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Chapter 8
11 March 1949, Ralph Bunche' Home, Washington, DC
"So you're saying there's a major Soviet spy ring with high-level connections in Washington?"
Jennie clenched her jaw, her sidearm pointed at Matt's forehead.
"Yes. And I believe this same spy ring is both passing along information about the US nuclear program and using its connections and influence to drive a wedge between the Western democracies."
"Blatant fear-mongering and bluffing."
"Oh? And I suppose you have another explanation for the recent events?"
"What makes you think the Soviets are specifically trying to divide the NAT-the Western democracies?"
"The newspapers, common sense, and some connections of my own..." Matt glanced toward Bunche.
"And why exactly should I believe you?" said Jennie, her face hard and unemotional, her sidearm still pointed firmly at Matt. "Why exactly should I believe the man who disappeared behind Soviet lines after years of working together through thick and thin, after repeatedly professing his love for me, after asking me to marry him?
He bowed his head.
"You're right. You shouldn't."
Jennie gave him a puzzled look.
"You need my contacts and my information to find whoever's trying to sabotage the North Atlantic Treaty. I need your help to clear my name. You'll just have to trust me." he said icily.
His expression suddenly softened.
"There was a time when you would never hesitate to trust me, when you would risk being branded a traitor because you believed in me and my word."
Jennie glared at him.
"Are you telling me that the Prime Minister was lying when he said you defected?"
"No. I'm telling you, Jennie, that the Russians lied about my defection."
"And what reason would they have for doing so?"
"Because the American government is not overly fond of its agents being kidnapped by their allies, tortured, interrogated, and sent to rot in a Siberian POW camp." He was clearly starting to get angry.
It was horrible, the thought of Matt enduring such terrible misery. She looked up, as stern as ever. "For all I know you could have made this all up. I'm well aware of NKVD's abilities," she said, referring to the Russian intelligence agency. As she looked at the man before her, she felt an utter lack of conviction. Her words came out brazen and bold, but to her they sounded dead and empty.
"Jennie," Matt said softly, his eyes earnest and full of emotion, "I've experienced firsthand the brutality and culture of deception of the Soviet system. If you don't accept my help, you are practically giving the Soviets The Bomb-the ultimate tool of coercion and aggression-with no united front to stop them. They will plow through Asia and Europe, gobbling up territories millions of our men-
"-and women."
Matt nodded in agreement "Yes...and women too...bled and fought and died so recently to liberate from totalitarianism and expansionism."
He sighed wistfully.
"In the past 4 years 12 nations have fallen under Soviet power. China will soon follow their lead. And then there's Greece, Turkey, Indochina, South Korea...there are at least half a dozen other countries which totter on the brink."
"I know Matt! I'm in British intelligence, remember?"
"Then accept my help!"
Jennie studied his face. It was handsome, with silky brown hair, and a very attractive mustache she used to joke tickled her when they kissed. But it was also creased with deep lines, and his facial features were chiselled, even sunken Se was rather alarmed at how much weight he'd lost.
It had been a terrible four years. She'd advanced in her career, but only because the loss of Matt had forced her to bury her emotions deep down, had helped her to throw herself into her work with near ruthless efficiency.
And now, he had the audacity, guilty or not, to intrude back into her life, to upset the careful balance she had imposed.
She sighed. In the end, he was right. She had to trust him. To throw away such an offer would be wasteful. Even if he was a Soviet spy, spreading misinformation, perhaps she could track him to other spies in Washington.
"Very well," she said, reluctantly. "But one false move and I'll put lead in your face so fast you won't know what hit you."
"Fair enough," Matt said. His words seemed to lack conviction as well. He almost seemed…heartsick.
'Utter nonsense,' she thought, as Bunche gestured for them to follow him.
