Blackmail

60 SOCHI, RUSSIA

It was dark by the time Semyon Gorev’s Falcon executive jet landed at Sochi International Airport. During the flight, Gorev examined Christine O’Connor’s file in more detail. She wasn’t an undercover agent; there was no indication she had received field training or had ties to the CIA. It seemed Christine was one of the unluckiest women in the world, however, frequently ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time. An SVR field agent would’ve had to work hard to end up in the predicaments Christine found herself in during her stint as America’s national security advisor.

After the aircraft coasted to a halt, Gorev and two SVR agents descended onto the tarmac, where they were met by a sedan. Gorev pulled his cell phone from his jacket and dialed Chernov, but the call went directly to voice mail. He contacted Gorev’s security detail, who relayed that Chernov and O’Connor had retired for the night.

Chernov had survived lunch and dinner with Christine, and Gorev wondered if his concern was misplaced. With only suspicion and no proof, Gorev decided to allow Chernov a few moments alone with the beautiful American. A more detailed discussion with Christine would be required, which he would conduct once he arrived at the villa. With the airport only a kilometer from the coast, he would be there in a few minutes.