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Page 234
homeland. The world really was growing smaller. "Please remember that you are welcome to stay here. It might be safer until we can make other arrangements for you."
Olga had drunk about a quarter of her glass of tea, then put it down, pushing it away. She said firmly, "I follow instructions of my ambassador, Madame Conroy. Only that. I do not defect."
"Of course. I understand. But will you be safe?"
"Yes. I hope so. My friends have helped, so that no one knows of my visit." She stood, still nervous, anxious to be gone. A fearful thought struck her, and she asked urgently, "You will not tell, please?"
"No. I will not tell. Thank you, Olga," Charlotte said.
"Good morning, madame." She paused for a moment and then asked in a far less certain voice: "Did I do correct thing, Madame Ambassador? I want to help Ambassador Abramov."
"You did exactly the right thing," Charlotte said. "Nathan will be grateful." She felt as if a hand had squeezed her heart. If he is still alive, she thought.
When the girl was gone, Charlotte Conroy went swiftly into her study and seated herself at her desk. She looked at the envelope Olga Vetsayeva had brought her for a long moment before she broke the seals. As she read, chills ran up and down her spine.
When she had finished, she reached for the telephone and dialed the duty officer at the United States Mission at the United Nations.
"This is Ambassador Conroy. Get me a flight to Washington on the early shuttle and then put me through directly to Dr. Vincent Kellner's home. I want the call to have top security." She was amazed at how calm she sounded, under the circumstances. Nathan, dear Nathan . . . Then she cast sentiment aside. Her professional responsibilities came first now. Her task at this moment was to announce to her colleagues in the Caidin Administration that a period of Russian-American cooperation was coming to an end.

 
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