“How long are they supposed to be here?”
“Probably two weeks or more,” Yuri answered.
Dimitri now had a second reason to leave. After Yuri set up his new phone, Dimitri went home and called a woman he knew.
“Good morning, Claudia. Can I come visit you for a few days? My community is being invaded by a film crew, and I need to escape.”
“Sure, Dimitri. I have some vacation time I need to use. Why don’t we both get out of New York for a few days?”
“Sounds great. I’ll pack a bag and meet you at your house tomorrow night.”
“Okay. We’ll discuss the trip over dinner.”
Dimitri had developed an ongoing relationship with Claudia, who was originally from Cuba but had immigrated to the US during the Mariel boatlift as an infant. Claudia worked as a psychologist counseling patients with behavioral and addiction disorders at a local hospital. Dimitri met her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art three years ago while at an exhibition of Russian artists of the nineteenth century.
The relationship was casual at first and generally included dinner and some discussion of literature, art, and current events. It became sexual after several months, but neither was interested in anything more than that. Claudia was passionate but had bad experiences with some violent men, including her father and her ex-husband, which made her wary of commitment. She knew that Dimitri was also noncommittal, which made him the perfect paramour. Their meetings were sporadic and usually initiated by Dimitri calling her. When they stayed together overnight, it was always at her house in Queens. Dimitri never invited anyone to his home except Yuri.
The next day, Dimitri left his house key with Yuri to take care of Putin while he was gone. That evening, Dimitri called a taxi and arrived at Claudia’s house. She opened her door as Dimitri walked up the steps and kissed him passionately before he got in the house.
“Either you really like my new cologne or you’re really happy to see me. What’s going on, Claudia?”
“I just found out my father died. You know I hated him. I’m so happy my mother is rid of the abusive bastard. She gets all his pension money and title to all their property and is giving me half. I can pay off the mortgage on my house and all my bills. Let’s celebrate. I’ll cook your favorite Italian dinner, veal scallopini.”
“Okay. We can also talk about the trip.”
“I already know where I want to go. I’d like to visit my mother in Orlando, Florida, and then my father’s grave.”
“I thought you said you hated him.”
“I do. I want to piss on his grave.”
Dimitri laughed. “I’d like to see that.”
“Better yet, take some pictures. I want to send them to everyone who knew and hated the SOB.”
“We can also visit Disney World. I hear it’s nearby.”
“It is. I’ll set up a hotel reservation near the park. My mother’s house is small and she has guests, so she has no room for us.”
“On the way there I’d like to stop and see a friend. He’s someone I worked with that lives in Occoquan, Virginia.”
“Where’s Occoquan, Dimitri?”
“It’s near the military base in Quantico, Virginia. It’s on the way.”
“Okay, but we should take my SUV. There’s a winter storm coming up the coast.”
“Then we should leave as soon as possible. I need to get to Occoquan before my friend leaves on a business trip. It’s on the same route that we’ll take to Orlando.”
“Okay, I’ll plan the trip,” Claudia said.
Claudia estimated that with both people driving, they could make it to Occoquan in about six hours and then to Orlando in another thirteen hours, weather permitting. She had to take care of a few things at work the next day, so it was noon before they left.
Dimitri and Claudia took turns driving and arrived in Occoquan at about six that evening. They found a nice hotel off of I-95 where they got a room, had some room service, then watched TV before going to bed. The next morning, Dimitri got up early and used the hotel’s indoor pool and spa as Claudia slept. He also called Frank.
“Hey, Stalin, are you here?”
“Yeah, I got in last night, Frank. I’ll text you where I’m staying.”
“Great, I’ll be there in an hour. I have what you want.”
Dimitri was ecstatic and went back to the room to celebrate. As he walked into the room, he could see that Claudia was still sleeping, so he quietly slipped off his shorts and slid under the covers. He began to kiss her shoulder and then her neck. She awoke with a smile and they made love until it was time to get ready for his meeting. Claudia went back to sleep while he got up, took a quick shower, and went down to the lobby to meet Frank.
Frank was sitting in the lobby reading a newspaper when Dimitri got off the elevator. They found a quiet booth in the back of the hotel restaurant.
“I got your guy’s name, and you won’t believe who it is.”
“Okay, Frank, you have my attention. Who is it?”
“He’s one of the richest bastards on the planet, and he isn’t hiding at all. He doesn’t have to. The Russians would never do anything to him, and he knows it. His name is George Solomon, the billionaire investor. He’s a friend of the president, even helped him get elected.”
Dimitri remembered hearing that name from his research on Senator Thompson, and he had also seen him as the tall white-haired man attending Philip Wu’s funeral. He also remembered Senator Thompson’s reference to a tall man he had called “Whitey.” Could George Solomon be the Big Man he was trying to find? Dimitri wondered.
“Was there anything else interesting in his file, Frank?”
“Yeah. He’s listed as supporting a number of groups that oppose the Chinese government. He’s also a hard-line supporter of the foreign cyber-attack legislation being considered by Congress. His file said his only brother was a Russian soldier who was killed by the Chinese Army during the Zhenbao Island incident in 1969. He was one of fifty-nine border guards killed when the Chinese ambushed them. That’s probably why he hates the Chinese government.”
“Did the file say he had connections to organized crime?”
“No, there’s no mention of that. I’ve got to get back to Quantico, Stalin. Do you want to meet me for dinner this evening?”
“I can’t, Frank. There’s a woman with me. It wouldn’t be safe.”
“Yeah, I guess not. Another time?”
“Sure, Frank. Thanks for the help. This makes us even.”
Dimitri and Frank knew that bringing outsiders into their environment was never smart in their line of work. Claudia could provide a connection between the two of them if the intelligence information on George Solomon was ever discovered to have been compromised.
When Dimitri got back to the room, Claudia had already showered and dressed and was ready to get breakfast.
“I already met my friend in the restaurant for coffee, Claudia. He’s leaving the country on business and won’t be able to see us.”
“Okay. I guess I’ll be able to see my mother sooner.”
“If we leave after breakfast, we should be there tonight.”
“I’ll set up a hotel reservation near Disney World.”
The weekday traffic wasn’t bad, and they made it into Orlando before ten that evening. They checked into their room, and Claudia immediately called her mother. After the call, she joined Dimitri on the couch.
“My relatives are still at my mother’s house. I’d like to visit them, Dimitri.”
“That’s fine. I’m tired. Enjoy yourself.”
“I will. If I enjoy myself too much I might not be back until tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. Have fun, Claudia.”
Dimitri stayed in the room and watched TV. He saw a story on one of the cable news channels about the documentary being filmed in Brighton Beach. There was an interview with the Chinese producer, Sun Yu, who described their objectives and how well it was going with the community. Sun
Yu described how everyone was so friendly and specifically mentioned the owner of a local bar and community leader, Marat Chubais. A video clip of the pakhan’s bar described him as a survivor of the Chechen wars who was doing well. Dimitri laughed; they had no idea.
Dimitri called the pakhan. He could hear the background noise from the crowd. The noise dissipated as the pakhan entered his office.
“I just saw you on TV, Pakhan. You’re famous. How are things at your bar?”
“My bar is doing well, but I’m miserable. There are lots of Chinese with cameras and thirsty tourists. I pray for these Chinese mudaks to leave soon.”
“How can you call them ‘bastards’ when I just saw an interview where the Chinese producer said Marat Chubais was a friendly bar owner?”
“Yes, I saw it, too, and have been reminded about it everywhere I go. I like the producer. He speaks and drinks like a Russian. I haven’t seen you for a few days. Where’ve you been, Dimitri? Why aren’t you suffering like me?”
“I’m in Florida. I’m going to Disney World.”
“You lucky mudak. I wish I was there.”
“You’re a celebrity now, Pakhan. When I get back I’d like your autograph.”
“Have fun. I’ll see you when you return.”
Sun Yu’s plan to find Dimitri in Brighton Beach was based on a strategy that would locate him quickly, based on his history. He had ordered his production crew to specifically target Russian partisans from Grozny for interviews. The plan began to pay off after the Chinese film crew hired Yuri to help them repair one of their cameras.
One of the crew had family from Russia and became friendly with Yuri. During a discussion between them about the documentary, Yuri recommended that they interview Dimitri as a hero of the Second Chechen war whose family had been massacred. Yuri was introduced to Sun Yu, who asked him how he could find Dimitri to do an interview.
“I haven’t seen Dimitri for a few days. He travels a lot.”
“Do you know how I can contact him, Yuri?”
“I sold him a new phone, and I have his number and contact information at the store. I can go get it.”
“Please do. It’s very important.”
“I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.”
When Yuri returned, he gave Sun Yu Dimitri’s cell phone number and address. Sun Yu provided the phone number to the embassy so that they could track it. All they had to do was wait until the phone was turned on.
That happened pretty quickly when a phone conversation took place between a land line in Brighton Beach and Dimitri’s cell phone in Orlando. The Chinese located and identified Dimitri’s hotel. When the ambassador was informed of the location, he called Sun Yu.
“We found him, Sun. He’s near Disney World in Florida.”
“That’s great, Ambassador, but I think I need to stay and finish the film to avoid suspicion.”
“I agree. Do a good job, Sun. You could have a future making movies in Hollywood.”
“I’m working hard on this, Ambassador. I want to make it look genuine. Maybe it’ll even win some awards.”
The ambassador chuckled, but Sun Yu didn’t laugh. He was actually enjoying the prospect of making a first-rate documentary.
Claudia returned from her visit to her mother’s house early the next morning and found Dimitri asleep in bed with the television on. She quietly undressed and got into bed. After a sexual massage, Dimitri was awake, and they enjoyed each other until they both climaxed. They showered together, dressed, and went to breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel. Dimitri was looking forward to having some fun for a change, something he hadn’t done in a long time.
As they waited for a table, Dimitri quickly looked around the restaurant. He requested the patio, since it was an open area that provided a panoramic view of all entrances and exits. As he and Claudia were led to their table, Dimitri noticed several Asian and Caucasian males near each exit, but no families or couples.
Dimitri thought that was unusual for a vacation resort near Disney World. His sixth sense about ambushes had saved his life before. He knew he was under surveillance, but acted totally unaware while preparing for a very dangerous escape.
“I’m going to have the steak-and-egg breakfast, Claudia. What’re you having?”
“That sounds good. I’ll have the same.”
The waiter came over and asked for their order.
“Two steak-and-egg breakfasts,” Dimitri said. “We’ll need steak knives.”
“Yes, sir.”
The waiter brought the steak knives, and Dimitri slipped his in his pocket after Claudia left to go to the ladies’ room. She returned as the waiter was bringing their breakfasts. Dimitri stood, pulled out her chair, and then kissed her.
“I’m so very sorry,” he whispered.
Dimitri ran toward a small fence surrounding the patio, knocking over a table and chairs to slow his pursuers. He quickly scaled the fence and made his way through the surrounding foliage toward the valet parking area of the hotel garage. Dimitri lost all of his pursuers except one Asian male who entered the garage about twenty seconds after he did.
After hiding behind a garage column, Dimitri watched as the man entered the garage and approached the column where Dimitri was hiding. The man didn’t appear to be armed, so Dimitri confronted him by attempting to use the same move he had used to subdue the bully in the pakhan’s bar. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The man was too fast and was obviously trained in martial arts, but so was Dimitri. Dimitri also had the advantage of size and the steak knife, which he didn’t want to use unless absolutely necessary.
The fight that ensued was intense, but went to Dimitri’s advantage until Dimitri knocked his opponent down near a four-foot piece of rusted rebar. The man quickly jumped to his feet as he grabbed the rebar and swung it at Dimitri, hitting him in the thigh. Dimitri grunted loudly as he fell to the ground.
As the man approached, Dimitri pulled his knife and tripped him with his leg. The agent fell toward Dimitri, who heard a groan as the agent fell on top of Dimitri’s knife. Both Dimitri and his attacker were hurt, but it was clear that the attacker was hurt worse.
Dimitri could hear the gurgle in the agent’s chest and saw bubbling blood as he tried to breathe. The knife had penetrated the attacker’s lung, which created a sucking chest wound. Dimitri had seen such wounds in combat and knew the agent would die if he didn’t quickly get help.
He removed the man’s wallet and saw that he was a Chinese national assigned to the embassy in DC, probably as a security or intelligence agent. Dimitri turned his cell phone on and laid it near the victim. He knew that he was being tracked and that his cell phone would quickly lead his pursuers to the injured agent.
Luckily, Dimitri could still walk, but he needed to find some transportation. One of the valet attendants entered the garage. Dimitri waited until he got closer and then grabbed him from behind, disabling him with a sleeper hold. He grabbed the key from the valet’s hand and walked through the garage pressing the unlock button until he found a car with flashing lights. He jumped in and drove out of the garage in a direction toward Orlando.
Dimitri drove to the Florida Mall near Orlando and parked. There was an electronics store nearby where he purchased a burner phone, and then limped to the hotel connected to the mall. The pain was getting worse, so he found a quiet area and called the pakhan.
“Pakhan, I’ve gotten into some trouble in Florida and I need your help.”
“Where are you, and what do you need?”
“I’m in the lobby of a hotel in Orlando. It’s located in the Florida Mall. I need a car with clean tags and registration that can get me back to New York. Some Chinese agents are after me.”
“Chinese agents? Do you think they’re the same Chinese that are here?”
“Possibly. Be careful, Pakhan. I was in a fight with one of them and have an injured leg. It’s hard to walk with the pain.”
“Are the police involved?”
“
I assume they are. I stole a car and disabled the garage attendant. I’ll need a safe place to stay outside of Brooklyn until things cool down.”
“Okay. Stay out of sight, and I’ll call back in about an hour.”
“Thanks, Pakhan.”
Dimitri found a quiet bar and grill and ordered a vodka. He had just finished his drink when the pakhan called.
“I have a car for you. It’s a 2016 Ford Taurus in excellent condition that’s under the dealer’s registration. They’ll bring it to you at the mall in twenty minutes.”
“I’m in the hotel bar. I’ll meet them outside.”
“I have a place for you to stay where you’ll be safe and tended to by the best doctor I know.”
“I don’t want to get Anya involved in this, Pakhan.”
“She insisted. It’ll only be until you recover and we can figure out how to solve this.”
“Okay, but tell the men with the car to bring some prescription pain killers, a weapon, and some food and water.”
“I’ve already arranged for that and more.”
Dimitri finished his sandwich and went outside to wait for the car, which arrived in minutes. A tall man got out of the car and approached him.
“Are you Dimitri?”
“Yes.”
“Marat sent me. There’s some blankets and a winter coat in the back seat and a tote bag with other items. Here’s the keys.”
“Thanks,” Dimitri said as he quickly got into the car. He opened the tote bag and found sandwiches, a bottle of Oxycodone, antibiotics, two large bottles of water, and a Baby Glock 26.
Dimitri drove until he was exhausted before stopping at a truck stop on I-95 in Virginia. He slept for seven hours with his car parked between two large rigs, and then he drove another eight hours to Anya’s house in Stony Brook. Dimitri pulled the car into the driveway and limped to the front door, where Anya was waiting for him.
Anya looked like an angel as she guided him into the house and onto a couch in the living room. She then went and parked the car in the garage and removed all the bags, taking them to her bedroom. Anya looked at Dimitri and said, “I need to take off your pants to check your injury.”
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