“No. Not the decision to see reunification for the Ukraine.”
Anna stopped herself short of challenging the term.
“That decision was made by President Nevsky. Your father only figured out the best ways to do this thing. Being your father has never been easy.”
In a little while, the soup was ready. Her mother heated up pirozhki, small buns stuffed with meat, rice, and onion, and boiled eggs with dill—which were Anna’s favorite—that she had made earlier in anticipation of the dinner. They sat and ate and pretended nothing was wrong in the world as they made small talk about the neighbors that Anna remembered.
As they were clearing dishes, Layla Teneen called. Anna excused herself and stepped around the corner.
“I have gotten you listed as an Afghani diplomatic courier, which will make your travel easier. It was the best I could do on such short notice.” Layla sounded as tired as Anna felt.
“You’re a miracle worker, Layla. Thank you. How soon can I leave?”
“There is a flight leaving in a couple hours if you want to try for that one. Otherwise, there is another tomorrow afternoon. Your credentials will be waiting for you at the airport.”
“I will take the one tonight.”
“All right, but the flight is a cargo plane. Some of the Afghan museum exhibits there in Moscow are being flown to museums in Athens.”
“That is fine. Do you know where Professor Lourds is?”
“Just that he is in Athens as well.” Layla’s curiosity was piqued. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I have tried his phone several times and he has not answered.”
Layla laughed. “For Thomas, that is not unusual. When he is working, sometimes he forgets to eat. He becomes totally focused.”
Thinking of the diamond engagement ring she’d seen, Anna wondered how that would work out. “It can be awfully hard to live with someone who is so focused.”
“I am afraid I am just as culpable in that. That is why I have a personal assistant to keep me on track.”
Anna laughed. “When I see Professor Lourds, I’ll let him know you’re expecting him to call.”
“No. Not at the moment. I am still putting out fires in my own work. Just tell him I am thinking of him, and when he gets time, he should let me know how he is doing.”
“I will. And thank you.” Anna hung up the phone and went to give her mother the news that she would be leaving, not spending the night as she had thought. After the past few days she’d had, the thought of spending the night in her old bedroom had been appealing.
***
Moscow International Airport
Cargo Area
“This is a ridiculous time of night to be leaving, Anna.” Katrina Cherkshan was clearly not happy with her daughter’s decision. “And to be loaded through the cargo like you are livestock?” She shook her head. “I have a good mind to call your editor and talk to him about the way you are being treated.”
“Mother, this is the first flight out.”
“And why Greece? Why could you not stay in Moscow? You only just got back today.”
“Because I must go where the story takes me, Mother. This is what I do.”
Her mother followed the checkpoint signs and finally arrived at her destination inside the security compound. Russian soldiers stood on duty, their numbers doubled since the “reunification” of the Ukraine had begun.
From what Anna had learned, there were already protests going on inside the city. Most of them were quickly—and harshly—dealt with by military and police forces.
Katrina got out of the car and hugged her daughter goodbye, then held her at arm’s length. She hesitated for a moment, then took a breath. “Be careful, Anna. These are troubled times. Watch your step and return safely to us.”
“I will, Mother.” Anna hugged her mother one last time, then headed for the security gate. When she looked back, her mother was already in the car and driving away.
Steeling herself, ignoring the anxious feeling growing in her stomach, Anna went to retrieve her credentials and check in for her flight.
***
Grand Kremlin Palace
Moscow
Russian Federation
February 21, 2013
Andrew Fremenko hurried through the long halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace to President Nevsky’s suite. Although the Russian presidents usually lived in the Senate Building—called the First Building—not far away, Nevsky had never stayed there. He had chosen the alternate home of the presidents and made no excuse for it.
Fremenko was one of President Nevsky’s personal assistants. More precisely, Fremenko was the president’s spymaster when it came to keeping his eye on everyone