|
|
|
|
|
|
Caidin rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply. "All right, then, let's get with it." He set his lips and frowned, then walked to the console and sat down. "I'm ready." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The head and shoulders of Aleksandr Cherny suddenly appeared on the screen before them, larger than life. He was a true Slav, with a broad face and a rosy complexion; his usual expression was cheerful, friendly, and slightly quizzical. Today his face was gray and drawn, and his thinning hair was rumpled. His pale blue eyes were swollen and red. He had never been a fashion plate, but his clothes looked as if they had been slept in. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charlotte drew in her breath; this man was under great emotional strain. Part would stem from David Milstein's death, the rest possibly from some knowledge about the conspiracy. Cole Caidin could advise Cherny tactfully of the full scale of the Soyuz plot. But her heart sank when she heard the tone of voice Caidin adopted to address the Russian President. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Mr. President," Caidin said, leaning toward the camera for emphasis, "I am dispensing with diplomatic niceties today, because a crisis is pending in your country. You may believe that we are interfering with a matter that is strictly internal. But I would like to make it clear to you that American interests are deeply involved, as well." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The expression on Cherny's face changed from weariness to irritation. Vincent Kellner winced at the hectoring tone of voice Caidin was using. You'll only make it worse, you fool, he thought angrily. Kellner knew what Caidin had never realized: that Cherny had never felt an affinity with Cole Caidin. They were of different generations, different backgrounds. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cherny said in his precise, heavily accented English, "I am listening, Mr. President. Please tell me what it is that so engages your concern that you should call at this hour." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Are you satisfied with the security of your communications arrangements, Aleksandr Borisovich?" Caidin asked abruptly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Cherny stared back without answering immediately, |
|
|
|
|
|