Bearpit by Brian Freemantle Read Free Book Online Page B

‘You got any reason for thinking that?’
    â€˜The early recall, like I said. That’s always the most obvious indication. And I haven’t been assigned anything but routine for at least the past three months. You know that.’
    â€˜Frozen out?’ said Proctor, more to himself than to the other man.
    â€˜That’s what I think.’
    â€˜When are you supposed to go back?’
    â€˜Two weeks.’
    â€˜That’s quick, too,’ said the man, in growing acceptance.
    â€˜Too quick. I’m frightened, David. I need help.’
    â€˜Don’t worry,’ placated the American. ‘It’ll be all right.’
    â€˜You any idea how the KGB treat people they believe to be traitors? Remember Penkovsky, who told your CIA about the Cuban missiles so that Kennedy could confront Krushchev? They fed him alive – slowly – into a furnace!
    We’re shown a warning film at training schools. He melts!’
    â€˜Easy, Yevgennie. Easy.’
    â€˜I want to come across,’ insisted Levin. There’s a lot I could offer. Structure at the UN. Training. Some of the agent set-up throughout the United States …’
    Again the American gave a startled reaction. ‘You got that sort of detail … names … places …!’
    â€˜Some.’
    â€˜You never told me.’
    â€˜My insurance, David: my very necessary insurance.’
    The barman approached inquiringly and both nodded agreement to fresh drinks. They paid separately, as strangers would have done.
    Proctor said: ‘Your wife and kids, too?’
    Levin did not immediately respond, gazing down into his glass. Then he said: ‘Natalia is still in Moscow: I told you about the operation on her eyes. She’s not due back for a month.’
    Proctor paused. Then he said: ‘That’s a bitch.’
    â€˜I think I’ve persuaded Galina but I’m not sure: she still might refuse.’
    â€˜No chance of getting the girl back sooner?’
    â€˜What reason would there be now? It’s logical for her to remain in Russia until we return: to start trying to get her back here would set off every alarm bell in Moscow.’
    â€˜I’m sorry, Yevgennie. Really sorry.’
    â€˜I’m hoping they’ll let her out, eventually. I know it wouldn’t be for a long time. But eventually,’ said Levin.
    Proctor hesitated again. Finally he said ‘Sure’ in a voice from which he didn’t try to keep the doubt.
    â€˜How quickly can you get me out?’ demanded Levin.
    â€˜A day or two. Three at the outside.’
    â€˜How?’
    â€˜We’ll use the book displacement, like before. But the American edition. Check every afternoon: it’ll mean we’ll be ready, that night.’
    â€˜Where?’
    â€˜How freely can you move?’
    â€˜Dolya has agreed to my taking Galina out in the evenings,’ said Levin. ‘It shouldn’t be difficult.’
    â€˜You know the Plaza Hotel?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜There are two entrances, one directly from Central Park South, with the main doors fronting on to Fifth Avenue,’ set out Proctor. ‘When you get the signal enter from the park, as if you’re going to Trader Vic’s or the Oak Room. I’ll pick you up in the lobby: we’ll go straight around and exit by the main door. We’ll have cars waiting: the parking area is convenient. How’s that sound?’
    â€˜Almost too simple.’
    â€˜The simple way is always the best way.’
    â€˜What time?’
    â€˜It’s got to seem like a dinner outing, right? Let’s say seven: but we’ll build in contingency time. Don’t want to screw up over something as innocent as a traffic block, crossing town.’
    â€˜How long?’
    â€˜Thirty minutes,’ said the American. ‘I’ll definitely be there at seven – earlier, in fact – and I’ll wait until seven