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Disinvestment is unlikely to accuse me of being overly solicitous of the Russians, Mrs. Neville. Rather, you see me as paranoid, demonic." |
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Anna said firmly, "I am not a member of the CCND. I agree with many of their policies, and they have been very helpful to me since my husband was killed. Stop trying to stereotype me. I am an individual, a whole person with a mind of my own. You haven't told me the full story. Do it now. Then I'll decide whether or not to cooperate with you." |
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Vincent Kellner said in a rush of words, "Mrs. Neville, the missile in Hudson Bay was planted by dissidents in Moscow, who would overthrow Cherny's government. Just what part it is or was to play, we don't know. The murder of Pierre Grau and the attempts on your life were also ordered by the same cabal, by the wayfor which I offer my country's most profound apologies. President Caidin, as commander in chief, has warned President Cherny of an impending coup by a faction hostile to continued rapprochement with the West. Should they succeed in their plot, we will consider it an act of war." |
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Nuclear war, Anna thought in a daze. |
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"So you see, you have no other alternative but to remain silent. Should you disregard the request, the resultant uproar might well bring on just the consequence you least desire," Kellner said. |
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"You don't understand women very well, Doctor," she said. "There is always another alternative." |
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Kellner said quietly, "What if the existence of this missile becomes general public knowledge? That not only did the Russians place it in Hudson Bay, but that they bungled it?" |
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Anna glanced at Ian Halloran and noted that a film of perspiration had formed on his upper lip. It was not that warm in the room. The Prime Minister of Canada was afraid. For his political life? No, for the world, if what she had been told was true. |
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"The Canadian armed forces do their best, Mrs. Neville," |
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