The Persona Protocol - By Andy McDermott Page 0,51
in the first place, we’re being given the chance to follow up on it and prove the Persona Project’s worth.’ He looked over at Harper and Sternberg, who were standing with their respective aides between them like human barricades. ‘So, as of now, our mission is: find out what Operation Lamplighter is, and stop it. Start thinking, people.’
‘Snatch team,’ said Baxter, who was standing near the front of the audience. ‘We go in and grab Zykov like we did Syed.’
‘If it were that easy, you’d already be on a plane to do it,’ said Morgan, shaking his head. ‘Zykov isn’t a small-timer like Toradze. He’s . . . connected. He’s former FSB, and still has close links to the Russian secret service – and also the Russian government. At very high levels. As you can see from the photo, he’s also paranoid enough to have constant protection from bodyguards, most of whom are also former FSB. His dacha outside Moscow is like a fortress. Grabbing him by force would be tough – and if anything went wrong, it would cause a serious diplomatic incident between Russia and the US.’
Sternberg spoke. Even though his voice was quiet and calm, it dominated everyone’s attention. ‘The President has made it clear that cannot be allowed to happen. Any operation in Russia will be under condition of maximum deniability.’
‘Sounds like we’re being disavowed,’ Kyle muttered to Levon.
Levon nodded. ‘Your mission, which you don’t have a choice about accepting . . .’
‘There may be a way to catch him outside Russia, though,’ Tony told the room. ‘According to his file, he’s a serious gambler. He’s often dropped half a million dollars or more on poker games. And usually won.’
Kyle whistled appreciatively. ‘Dude’s a real player.’
‘NSA also went through all Zykov’s other communications and found that two days from now, he’s going to be in Macau. There’s a regular high-stakes VIP game at the Imperial Casino there – quarter of a million dollars minimum buy-in. And he’s buying in. That’s where he’ll be vulnerable. Macau is Chinese territory, and he won’t be able to call on the kind of backup he can in Russia.’
Sternberg cleared his throat. ‘Deniability of operations extends to China just as much as to Russia. The State Department is not willing to jeopardise the current round of trade talks.’
‘For God’s sake, Alan,’ growled Harper. ‘How the hell are we supposed to operate if State keeps sticking its nose in? We’re at the sharp end here.’
‘I’m aware of that, Gordon, but State had to patch up the tears the sharp end made in our relationship with the Pakistanis after the last STS mission. They don’t want to have to do it again with Russia or China. And that’s direct from the President. State’s still in shock after Sandra Easton’s assassination – and the international situation is already tense enough without American agents causing a diplomatic incident.’
Morgan was unhappy with the development, but had no choice but to take it on board. ‘So, we need a deniable plan, then. Suggestions?’
Levon raised a hand. ‘Are we talking a straightforward grab, like Mr Baxter wants, or do we need this guy to stay oblivious?’
‘The latter would be better,’ said Morgan. ‘If Zykov’s contacts realise we got to him, they might go underground, and take Lamplighter with them. If al-Rais is willing to pay seven million dollars for it, he’ll be able to find another middleman to replace Zykov. And we might not know who that middleman is until it’s too late.’
Bianca hesitated before speaking, feeling extremely self-conscious and out of place. ‘Ah . . . what else do you know about this Zykov?’ All eyes turned to her. ‘You said he was paranoid – was that based on any specific assessment, or just because he’s got six guys with no necks surrounding him?’
Kiddrick was about twelve feet from her, but his mutter of ‘So now we’re listening to the hired help?’ was perfectly audible. Others also voiced similar feelings, though more quietly.
Tony stared them down. ‘Dr Childs makes a good point. He is paranoid, yes – because people really are out to get him. He has friends in high places, but he’s also made a lot of enemies. His file – and criminal record – says he’s prone to violence. He’s even attacked close friends because they did something to make him mad.’
‘Sounds like a nice guy,’ Bianca said sarcastically. ‘But could you use that against him? Do something that makes him mad enough to drop