Second Strike

CHAPTER 80

^MOSCOW,

^{AUGUST 18, 9:30 P.M. MSK}

The distraction was complete.

Mikhailov had gotten the news directly from Bor only minutes after the bomb had exploded outside the White House. Vasiliev had also relayed reports from intelligence officers stationed near the blast. Although it was far too early for accurate estimates, the casualties were likely to be in the dozens, including members of the White House press corps. That fact alone ensured it would be a major story. But combined with the earlier bomb at Union Station, the story was already building to immense proportions—so immense that nearly every intelligence resource at America’s disposal was being trained on the twin events, just as Mikhailov had expected. The media was already reporting the events as the work of jihadists.

Mikhailov hadn’t touched the vodka Vasiliev had provided. As with Egorshin, the presence of the alcohol served as a security blanket. The plan was on pace and progressing nicely. He needed nothing but his own resolve to calm his nerves.

Mikhailov tapped a key on his phone, and moments later Vasiliev entered the room.

“It is almost time, Alexei. Tell Stetchkin to give Volkov the order.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“We should expect verification of the results almost immediately, correct?”

“Yes, Mr. President. It should be a matter of minutes.”

“Upon receipt of verification, relay my authority to all responsible officers to proceed with their respective campaigns.”

Vasiliev smiled. Finally it was under way. “Yes, Mr. President. Anything else?”

Mikhailov lifted the glass of vodka from the table next to him as if he were handling a used tissue. “And take this with you.”