The Atlantis Stone

CHAPTER 44

Valentina called General Vysotsky and told him what had happened.

"We sent an ROV down. There's nothing left. The pyramid and everything else is gone."

"Der'mo."

"The Americans have sailed."

"We're tracking them," Vysotsky said. "They're heading back to Cairo. The pictures you sent of the writing in that pyramid are being translated as we speak."

"My sister has done that by now. Harker's people will act on whatever they discovered. The Tolstoy is still out of commission. I need to get back to the mainland."

"I agree. A helicopter will retrieve you and Major Rostov. It should arrive within the hour."

"Can't we leave her here?"

"Much as I would like to, it isn't an option. Orlov is watching. He's playing me against Volkov. He also has his eye on you, to see how you handle the situation. You're stuck with Rostov for now."

"What are my orders? "

"This mission has been a fiasco for Rostov. The only thing she has to show for the deaths of her men are those pictures. If they provide new information to lead to the archive, the two of you will pursue it. In that case her best chance to redeem herself with Volkov is to sabotage us. You will be there to stop her."

"I understand."

"You will arrive in Egypt before the Americans. Follow them. Do not allow yourself to be seen. If Rostov interferes, eliminate her. If you do, make sure it looks like an accident. You understand?"

"Yes."

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, sir."

"That's better. Keep me informed."

Valentina put her phone away as Rostov approached.

"I have just spoken with General Volkov," Rostov said. "It seems we must continue working together."

"A helicopter is coming for us."

"So he told me."

"We'll be waiting for the Americans when they arrive," Valentina said. "What they do next will determine our own actions."

"A sensible plan."

"I'm glad you agree. For now we will observe."

"And if they have found the archive?"

"Then they will go there and we will follow them," Valentina said.

"And then?"

"What do you think we should do, Rostov?"

"Once we're certain they are in the right place, we should intervene."

"Intervene?"

"We can't let them send anything back."

"How do you propose to stop them?"

"If necessary, we kill them."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you? Has it occurred to you that there will be retaliation if we kill them?"

"There's nothing the Americans can do. There may be a few incidents with our operatives outside the country. Of course that has more significance for your department than for mine. Aside from that, nobody's going to start a war because of a few dead spies."

Rostov smiled at her.

"I can see you don't like the idea. Is it because your sister is among them? I'm sure Moscow would be interested to see you put loyalty to an American spy above patriotism."

"Do not question my loyalty, Rostov. If I were you, I'd be more concerned about losing everyone under your command. It shows bad judgment. But that's nothing new for you."

"You think Vysotsky can protect you," Rostov said. "You could be right. But what if you aren't? You have much to learn, Antipov."

We'll see who has much to learn, Valentina thought.

In the distance she heard the throp throp throp of a helicopter approaching.