Return to Cyprus

Chapter 12

Despite his lingering doubts about Kostmayer, Farhad knew they had to move forward with their plans, so he decided it was time to contact Melnikov at the Paphos Resort. The Russian was staying in the most expensive suite; only the best for Mr. Melnikov, thought Farhad. During 20 years in the KGB, he had always found ways to get the best, the best suits, the best wine, the best women. Where he got his money, Farhad didn't know, and how the KGB had never caught him with his hand in the till, he didn't know either. To Farhad, it didn't matter. His indulgences made him vulnerable, and they could exploit that vulnerability.

He dialed.

"Melnikov."

"Hello, Mr. Melnikov. I would like to talk to you about a mutual friend, Elena Sergeevna."

Immediately the Russian was on his guard. Elena Sergeevna was his superior in the Russian Intelligence Service.

"Who are you?"

"It's not important who I am. What is important is that I have some pictures that I am sure will interest you."

"Pictures? Pictures of what? Pictures don't interest me." Melnikov did not like where this was going.

"Oh, I am sure you will find these pictures very…engrossing. As will Elena Sergeevna, I think."

Now Melnikov was worried. Besides being his boss, Elena Sergeevna had been his lover for several years, since before the end of the KGB. He very much enjoyed the company of this powerful, beautiful woman who had ruthlessly clawed her way to the top ranks of the Russian intelligence services. Being her favorite also had definite advantages, for she had protected him from many threats. They understood each other perfectly. She cared not the least if he had sex with other women, as long as he followed the rules she had made clear to him. He knew exactly what she would do if he broke her rules: She would have him killed.

He was fairly certain what the pictures showed, although it was hard to imagine how they could have been taken. He thought he had taken all the precautions necessary. Had they been betrayed? Had SHE betrayed him, he wondered? Maybe she had found a younger man, and wanted him out of the way. Maybe she was more like her mother than he had thought. He needed to find out more from this man on the phone. Exactly what did he have?

"I have nothing to hide from Elena Sergeevna. I don't know what you think you have, but why don't you just send them to Elena, and we'll see what she thinks."

"Ah, Mr. Melnikov, that would not be wise. You must see the pictures first and decide for yourself. I know Elena Sergeevna very well. She is a proud and vindictive woman."

As I know all too well, groaned Melnikov to himself.

"What do you want?"

"We must meet. Then we will discuss terms."

"When, where?"

"At 10:00 at the Hotel Akkropolis."

"I cannot come at 10:00. I can only get away from our meetings during the lunch break or I will raise suspicions."

"Fine. 12:30 at the Hotel Akkropolis."