Exchange

The Embankment was steeped in early morning mist, and nearby several people were still straggling home from their late night revelry. It was a popular, though unofficial, meeting place for senior civil servants and the security services. Today it was the location of choice for the head of MI-5's Section D to meet with the FSB's new man in London.

Harry strode purposefully along the path with a determined look on his face, extending his hand in greeting as he reached Kachimov, "Arkady, how are you enjoying London?"

"Harry," Kachimov shook his hand, "I find it pleasant, though not quite what I am used to of course." His accent was thick, and his smug expression did nothing to warm him to Harry, who was not yet quite sure what to make of Kachimov.

Harry was not inclined to prolong their discussion any longer than necessary, "I imagine you had a particular reason for wanting to meet?" he asked.

"Naturally ..." replied Kachimov, now getting straight to the point, "I think you know that we know you have Boklov. We would like him back."

"Of course you would," Harry was suddenly wary of the direction the conversation was taking, "You have several people we'd like back as well. But Boklov was caught accessing information he shouldn't have. We're not going to just hand him over."

Kachimov responded with a small smile, "We are prepared to offer an exchange ... You give us our man, and we will return someone you lost eight years ago."

A new look, one of increased curiosity, flickered across Harry's face and quickly disappeared. It didn't matter that Kachimov had seen it, the fact he was making the offer showed he already knew what Harry's interest in the officer was. There was no point in playing games, it was a more than fair exchange.

"You must really want your man back," said Harry focusing on Kachimov and looking for clues as to his motives, "When and how would this exchange take place?"

"Tomorrow. 8pm. The place ... we will talk again later."

Harry gave a slight nod, turned and began walking away. Kachimov watched him for a moment before himself walking in the other direction.

As soon as Harry knew he was out of Kachimov's earshot, his pulled his phone from his coat pocket and made a call while walking. "Malcolm," Harry's voice was full of authority, "I want to know everything Arkady Kachimov says and does for the next forty-eight hours. Everything."

He snapped the phone closed before musing that assuming all went according to plan, and that Kachimov was not playing him, he would soon be face to face with Lucas North again. What would he say to him?