Black Harvest

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

April in Washington. The day was sunny and warm, in the high 60s. Ronnie had shifted to summer mode. He wore a bright blue Hawaiian shirt with surfboards all over it, green Dockers and a tan linen jacket that concealed his Glock. He'd gone for Oakley wraparounds and a hat that would have pleased Frank Sinatra. Winter, Ronnie dressed dull. The sun brought out another side of him.

Ronnie and Nick waited for Korov in front of the Marriott. He came out of the entrance and headed straight for them. They would have guessed what Korov did for a living even if they didn't already know.

"He's armed." Ronnie gestured. "Figures. Probably diplomatic pouch."

"He's got the look."

"Yeah he does."

Korov stopped in front of them. He was about the same height as Nick, about the same weight. He had the same tension in the way he moved. Something about the eyes said this man didn't miss much.

"So. You are Carter and Peete." He didn't offer to shake hands.

"Car's over there." They walked to Ronnie's black Hummer and got in. No one spoke on the drive to Virginia.

In the parking lot Korov eyed the anonymous gray office building that housed the Project. Noted the antennas clustered on the roof.

"You have added a few." Nick and Ronnie glanced at each other. Game on. They walked to the entrance.

"You'll have to leave your weapon at the door. You'll get it back when you leave."

"And yours?"

"I work here. I get a pass."

Korov shrugged. He took the Drotik from his holster and handed it to the security guard.

"That what you used in Bulgaria?" Ronnie studied the odd pistol.

"It is."

"Maybe you could show it to us later."

"Of course. Now that we are working together."

They got in the elevator. Half way up, Nick pushed the stop button.

"Before we go in. Neither one of us is happy about this."

Korov nodded.

"This is my team. You take orders from me. Understood?"

"Of course. We are both professionals. I read your file, Carter. We have much in common."

Nick wasn't surprised there was a file about him somewhere in Moscow.

"We need to make this work. I'm going to try. How about you?"

For the first time Korov smiled. "Honesty is good. Yes. I will try."

"Good enough." Nick pushed the button again. The elevator rose.

Selena, Stephanie and Lamont waited with Elizabeth in Harker's office. No one got up as Korov came in.

"Major Korov. I am Director Harker. Please sit down." She indicated a chair. She didn't introduce the others. Nick and Ronnie sat down on the couch.

"Getting crowded in here," Lamont said. Harker gave him a warning look.

"What are your instructions, Major? We'd all like to know."

"My orders are to cooperate with you in every way. I am to place myself under your command for the duration of this assignment. General Vysotsky showed me the video of your CIA Director."

"Then you understand our concern."

"I do. We have a mutual goal."

"How do you feel about being here? Working with us?"

"I'll be blunt. I have mixed feelings." Korov's English was excellent. "I never expected to work with Americans. I was raised to see your country as the enemy. As you were regarding the Motherland."

She opened a folder on her desk. Turned it so Korov could see. His picture was prominent. The folder contained a full history. Family, education, military service. The date he'd been recruited to Spetsnaz. His assignment to the non-existent Zaslon. Commendations for heroism under fire. Evaluations from superior officers.

If Korov was surprised, he gave no sign.

Harker closed the folder. "Your record speaks for itself. You have the skills. My question to you is if you can give us your total commitment."

"I've been ordered to do so."

"That's not what I asked."

"I will do my best."

Harker waited for the others.

"We spoke in the elevator," Nick said. "I'm willing to put him in the loop."

"Likewise." That was Ronnie.

"Selena?"

"Yes." She watched Korov. A flicker of surprise on his face.

"Lamont?"

He shrugged. "Okay."

Stephanie nodded.

"All right. That's settled."

Korov knew what had happened. He just hadn't expected it.

"If one of you had said no, would I now be on my way back to Moscow?"

"You would."

"This will be interesting."

Nick couldn't resist. "You can count on it."