by AK Leigh
* * *
Andrei took a sip of his coffee and stared out at the morning sunshine. He had been unable to settle his thoughts about Nina. If she hadn’t been put on the team as an undercover operative, he’d drink all the vodka in Russia. In one sitting. Warm!
Not that he had any issue if that was the real reason. He wasn’t exactly in a position to have a go at her about lying. Firstly, it was her duty. He understood that obligation better than most. Secondly, they hadn’t had a conversation about it, so it wasn’t technically a lie. Again he’d omitted information from her. Plenty of it. Thirdly, if his suspicions that she was on an undercover assignment were correct, they were on the same team … in more than one way.
She might not be lying … but you are. Just like before.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. What the hell was he supposed to do? Each day that went by just made him more confused. He was supposed to gather information from Nina, but not get too close; he wasn’t supposed to know that she was probably working on the same mission as him, but he did; he also had his new mission to complete, but it seemed to be the least of his worries right now; then there was the small matter of finding enough time in between all the other obligations to train … and win a medal!
‘I’ll be glad when this whole thing is over.’
He frowned when an intuitive tug in his stomach told him it hadn’t even begun.
Chapter 14
Nina’s body tensed the moment she saw him for her first Thursday afternoon training session. How was she supposed to behave with him? If she admitted she knew he had a criminal past, it would look suspicious. That information could only be gained by digging. Any possible spy worthy of the title would see a red flag with that. If she acted overly friendly with him after the way their last encounter had ended, that would cause another alarm bell. He knew her better than that.
Before she could come up with a clear strategy, he approached her with an uncertain smile and greeted, ‘Hello.’
‘Hi.’ She could barely look at him. The situation was even more confusing now.
Seeming not to notice, he settled into a spot beside her on the bench she was sitting on.
They sat in silence for a moment, then he faced her and asked, ‘I didn’t get a chance to ask how the police force has been treating you these days?’
She tilted her face and said, ‘Good …’ That was all she’d planned on answering, until she spotted the genuine interest in his eyes. He wasn’t asking just to be polite or make small talk. He was attempting to be civil. Like they’d agreed. ‘I’m actually up for a promotion, which will give me a lot more time to work on the cold cases.’
‘That’s wonderful news, Nina. You deserve it.’ She saw him hesitate for a moment, then he added, ‘What sort of responsibilities will the new job entail?’
She was about to explain, but Marcel startled them with a loud clap of his hands as he shouted, ‘Listen up, everyone.’
* * *
He hated that his training had taken over when she’d informed him about her promotion. His brain had seized on that. Could he figure out if she was undercover from the information she gave? The next question had slipped from his mouth, just as he knew it would have with any other target, even though he’d debated asking it.
The expression on her face told him she thought his line of questioning had been one of pure interest.
Another lie.
He frowned. It didn’t matter. He had to do whatever was necessary to complete his new mission and keep his career a secret. There was no room for sentimentality.
You’re doing your job. Lying is sometimes part of that.
He’d given Nina an apology and they’d agreed to be civil. There was no more he could do. It was time to let the past go. Leave Nina there too.
You know what’s at stake.
He couldn’t blow this.
He wouldn’t blow it.
Once he had definite information about Nina, he would keep her at a distance, physically as well as emotionally. Then, once he’d completed the terrorist mission and won a medal in China, he could return to Russia with his secrets intact, and forget he’d ever known Nina Farris.
Chapter 15
During the conference call with her sisters later that evening, Nina revealed her list of narrowed-down suspects. ‘I have Anastasja Terekhova, Radha Brezhneva, and Ekaterina Marshall.’
Carrie said, ‘Marshall? That doesn’t sound very Russian.’
‘It’s not. She married an American and took on his last name. I did a background check on him and he was involved in politics at university. Hence I put her on the list.’
‘Ah, makes sense. What about the other two?’
‘Anastasja comes from a wealthy family whose father worked as an ambassador to China. And Radha lived in China for many years. If anyone would have had a chance to get up close to suspected human-rights abuse, I’d say it was these two.’ She hesitated then said, ‘And of course … there’s a chance it could be Andrei too.’
With everything she’d discovered about him the past couple of days, she couldn’t deny it. Something else she hadn’t mentioned to her sisters had been worrying her too. She and Andrei had had very impassioned discussions about politics and human rights. In particular, she recalled a time they’d spoken about China … and he hadn’t been very positive about his native countries allies.
Lizzie replied, with a sympathetic tone. ‘Good job.’
‘Thanks. What have you got?’
‘Let’s see …’ Nina heard the rustling of sheets of paper echo over the connection. ‘I did a profile and was able to conclude that the suspect is probably Chinese, by birth or by heritage. The most likely female candidates are Liu Yang, Chenguang Mu, and Maggie Chu. The men are Wang Wei, Jun Chan, Li Jie Jin, and Zhang Tao Wu. I know it’s a big list, but I didn’t want to cut anyone out that fits the profile.’
Nina finished marking them on her master list then nodded, ‘That’s exactly what I’d expect. Did you deduce a male or female suspect as being most probable?’
‘Historically, men have been the main perpetrators. But women are increasingly joining terrorist organisations. At this stage, I think we should leave it open.’
‘I agree. What are their most likely motives?’
‘Going by your top five, I narrowed it down to emotional, criminal involvement, and power.’
Nina grinned. Her ‘top five motives of a crime’ were now used by many law enforcement officers in both Australia and New Zealand when solving a crime. Nina had come up with her list when she’d found the previously accepted top five motives (Rational choice, drug addiction, environment, passion, mental illness) lacking.
Take drug addiction. There was always an ulterior motive to a crime committed by someone with a drug problem. Usually it was financial, to support their habit. Drug addiction explained the purpose of the crime, but it wasn’t the motivation. Money was.
Carrie piped up, ‘Do you think there could be a Chinese mafia connection?’
‘Why not? We thought there’d been a Russian mafia one.’ Silence passed. She knew her sisters were wondering whether to comment. Before they could, Nina assured them, ‘It’s okay. I’m fine.’
Lizzie continued as though nothing had happened, ‘It’s a possibility, but I really think it is more likely to be emotional or power. The majority of my suspects have, or have had, some sort of gripe with the Chinese government.’
‘Such as?’
‘Liu Yang and Chenguang Mu both have parents who had been detained by the police for reasons that are unclear. Maggie was born here, but her parents are Chinese and she was raised in China. She’s been vocal about her contempt of the Chinese government.’
‘That fits with an emotional motive. What about the power and control ones?’
‘We can look at the men for that, specifically Ju Chan and Zhang Tao Wu. The former was sent to a re-education camp for six months for his suspected involvement in the Falun Gong
movement. Zhang Tao Wu has a brother who mysteriously vanished one night.’
She felt herself cringe at the mention of so many people she knew. Maggie Chu especially had been a good friend. ‘What about the other men?’
‘Wang and Li have spoken out about the government. Both were given warnings, both ignored them until their places on the Olympic team were threatened.’
‘Ah, so they could be using the games as a way to continue their protest?’
‘Exactly.’
Nina didn’t bother to ask if they should only focus on the Chinese suspects. Regardless of what Lizzie’s profile suggested, and was probably right, they always followed as many leads as possible. It was one of the reasons their success rate was so high.
Nina turned her attention to her little sister, ‘Who are your suspects, Carrie?’
‘I have a big list too: Samuel Peeks, John Martin, Eddie Tiedle, Willa Davidson, and Amber Cransen.’
‘Oh, no. I know most of them too.’
She frowned. The thought of people she knew being the terrorist did not feel good.
‘Sorry, Nina.’
‘It’s not your fault. What were you able to find out about them?’
‘Samuel and John work in different branches of the British government. Both have, or have had, dealings with China. I found a tweet on Eddie’s social media about his disgust at suspected human-rights abuse in China.’
Nina knew Eddie was a fellow Aussie. They’d competed together many times. In fact, he was training with her at The Snow Globe.
Carrie continued, ‘Willa is Australian-Chinese by heritage and Amber is dating a Chinese woman right now. Even though homosexuality is no longer illegal in China, there are apparently severe restrictions. Could be something?’
Nina nodded in agreement. They’d made a habit of including people with even the slightest motive, because experience had shown them it could be that person. ‘You’ve both done a fantastic job.’ She finished marking their names, counted then said, ‘That makes a total of sixteen. The AFP wants fifteen or less. Is there anyone we can absolutely count out?’
Lizzie said, ‘No. I want to be as accurate as possible with this. It’s too important.’
‘I agree. Sorry, Nina.’
‘It’s okay. I’ll send the names to the AFP and see if they can narrow it down any further. Now, Carrie, where are you at with the bomb types and locations?’
‘I sent it to your work email.’
‘Oh, excellent. I’ll have a look then pass it on.’
‘Tell them they can call me if they need clarification.’
‘Thanks, I will.’
A pregnant pause passed between them.
Nina groaned, ‘Great. What is it?’
Carrie said, ‘Have you heard anything about the agents the AFP sent to keep an eye on Andrei?’
‘Not yet.’
She hated that part of her was relieved by that. No news was good news, right?
Carrie spoke again, ‘Have you been able to dig up anything about his real motive for being here?’
Nina swallowed. ‘I’m still working on it.’
Carrie replied, ‘I’m sorry. As I’ve said before, if this is too hard—’
‘No, it’s fine. I’m fine.’
Even though she couldn’t see them via the conference call, she knew both her sisters were giving her ‘that look’, the one that showed their complete disbelief in her words.
She exhaled, not bothering to pretend that she hadn’t picked it up. ‘Really, I’ll be fine,’ then she changed the subject, ‘Anyway, I want us to be able to have some proper sister-time tomorrow. No talk of cold cases, or bombs, or terrorists. Or spies!’
‘I like the sound of that.’ It was Lizzie.
Carrie added, ‘Me too.’
Nina smiled. ‘Me three.’
After hanging up, Nina stared out her window, thinking. At least while she was hanging out with her sisters there would be little chance of running into Andrei. They knew all the places in and around Cairns where they could get away and be by themselves.
* * *
He knew there was an ulterior motive to the call from the leader of his operation, he just couldn’t figure out what it was.
After some small talk, the leader asked, ‘How are you finding the training?’
‘More relaxed than I’m used to.’
He wanted to ask if the agents that had been sent to Cairns to follow up the intel he’d already offered on the weapons had discovered anything new, but knew he wouldn’t be given answers even if he did ask.
As expected, the leader ignored the answer, moving onto another topic, ‘What information have you managed to source regarding the terrorists?’
Another ploy question; the real reason for the call was still coming.
‘I’ve been working through the list of competitors. There’s already a couple of people I want to keep my eyes on while I’m over there.’
‘Do I get names?’
Finn Seymour, Oliver Grossman.
He cleared his throat. ‘I’d rather not say until I’m more certain.’
He knew the leader would know he had short-listed some people already, just like they’d know Andrei had figured out there was another purpose to the call. They were even more highly trained than he was, after all.
The caller didn’t acknowledge any of that, saying instead, ‘You have another week, then I want names.’
‘Yes, sir.’
There was a pause, followed by a distinct shift between them. Andrei braced himself for what was coming.
‘You know why you’re there, don’t you, Andrei.’
‘Yes, sir. To solve the new case I’ve been assigned and keep up the pretence of being here to compete.’
And win a medal.
‘We need you to remain one hundred per cent focused.’
‘I am, sir.’
‘We need answers before an international incident occurs.’
‘I will get them, like I always do.’
He couldn’t help adding and emphasising the last part. The lack of trust in him grated more than it usually did. Perhaps because of all the memories that had been dredged up since seeing Nina again? Hadn’t he proven his abilities a thousand times over? Why couldn’t the FSB see that? Why couldn’t they believe in him? Acknowledge his efforts? Praise them?
The caller ignored his tone and his remark. ‘I also wanted to remind you not to do anything that would compromise the mission.’
Ah! Andrei rolled his eyes. Now he understood. This was a ‘toe-the-line’ call. Here we go again. Why didn’t they record themselves? That way he could replay their speeches at the appropriate time and they could avoid the hassle of expending unnecessary energy.
Inhaling so he could control the snarkiness that wanted to come out, Andrei said, ‘I understand.’
After hanging up, Andrei sighed. Oliver Grossman was a friend; Finn Seymour an acquaintance. A few of Nina’s friends were also on the list he had yet to narrow down. He’d met some of them in Russia. If one of them ended up being a terrorist …
He pressed his lips together and whispered to the air, ‘Please, don’t let it be a friend.’
A sudden wave of fatigue washed over him. He’d been staying up late to work on the list. He glanced at his watch and noted it was near midnight. At least he could sleep in tomorrow. The Snow Globe was closed for the Australia Day celebration, so even if he’d wanted to take advantage of the facilities he couldn’t have.
Public holidays always felt a little odd and foreign to him. He’d never had a day off simply to celebrate something special, not even his birthday.
A thought lingered.
Couldn’t he spend some of the day relaxing too?
After all, his bosses had made it clear he was to keep his head down, fit in, and do whatever was necessary to keep his cover intact. A Russian-Australian enjoying Australia Day wouldn’t come across as too odd.
Plus he could work while he played.
That way, the FSB couldn’t complain too much when he told them what he’d done. He could go someplace quiet, possibly in nature, somewhere on the outskirts of Cairns, take the list with him, and work on it.
Even though a rumble in his stomach told him it wasn’t a good idea, he pushed the sensation aside. He deserved a break, didn’t he? His superiors didn’t acknowledge the work he did anyway, so he might as well take the chance to have some fun. If he was going to get a lecture, it should be one he’d earned!
It was more of a working-break anyway.
Almost believing his justifications, he picked up his phone, and typed into the internet search bar private rainforest outside Cairns.
Chapter 16
The three of them had spent the public holiday morning hidden from prying eyes in a small, wooded park just outside of Cairns city. As expected, it had been deserted. They’d set up a picnic, chatted about cakes, dresses, and decorations for Lizzie’s upcoming wedding, and shared a bottle of champagne.
As Nina sat in her car, and waved goodbye to her sisters driving away in theirs, she suddenly realised she wasn’t ready to go back home. It was a beautiful summer’s day, she had no training to get to, no work to worry about, and a case that could wait for a couple more hours.
How long had it been since she’d let herself kick back and relax?
She rubbed a hand over the sweat she could feel beading over her forehead. That’s when an idea popped into her head.
The waterhole.
There was a secluded waterhole through the rainforest, close by Barron Falls. It was one of the Djabugay sacred ancestral waters, with many dreamtime stories surrounding it.
She smiled to herself. ‘Just what I need.’
A short drive later, and she was marching through the thinned-out rainforest. Behind her, she could hear the faint, familiar rumble of the Barron Falls as well as the relaxing lull of rushing water in the near distance. She made her way to the edge of the clearing leading to the waterhole.
She stepped through the clearing and grinned at the familiar, spectacular sight. This was exactly what she needed. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air.