The Missing Spy
Page 24
Nigora knew such guards only had one purpose: to keep an eye on her.
“Your generosity, as always,” Nigora began, “is unexpected, but…”
“But what?”
Nigora knew she could not refuse. “But all the same, I’m sure your guards would be a most welcome addition in my business dealings.”
“Good,” Misha said. “And one more thing…”
He rose again and soon returned from the console cabinet with a velvet box in his hands. He opened it before her, revealing a multi-strand diamond necklace. Nigora guessed the largest stone on the pendant weighed several carats.
“Try it on,” Misha suggested.
Again, she couldn’t refuse. She reluctantly unclasped her new pearl choker and held it in her lap. Misha moved to her and leaned over. He reached behind her neck and fastened the diamond necklace. The massive gemstone rested coolly on her skin.
Nigora remained silent. She knew he would detect falsehood in any show of gratitude.
Misha stood back to take in Nigora wearing his necklace.
If he tries anything, it will be now.
Misha turned around, walked to a nearby wet bar, and said, “Drinks to our future success?”
“Certainly,” Nigora replied.
Misha soon returned with two shot glasses of vodka.
“To the new Queen of Tashkent,” Misha toasted. They both drank them down in a single gulp and Misha got up.
Nigora knew it was time for her to leave. She rose and walked towards the elevator that would take her back downstairs and to her limousine.
“One of my guards will meet you downstairs to accompany you back home,” Misha said. “And, if our business relationship ever turns sour, I will reclaim my necklace from your dead body.”
The threat came as casually as his toast to success with vodka.
The elevator doors shut before Nigora could say anything in response. As Nigora descended in the elevator, she replayed the encounter with Misha in her mind.
That was the purpose of our meeting, Nigora thought. To place his collar around my neck and keep me on his leash. This old spymaster will get more than he bargained for.
She wondered how soon she could tear off the diamond necklace and replace it with her own pearl choker.
THE END.
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Author Notes.
If you liked The Missing Spy, please leave a review. I can’t tell you how thankful I would be because it truly helps new readers discover the Daniel Knox series.
I wrote The Missing Spy because the hunt for a mole is a staple of spy novels (think: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy). Additionally, the theme of amateurism vs. professionalism is prevalent in spy novels. For that theme, I had Funeral in Berlin in mind, but also Bernard in Len Deighton’s first trilogy (Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match). I haven’t written a book to match those excellent works, but I am indebted to them for the themes which I played with in The Missing Spy.
One last note on historical accuracy in The Missing Spy: I have seen old maps of the mountains near Shahrisabz which had large, blank areas. The locals seemed to know better than to go snooping. Is there a secret Soviet facility there? Probably not. But maybe. ;)
Thanks again for reading, and please leave a review. Lastly, if you haven’t already, join the J.A. Heaton Reader Group and get the exclusive prequel short story at:
www.flannelandflashlight.com/Daniel2.
J.A. Heaton
john@flannelandflashlight.com
April 2019.
The Missing Spy: A Daniel Knox Thriller Book 2.
Copyright © 2019 John Heaton.
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