Black Harvest

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

It was mid-morning the next day. Selena pulled up Bankya on her computer.

"Bankya is an exclusive suburb of Sofia. Lots of ruins, artifacts, mostly pottery and bronze. It has a hotel, hot springs, the old presidential palace. A big tourist draw because of the springs. It's a famous spa and resort. And it has a museum."

"Probably a lot of domes, too," said Ronnie.

Nick had been cleaning his .45. He reassembled it, put it back in the holster and stood. He had a headache.

"Let's get out there and get this over with."

They went down to the lobby, exited the hotel and got in the Peugeot. Arkady Korov watched them leave. He got in his rental and pulled out a safe distance behind. Just another battered gray Renault, one of many. They'd never see him. He followed them out of town. Signs pointed the way to Bankya.

Why Bankya, Arkady wondered. Maybe they were going for the waters.

Earlier he'd spoken with Alexei Ivanovich.

"Gelashvili believes the Americans killed his brother. He's gone after them. He should have arrived in Sofia by now. Sooner or later he will be where they are. Your primary mission is his elimination. The Americans may accomplish that for you."

"Understood."

"Arkady. In this instance, the Americans are a means to an end. Observe them and learn what you can. Do not see them as your enemy."

Korov had said nothing. Orders were orders.