own Consular Operations, Paul," replied the Director.
"Godamn it," said the President, "I don't need that crap from you two.
Give me facts. You first, Jim. Since you're so sure of yourself, what have you come up with?" "A great deal." The Director opened the file folder in his hand, took out a sheet of paper, and placed it in front of the President. "We went back fifteen years and put everything we learned about last night into the computers. We cross-checked the concepts of method, location, egress, timing and teamwork. We matched it all with every
known KGB assassination during the period. We've come up with three profiles. Three of the most elusive and successful killers in Soviet intelligence. In each case, of course, the man operates under normal covert procedures, but they're all assassins. We've listed them in order of ex- pertise." The President studied the three names.
Taleniekov, Vasili. Last reported post; Southwest Soviet Sectors.
Krylovich, Nikolai. Last reported post: Moscow, VKR.
Zhukovski, Georgi. Last reported post: East Berlin, Embassy Attach6.
The Secretary of State was agitated; he could not remain silent. "Mr.
President, this kind of speculationbased at best on the widest variables-can only lead to confrontation. It's not the time for it." "Now, wait a minute, Paul," said the President. "I asked for facts, and I don't give a damn whether the time's right or not for a confrontation. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been killed. He may have been a sick son of a bitch in private life, but he was a hell of a good soldier.
If it was a Soviet assassination, I want to know it." The Chief Executive put the paper down on the desk, his eyes still on the Secretary. "Besides," he added, "until more is known, there won't be any confrontations. I'm certain Jim has kept this at the highest level of secrecy." "Of course," said the Director of the CIA.
There was a rapid knock on the Oval Office door. The President's senior communications aide entered without waiting for a response.
"Sir, the Premier of Soviet Russia is on the Red Telephone. We've confirmed the transmission." "Thank you," said the President, reaching for a phone behind his chair.
"Mr. Premier? This is the President." The Russian's words were spoken rapidly, briskly, and at the first pause, an interpreter translated. As was customary, the Soviet interpreter stopped and another voice -that of the interpreter's American counterpart-said simply, "Correct, Mr. President." The four-way conversation continued.
"Mr. President," said the Premier, "I mourn the death -the murder--of General Anthony Blackburn. He was a fine soldier who loathed war, as you and I loathe war. He was respected here, his strength and perception of global problems a beneficial influence on our own military leaders. He will be sorely missed." "Thank you, Mr. Premier. We, too, mourn his deadL His murder. We are at a loss to explain it." "That is the reason for my call, Mr. President. You must know beyond doubt that General Blackburn's death -his murder-would never be desired by the responsible leadership of the Soviet Socialist Republics. If I may, the contemplation of it would be anathema. I trust I make myself clear, Mr. President." "I think so, Mr. Premier, and I thank you again. But if may, are you alluding to the outside possibility of irresponsible leadership?" "No more than those in your Senate who would bomb the Ukraine. Such idiots are dismissed, as they should be." "Then I'm not sure I grasp the subtlety of your phrasing, Mr. Premier." "I shall be clearer. Your Central Intelligence Agency bas produced three names it believes may be involved with the death of General Blackburn.
They are not, Mr. President. You have my solemn word. They are responsible men, held in absolute control by their superiors. In point of fact, one man, Zhukovski, was hospitalized a week ago. Another, Krylovich, has been stationed at the Manchurian border for the past eleven months. And the respected Taleniekov is, for all intents and purposes, retired. He is currently in Moscow." The President paused and stared at the Director of the CIA. "Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Premier, and for the accuracy of your information. I realize it wasn't easy for you to make this call. Soviet intelligence is to be commended." "As is your own. There are fewer secrets these days; some say that is good. I weighed the values, and had to reach you. We were not involved, Mr. President.,, "I believe you. I wonder who it was." "I'm troubled,