The Russian Woman

Chapter 64

Major Petrov was no longer sitting at the desk outside the tall double doors leading into Stepanov's office. He'd been replaced by another man, a Captain, whose name badge identified him as Chernyshevsky. Anya sat on an uncomfortable chair in the outer office, waiting for Stepanov's summons to enter. The doors opened, and General Kerensky emerged. Anya jumped up and came to attention.

"At ease, Colonel."

"Sir."

Kerensky exited.

"You can go in now, Colonel," Chernyshevsky said.

"Thank you, Captain."

Stepanov's office smelled of strong Russian tobacco. Kerensky was a heavy smoker. A cut glass ashtray on Stepanov's desk was filled with butts and ashes. Captain Chernyshevsky closed the doors behind her.

"Sit down, Anya," Stepanov said.

"Sir."

"I asked you to come up here because I wanted to offer my condolences. I was sorry to hear about your mother."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm told it was quick?"

"Yes, sir. She collapsed in front of me."

"That's terrible, my dear. It must have been very upsetting. Take some compassionate leave, if you wish."

"That won't be necessary, sir. I prefer to keep working. It keeps my mind occupied. Besides, my unit is very busy at the moment."

"Good, I was hoping you'd say that. You are about to get busier. The American aggression in Syria forces us to increase our state of readiness. It's more important than ever that things go smoothly with our logistical needs. Once this immediate unpleasantness has passed, I intend to move you into a position of more responsibility. Do you think you're ready for that?"

"You're the best judge of that, sir. I am happy to serve in any capacity."

"Good, good."

Stepanov looked down at his nails then back up at her.

"Perhaps we might have dinner tonight at my apartment."

"I'd like that, Yuri."

"I'll have Gennady pick you up at eight."

"Yes, sir. I'll be ready."

"Then I'll see you this evening."

"Yes, sir."

Anya rose and left the room.

So, another evening of extravagant food, good wine, and bad sex lay in store for her. Stepanov was acting as if everything was normal. It seemed to prove he had decided Ivanov's suspicions were without merit, but she doubted his sincerity. How could he be sincere? He might think Ivanov had been overzealous by dragging her in for interrogation, but he had to wonder if there was any basis to the accusations. The only thing that had saved her was his anger about those awful recordings.

Stepanov had been enraged by the invasion of his privacy. She didn't know where Colonel Ivanov was now, but she hoped it was somewhere unpleasant. If he hadn't stepped so far over the line, she'd probably be locked in a cell somewhere in GRU headquarters.

Riding down on the elevator, Anya thought about what Stepanov had said. About raising the state of readiness. The importance of things going smoothly. It could only mean they expected the Americans to attack, or that they were going to start it themselves.

The naval blockade was having an effect. Shortages of consumer goods were beginning to appear. People were starting to get angry. For the moment their anger was directed at the West, but it wouldn't take much to change that. Tarasov could not allow the populace to turn their anger toward him and his government. He needed to do something to break the blockade, and he needed to do it soon.

Back in her office, Anya tried to focus on her work. By afternoon, she was becoming alarmed. Requests for logistical support and increased supplies were coming from all over. There was only one possible explanation. War was imminent.

It was the excuse she needed to call Michael.