The Kremlin Phoenix by Renneberg Stephen

Author:Renneberg, Stephen [Renneberg, Stephen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Stephen Peter Renneberg
Published: 2013-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

* * * *

The sentry at the barracks gate leaned toward the window of Karmanov’s car. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Yes, we’re here to see General Zharkev?” Valentina said, flashing her SK investigator’s ID at him.

The sentry, a fresh faced private barely twenty years old, looked at their identity cards uncertainly. “Is the General expecting you?”

“No,” Karmanov said sharply, “But he’ll see us. It’s a very confidential matter which we can only discuss with the General.”

The sentry looked uncomfortable. The dealings of Generals were far beyond his understanding, but even a simple private knew Sledkom’s growing reputation for pursuing corruption, even among those formerly immune to prosecution due to their high office or personal wealth. Zharkev was widely regarded as a committed and honest officer, but now the private wondered whether the General was facing disgrace. The mere thought of being embroiled in such a scandal unnerved the young infantryman.

“I can’t admit you without permission,” he said helplessly.

“Ring the General and get permission,” Karmanov said in a tone that indicated he was not about to be deflected.

“Yes, sir.” The young soldier stepped back into his sentry box and picked up the telephone.

“I hope this works,” Karmanov whispered.

The sentry returned to the car. “The General’s adjutant will see you. Building 34B.” He handed Karmanov an entry pass.

They drove through into the Parachute Division’s base, past rows of white barracks, to Divisional Headquarters. Inside, the adjutant greeted them with guarded irritation.

“What is your business with the General?”

“It’s regarding a confidential investigation,” Karmanov replied.

“Investigations concerning military personal, are conducted by the Advocate General. You have no–”

“Not all investigations,” Valentina corrected. “This is not a matter the General would want us to discuss with anyone but him.”

Karmanov showed his identity card. “I am the Chief Criminal Investigator of the Central Investigation Department.” He leaned forward with a touch of menace. “I suggest you call the General immediately, before we have to resort to more serious measures.”

The adjutant straightened, uncertain what he was dealing with. “Wait here,” he snapped, then walked stiffly to the General’s door, and entered. A minute later, he appeared. “General Zharkev will see you.”

“Thank you,” Valentina said, while Karmanov barely acknowledged the adjutant, playing his role to the end.

When they entered, General Zharkev looked up from his desk. “Yes?” he asked without preamble, clearly not in the least threatened or intimidated.

Karmanov closed the door, ensuring no prying ears could hear what they were about to discuss. “My apologies for the ruse, General. We’re here at the request of the Prime Minister.”

General Zharkev put his pen down and sat back in his chair. “Really? Gundarovsky sent you? Why?”

“The Prime Minister knows you’re a honest man, and that you’re a personal friend of the President,” Valentina said. “He wishes you to know the President has not suffered a heart attack, as the media are reporting, but has been illegally arrested. You see, General, there is a coup d’état underway.”

Zharkev scowled. “Nonsense! I would have heard if such a thing were happening.”

“Sir,” Karmanov said, “The Prime Minister narrowly escaped arrest this morning.

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