@@@@@On the white counter in front of him was a
@@@@@On the white counter in
front of him was a large electronic console with myriad switches, dials and a keyboardRodchenko
sat down in a steel chair next to the man; catching his breath, he spoke
“You have word from Colonel Krupkin in Paris?”
“I have words concerning Colonel Krupkin, GeneralIn line with your instructions to monitor
the colonel’s telephone conversations, including those international lines authorized by him, I
received a tape from Paris several minutes ago that I thought you should listen to
“As usual, you are most efficient and I am most grateful; and as always, I’m sure Colonel
Krupkin will inform us of events, but as you know, he’s so terribly busy
“No explanations are necessary, sirThe conversations you are about to hear were recorded
within the past half hourThe earphones, please?”
Rodchenko slipped on the headset and noddedThe operator placed a pad and a container of
sharpened pencils in front of the general; he touched a number on the keyboard and sat back as the
powerful third direktor of the Komitet leaned forward listeningIn moments the general began
taking notes; minutes later he was writing furiouslyThe tape came to an end and Rodchenko
removed the headsetHe looked sternly at the operator, his narrow Slavic eyes rigid between the
folds of lined flesh, the crevices in his face seemingly more pronounced than before
“Erase the tape, then destroy the reel,” he ordered, getting out of the chair“As usual, you have
heard nothing
“And, as usual, you will be rewarded
It was 4:17 when Rodchenko returned to his office and sat down at his desk, studying his notes
It was incredible! It was beyond belief, yet there it was—he had heard for himself the words and
the voices saying those words! Not those concerning the monseigneur in Paris; he was secondary
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now and could be reached in minutes, if it was necessaryThat could wait, but the other could not
wait, not an instant longer! The general picked up his phone and rang his secretary
“I want an immediate satellite transmission to our consulate in New YorkAll maximum
scramblers in place and operational
How could it happen?
Medusa!
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32
Frowning, Marie listened to her husband’s voice over the telephone, nodding at Mo Panov across
the hotel room“Where are you now?” she asked
“At a pay phone in the Plaza-Athénée,” answered Bourne“I’ll be back in a couple of hour