Rubenstein's Augur

by Henry Hollensbe

  “Really? Will I be in danger on the boat?”

  “Only if you do not take me for protection.”

  “All right, the solution is simple. We’ll leave most of your clothes and some of mine and pack in one bag. We’ll buy more along the way.”

  “Roskoshnyj! It means—”

  “I know. Splendid.”

  “Correct. Very good. Let us complete our preparations and be on our way. I am concerned about the boat in which Sam thinks I should risk my life on a voyage to Florida. He has a daredevil streak. It is possible that I shall find it unsuitable.”

  Sheila stepped out of the Porsche and pointed at the boat. “There? That? That’s the boat you told Ivan was only a little larger than a Sunfish.”

  “Bigger than I remembered.”

  “How many times have you sailed in her?”

  Larson shrugged. “Ten. Fifteen. More.”

  “Are we playing games with Ivan’s head?”

  Larson smiled. “It occurred.”

  “Tell me about the boat.”

  “Well, it’s completely white—sails, hull, accessories.” He chuckled. “Humberto told me once that he thought his tan showed up best against a white background.”

  “Beyond what I can see, please.”

  “The manufacturer is Yachting Developments. It’s sloop rigged.”

  “A single mast.”

  Larson frowned.

  “I’ve been researching.”

  He shook his head. “It’s ninety-eight feet long, twenty-some feet wide at its widest. It has a maximum cruising speed of around twelve knots. “It has three guest cabins and two crew cabins.”

  “How many in the crew?”

  “Three—captain, mate, and cook.”

  “Not many.”

  “A lot of the work—sail handling, anchors, and so forth—is mechanized.” Larson stared at the boat. “You’ll like the captain, Luis. Born in New York City, but went back to Puerto Rica to become a sailor.”

  “The interior?”

  “Teak, trimmed in white. I think it’s beautiful, but I’ll let you judge for yourself.”

  “I’m ready to look. How do we get on board?”

  “I’ll bet the concierge knows.”

  Linda drove onto the grounds of the Marriott. “Beautiful! I’ve lived in Birmingham all my life and never been here.”

  “America has many well cared for places such as this.”

  Linda stopped at the entrance. “I wonder what I’m supposed to do with the car.” “I shall consult with the concierge. He will also know where this little boat is and

  how to reach it.” Kostov returned from the hotel, smiling. “All is arranged. Sam has taken a room for the time we will be traveling. Storage of your automobile is to be charged to his room.”

  “Yes! I’ve fallen in with my kind of people.”

  “Ask one of these young men to secure your bag and wait for me. The concierge tells me I have a message at the desk.”

  “I hope Sam isn’t—”

  “He cannot be the problem. The concierge reports that he and Sheila are already on the boat.”

  “Then—”

  “Then we shall see. I shall be back directly.”

  Kostov was not smiling this time. “My office called. A man describing himself as an employee of the Finance Ministry is trying to reach me. I cannot imagine why. I reported my plans to Minister Kudrin’s office and received permission to take vacation.” He frowned. “Well, he will find me when I return.” He smiled. “Come. Let us find this little lodka and determine if we shall risk our lives on it.”

  The water taxi was two hundred yards off shore when Kostov touch ed the driver’s shoulder. “I believe you are mistaken, driver. We are looking for a craft described as only somewhat larger than a Sunfish. I do not think that—”

  The driver threw his cigar overboard. “I don’t know nothing about no Sunfish out here, mister. They got some wet boats at the dock, but if you want El Cisnero Blanco, there she is, dead ahead.”

  “ But—”

  “Why don’t I take you to the boat and then you can talk to the folks on board.” “Very well.”

  Kostov pointed at Larson’s sling. “How is the healing progressing?”

  “Just wearing the sling for sympathy. How about the leg?”

  “The physician believes that I shall have no difficulty in passing my physical

  examination in October.”

  “Great.”

  “It is. Let us consider another subject. This craft was described to me as being quote,

  a little larger than a Sunfish, end quote. Please tell me about it.”

  Larson repeated the description he had given Sheila.

  “Shall I take it the boat is not yours?”

  “Bit out of my budget. Worth around seven million dollars. The owner is a friend

  who lends it to me occasionally.”

  “Are there other passengers?”

  “We’re it. There’s a crew of three: the captain, Luis Guzman, his mate, Felipe, and

  Horacio, the cook and general factotum.”

  “Three men operate the boat?”

  “Modern mechanization and electronics.”

  “Where are they?” Linda said.

  “Shopping for food. They’ll be back in time to serve dinner.”

  Kostov frowned. “I—”

  “I think what we should do is relax. Luis has sailed one of Humberto’s earlier

  sailboats around the world. We’re only going to Florida. Four days to Key West, mill around the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach coast for a couple of days, and then take four days to get back here.”

  “Relaxing,” Sheila said. “Good plan.”

  “Let’s get unpacked,” Larson said, “and then I’ll find the bar.” Luis, Felipe, and Horacio returned at five with the skiff overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and frozen meats.

  Larson watched the unloading. “Pretty fancy looking provisions, Luis. Food for how many days?”

  The Captain chuckled. “Depends on how much you eat, Sam, but we can make Palm Beach with no trouble. And most of the way back here, if we had to.”

  “About average for a Vargas boat.”

  “No chance anyone on one of his boats will ever starve—not as long as there’s oil on his family’s estado.”

  Luis handed the last case of canned goods to Horacio. “What will you have for dinner and at what time?”

  “We’re saving ourselves.”

  Luis frowned. “Meaning what?”

  “Meaning we talked it over and decided we’d like to settle for some hors d’oeuvres.”

  “Señor Vargas will not be pleased.”

  “No one’s very hungry. What if we just don’t tell him?”

  “That gives us a little more time ashore. We’ll make it up to you at sea.”

  Larson smiled. “I’m sure you will.”

  An hour later, Luis untied the skiff. “If you need to go ashore before we return, the Zodiac is gassed and ready to go.”

  “When will you be back?”

  “In time to catch the tide.”

  Felipe turned the little boat toward Fairhope and accelerated.

  Kostov stretched full length on one of the cockpit lounges. “This may in fact be—as you say—the life.”

  “One wonders what the communists thought would have been better.” Linda said.

  “One wonders indeed.” Kostov upended his glass of Remy Martin. “I shall have one more of these and then to bed.”

  “So early?” Sheila said.

  “I rose early this morning to keep a telephone appointment in Moscow.” He looked at Linda. “In addition, Miss Crane appears to be quite fatigued.”

  Larson laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone look so tired.”

  Chapter 40

  Larson was asleep in the second guest room when he felt an impact on the boat. He listened for a few minutes, then went back to sleep.

  A la
rge man in black clothing pulled himself onto the deck, then dragged Staranov and a heavy briefcase on board. A second man, also in black, tied the old rowboat to the railing and followed.

  “Where—”

  “Quiet!” Staranov said. “Prepare yourselves.”

  The two men removed the waterproof packing from two tazers.

  They found Larson in the closest cabin aft.

  “Wh—”

  He crumpled back onto the bed.

  Sheila had no time to cry out.

  Kostov was third, so that Linda was able to manage a short scream.

  Tormanov returned to the cockpit. “Clear.”

  “Dress them, but underwear only for the red-haired one. I do not enjoy peering at the

  unclothed human form.” He removed a role of duct tape from his briefcase. “When they are dressed, bind the gentlemen. Many thicknesses.”

  All four bodies lay on the floor of the saloon. Kostov recovered ten minutes later, Larson immediately afterwards. The two women lay still on the saloon floor.

  Kostov focused his eyes on Staranov. “You!”

  “Yes, Colonel. Are you not pleased to see me?”

  “I can think of nothing better.”

  Larson opened his eyes. “The black bears were supposed to have gotten you. I don’t—”

  Staranov raised an open palm. “Tape the mouths of Mr. Larson and Colonel Kostov closed, then wake the ladies in order that they may participate in our gathering.”

  When Sheila and Linda were conscious, Staranov continued. “Those were tasers that stunned you. Very effective, but no lasting effects. Now, shall we consider our last meeting. You, Colonel, shot me. A flesh wound in my side. Of no consequence. But I shot both of you. You seem no worse for the experience, Colonel.”

  Kostov nodded.

  “But you, Mr. Larson, you seem to be heedful of your right shoulder. I should have killed both of you.” He paused. “Never mind. May I introduce my associates? They are Yuri Alexandrovich Sidetagin—holding Doctor Rubenstein so closely—and Viktor Viktorovich Tormanov performing the same service for the beautiful brunette. These gentlemen are late of the First Chief Directorate and were adrift in Chicago until recruited by Galavna-ya Bohl. They are well trained. Do not bother to consider how you might be able to overpower them.” He raised Linda’s chin. “Who are you, dear lady?”

  Linda didn’t respond.

  Staranov grasped an ear and pulled. “At once, my dear.”

  “Linda.”

  “Thank you. Now before I commence my tasks this evening, will someone tell me about this boat?”

  Larson repeated his description.

  Staranov looked around the saloon. “Perhaps I shall have one of these one day soon—after I learn the secrets of the predictor.” He closed his eyes. “Would anyone care for an explanation of why I am not rotting in the Georgia forest?”

  There was no response.

  “Never mind. I am certain you want to know.” He breathed deeply. “I was rendered unconscious by the fall, though I have vague memories of voices above and lights shining down. I awoke just before dawn. I was little worse for the fall. A serpent of some sort had joined me—for warmth, I assume—but I quitted it without incident. My wound was not serious.” Staranov pointed to his right side. “Here. You did not evidence the skill when shooting me that you did with the unfortunate Romanidze, Colonel. Thank you.” He smiled. “But to continue. The morning mist was heavy, but I was able to make my way out of the forest by late morning. I decided that walking overland for the initial portion of my journey was my safest course. I passed the first night in a barn and at the close of the second day I arrived in the small city of Murphy. In North Carolina. I had left my papers in my hotel in Atlanta, but, as always, I had a great deal of money in a belt. I purchased bandages at an apothecary, then repaired to a small hotel where money substituted for identification papers. I dressed my wound and slept. Next morning I left by bus for a large city named Charlotte.

  “For the sake of anonymity, I traveled via buses to Brooklyn, New York. Our people in Brighton Beach provided medical care, papers, and a ticket on Aeroflot for Moscow.

  “I was met by inquiring officials when I deplaned at Sheremetyevo.” He peered at Kostov. “Your efforts, Colonel?”

  Kostov smiled.

  “Our lider paid for my release from the clutches of the FSB, then abused me at length, accusing me of misspending my intelligence and wasting his personnel. Fortunately for me, the success rate at that time of other activities within our mayfa were at a low ebb, so that my master was willing to provide me with funds and the services of these two gentlemen.

  “I returned to this country and considered how to extract the necessary information from the good Doctor.”

  Staranov removed a small piece of wood from his pocket and inserted it into his left ear. He twisted it, then looked at what he had found. He frowned, then placed the wood in a depression that had once held an ashtray.

  “Are you are wondering how I found you?”

  “Not particularly,” Sheila said, “but I imagine you’re going to tell us.”

  Staranov cocked his head. “Are you recovered from the pain and humiliation of our last encounter, Doctor?”

  She didn’t respond.

  “I am impressed. It has been my experience that once I humiliate a person to the extent I humiliated you, that person belongs to me forever.”

  She looked away.

  “But you are correct. I insist on telling you how I found you. It is a further demonstration of my superiority.

  “I returned to Atlanta where I telephoned your castle. Your machine reported only that you were on vacation. Where, I wondered. When did you leave? When would you return? Should I travel to your mountain to await your return? Waiting is not part of my nature, but I was at a loss. Then I remembered your relationship with the good Colonel.”

  He turned to Kostov. “I looked into your career while I was in Moscow, Colonel. Had you not run afoul of Galavna-ya Bohl, you might have had an exemplary career.” He paused. “But I digress. I telephoned the number Dreshchensky had for the your office and found that you, too, were on vacation. A coincidence? I thought not. I pretended to be another Kudrin aide and extracted the information as to where you were to vacation. It was then a simple matter to hurry here and await your arrival. We watched your voyage to this craft, then waited for darkness.” He smiled and spread his hands. “And so you see?

  “Now it is time for me to interrogate Doctor Rubenstein, but since I cannot be certain that all of us will be alive when I have finished, I wish at this time to learn the details of what happened at Doctor Rubenstein’s estate. Tell me, Doctor.”

  Sheila shook her head. “I missed the ending.”

  “Grasp the Doctor’s head and be prepared to twist it on my command.”

  Tormanov did so.

  “Now, who will tell me?”

  Kostov raised his eyebrows.

  “You will tell me, Colonel?”

  Kostov nodded.

  “Remove the tape.”

  Sidetagin did so.

  Kostov licked his lips.

  “Wait! Replace the tape.”

  Sidetagin wrapped the duct tape across Kostov’s mouth again.

  “I have observed your sleeping arrangements. You and the brunette woman were sharing the large bedroom. I conclude that her health may be of some importance to you. Therefore, I warn you that if you make any attempt to summon aid while you are discoursing, I shall have her neck twisted beyond its limits, rather than that of the Doctor. Do you understand?”

  Kostov nodded.

  “Remove the tape.”

  “After you ran—”

  Staranov raised his hand. “Wait, wait. This is inefficient. You need only answer my questions. What happened to Naveeva?”

  “I killed her.”

  “How?”

  “I broke her neck.”

  “Such a wonderful person. I became acquainted with
her when she was very young. I used to secure videotapes of American cartoons for her. Doctor, do you remember Nash Brigada?”

  Sheila shrugged.

  “My error. Our Gang.”

  Sheila nodded.

  “She loved the little dog with the circle around his eye. She thought it would make a wonderful target.” He smiled. “What happened to Dreshchensky?”

  “The same. I crushed his throat, then broke his neck.”

  Staranov sighed. “I admire you, Colonel, but I must tell you that I am looking forward to murdering you—painfully.”

  “When do you plan to try that, trus?”

  “After the Doctor discloses her secrets. I want you and Mr. Larson to be alive in order to appreciate my success.” He turned to Sidetagin. “Replace the tape on the Colonel’s face.”

  Staranov stood and stretched. “Now, friends and associates, I must rest before I commence my activities. Interrogations require much strength and stamina and she is not an easy one. “I shall be in the second stateroom, should you need me.”

  Chapter 41

  Half an hour later Staranov returned to the saloon. “I am much refreshed and looking forward to the upcoming contest.” He looked around the saloon. “Everyone comfortable?”

  There was no response.

  He crooked a finger at Sidetagin. “Find tools, then go to the large stateroom. There is a chair bolted to the floor in front of the dressing table. Remove the bolts and set the chair in front of the settee. Then tear sheets into strips.” He gestured toward Sheila. “Bind the lady so prettily modeling her underclothing to the chair. Be gentle.” He laughed. “I shall provide whatever pain is required.”

  Sheila resisted, but Sidetagin and Tormanov had no difficulty in carrying her away.

  The Russians returned ten minutes later. “Polnuj.” “Good. You may amuse yourselves with the American beauty while I am at work.”

  Staranov disappeared down the corridor to the large stateroom.

  Sidetagin chuckled. “We’re to amuse ourselves? I’m ready to obey.”

  “Drinks, first,” Tormanov said.

  “There has to be a bar somewhere. Find it.”

  “You find it! I’m busy considering how I might amuse myself with the woman.”

  “How you will amuse yourself? Why do you suppose—”

  “Drinks!”