Impasse (The Red Gambit Series) by Colin Gee Read Free Book Online Page A

forward to the time she’ll be able to travel and brief us herself, particularly on her report regarding Pekunin’s treachery.”
    Poboshkin nodded by way of response and left.
    Stalin looked quizzically a t the bespectacled NKVD Marshal and, with unusual humour, commented on the exchange.
    “ Very touching, Lavrentiy.”
    “ I meant no more than that, Comrade General Secretary. She’s competent and loyal to the Rodina, certainly more competent and loyal than that shit Pekunin.”
    Stalin grimaced and then pursed his lips, not wishing to be reminded that treachery had dwelt so close at hand but, now that it had happened, turning his mind to the matter.
    “How goes the NKVD investigation into the traitor?”
    Beria went straight for the glasses and handkerchief routine, betraying his desire to exercise care in answering.
    “ We have established some unusual activity in the last two months, activity that’s now being interpreted in a different manner, given the circumstances. It will take time, as I’ve ordered my men to be thorough, but I think his betrayal started only recently. He’s no family that we can interrogate, Comrade. They died some time ago,” Beria studied the gleaming spectacles as he finished his verbal assessment, “And his Deputy also fell by our Nazarbayeva’s hand. Extremely efficient... and extremely convenient.”
    Beria had spoken at length for a number of reasons.
    He already knew that Stalin knew much of what he had spoken of, but he knew that Stalin did not know of the circumstances behind the demise of Pekunin’s son and family, and he hoped above hope that he never would. The official suggestion had been an overzealous approach by the investigating team. Those responsible had succumbed during their debriefing, as directed by the head of the NKVD, keen to tidy any loose ends.
    Beria ’s attempt to throw some suspicion on Nazarbayeva was his own maskirovka, moving the Dictator on from awkward questions about the demise... ‘executions’ ... of Fyodor Romanevich Pekunin, his wife, and their three children.
    It worked.
    “Convenient, Comrade? Are you suggesting that the woman had some hand in this treachery?”
    Beria took his time in answering , forcing himself to return the glasses to their proper position.
    He looked th rough them, feigning reluctance both with his eyes and with his tone.
    “ I’ve no evidence to that effect, Comrade General Secretary, but I do know she was very close to Pekunin. There’s talk of a relationship between them that went beyond professional limits.”
    That was true, in as much as Beria had started the talk.
    “ Is this some criticism of my decision, Comrade?”
    Beria knew he was on dangerous ground.
    “Not at all, Comrade General Secretary. You promoted on competence... and we’ve all seen how efficient and competent the woman can seem. This is new information to which you could not have been privy and, in truth, it may yet prove to be nothing of concern for the State. We’ll know soon. Her report should give us indication of any issues, particularly if she omits anything that we already know.”
    Stalin nodded but once, signalling an end to the discussion and the opening of another.
    “So?”
    The word was not directed at Beria but at the other occupant of the room.
    Konev had been stood at attention, patiently waiting whilst the GRU lackey had delivered his reports, with nothing new presented; certainly nothing to change his mind from the course of action he had proposed that morning.
    “ Comrade General Secretary, I see no reason to change my proposal. Given the weather conditions, the location of the Yugoslavian stocks, and the military situation I’ve inherited, it makes perfect sense and should yield good rewards for us, both militarily and politically.”
    That was no less true than it had been this morning.
    GRU ’s briefing had confirmed the Italian position and some excellent successes against Allied supply and infrastructure by