The Invisible City: A Tom Wagner Adventure by Roberts M.C. & Maclay R.F

Author:Roberts, M.C. & Maclay, R.F.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

40

Nizhny Novgorod

Hellen, Arthur and Father Fjodor sat in their small rental car and looked at the office building across the street. Father Fjodor, who knew the streets of Nizhny Novgorod well and refused to just sit and wait at the hotel, had appointed himself chauffeur. His father’s life was on the line, and he wanted to help.

Hellen had done a little online research of her own and, with Father Fjodor’s help—Google Translate had been no help at all—had managed to find their destination on the internet. She had discovered that, prior to being bought by the Welshman, the castle had been partly converted to a hotel. Before that, it had stood empty for decades. Even further back in its history, it had served as a hospital in both the First and Second World Wars. A local architectural office had been commissioned to transform the run-down castle into a hotel, but a lack of money and guests had opened the way for a foreign investor on good terms with local corrupt politicians. Berlin Brice had bought the place for a pittance, and done God only knew what with it since.

After analyzing the satellite images more precisely, Tom had concluded that Brice had surrounded the entire estate with electric fences that traced the route of the old walls.

Hellen’s and Arthur’s plan was to find the original plans of the castle, in hopes of finding an alternative way to get inside.

“Let’s go. Time is pressing,” Hellen said, and she climbed out of the car. She and Arthur crossed the street together. Reluctantly, Father Fjodor stayed in the car.

The Mostostroi Architecture and Construction Company had its offices on the top floor of the modest building. As Hellen and Arthur walked from the elevator toward the glass door, it was clear to both of them that they were not in London or New York. The reception area was small and stuffy. The secretary at the reception desk took a long drag on her cigarette and coughed. When she saw Hellen and Arthur approaching, she quickly stubbed out the cigarette and sprayed air freshener around wildly.

“Dobry den,” the young woman said, forcing a smile.

“Hello. Do you speak English?” Hellen said.

“Yes. How can I help you?” the woman replied with a strong accent.

“My name is Hellen de Mey. I work for Blue Shield, a partner of UNESCO. We would like to speak to one of your engineers, Mr. Mischa Kusnezov. UNESCO is considering adding Sheremetev Castle in Yurino to its list of World Heritage sites. I would like to discuss this with Mr. Kusnezov as soon as possible.”

The secretary did her best to take in every word, but Hellen could see that the simultaneous translator in her head was suffering a slight delay. But at the word UNESCO, the woman straightened up a little, and when she saw Hellen’s Blue Shield ID, she jumped to her feet.

“Of course. At once! Please have a seat.”

“It is very urgent,” Hellen said, and she let herself be shooed into the waiting area only with great reluctance.

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