Opening Moves (The Red Gambit Series) Read Online Free Page B

Opening Moves (The Red Gambit Series)
Pages:
Go to
acknowledged that with a gentle nodding, although in his mind the word ‘assurances’ was replaced by ‘threats’.
    “The Baltic will be an issue until such times as Denmark is ours, when that avenue will be closed too. Until the military plan is submitted we will not know how soon that may be, but my staff anticipate that Denmark could be ours within 3-5 days Comrade. We also have a plan that should ensure the Baltic is sealed and secure in the interim. The Swedes will definitely not get involved and most certainly have power to ensure no incursions into their waters by either side.”
    “In more northerly waters I believe we have nothing to fear because any hurt would be minor and a simple distraction. We would also have the fallback of our suggested later intervention in Norway should it be required, although the continued presence of organised German divisions in country cannot be ignored. Our proposal for the slant-eyes would distract from any attempt on our Siberian waters.”
    ‘So, Air Force aside, it is the army which will pose us most problems comrade.”
    Beria adjusted his tie and made his pitch.
    “We can abandon, we can delay, or we can proceed. If we proceed, I see no alternative but to risk our agents in place and cause as much damage to the American programme as is possible. If that can delay their project until 1948 then we will be on an even footing in that regard and there will be no more threat. By 1948, we will have long finished what we started in Europe. I believe that the capitalists are weak and one kick will bring the church down around them. We seem now to have the probability of recruiting more assets in Manhattan even if our present agents are lost to us. We will never have a better opportunity Comrade General Secretary.”
    And so there it was; Beria had firmly nailed his colours to the mast.
    The dictator looked hard into Beria’s eyes, almost as if trying to read his innermost thoughts. Even a powerful man like the head of the NKVD felt intimidated by that stare but dare not look away.
    “Very well Lavrentiy. I agree with you. So let us see what wisdom and guidance our comrades bring later on. Thank you.”
    Stalin reached forward and spoke briefly into the ornate gold phone.
    The two men sat in silence until the tea and sweetbreads had arrived, and the orderly, actually one of Beria’s NKVD spies, left the room. Beria poured and handed the delicate cup to Stalin.
    “I think you should prepare the order for your agents Lavrentiy, just in case.”
    Delivered in a deadpan style, but there was mischief there for sure, which Beria acknowledged with a rare smile.
    “It will be ready for immediate dispatch after the GKO meeting Comrade.”
    The order was already prepared and in his briefcase.
    “Good. Now tell me more of this plan for the slant-eyes.”
     
    1542 hrs, Tuesday, 12th June 1945, The Kremlin, Moscow, USSR.
    At 1542 hrs precisely, the members of the GKO departed from the committee room where they had met. If anyone had been watching their arrival and subsequent departure they would have noticed a defined variation in mood.
    The men leaving wore gaunt and set expressions, appearing burdened, almost as if the weight of the world had been placed upon their shoulders.

    At the same time as they left the Kremlin, a small message was starting its journey down the line to a number of Soviet agents throughout the whole project. The message was simple.

    ‘Priority 7. Prepare to damage/destroy Manhattan within 72 hours of receipt of codeword “Napoleon”. Codeword 'Wellington' when ready to proceed. Imperative be ready to expedite by 6th July latest.’

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do

    Epictetus

Chapter 2 – THE SPY.

     
    2241 hrs Saturday, 16th June 1945, Scientist’s Residential Block, Los Alamos, New Mexico.

    Mathematician Perlo opened the letter, ostensibly from a cousin in Washington with whom, the FBI had noted, there was

Readers choose

Michael Martone

Daniel Rafferty

J Murison, Jeannie Michaud

Zenina Masters

Harry Turtledove

Tania Carver

Minette Walters

Christie Dickason

Laura Kinsale

Alev Scott