The Spy Case Chapter 3

The Spy Case

Chapter 3

Alarm bells screeched throughout the building. Vlad and I headed to the fire exit after grabbing our parkas. Sergei and Vera followed us outside into the sunshine—and a sight of total destruction. The front half of the hangar building lay in ruins!

Other pipeline workers and scientists from the lab were milling about conversing in Russian and pointing to the hangar. A man came up to where I was standing with Vlad, Sergei and Vera and others and related something tersely in Russian. Vlad turned to me. No one was in the building when an explosive device went off, he related. The workers were just heading to their lunch break.

That was lucky, I muttered and Vlad just shook his head. He turned to Sergei and Vera and they began to talk excitedly among themselves and the others in the small group that had gathered.

I heard police sirens in the distance and took the opportunity in the confusion to slip away where I could contact Dad and let him know what had transpired.

I headed to my dorm room, went in pulled my cell phone from my pocket, then called Dad.

Whew! He exclaimed. Maybe this assignment is too dangerous, he added. We'll come and bail you out.

No! I blurted. I've made a friend, Vladimir Malenkov. I think he may be the son of the man in the hospital back there in Moscow. He was just about to reveal something about his father when the explosive went off. Look, Dad, Vlad trusts me I think. I should stay, we might find out some valuable information. I'll watch my back, I promise.

Dad checked his files and reported that Yuri Malenkov did indeed have a son named Vladimir. OK, Justin I'll let you stay—for now. But if this becomes too dangerous we're pulling you out. Agreed?

Yes, I said. Thanks Dad. I hung up and was startled by a voice coming from the doorway behind me.

What's up? It was Vlad. Had he heard my phone conversation. I should have closed the door.

Oh, nothing. Just checking in with my Dad in case he hears about the explosion on the news, I remarked trying not to look too guilty. I was usually pretty good at that.

He seemed to accept my explanation no problem. OK, come on, the authorities want to speak to us.

They want to talk to me?

They're interviewing everyone in the whole complex. They're waiting downstairs in the common room. I followed Vlad down the corridor and down the stairs to the plain unadorned room off to the right of the main entrance. Two police officials were seated on the hardback chairs. Vlad went in and I followed.

Justin Macdonald? One of the officials asked getting up from his chair. He spoke with a heavy accent. He was a large man, clean shaven with light brown hair with a touch of grey, cut in a military style brush cut. You are from Canada, no?

Yes, I replied. I'm a student on a co-op for a few weeks. Working in the lab.

The official, whose badge read “Pushtin” in Cyrillic script, was unimpressed. Very well, he said. You are being here for how much time?

Since yesterday, I responded. I've been working in the lab with Vlad.

That's true officer. Justin and I have been almost inseparable, he said glancing at me.

Pushtin nodded. We would maybe have more questions for you, Mr. Macdonald. He motioned to his partner, an even sterner looking man, tall dark haired with a large bushy moustache. We leave now, he muttered.

With that they left the room. Whew! I said. Your police are a lot more sterner here than back home.

Stern? Vlad said. That guy was a puppy dog compared to some of the police. Not—that I've had a lot of experience with police, he added sheepishly.

I just grinned. Don't worry Vlad. I think you're a decent guy. Now, you were talking with your friends. What kind of damage did that explosion do?

Come, let's take a look.

The area around the hangar was cordoned off with tape and armed military guards were stationed around it. I hoped they had on long underwear and thermal socks. It was still pretty cold. We approached without getting too close to the guards, but the damage was obvious. And it was pretty bad. The front wall of the hangar had been blown away, leaving 3 walls still intact.

My friend Volya was working in here and had just gone for lunch, Vlad remarked. He told me that there were a few visitors here this morning, but Krakov often brings visitors from head office around to tour the complex. Volya told me the men are staying in Yakutska and that the authorities are questioning them now. Volya tells me this when I looked for him. I was worried about him. No one was hurt though. That is a very good thing.

Yes, I agreed. But why would someone want to blow up the hangar?

Vlad lowered his voice and pulled me away from a group of onlookers. Can I trust you, Justin?

I looked at his determined face. Yes, I said. Of course, Vlad. You can trust me. We're friends, aren't we?

Vlad nodded. Can we go somewhere and talk. The cafeteria? I don't want to go to my room.

We headed to the lunch room and it was fairly deserted, just a few people on their breaks. They were talking in hushed tones most likely discussing the bomb. I was surprised that TSO didn't close down due to the explosion but I guess “business as usual” was the norm here in Russia. Things were sure different from back home.

We sat at a table in the corner away from the others after grabbing colas from the vending machines. I tried to tell you earlier. I think there's a spy out here and I think I know who it might be.

Why do you think there's a spy? I asked, excited that I had stayed behind with Vlad and not left like Dad had wanted.

Someone doesn't want TSO to build the pipeline. We tried to buy some land but one of our competitors—Northlands Oil, bought it up before the deal could go through. Our competitor doesn't need the land, it's just sitting empty and undeveloped.

How do you know this? I asked.

You don't believe me? He asked. I didn't detect a note of annoyance. He was just asking.

I believe you, Vlad, I remarked.

My father works in Moscow at the Head office for TSO. The big bosses at the company think that he was the spy. But he is innocent. He was framed.

By who? Do you know? I tried not to sound too excited and blow my cover.

I don't know his name but the man works closely with two officials back at the head office. I think their names were Petrov and Romanov. My dad mentioned their names a few times.

Whoa! I blurted. I tried to act like I knew nothing of the senior Malenkov. I wished I could tell him who I really was and that I knew about his father, but I decided to wait a bit longer.

My father gave everything to that company. He would work late, long after the other employees went home. He wanted to make this pipeline a success. With my mother being sick last year he was under a lot of stress worrying about her.

As Vlad was telling his story, I was thinking that TSO should take a closer look at their employees family life. I'm sure your dad is OK, I said. But why do you think he was framed?

Someone in the office set him up. He told me this the last time we spoke on the phone—last week. He thought that his bosses, this Petrov and Romanov were suspicious of him. Why else would they be suspicious of my father unless someone was telling them things behind my father's back. I don't understand, Justin. It's all so confusing.

I was silent for a moment and didn't know how to respond. Romanov and Petrov had the wrong man, I was sure of it now. Vlad had no reason to lie to me—he didn't know who I was—or did he?

You seem so easy to talk to Justin, Vlad said after a moment. I'm sorry if I burdened you with my troubles. I'm just so worried about my father.

Don't worry about it, Vlad. I don't mind your talking to me about this. I'm just glad you trusted me enough to tell me. I like you and hope we can be friends, I said, offering my hand which he shook. I'm sure you'll hear from your dad soon.

Vlad nodded. A few more people were coming into the lunch room now. It was nearing dinner time and work had been suspended for the rest of the day because of the explosion. We overheard some of the other employees talking. Vlad was able to translate for me what some of the people were saying. Not too much damage was done to the actual pipeline and only a bit of the materials were damaged or destroyed.  A major shipment of supplies was expected the next morning and another rush shipment was scheduled for a few days later.

Repair teams had been out to build a makeshift wall on the hangar, with heightened security around the entire complex. A detachment of law enforcement was on their way from Moscow and would arrive in the morning to take over the local investigation. They would find the culprits, they vowed.

We grabbed a quick dinner of lamb stew and biscuits and ate in silence while the other employees discussed the bombing. Sergei and Vera came in as we were about to leave. Sergei spoke to Vlad who nodded.

Krakov wants to see me in his office right away, Vlad remarked. I'll meet you up in the dorms?

I nodded and went on my way, after waving goodbye to Sergei and Vera. Sergei gave me the thumbs up as I turned to leave.

I went to my dorm room and Vlad came along about 10 minutes later. Krakov told me about my father, he related. He's OK. He’s in the hospital. He had a heart attack. I wasn’t able to talk to him in the hospital, though, he’s still unconscious.

I breathed a sigh of relief that I wouldn't have to blow my cover. Vlad found out about his dad on his own. I had been tempted to tell him what I knew and was now glad I hadn't.

Justin, do you mind if I spent some time alone. Today's been full of excitement and I need a little down time. I’m really worried about my father.

That's fine, Vlad, I said. I want to go talk to Krakov myself anyway. I have a few questions for him. See you later, eh?

He nodded and grinned. Come by later if you want—say around 10. We can listen to some music. I know this great band out of St. Petersburg.

Sounds great. With that I went back to my room and put on my parka and boots. The sun was waning in the sky but it was still pretty light out. Outside the temperature had dipped again and there was a biting wind. As I approached the administrative building I saw a large figure coming out the main doors. He looked familiar. Then I realized it was Boris, from back in Moscow. What was he doing here at TSO?

He didn't look too happy as he hurried along the sidewalk to the small parking lot and folded himself into a small blue car. I thought about calling out to him, but he looked all serious. Back in Moscow he was joking around. I watched as the car sped out of the lot to the main entrance and turned left, headed towards Yakutska. He sure seemed to be in a hurry, I mused.

I went inside the administrative building and approached Krakov's office. Inside the outer office I took off my coat and boots. I noticed that Olga, Mr. Krakov's assistant was not at her desk. I also noticed the door to Krakov's office was slightly ajar. No sound came from the inner office.

Something was off, I thought suddenly as I approached Krakov's door. I peered inside the office hoping to see Krakov at his desk but I could see no one. I turned away but heard a noise. It sounded like a groan coming from the far side of the desk.

I went inside the office and went around the desk and gasped at what I saw. Krakov was lying motionless on the floor by his chair. Olga was beside him, and she was starting to stir.

I knelt beside her. Her eyes fluttered open and she gasped in fear. It's OK, Olga, it's me Justin Macdonald.

She tried to sit up and then noticed Krakov. She wailed again. Oh! Mr. Krakov!

It's OK, Olga. I'll call the authorities. You just rest. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket but wasn't sure what number to dial. Olga, now seated in Krakov's desk chair rattled off a number in Russian—1-4-7-7.

I dialled the number and handed her the phone so she could speak in Russian. A moment later she hung up and handed me back my cell phone. The authorities will be here shortly as well as an ambulance. Is Krakov OK?, she said turning to him.

I knelt beside the prone figure and tried to revive him. He had a large welt on his forehead but it wasn't bleeding. His eyes fluttered open and he was able to gasp one word before collapsing unconscious again. Boris!

The Spy Case Chapter 2

The Spy Case

Chapter 2

Oh, no, I blurted. That’s terrible news. Is he going to be OK?

The doctors say he should recover, but it might take weeks, Petrov replied.

What do you think of his story? Dad asked.

Romanov and Petrov exchanged glances. It’s possible, Petrov replied stroking his moustache thoughtfully. We have a proposition for young Justin here, he added. With your permission of course, Mr. Macdonald. Before we propose it, we should explain exactly what we know.

Can we go somewhere and talk? Dad asked and the Russians agreed. There is a new mall next door, just opening up for morning business, Petrov said. There is what you Westerners call a “food court” there. We can get something to eat and discuss the case. Would that be satisfactory?

Dad and I agreed. We followed the Russians back out into the early morning deep freeze. These malls are springing up everywhere, Romanov said as we walked along the street, his breath creating a cloud in front of him.

Petrov chuckled. Yes, “shop ‘til you drop” is the new motto I hear the young people talking about, he said. Sounds dangerous!

I’ve never actually tried it, I said with a grin. But my girlfriend back home has tried it—lots of times!

Did she hurt herself? Petrov said. When she dropped, I mean?

I laughed. No, she wasn’t hurt, but her bank account sure was!

We came to the front entrance of the mall and went inside to the relative warmth. The food court was on the lower level. I was surprised to see some of the same fast food chains as back home. With a few new ones.

Petrov ordered breakfasts and coffees for all of us and we found a table near the back of the food court where there weren’t a lot of people around.

As we ate, Romanov started his story. As you know American Atlantic Oil hired your father to work with us at TSO to find out who is sabotaging plans for a new pipeline in Eastern Siberia. We have a base there and are already starting to build the pipeline, but we don’t have all the land that we need. We started building prematurely, he added, looking at Petrov. Now, our deals to purchase land are falling through and a rival company, Northlands Oil, is quietly buying up the land that we need. At a lot higher prices, so of course the land owners are taking their offers.

Northlands doesn’t need the land it is worthless as far as other uses for the land. It is too cold for crops and there is no oil on the site, Petrov added. Someone in our company is leaking the details of our purchases to Northlands so they can swoop in with a better deal.

A spy! I said.

Romanov nodded. We suspected Malenkov. He always worked late and was becoming increasingly nervous at work.

Then one day we found a memo allegedly written by Malenkov. It had information about the land sales—pricing and locations, things of that nature. We wanted to confront him, but we couldn’t prove conclusively that he wrote the note.

He was being set up? Dad asked.

We didn’t know, Petrov replied. All the evidence was a little too neat. Then two days ago we learned of the meeting Malenkov was to have. We didn’t know the exact address of this meeting, but we knew the area. We knew Malenkov would go, hence the mission we had you go on last evening.

After you gave us the information, we went to the address to confront Malenkov. No one was there, but there was information about the land sales and notes detailing our work. Malenkov’s prints were all over the paperwork.

Wow! Looks like a real good set-up, I said. You went to arrest Malenkov, then?

We had to, the evidence was incriminating. If he has been set up hopefully that will come out in the trial, Romanov stated.

Our deal with AAOil is in danger, Petrov went on. If we can’t build the pipeline, AAOil will go elsewhere, perhaps to another country. Russia needs the money and the employment that this pipeline will bring to the area.

What’s the proposition? I asked.

We think that if Malenkov was set up, whoever set him up will soon learn that he is in custody. They will think that they can continue to deal with our rival. Their guard will be down. We want you to go to the TSO office in Siberia and see if you can find out who this person is. Like we mentioned, the evidence surrounding Malenkov is incriminating, but we don’t believe he was acting alone. Someone else is involved. He was what you would call the “fall guy”.

You want me to be a spy? Why me? I don’t have any experience.

Your father thinks you’re up to it. He speaks very highly of you, Petrov remarked. And—besides we need someone who will not arouse suspicions. We were going to send a junior officer from our headquarters here in Moscow, but his wife just had a baby and he doesn’t want to leave his family.

We can send you in his place, Romanov said. No one will be suspicious of a Canadian student working here on a work visa and needing the experience.

I sat for a moment quietly and let it all sink in. A spy? Justin Macdonald, International Spy. It has a nice ring to it, I said with a grin.

Don’t let it get to your head, son, Dad said.

I won’t. When do I start?

Today.

I didn’t think it was possible. But the wind was actually colder in Siberia than it had been in Moscow. I had just alighted from a small twin engine plane owned by TSO and out into the brisk afternoon air near the small town of Yakutska, on the eastern Siberian plain. The head offices of TSO pipeline division were nearby. I had a meeting with the head of the facility in five minutes, so I pulled the hood of my parka tighter around my head and walked briskly to the long dull grey coloured building beside the airstrip at the edge of the TSO compound.

I went inside and was met by a prim older woman seated at a small desk. She smiled at me as I read her nameplate which read “ОЛГА”. Olga.

I’m Justin Macdonald, here to see Mr. Krakov.

Yes, Olga said in perfect English. We’ve been expecting you. I will have your luggage taken over to the dormitories while you are meeting with Mr. Krakov.

That would be great, I said, putting my two bags down beside her desk. I took off my parka and hung it on a nearby hook on the wall. I grabbed my briefcase which held some training materials and sat down on a hard plastic chair against the wall.

Olga picked up her phone and spoke in Russian then hung up. Mr. Krakov will see you now, Mr. Macdonald.

I followed Olga into the inner office where I was met by a young man, not much older than I. He had dark hair and was clean shaven except for a small patch of whiskers on his chin. He had a modern suit and a bold purple tie. He was about my height with stark blue eyes and glasses.

Justin, great to meet you, he said with a slight accent. I’m glad you could come on such short notice. We shook hands across his desk.

I look forward to working with you here at TSO, I said, and Krakov smiled warmly.

That’s great. Here, have a seat, he said motioning to a plush chair in front of his desk.

Krakov picked up his phone and spoke in English. Olga, can you send for Vlad. I’d like him to meet Justin.

She said she would, then hung up.

Now, Justin, I know why you’re really wanted to come here. You can’t fool me.

Pardon?, I said, trying to hide my surprise.

All the pretty girls, of course, he said with a chuckle. Siberia is known all over the world for it’s beautiful women.

Oh, right, I said. That’s it exactly, sir.

Krakov just looked at me for a moment. Justin, you’re going to fit in perfectly here and I know you and Vlad will get along fine, he remarked. He’s about your age. I want him to train you. I have another meeting in a few minutes but I just wanted to meet you before you got started.

Basically you will train with Vlad in the lab. If you have any problems, just let him know or get a hold of me directly.

Just then there was a knock at the door. Come in, Krakov said.

A young guy about my age came into the room. He had longish dark hair and deep set dark brown eyes. He was a little taller than me and was very skinny, his clothes hung on him. He sported a wispy beard and thick framed glasses, that he pushed up on his nose as he came into the room.

Justin, this is Vladimir—Vlad Malenkov.

I was startled by Vlad’s last name. Malenkov. Was he related to the man lying in a hospital in Moscow? I shook Vlad’s hand and he smiled. Hi Justin, nice to meet you. So you decided to brave the balmy Siberian weather?

Yes, I said, trying to look friendly. I needed all the friends I could get. Krakov says you have lots of pretty girls out here as well.

Oh, I wouldn’t know about that, he said sheepishly, looking down at he floor. Maybe.

Vlad, can you give Justin a tour of the facility? He will be working with you and the team in the lab, Krakov said, breaking the awkward silence.

Vlad looked up and nodded. Let’s go!

We donned our parkas and boots in the outer office and headed out into the bright sunshine—and subzero weather.

The snow had stopped but the sunshine was blinding on the snow. I pulled my sunglasses from my pocket and put them on.

We got into a small jeep and headed to the dormitory so I could get settled in. The dorm was a low brick building—very plain looking like most of the buildings here. It was situated near the front entrance of the complex. Beyond I could see a large hangar and another building, most likely where the labs were located. As well another plant was located beside the large hangar.

The pipeline is being constructed in the hangar, Vlad said. Because it’s so huge they need a very large work space. I’ll show you around there later. But first I’ll take you to your room then introduce you to the other lab technicians. You’ll really like Sergei, Vlad said with a grin. He’s—different.

Can hardly wait, I said with a grin of my own.

He parked the jeep and we headed into the dorm. The main entrance had a security panel and Vlad punched in the four digit number. He told me the number and I committed it to memory.

It was nice to be in out of the cold and wind.

My room was on the second floor. It was simply furnished with a small cot, a plain sofa and small brown upholstered chair. The kitchen was one counter with a sink and some plates and cutlery and a small table with one rickety chair. My bags were on the floor inside the door.

The washroom and showers are down the hall, Vlad said. The hallway gets cold in the morning so you’ll want to wear a housecoat and slippers. My room is next door, he said. If you need anything after you settle in, just let me know.

I will, I said with a smile. Thanks, Vlad.

What do you guys do on your off time? I asked.

A lot of the guys go into town, Yakutska, it’s a town about 10 km to the east. I just stay here and read, mostly, he added sheepishly.

I’ll probably just stay here too, I said.

That’s great, Vlad said, clearly happy at this news. Maybe we can hang out?

Sure, I said. But one more thing. No TV?

The TSO Labs were located next to the giant plant in a low brick building. As we walked Vlad told me about the experiments that took place here, from testing the soil for impurities to helping with chemical compounds related to the construction of the pipeline.

We went in the front entrance and were met by a security guard who scanned Vlad’s pass. I was listed as a visitor until I was issued my own security pass.

Vlad led me down a short hallway to a metal door with a small window. We stepped inside.

A man and woman looked up from a stainless steel table where they were looking at what looked like soil samples.

This is Sergei and Vera, Vlad said introducing me.

Sergei was an older man about 50 with spiky black hair. The sleeves of his white lab coat were rolled up to reveal colourful sleeve tattoos on both arms. He wore dark rimmed glasses and had a neatly trimmed beard and sported a small gold stud in each ear. I noticed his shoes were bright orange with fluorescent green laces. He shook my hand but didn’t speak.

Sergei doesn’t know much English, Vlad reported and Sergei nodded and smiled. He turned back to his work.

Vera was younger with her blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She had hazel eyes and a quick smile. She too just nodded and shook my hand when Vlad introduced us. Vera doesn’t speak much English either.

Vlad then said something to Sergei in Russian and the man grinned broadly winking at me. He said something back to Vlad.

He says you should come into Yakutska with him this weekend. He’ll show you a good time, but I told him you would probably stay here. Sergei pouted and shook his head.

Tell him I’ll think about it, I said to Vlad and he repeated (hopefully) what I had said. Sergei nodded again and gave me the thumbs up.

Sergei can get kind of wild, Vlad reported. Just a friendly warning. Now, I’ll show you the rest of the lab and we can get started. For now you’ll mainly just be running errands and delivering reports. Maybe in a week’s time you can help with some of the experiments.

In a weeks time hopefully I’ll have nabbed the spy and be back home.

Sure thing, I said. Sounds good. Say, how’s the pipeline project coming along?

Vlad visibly stiffened but turned to me with a grin. Great. Right on schedule as far as I know. My friend Volya works in the plant where the pipeline is being constructed.

I made a mental note to have a word with Volya.

It was nearing lunchtime, so we followed Sergei and Vera to the small cafeteria that was down the hallway. The special was a strange looking soup (not borscht) and sub sandwiches. We sat with Sergei and Vera but they talked to each other in Russian. I told Vlad little about my life, trying to be nonchalant and reticent in my comments. I didn’t want him to get suspicious but I didn’t quite trust him enough and didn’t want to blow my cover.

The afternoon we toured the rest of the lab and I ran a few requisitions and memos to the plant and to the main office. Putting on my parka and boots every time was a pain, but I was getting the lay of the complex and it kept me busy.

The night passed uneventfully and the next morning after showering and dressing in warm clothes, Vlad and I headed to dorm cafeteria for breakfast. Then to the lab.

That afternoon I was with Vlad in the lab when he turned to me. Can I trust you to keep a secret, Justin?

I was startled but responded yes.

You were asking about the pipeline yesterday. My father has disappeared and I think it has something to do with the pipeline. I also think there’s a spy out here at TSO.

A spy?! I said trying to hide my gulp.

Yes, he said looking me in the eye. And I think I might know—.

Suddenly the building shook, rocked by a powerful explosion!

The Spy Case Chapter 1

The Spy Case

Chapter 1

 I pulled the fur lined hood of my parka up as a biting wind sprung up suddenly. I turned to face away from the wind and was startled to see a figure approaching. Moving back into the shadow of the doorway, the person came closer.

Somewhere in the distance a clock struck one bell. It was one a.m. The man passed the doorway where I was concealed in the shadows and moved along the street.

Not Malenkov, I noted having seen the man's face a few seconds before as he walked under a street lamp. Another half an hour and I'll return to the hotel, I thought. Maybe he's not coming.

I yawned. The cold Moscow night was beginning to make me weary. Since arriving in the Russian capital yesterday I hadn't had much time to sight-see. Dad has summoned me here as he needed help with a case. I was excited about the prospect of helping Dad and was doubly excited to travel to Moscow Russia.

Snow began to fall as I eased out of the shadows of the doorway. The old brick buildings around me looked like they housed apartments. Across the cobbled street the icy black water of the Moscow River flowed quick and silent.

Twenty meters to my right a stone bridge traversed the river. Suddenly footsteps could be heard on the bridge. I ducked back into the shadow as another man approached. He walked under the street lamp and I saw his face. It was Malenkov!

"Just find out where he goes" was the instructions I was given earlier that night. "find out and return to the hotel". Easy enough, I thought. I wasn't counting on it being so cold.

The man moved along and I peeled out of the shadows and followed – at a discreet distance. Another block and the man continued on in the darkness, snow swirling around us. I tried to walk nonchalantly as I could as to not arouse the man's suspicions.

Suddenly the man stopped and pulled something out of his pocket. A gun? A knife? I stopped in my tracks and watched the man take the object and flick something on it. A glow could be seen coming from the object as he moved it to his lips.

A lighter. I breathed a sigh of relief as the man lit a cigarette and continued along the dark street.

Now if I lose him I can always follow the cigarette smell.

The man walked for another ten city blocks before coming to stop in front of a nondescript building. He checked the number and went quickly inside the door.

I slowed my pace but continued on. As I came to the doorway I didn't dare stop but glanced quickly at the number on the door. I walked to the corner and stood and looked around as if I were lost. In case the man was suspicious and was perhaps watching me.

I turned back around and walked the way I had come, glancing briefly to confirm the number as I passed. No one was about. I walked away.

As I approached my previous hiding spot by the stone bridge, I heard footsteps approach from behind. Was it Malenkov returning?

I hurried over the bridge and headed to the main section of the city and the hotel where I was to rendez-vous.

The footsteps kept pace with me as I hurried along. The hotel was another 20 city blocks away. Should I hide and see if this person is following me, or continue on my way?

I decided to keep going. I could outrun this person if I was being followed. I was on the track team back in Port Salser, my hometown.

A few blocks later the person turned a corner and moved away.

I doubled back and checked the street behind me but no one was about. By now the snow had stopped and the wind had died down, but it was still bitterly cold. I was glad to finally see the lights of the hotel up in the distance.

The Hotel Kursk was a medium scale hotel in the downtown area of Moscow. I made my way up to room 360 and knocked. A voice from the other side bellowed, "Password".

I rolled my eyes. These Russians could be so melodramatic. "Odeen, dva, tree" I said, One two three.

The door opened and I faced a 6'7" Russian. Boris. His dark curly hair cascaded down his back and he was dressed all in black. His dark beard was thick and he had deep blue eyes.

Welcome, Mr. Macdonald, he said. Your father is waiting.

Thanks Boris, I said with a grin.

I went into the inner room and faced three men. One was my father.

Dad! I said, greeting him. I had not seen Dad since I arrived in Moscow.

Hello, son, he said with a smile. Glad to see you've returned. You have some information?

Yes, I said, facing the other two men. This is Romanov, Dad said motioning to a tall blond headed man, clean shaven with piercing green eyes. I shook Romanov's hand. He had a firm grip.

This is Mr. Petrov, Dad said, motioning to the other man. He was slightly shorter than Romanov and was dark haired with a thick moustache and brown eyes. Both men were dressed in black suits to match their moods.

Did you find out where Malenkov went, Petrov said in a thick Russian accent, getting down to business.

I related the evening's events and gave the address where Malenkov had gone. Romanov moved to the phone situated on a nearby table and made a call. He spoke in Russian then hung up. Mr. Malenkov will be dealt with, he related to us. I’d like to thank you, Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Macdonald Jr., he said looking at me. For your help in this matter. It looks like our association is at an end. We will question Mr. Malenkov and I am sure we will get to the bottom of this.

We shook the two men’s hands and retreated. Passing Boris he just smiled at us. Catch you laters, he said.

I waved goodbye and we went into the hall. We walked in silence until we reached our room on the fifth floor.

What was all that about, I asked Dad as I kicked off my boots and flopped on the bed.

Dmitri Malenkov, the man you were following is an employee of Trans Siberian Oil. He’s been suspected of working secretly with a rival company to sabotage the pipeline project in Siberia. Another oil company, American Atlantic Oil hired me to work with TSO to find out who was responsible for sabotaging the deal.

What is the problem? I asked. Who is sabotaging the deal?

TSO needs land to build the pipeline from the headquarters near Yakutska in Siberia about 700 km to the east shoreline of Russia at the Sea of Okhotsk. The city of Tukchi is on the coast and that is where the pipeline will end. But someone is buying up land around the area where the pipeline is due to be built. They’ve already started building it and now suddenly the land is being bought up quickly and quietly. TSO is in danger of losing the contract with AAOil if they can’t build the pipeline as they promised.

Whew! I said. I’ll bet that contract is worth a lot of money.

Dad just nodded solemnly. A lot of money, yes, he said finally. We’re talking in the billions of dollars.

Malenkov has been acting strangely the last while and we believe that he thinks that Petrov and Romanov are on to him. We needed someone to find out where he was going tonight. Someone he wouldn’t suspect. They needed someone on short notice and I thought of you and they agreed to use you.

I hope everything works out. It was fun but I’m exhausted. It’s late.

I pulled on my gym shorts and t-shirt and crawled into bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.

The shrill ringing of the telephone woke me from a deep slumber. The bedside clock read 6 am.

Dad picked up and spoke in hushed tones for a minute then hung up. I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes.

They want to see us right away, Dad said, solemnly. It’s Petrov and Romanov. They’re are the police station.

We dressed quickly and bundled up in our parkas and boots. Heading out into the early morning cold, snow began to fall. We headed to Police Headquarters which thankfully were only a few blocks away.

We were met at reception and when we introduced ourselves were ushered into an office down a dimly lit corridor. Petrov and Romanov were waiting.

Not one to make small talk, Petrov got right to business. We went to the address you gave us, Mr. Macdonald. Malenkov was not there, but he had been there. We went to his home.

Was he arrested? Where is he now? Dad said, looking between the two men.

There was a bit of a problem, Romanov replied looking at his partner. We questioned him and he claims he was set up.

Did he give a name? I asked.

No, we wasn’t able to, Petrov said gravely.

Dad and I exchanged glances. Why? What happened? I said

Malenkov had a heart attack, right in front of us! He’s lying unconscious in a Moscow hospital.