“Not Polish.”
“Nope. He works for Energia.”
“The Polish energy company?”
“I guess. Popescu said something about ASA and Biocon having many partners,” Claire said.
“Do you think it relates to Kaliningrad?”
“I don’t know. Maybe not directly. I think they know that’s our endgame—whatever is in Kaliningrad.”
“Do you think Gregorovich suspects you’re still working with me?”
“I think he’s counting on it,” Claire said.
“A wild goose chase,” Alex surmised.
“Seems likely. He’s testing the waters. Whatever they are doing in Kaliningrad, he doesn’t want me anywhere near it. Which means he doesn’t want you anywhere near it. Gregorovich thinks I’m on my way to Poland. We have a window.”
“You want to take the long way through Kaliningrad.”
“Don’t you?”
“I hate to admit that it makes sense. Listen, I need to ask you something.”
“Okay.”
“Jane called earlier. She met with Waters.”
“No shit,” Claire said.
“Yeah. Tell me about it. What do you know about Gordon Brandt?”
“Me? Nothing more than you.”
“Waters says Brandt worked directly for the Admiral.”
Claire’s stomach twisted into knots. “I don’t know, Alex. A lot of people worked for my father.”
“Indirectly?”
Claire laughed. “No way. My father was the ultimate micromanager. Everything came from him.”
“You never met Brandt?”
Claire hated to discuss her father. “He kept me away from his military contacts. Political players and businessmen—that’s who Daddy sent me to—” Claire’s thought died on her tongue.
“I’m sorry, Claire,” Alex said sincerely.
“Don’t be. It was inevitable that you’d ask. I don’t know, Alex. My father spoke in riddles most of the time. I don’t know if it was some code he invented or if he read too many books over the years. Analogies, metaphors, allegory—that’s how he communicated with me. I wish I could tell you more. If Brandt was working with my father, I’d tell Candace to be vigilant.”
“I need to talk to Jonathan,” Alex said.
“I figured.”
“You’re not going in there blind, Claire.”
“Maybe I should head to Poland early. Do a little sight-seeing.”
“Claire.”
“Establish my presence,” Claire offered.
Alex groaned.
“You know I’m right,” Claire said. “They know Eleana is here, Alex. She has close friends in Poland—several.”
“Just be careful,” Alex advised.
“Aren’t I always?”
“Not funny.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“I’ll be in touch,” Alex replied.
“I’ll be waiting,” Claire replied giddily.
“Cute. Hey, did you tell Cass you love her?”
“What?”
“When you two talked earlier,” Alex asked.
“Yeah, I think so. Why? Worried?”
“Ha-ha.”
“I’m just saying that we have a few things in common. You and me. You and Hawk. Me and Hawk. You and Cass—”
“Stop. Talking.”
Claire cackled. “You’re so easy, Alex. Cass is like my mom. That’s totally weird—even for me.”
Alex couldn’t help but laugh. “What have you been drinking over there?”
“Just do your job, Toles,” Claire said. “I’m getting tired of niceties.”
“Don’t do anything until I call. I mean it.”
“Go bother your wife,” Claire replied.
“Be careful.” Alex shook her head. “What on earth has El been feeding her?”
WASHINGTON DC
SATURDAY
Candace returned home to a phone call from Jane Merrow. Jane’s sole piece of advice was to be cautious with information coming from the Secretary of Defense or anyone in his administration. She promised that she or Alex would provide more context soon. For the moment, Candace needed to tread carefully. Alex had filled in some of the holes that morning. Biocon was somehow connected to Kaliningrad. Alex and Claire were working on the specific connection. She hadn’t been surprised when she was called to the Situation Room for a briefing. She listened attentively to the information, opinions, and recommendations of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joshua Tate, Jennifer Gorham, and Gil Rodgers. She methodically cataloged the facts as they were explained to her. She looked over at Vice President Nate Ellison and received the raise of his brow.
According to intelligence reports, Biocon was engaged in some type of relationship with the Russian Federation. That confirmed Alex’s information. Candace was perplexed as to why her Defense Secretary found a business alliance between Biocon and the Russian Federation odd. The Russians conducted as much global business as any other country, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Scandinavia. Biocon was headquartered in Bucharest. Its main facility, however, stood only thirty miles from the Ukrainian border. On its face, nothing she had heard in this meeting rose to the level of military intervention.
Gil Rodgers finished outlying his concerns and his support for a limited military strike on a Ukrainian factory. Candace waited a moment and addressed the room. “All right,” she began. “Let me see if I have this right. You know that Biocon is moving something from their facility to a factory in Ukraine, and then onward to Kaliningrad.” Rodgers started to speak, and Candace held up her hand to stop him. “But you don’t know what that something is, and you don’t have any idea if it is, in fact nefarious. On this information, you want me to authorize you to destroy the Ukrainian factory.”
“Yes,” Rodgers replied. “We can conceal our involvement, Madame President. It will appear as if The Free-Ukrainian Society implemented the attack.”
Candace shook her head. “Why would we do that?”
“To avoid any link to you.”
“To me? This isn’t my idea,” she reminded the room. “The Free-Ukrainian Society is not an adversary to America,” she said. “So, the answer to your suggestion is a flat and unequivocal, no.”
“Madame President, we cannot be seen as culpable.”
“We are culpable,” Candace said. “If you want to take actions, you should be prepared to accept responsibility for those actions.”
“It’s not that simple,” Tate said.
Candace nodded. “No, I know that. When you bring something like this to me, don’t ever mistake who is culpable. You can spin things and create narratives all you like. Someone will know we are responsible. In fact, overseas most will suspect we are responsible. Don’t ever allow yourselves to believe that any story you concoct is an impenetrable shield. It is not.” She took a deep breath, laid down the pen in her hand, and scanned the faces in the room. “Biocon, as I understand, has most of its energy and assets invested in smart-technology—typing DNA and biometric accessory development.”
“They also provide the primary lab for DNA classification in Europe,” Jennifer Gorham offered.
“They also operate Genetica,” Rodgers reminded the room.
Genetica was billed as a laboratory that developed diagnostic technology. Candace had heard speculation that the Biocon subsidiary was more diversified than publicly disclosed. She’d yet to see any evidence of those claims. “I’m aware, but that facility adjoins their main office in Bucharest. What evidence do you have that any biological material exists in this factory?” Candace wanted to know.
“If it is a factory, it would make sense,” Rodgers said. “The Poles are nervous. So are France and Germany. If Kapralov has found a way to disguise a biological threat—"
“It’s not simple to discern what the Russians are doing,” General Paul Derringer offered. The General had taken a markedly more reserved position than the Secretary of Defense.
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“And that is why you advise caution,” Candace surmised.
“This proposal would do little more than buy some time and appease a smattering of allies. The problem—if it is a problem, exists in Romania,” Derringer said. “Romania is our ally. Part of the European Union. It’s not a risk worth taking,” he advised.
“So, you suggest we wait and see?” Rodgers challenged the general.
“I suggest we exercise caution,” he replied evenly. “Not implement force.”
“I understand why you’ve proposed this idea,” Candace said. “You’ve all given me little that’s tangible. You have no idea what is being transported. All I know is that we have imagery of vans moving over the border. They could be delivering microchips or paper goods for all you know.”
“It’s not office supplies,” Air Force General Cam Melvin chimed.
Candace shot him a stern gaze. “I’m sure it isn’t. My point is that you don’t have anything specific to offer me. What do you believe they are transporting? Specifically?”
“My best guess,” Admiral Rollins began.
“I need more than a guess, Admiral.”
“I wish I had better to give,” he said.
Candace pondered all the information. “How soon do you need my decision?”
“The sooner, the more likely we have a good-outcome. But by morning at the latest. Any later, and we’ll lose our window,” Admiral Rollins told her.
“Very well. Unless I hear otherwise, or I call for you sooner, we’ll reconvene here at 6:00 a.m. Is that agreeable?”
“Ma’am,” Admiral Rollins said as acknowledgment.
“Don’t stop looking for alternatives,” Candace directed the room. “You are asking me to sign-off on a mission that is likely to kill civilians. I don’t care how it’s dressed up. As of this moment, I have no intention of signing anyone’s death warrant. If you have any new information, I expect to know immediately.” She watched as the room began to clear. “Joshua—stay.”
Tate waited until they were alone to address Candace. “I don’t know,” he said before she could pose a question. “I can’t say if it’s good intelligence. Rollins is right, Candace. Most times we’re acting on a guess—an informed guess, but—”
“Joshua, I am not inclined to sign death warrants on a guess.”
“I understand that.”
Candace put her face in her hands and rubbed vigorously. “Goddamnit!”
Tate flinched. Candace seldom showed anger.
“That son-of-a-bitch, Barbu lied to me.”
“The Romanian President has his agenda,” Tate said. “If this intelligence is correct, it’s not what he’s saying on the world stage.”
“What about the Prime Minister?” Candace inquired.
“Appointed by Barbu—as you know,” he replied. “That doesn’t always mean they sing the same tune.”
“Find out.”
“Candace, I can make calls, but—”
“I can make calls too, Joshua. Make them. Two hours. Upstairs.”
“You want to meet in the residence?”
“Yes. I have a few calls to make from here.” Candace nodded to the private office that adjoined the Situation Room.
“I think I understand.”
“I’m sure you do,” she said. “And, Joshua? Make one of your calls to Jane.”
He nodded.
Candace threw her head back. “Damnit.”
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS
Alex wasn’t expecting a call from Candace Reid—not this soon. She listened to Candace recap the meeting she’d just left. From Alex’s perspective, any intervention anywhere in the world that employed violence was perilous for all involved. It concerned her that Candace would be pressed to consider an intelligence operation or military intervention in Romania. Claire had just left Fyodor Popescu. It begged the question where the information handed to Candace originated, and what those in her circle hoped to accomplish. She could tell that Candace was at her breaking point.
“Claire didn’t find any evidence of what you are telling me. ASA is involved, Candace. Their holdings are as diversified as any technology company in the United States. They own and operate subsidiaries in pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, genetics, computer engineering, data mining—you name it. They partner with thousands of small businesses and corporations across the globe. Anything, and I do mean anything could be housed in a Romanian warehouse. I’ve been in intelligence briefings. I’ve been assigned covert missions. This doesn’t make sense,” Alex said.
“You think this information was brought to me as a trap?”
“Maybe not a trap so much as a tool. It’s not a coincidence that Claire was sent to Romania when you were visiting. It’s never a coincidence in this business. There is no way it’s a coincidence that we’re digging into Kaliningrad, Claire is in Europe asking questions, and someone wants you to act. What was the consensus?” Alex asked.
“Divided.”
“What was the split?”
“Four to three,” Candace replied.
“What’s the breakdown?”
“Melvin, Brooks, Derringer, and Pawling advised caution,” Candace told her. “Derringer is the most adamant that we stand down and gather more information.”
“Admiral Rollins thinks you should act?”
“He is leaning that way.”
Alex shook her head to clear the cobwebs.
“Alex? Why is Rollins’ opinion what sticks out to you?”
“Admiral Rollins served with Bill Brackett.”
“And that makes you suspicious?”
“Maybe. What about Rodgers?”
“He wants to act.”
Alex massaged her temples.
“Alex? Are you there?”
“I’m here. I heard you. I don’t like it. Any of it. It doesn’t add up. What does Tate say?”
“You know Joshua. He says that the best intelligence is usually an educated guess.”
“Yeah. That’s true where you sit.”
“Where I sit?” Candace questioned.
“Not where I am,” Alex clarified. “Listen, I want to loop Claire into this discussion.”
“Alex, I have limited time.”
“I know. Let me get Claire on the line. She should be in Poland by now. If we’re going to move, we have to do it soon. I’ll call you right back.”
“Make it quick, Alex.”
“I will.”
ELBLAG, POLAND
Claire was restless. Eleana suggested that they take a walk. “I know you want to jump in,” Eleana said.
“I want to know what Gregorovich is so intent on hiding from me—from us.”
“Maybe that’s what he’s hoping,” Eleana said. “That you’ll show your hand.”
“He probably is,” Claire agreed. “Someone will always attempt to flush us out. That’s how things are done in this business. That is this business. You’re here. I’m here. We have cover. We’re less than two hours away. I can get in and get out.”
“So confident. What if you can’t get in?” Eleana pushed back.
“I’ll get in. Who is this guy we’re meeting?”
“It’s not a guy,” Eleana said.
“Okay. Who is she?”
“She’s Filip’s granddaughter.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No. She’s been a translator for nearly as long as I have.”
“In Russia?” Claire asked.
“She did some work in Moscow,” Eleana replied. “She moved to Torun after the embassy bombing.”
“So, it’s just luck that she happens to live less than two hours from the place we need to go?”
“Maybe. She’s been here for three years, Claire. I think you can rest assured no one knew we’d be here three years ago.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I like Filip.”
“Yes, I noticed.”
“I don’t believe in coincidence.”
“How about opportunity?” Eleana s
ought to reframe the situation. “Nadia is a friend and a colleague, Claire. I trust her.”
“Well, let’s hope she has something more helpful than we found in Romania.”
“I thought Romania proved extremely helpful,” Eleana replied.
Claire sighed. “This one is bigger than us, El. I feel it.”
Eleana reached for Claire’s hand. “I know.”
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS
“Fuck!”
“Alex, calm down,” Krause said.
“Why won’t Claire or Eleana answer the phone?”
“Calm down,” he said. “El told me they were meeting with someone this morning.”
Alex’s frustration was mounting. “It’s 6:30 a.m. in Poland. You’re telling me they have a meeting this early?”
“From what El said, Claire is itchy.”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me.”
“Eleana won’t let her go off the rails. What did Candace say—exactly?” he asked.
“I told you everything she told me.”
“It doesn’t square,” he said. “Someone suspects Claire is acting on Candace’s behalf.”
“I know. We need to know what is going on. Candace needs the upper hand. So, do we.”
“Alex, if Candace doesn’t act, they’ll suspect we tipped her off to something.”
“I know that too.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he asked.
“Probably. We can’t suggest anything to Candace without something concrete to give her.”
“So, let Claire go into Kaliningrad.”
“I agree we need to move. Candace needs to be in this equation at every turn we can allow.”
“You’re worried about her.”
“I’m worried about all of us.” Alex picked up her phone again. “Claire? Where the hell have you been?”
ELBLAG, POLAND
Claire sipped a cup of coffee and listened to Eleana exchange pleasantries with Nadia Nowak.
“I don’t know if I can help you,” Nadia said. “I can’t tell you much. I can tell you that there is a lot of foreign activity around Rosgarten Gate.”
Claire’s ears perked. “What kind of activity?”
“There’s a popular restaurant there,” Nadia offered. “Kaliningrad isn’t known for its foreign tourists,” she continued. “There are many there—nearly every day.”
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