"You either, that guy you took the knife from was probably a trained killer."
Unknown either to Matt, or Natasha, Oleg Karpov was watching every move they made so he could give his daily briefing to President Arkadin.
Meanwhile, Matt called Bill Simpson at midnight every night for his 4pm Washington time update.
Chapter 60
"Come in Colonel Kim, thank you for accepting our hospitality" said President Connolly offering his hand to the shorter North Korean. Kim was dressed in freshly pressed insignia free military fatigues, provided to him at the White house earlier.
"Thank you Mister President, I had no idea this could happen so quickly."
"The words you mentioned to our man in Seoul did the trick, we are aware of the problem, and would appreciate and assistance you can give to us. Let me introduce you to Adam Scott from the CIA who is in charge of the investigation to find these weapons" explained the President.
"We are very pleased to have you here, and we welcome anything at all you can tell us to help avert an international incident of unheard of proportions" replied a grim Scott.
Kim was ready to unload, so he wasted no time getting down to business "The day before yesterday, I read a secure communication intended for our base commander, but was wrongly delivered to me instead of being destroyed. Now I stand before you as I am scared this may backfire on my country."
"The document was from the brother of my commander, who is an aide to the North Korean President. It revealed much more than should have been committed to paper, but unfortunately telephones in my country are not at all secure.
"The document mentioned that a miniature "special" weapon of Russian origin was secured in a boat at a shipyard in the north east of our country, and requested we do reconnaissance flights until it reached international waters. Further on the note mentioned the weapon was a small heavy suitcase."
"Regretfully, the document is two weeks old, so I guess the vessel could be almost anywhere by now. But I have no wish to see my country finish as a burning hole in the ground so here I am."
"Colonel, I know this must have been a huge step for you, and I am glad to offer you asylum here. Adam will see to that as soon as he has conducted a more thorough briefing, just in case you know anything else that may help us."
"Colonel, I have arranged accommodation for you at Langley for a couple of days so we can do the briefing. After that, we have a team that will basically help you get settled anywhere you wish" said Adam Scott.
"Gentlemen, I am glad to be of service, I am honored that you have offered me asylum here, and it is my pleasure to formally accept your offer."
Chapter 61
Natasha and Matt had been met by a driver the next morning. He drove them to the airport, where they boarded a small VIP jet. It was much more civilized than the larger Aeroflot jet that had brought him to Russia.
"Where are we headed" said Matt as soon as they were wheels up.
"St Petersburg" explained Natasha, "this is where our fact finding tour will begin."My father, … oops, I mean Mr. Karpov."
"Hold it" interjected Matt, "did you say your father?"
"I am sorry, this was to be a secret, but yes, he is my father" said Natasha.
"I don’t like surprises, is there anything else you forgot to mention?" Matt was not at all happy.
"Actually, yes there is. My father mentioned that he questioned the base commander in Vladivostok."
"That must have been right before he was shot, right?" speculated Matt.
"That was necessary for our own safety, we needed to arrive unannounced in St Petersburg" said Natasha dryly.
"Ok, maybe, but you could just have locked him up."
"Why should we feed and house a criminal that could have started World War III? My father did the right thing for our nation by putting a bullet in the traitor’s brain" said Natasha.
"The dog was given a choice. To reveal where the weapons went and be given a quick release, or refuse to speak or lie to us, and be tortured, and all his family jailed for the rest of their lives. The Captain made the honorable choice."
"He gave us a name, and that is where we are headed now. The man is a well known mafia figure who owns the most exclusive nightclub in St Petersburg."
"Our cover story is that you are an American oil millionaire here to negotiate access to Russian oil reserves. I am your secretary/guide" explained Natasha.
Shortly afterwards they landed at St Petersburg and were met by a Mercedes limousine and driven to the best hotel in Russia.
Chapter 62
"Ok, I lied about the apartment being the best accommodation you would have in Russia, but it was fun watching you squirm" laughed Natasha as the bellboy showed then to their adjoining rooms.
Matt took a quick tour of the room. It was not quite up to the standard of the Hay Addams in Washington D.C., it was nonetheless of a high standard. There was no plasma screen or fax machine, but it was much better appointed than he had expected.
Already waiting in the cupboard in Matt’s room were some fancy clothes, and a briefcase containing his PC (with his new Yarygin 9mm hidden inside). In addition he had elegant documents showing he was Matthew Harrison a manager with Exxon oil. Natasha was to be his secretary Natalie Laurence.
"I suggest you take a nap, we are going clubbing tonight" said Natasha as she headed for the door. "Be ready for dinner at 8pm wear the Hugo Boss suit."
Sleep closed peacefully for the young American, and the chirping of his mobile phone preset to wake him at seven p.m. aroused him from a peaceful slumber.
He showered, shaved and then dressed in the clothes Natasha had arranged for him. Matt was amazed that they fit quite so well, she was a resourceful woman he thought.
Chapter 63
"Wow, this is better than airline food" said Matt as he scanned the menu. Prices were in US dollars which was a surprise, but not as big a surprise as seeing the cost of the signature appetizer for two, Beluga caviar with a chilled bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal champagne!
They were seated in a rather lovely old world type of restaurant with white jacketed waiters, high back chairs and antique silverware.
Natasha was tastefully dressed in a navy suit, her hair up as usual with no makeup at all. For the first time Matt actually wondered what Natasha would look like if she ever decided to relax and wear something a little more revealing.
"Let’s do a general knowledge test to see who pays the bill" said Natasha playfully. In fact it did not really matter as both had Exxon issued black American Express cards.
"Ok, but I am not that good on Russian history" laughed Matt.
"No problem, let’s go with world history" grinned Natasha.
"Ok" said Matt, "lets give it a try".
"What was the most significant world event in 1776?" asked a serious Natasha.
"Looks like you are paying, that is obviously the signing of the US declaration of Independence" said a proud Matt.
"Looks like you are paying" said Natasha, "wrong answer, maybe the most important in US, but nowhere near the most significant worldwide."
"I give up, give me a clue" said Matt.
"Sure, order the caviar" said Natasha.