(1980) The Second Lady by Irving Wallace Read Free Book Online

will be a famous American. She is the wife of the new President-elect of the United States. She will be in their White House next vear as the country’s First Lady.’
    Vera Vavilova was silent and uncomprehending.
    ‘The reason I visited you backstage in Kiev,’ resumed Petrov, ‘is that you bear a striking resemblance to her. That also is the reason that I have brought you here.’
    Vera Vavilova waited for further explanation.
    ‘This resemblance, yours to hers, could be useful to your government,’ said Petrov. ‘We are planning to make a short film — one might call it a documentary of sorts — of the American First Lady, Billie Bradford, and it occurred to me that you could fill the role.’
    ‘How interesting. I am flattered.’
    ‘It is more than interesting. It is important. You would have to give up everything you are doing. You would have to dedicate yourself to the part. You would have to move to Moscow at once -‘
    ‘But Kiev, my roles in the repertory — the director wouldn’t let me -‘
    ‘Forget that nonsense. We would take care of everything. You would be paid four times what you have ever earned. All of your expenses would be taken care of, and you would have your own comfortable living quarters in Moscow.’
    ‘Merely to play Billie Bradford in a film? Where would the film be shown?’
    ‘Never mind. Eventually you will be told more. But not let. One other thing - are you married or do you have a lover?’ ‘Neither.’
    ‘Good. Because this is a secret project, for the moment. We do not wish the project, or your involvement in it, discussed with anyone. If you agreed to join with us, you would drop out of sight entirely. You would not be permitted to tell your family or friends or anyone where you are or what you are doing. In return, I guarantee you this, you would rise in favour and one day become the foremost actress in the Soviet Union. Are your interested?’
    ‘Do I have a choice?’ asked Vera Vavilova with a smile.
    ‘Of course.’
    ‘I am more than interested. I am prepared to do anything on earth for my government.’
    Petrov slapped his hand on his desktop. ‘Excellent,’ he said. ‘Wait in the reception room. Mr Razin will bring you further instructions.’
    No sooner had she left the office, than Petrov pointed his chair toward Alex Razin.
    ‘Well, Razin, what do you think?’
    ‘Of her? As you said - she is nearly perfect. Let her hair grow longer, eliminate the small cheek scar, shorten the nose slightly, and she is Billie Bradford.’
    ‘No, I mean my story. Did she believe it?’
    ‘Possibly.’
    ‘Did you?’
    Razin seemed amused. ‘Not really,’ he said quietly. ‘But then, I have been with the KGB many years. I am sceptical about the film.’
    Petrov laughed, and then grew serious. ‘Oddly, there will be a film. But you are right. That is not our purpose. Just go along with me on faith. You will know the truth shortly.’ He opened a drawer and sought a fresh cigar. ‘We will begin at once. Under me, you will be in full charge. This - this film, it will take precedence over all your other work. You will not let her return to Kiev. Inform her theatre, her family - any innocuous story will do. Send for her personal effects. Arrange for a small villa in the VIP compound near the university. We will have her permanent quarters ready for her in a few weeks. But from today on she must be seen by no outsiders at any time. Tomorrow you and I will meet at length. Tomorrow the transformation of Vera Vavilova into Billie Bradford will begin.’
    It began with the collecting of superficial data. Petrov gave Razin his assignment, and Razin, using KGB agents and connections in Washington DC and New York, began to assemble what was needed. In this early stage, what was -needed were still photographs and television films showing Billie Bradford from head to toe, in order to study her physical dimensions, her gait, her gestures and mannerisms. Audio tapes would reveal