Second Strike

CHAPTER 51

^MOSCOW,

^{AUGUST 17, 3:12 A.M. MSK}

After dismissing Stetchkin, Mikhailov retreated to his study and spent several minutes looking out the window at Kremlin Park, thinking about what the world was about to look like. Of one thing he was certain: No matter how it looked, he would be regarded as the most consequential Russian leader since Peter the Great.

A light rap at the door preceded the entry of Mikhailov’s senior aide, Alexei Vasiliev. Like most competent aides, Vasiliev had a good understanding of his boss’s thought processes and tried to anticipate what he would need or do next. Without a prefatory greeting, Vasiliev said, “Stetchkin planned to kill Egorshin?”

“Yes.” Mikhailov turned from the window. “Make a note, Alexei. When this matter is concluded, we must reevaluate Stetchkin. He’s proved valuable. A man with his qualities usually is. But he strikes me as increasingly… odious. The issue of Uganov, for example. That advanced nothing except Stetchkin’s own preferences.”

“Morosov—Egorshin’s uncle—contacted me again a short time ago. He is a sober individual. He provided details of Egorshin’s encounter in Stetchkin’s office. From what Morosov described, Stetchkin is either a peculiar motivator of personnel or dangerously unhinged.”

“Since I have known him he has been both. It seems lately his behavior leans increasingly toward the latter.”

“The Uganov episode was something of a retrogression.”

“Yes, it certainly was. Stetchkin seems to imagine himself a modern-day Beria. If he is not careful, he will come to a similar end.”

“Everyone can use a Beria.”

“Perhaps. Until he becomes a liability. Stetchkin is balancing precariously close to the edge.”

“Morosov agrees.”

“I directed Stetchkin he may take no action unless he is able to certify to me with one hundred percent certainty that the event can proceed without Egorshin. He cannot objectively make such certification.”

Vasiliev nodded. “Egorshin is the architect and the engineer. Without him, the most Stetchkin can guarantee is a ninety percent probability of success.”

“Egorshin is the future. Stetchkin is the past. You may tell your friend Morosov that Stetchkin will not move against Egorshin.”

Vasiliev began to leave but paused at the door and turned to Mikhailov. “May I ask, Mr. President, what the consequences would be if Stetchkin continues to act… odiously?”

A wry smile crossed Mikhailov’s face, as if he were enjoying the prospect. “Then Stetchkin will receive a visit from Taras Bor.”