The Backup Asset

…57

Two teams watched the Novachenko residence, waiting for Smolin to make a move. About noon, he left the house, unwrapping a sandwich as he stepped down the five concrete steps in front of his door.

Smolin stretched a little, apparently enjoying the warm sun. Then he started walking casually, continuing to unwrap his food.

He took one bite and chewed it, letting disappointment show on his face.

“That must taste like shit,” one of the agents in the stakeout car commented with a chuckle.

“He, he, Russian cuisine, what would you expect?” his partner replied, and they both laughed.

Smolin wrapped his sandwich, continuing to look disgusted, and disposed of it in the nearest trash can. Then he continued his walk, followed at a safe distance by the two surveillance teams.

Minutes later, a street bum started going through the Dumpster where Smolin had thrown his sandwich. He retrieved it carefully, studied it for a few seconds, then placed it in his pocket and vanished, unseen.