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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." |
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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." |
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"Of course. I understand. But will you be safe?" |
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"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?" |
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"No. I will not tell. Thank you, Olga," Charlotte said. |
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"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." |
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"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. |
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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. |
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When she had finished, she reached for the telephone and dialed the duty officer at the United States Mission at the United Nations. |
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"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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