Black Harvest

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Come."

The man who entered Alexei Ivanovich Vysotsky's office was tall. He wore a dark blue suit. He moved with contained energy, like a controlled explosion. He was handsome in a hard way, with blond hair cropped close to his skull. A small enameled flag of the Russian Federation gleamed on his jacket lapel. There was a small scar on his chin.

His eyes were cold blue, the eyes of a man who knew what he was and was afraid of nothing. He had the kind of military look found on recruiting posters. A hint of reddish shadow colored his jaw. His name was Arkady Korov.

He was dedicated and intelligent and lethal, everything an officer of Zaslon was supposed to be. If you wanted a robot there were plenty who could fill that role, but Korov wasn't one of them. He was perfect for the job Alexei had in mind. Korov reached the desk and snapped to attention. Vysotsky carried the rank of Major General.

"At ease, Major." Alexei gestured at a chair in front of the desk.

Korov sat. Alexei handed him an Interpol report of an incident in Greece involving an American woman and Georgian criminals. Interpol thought it was a foiled attempt at kidnapping and ransom. The report stated the woman was wealthy. She was. It didn't mention the Project, but Alexei was aware of Selena's real role.

"What do you think of this?"

Korov scanned the document. "Zviad's brother, Bagrat. This seems to be a kidnapping that went wrong."

"You find nothing odd?"

"Several things. Why Greece or kidnapping? It doesn't fit Gelashvili's pattern. It says one died and Bagrat is seriously injured. How would a woman defeat these men? Bagrat is as bad as his brother. He's an animal, very strong."

Alexei was pleased. "Exactly. The woman is not what she appears to be. She is part of an elite American intelligence group."

Korov raised an eyebrow. "What is she doing in Greece?"

"Looking for treasure. Or perhaps something else."

"Treasure?"

"She is following a trail that has been cold for a very long time." Alexei told Korov about the tablets and murder of three prominent American virologists.

"What will happen now that Gelashvili failed?"

"That is what you are going to find out, Arkady."

Korov noted the use of his first name. It told him this assignment was important. Vysotsky opened a desk drawer, took out a bottle of vodka and two glasses. He poured.

"Na Z'drovnya." To your health. The men drank.

"I need more information. That is where you come in."

"Why are the Americans involved?"

"I don't know. This group is not like other American intelligence units. They are mobile and unrestricted, much as we are. If they're pursuing this there is fire behind the smoke. It is a complication, no more. My concern is Gelashvili. If the Americans bring him down, so much the better. Who knows, perhaps they will help you. Maybe you should look them up and introduce yourself."

Korov didn't smile.

"It's a joke, Major. But in this case, there may be a common goal."

Korov waited.

Alexei thought for a moment. "I think Bagrat Gelashvili will suffer complications from his injuries, even fatal ones."

Korov nodded. He didn't need to ask how that might be accomplished while Bagrat was in police custody. It would be up to him to arrange the details.

"You will proceed at once to Greece." Alexei handed Korov a packet. "You leave at 15:30 hours. This contains your legend, tickets, passport, money, driver's license and Bagrat's present location. Our contact in Athens will provide any weapons and supplies you require. Take care of Bagrat. Investigate. Find out anything you can about the Americans. You have full freedom to pursue your mission in any way you think fit."

Korov knew if anything went wrong, he would be blamed. On the other hand, he had all the freedom he needed to succeed. He smiled.