The Atlantis Stone

CHAPTER 33

Alexei Vysotsky's daily intelligence brief contained an article from a Washington newspaper with a photograph of Elizabeth and Hood embracing. The picture caught him by surprise.

How can she be interested in him? He's a lot older than she is…

He read the article, smiling at the implication Elizabeth might be a Russian spy. Alexei had met Elizabeth and liked her. She'd had earned his trust, up to a point. Mutual threats had forced a temporary alliance between them on two occasions. It was an unusual relationship between unlikely opponents. He was sorry she was caught up in a scandal, but she was the opposition. Anything that distracted her was good.

Alexei turned to the next item, a report from Cairo. He sat up straight in his chair.

Harker's people seen on a private research vessel. Now the boat's gone and so are they. They must be following up on the translations…

An hour later Vysotsky stood in front of Orlov's desk. The Federation president wore his usual dark blue suit, accented with a blue and white tie. The color of the tie matched his ice blue eyes. A small Federation flag on his lapel caught the light from an overhead chandelier.

Vysotsky briefed Orlov on events in Egypt.

"What do you propose, General?"

"The Americans are going to the undersea site. We should explore it for ourselves. They can't stop us and we need to know what's there. We have a suitable vessel in Egypt, the R/V Tolstoy. She's civilian, but she'll do what we say."

"Sit down, General." Orlov waved his hand at a nearby chair. Alexei sat.

"I have been skeptical all this talk of Atlantis would lead to much. It's obvious the Americans think it's important. You were right to bring this to me."

Alexei waited.

"Tell me," Orlov said, "how are you getting along with General Volkov these days?"

The question caught Alexei off guard.

"We have little to say to one another, Mister President. About this matter or any other. Routine exchanges of important information continue between our organizations."

"But not between the two of you directly."

"No."

"Volkov is ambitious. Would you agree?"

It was a question with consequences. Whatever Alexei said could be wrong. Orlov had always been good at spotting deception. Alexei decided on the truth.

"Yes, Mister President, I would agree. He wants to bring back the KGB, with himself as director."

"As do you, General."

Alexei's heart thumped in his chest. "I do not deny it. I think it would be more efficient if our services were under one roof again. The difference between General Volkov and myself is that I serve the Motherland with my ambition. He serves only himself."

Orlov nodded. "Had you denied it, you would now be on your way to Lefortovo."

He rose and walked over to one of the tall windows looking out over the Kremlin Gardens. He stood with his back to Alexei and his hands clasped behind his back.

Alexei rose from his chair. Where is this going? What does he want?

"General Volkov's ambition may be as you say. But I require proof." He turned back to face Alexei. "This adventure in Egypt may provide an opportunity."

Alexei had trouble believing what he was hearing. Orlov was giving him permission to take down Volkov, if he could.

"What do you require, Mister President?"

"I want you to form a joint operation. Assign someone from SVR to go to Egypt and report on what happens. I will instruct Volkov to do the same. Your agent should observe what Volkov's operative does. I think Volkov will make a mistake."

"Who is in command?" Alexei asked.

"You are, through your operative. I will make that clear to Volkov. Assign someone with rank."

"I would like to send Captain Antipov. She is familiar with the situation. It's because of her that we know what the Americans are doing."

"An excellent choice. Promote her to Major. That should give her enough authority."

Orlov smiled. There was something predatory about it.

Valentina, Alexei thought, you are moving into dangerous territory.