Finding the Fit Chapter 6
Rick had been secretly hoping for a peek inside the Kremlin, but the dacha to which he'd been invited, more palace than cottage, may be even more impressive. The leader is rumored to have filched enough at the fall of the Eastern Hegemony to make himself one of the richest, if not the richest, man in the world. It shows in the art treasures on the walls and a stable full of fine horses. As part of his research for his books, Rick learned to ride, but he's hoping that if he accompanies the leader, unlike what is in his pictures, the man will keep his shirt on.
Rick has actually yet to get an audience. He's been settled in a grand parlor of sorts with chai and pastries and told to wait. As if he could do anything else. Scanning the room, he sees a shelf that contains, among other things, his translated books. He can't read the titles, but Rick's name is also on the spines.
At Rick's various other tour stops, he thought he spotted someone else from the ship. Agent Turner confirmed it. Although not approaching Rick, he's been a continuing presence. As far as Rick can tell, there's no way his stalker could make it through the guards at the mischaracterized dacha. Agent Turner, in the guise of his Black Pawn wrangler, was barred from entry – at least officially. If she managed to sneak in unofficially, Rick doesn't know about it. What he doesn't know, he can't tell. Rick has no idea if the possible assassin managed to do so either. He can't imagine how he could, but then Rick hasn't received that type of training. Turner has pointed out on multiple occasions that it's need-to-know, and Rick doesn't need to. But if his shadow does decide to strike, Rick could have one hell of a story – if he survives to write it.
A slight man in a dark suit enters the room and in only mildly accented English, advises Rick to stand. A moment later, flanked by men Rick assumes are bodyguards, the leader enters. The English speaker makes formal introductions before the leader motions Rick to a chair and takes a seat himself. Through the translator, he tells Rick that although he enjoys his books, he finds them to be inaccurate in the assumptions they make about his country. He starts ticking off items he thinks Rick should correct in future novels. Rick listens and, under the intimidating eyes of the guards, knows better than to try to dispute anything the ruler says. In the end, he thanks the leader for his careful analysis of the flaws in his books and promises to give the information a lot of thought before writing anything else about the affairs of his country. Rick isn't sure if he's satisfied the leader or not, but they shake hands and Rick is led out without incident.
Turner is waiting for Rick in his hotel room. She gives him a welcoming hug and passes him a note. "The place is bugged but just for sound."
Rick nods. "Well, that was interesting. I'm surprised some three Michelan star restaurant hasn't tried to poach the leader's pastry chef. I'm impressed. He does an incredible job."
"Does the leader like your books?" Turner asks, offering Rick a small pad and a pen.
"I'm not sure like is the right word. He did take the time to thoroughly analyze any misapprehensions I might have about his country. That's flattering," Rick says, while writing, "He was trying to get me to put out favorable propaganda."
"I suppose getting that much time from a man as busy as the leader, would be flattering," Turner responds, while penning, "Expected."
"So now do we get to see the sights?" Castle asks. "I've always heard how incredible the Moscow subways are. Supposedly like an art museum versus a poorly maintained dog park, when compared to the New York City Metro."
"It's a long way to Moscow," Turner points out verbally, "and we don't have much time before we have to make your reading in Finland. But I'll see what I can do." She writes, "Good, that will give us an excuse to hang around long enough to find out if the leader was a target."
The walls echo slightly as Rick claps his hands together. "Great! Let's get started."
The figure Rick believed was on the ship, waits quietly in the leader's private sitting room until the owner shows up, minus the translator and guards. "Are you going unnoticed?" the leader inquires in Russian.
"As far as I can tell," the mystery man replies in the same language. "Our monitoring is effective. As Castle led me to you, he will lead me to my target. Until then, I can keep my distance."
The leader nods. "Good. By the latest report, Castle will be heading to Moscow and then to Finland. You can catch up to him in Helsinki."
Rick is fascinated. The Russian subway is even more impressive than the film he's seen of it. It makes him almost dread revisiting the clatter and odor of the underground station closest to his loft. Still, he's also had a glimpse inside a Russian supermarket, where the food seems cheap - until compared to the high percentage of a worker's wages that the bill represents. He wonders what the leader will think if that little factoid turns up in a book. But then, unless The Company gives the go-ahead, he can't write about anything he observes while working for them. His next novel might just take place in his own neighborhood. Actually, considering some of his celebrity neighbors, that might sell more books anyway. One way or another, he can always get his messages across.
"So how do we get to Helsinki?" Rick asks as he and Turner walk Moscow's streets.
"There's a train from Moscow, but it makes seven stops along the way and takes about 15 hours," she replies. "Or there's a bus from St. Petersburg, which is a little faster. Either way, we should be there in time for your scheduled appearance."
"Maybe it's a deep-seated appreciation for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, but the train ride sounds much more interesting. People-watching is great fodder for building characters. It's a lot easier to do on a train. And we might just spot my shadow again someplace on board," Rick suggests. "I'll also get to do more of the person-to-person interaction The Company so strongly encourages."
"All right, Rick," Turner agrees. "We'll take the train."
In the last car of the train to Helsinki, Hunt finds an aisle seat that can accommodate his long legs. In the area for another mission, he had no trouble discerning that his son would be aboard. He doesn't really expect to see him, except perhaps in passing when one or the other of them relieves kinked muscles with a stroll. Hunt would also rather avoid Turner if he can. He doesn't need any more questions about his interest in Rick. Yet, somehow, if possible, he wants to be near the young man. He can never reveal his pride in his son's success, or even that Rick is his son. But every so often he can at least try to feel like a father. He spots a tall figure coming his way: Richard. Unfortunately, Turner is at his back. Hunt hides behind a newspaper as Richard goes to take in the view from the very rear of the train. Hunt wouldn't be surprised to see the rushing landscape described in a book someday – assuming that The Company doesn't spoil Richard's chance.