The Ajax Protocol-7 by Alex Lukeman

Author:Alex Lukeman [Lukeman, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781496123206
Google: rm97oAEACAAJ
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
Published: 2014-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 33

Alexei Vysotsky was in a foul mood. He was under heavy pressure from Red Square to find out what had happened in Novosibirsk. The Kremlin wanted a scapegoat. Alexei had no intention of playing that role.

His encrypted, private phone signaled a call. Vysotsky looked at the caller ID.

Harker. What now?

He pressed a button under his desk that blanketed the room with electronic interference. In Russia, some things never changed. Though his office was regularly swept for listening devices, Vysotsky assumed it was bugged by the FSB, Russia's internal security apparatus. Even someone in his high position of trust was not beyond suspicion. If FSB suspected he was collaborating with the Americans on his own initiative, his head would be on the block.

"Director Harker," Vysotsky said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your call? Tell me that you have something interesting to share with me."

"Hello, Alexei. I can guarantee your interest but before I continue, I need your word that this conversation will remain between us for the present."

"I'm not sure I can do that, Director."

"Nonetheless, I must insist. I need to discuss a difficult subject that requires the greatest discretion. A mistake on your part or on mine could create serious problems between our countries. Even war."

Vysotsky's dark mood had vanished. All his senses were on alert. He respected Harker, even admired her. She would not make such a request without good reason. She had aroused his professional curiosity, knowing he would be unable to refuse.

Vysotsky was under no illusions about himself. No one achieved his position of power without sacrificing some of his humanity. He was a ruthless man, but he tried to balance that by being an honorable man, within his definition of honor. If he gave his word, he would keep it. It was clear Harker had learned that about him. His estimation of her went up another notch.

"Very well, Director. You have my word."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and plunged in. "I am certain that the events in Novosibirsk were a test run for the deployment of a new weapon."

"An American weapon?"

"Yes. Now you know why your discretion is required."

"We suspected this," Vysotsky said. He felt his blood pressure rising. A tight band seemed to be squeezing his head. With an effort, he controlled himself.

"You tell me it was an American weapon and ask me to keep quiet about it. That is too much, Director. Even from you."

"Hear me out, Alexei. It was not a sanctioned operation. I have discovered a conspiracy against our government. There is a plan to establish a police state here in America. Novosibirsk was a trial run in anticipation of using that weapon on our own people. You need to know about this. Our government is not behind the attack."

For the next 10 minutes, Elizabeth briefed Vysotsky on the raid in Alaska and on what had happened in London. She told him about the Ajax Protocol. When she was done, Vysotsky was silent.

Maybe I should go ahead and let that plot develop, he thought.

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