, where CIA director Jackson Barnett and Cal Mosley stood waiting for them.
‘I wondered who expedited our arrival paperwork,’ Kilkenny said as he walked toward Barnett and Mosley.
‘I heard you got a little banged up over there, Nolan,’ Mosley said. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Other than a few dings and some jet lag, I’m fine.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘It’s good to see you again, Mr Kilkenny,’ Barnett said.
Kilkenny reached out and shook Barnett’s extended hand. ‘And you, too, sir. If I may, Dr Lara Avvakum, I’d like to introduce you to Jackson Barnett and Cal Mosley. They were associates of Bart Cooper’s.’
Avvakum smiled and offered her hand. ‘A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. My condolences on your loss.’
‘Thank you, Dr Avvakum, and welcome to the United States,’ Barnett replied, his voice and manner rich with Southern warmth. ‘Bart Cooper was a unique individual whom I, and many other people at the Agency, will dearly miss. On behalf of the CIA, I’d like to thank you both for escorting him home.’
‘It was the least we could do,’ Kilkenny acknowledged.
‘I am certain that you want to get home as quickly as possible, Nolan, and I apologize for the layover that this stop has added to your journey. By way of compensation, I’ve made some dinner reservations for the four of us at an excellent restaurant not too far from here. I hope you don’t mind.’
‘I’m starved,’ Avvakum said, appreciative of Barnett’s gesture.
‘It beats spending a couple of hours waiting here. Are we dressed appropriately?’
