Part 22 (2/2)
”And how do you feel about that?”
”I speak to them most weeks. Their members.h.i.+p in the cell still means a great deal to them. I'd be willing to put it to them.”
”I know it's too late for you to speak to the other four tonight, but it's only six in the evening in New York. I'm not trying to put any pressure on you, but time is of the essence. Could you speak to them tonight? No point in me calling, I'm nothing to them.”
”I was always the leader, Daniel, guiding them as I saw fit. As far as I'm concerned, though, the show of hands has to be one hundred percent and nothing less. I have only four to stand in front of now, and if we are to agree to your plan of campaign against Ferguson and his people, it is logical that I should speak to Barry and Flynn. But I must make one thing clear. If we agree and they don't, all bets are off.”
”Yes, I can see that. I can also see that I'm in your hands on this. By the way, I haven't asked about your weapons status.”
”We were well supplied with small arms, explosives, bomb-making parts. It was a while ago, of course, but it should all still be under lock and key in a large cupboard in the presbytery wine cellar. I'm going to go now, Daniel, think out my approach and speak to Barry and Flynn. If I'm lucky, I might even find them together. You must be tired. You were, after all, in Moscow this morning. I'll speak to you tomorrow.”
And she was right. Suddenly, he felt bushed. He poured a whiskey for a nightcap, drank it while peering out of the window. So far, so good, but tomorrow was another day. And he went to bed.
The following day, Chekhov phoned him just after breakfast. ”Daniel, my friend, how goes it?” Chekhov phoned him just after breakfast. ”Daniel, my friend, how goes it?”
”It goes very well. Where are you?”
”In my apartment. Infinitely preferable to Moscow, I'll tell you. To look out of my window at Hyde Park warms my heart. I love this city.”
”Did Lermov say good-bye nicely?”
”Frankly, I think he's more interested in his trip to New York than in your enterprise at the moment. I believe he takes it as a sign of great favor from the Prime Minister.”
”You surprise me. I would have imagined him above that sort of thing.”
”I'm a true cynic in such matters. People like Lermov, men of huge brain and much learning, often express contempt for the grace-and-favor aspect of success until it's offered to them. I suppose he would love to be a general, if you see my point. Of course, what would really seal it for him would be your success with the business at hand. Can you tell me what's happening?”
Holley had no reason not to. ”I went to church, in a manner of speaking, and saw the lady in question. She embraces the idea of activating her cell, listened to what I told her of Ferguson and company, and d.a.m.ned them all. She can't stop hating the British, Max. Her father was killed in front of her when she was ten, her mother raped.”
”It sounds like something out of a Bosnian nightmare,” Chekhov said. ”What do the members of the cell say?”
”I'm waiting to hear. The only problem is that two of them had to clear off to New York with the law breathing down their necks.”
”So what are you going to do?”
”Well, everything obviously depends upon what her people decide, but, if it's favorable, I think I'm going to need your help.”
”In what way?” Chekhov asked.
Holley explained about Barry and Flynn, and when he was finished Chekhov said, ”Where would I come in?”
”The way I see it, one of them will hit Blake Johnson in Quogue and the other take Miller in New York. This guy you employ at Belov . . . Potanin, I think his name was?”
”Mikhail Potanin. What about him?”
”The impression you gave me was that he was capable of anything. I'd like him to monitor Barry and Flynn. Don't even try to say no, Max. I know the way you oligarchs rose to power, and it was on the backs of a lot of men like Potanin.”
”So who's arguing? Let's see first if Barry and Flynn agree, and, if so, I'll put it in Potanin's lap.”
”I'll be in touch the moment I hear. Is Ivanov in?”
”Making himself at home. He'll have all week to make his move until Lermov gets in at the weekend. He's too eager, that boy.”
Half an hour later, Caitlin called. ”How are you?” she asked. ”Did you have a good night?” Caitlin called. ”How are you?” she asked. ”Did you have a good night?”
”More to the point, did you?”
”Daniel, they went for it hook, line, and sinker. Flynn lives in Greenwich Village, but Barry has a staff flat at the Refuge. I called him first, and Flynn was with him. Barry put the telephone on speaker, and I was able to discuss it with both of them. They admitted to having done contract work in the past.”
”There's an old Yorks.h.i.+re saying: 'I don't mind a thief as long as he's an honest thief.' From the sound of them, they'll do for me. The Refuge where Barry has staff quarters, I take it they have computer facilities?”
”Of course.”
”Look up Harry Miller online and you'll find a photo of him walking along a London street. Send Barry a copy. While I have you, you can give me their addresses and mobile numbers.”
”Is that necessary?”
”I can't do everything through you, Caitlin, it'll just be too c.u.mbersome and ineffective. Besides, I've just arranged for someone to monitor them and see to their general welfare. He'll make sure they're all right.”
She did as he asked, and he wrote the information down. ”When is your meeting?”
”Six tonight.”
”Do you want me there?”
”Not really, Daniel. I've been their leader for so long, and the cell is a tight unit psychologically. I think it would be better if you told me what you wanted them to do, and I'll pa.s.s it on.”
”Fine. I'll allocate the tasks and get a taxi up to the church later this afternoon to give them to you. That means if they do say yes, you can tell them what's expected of them. If they say no, then simply put the stuff in your office shredder. I'll phone you when I'm on the way.”
”Daniel, are you sure?”
”Time is going to be very tight. Friday will be a big day and night both here and in New York. If you're going to get anywhere with them, remind them of their years of serving the cause, appeal to their patriotism. Ferguson and his people are the enemy. You've got to sell it.”
”I will, Daniel.”
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