Without Mercy by Jack Higgins Read Free Book Online

of Ireland, a sovereign state. Where a highly important Russian citizen happened to be at the same time.”
    “So it’s a standoff,” Ashimov said. “There’s nothing the Brits can do about it and we keep the world financial markets happy.”
    “There’s more to it than that. This organization that Ferguson runs, the so-called Prime Minister’s Private Army. Such typical British hypocrisy. They’ve been committing murders for years and getting away with it. Dillon’s record speaks for itself. Well, the President thinks we should lance the boil, as it were.”
    “Are you suggesting what I think you are?”
    “Yes. Total elimination of Ferguson’s team once and for all. The General himself, his personal assistant, this Superintendent Bernstein, Dillon of course, and these Salter people, the London gangsters who’ve been helping him out during the last few years. While you’re at it, perhaps Cazalet’s man, too, Blake Johnson. Another thorough nuisance.”
    “I’ll see what I can do,” Ashimov said.
    “It’s a tall order, I know, but already started in a way. That woman Bernstein you ran down in London, she’s in a medical facility Ferguson runs in Saint John’s Wood. It would be a good start to things if you could find some means of easing her on.”
    “As you say, Comrade.” Ashimov wasn’t troubled in the slightest by the thought.
    “Good,” Volkov said. “I leave it all in your capable hands. I’ve left you, Major Novikova, on the books of the London Embassy as a commercial attaché. It will bring you diplomatic immunity, although I’m certain Ferguson won’t make a move against you. At the worst, they could only ask you to leave. Captain Levin will have a similar situation at the Embassy to act as backup. The appropriate documentation is in the file on my desk.” He turned to Ashimov. “I would think it prudent for you not to return to London, if only because Dillon would attempt retribution.”
    “As you say, Comrade.”
    “Igor will take you to see Max Zubin to make certain he knows what is expected of him. Spend the night, then return to Ireland tomorrow. Igor will go with you. I envy you your inevitable success. I don’t think there’s anything more.”
    But there was, for at that very moment a secret door in the wall swung open and President Putin walked in.
    They all leaped to their feet, for it was an astonishing moment. Putin wore a tracksuit, a towel around his neck.
    “You must excuse me, Comrades. Affairs of state got in the way of my hour in the gym this morning, so I’ve been making up for it. Good to see you again, Major Ashimov. You must be feeling like a cat at the moment, a tomcat, naturally.”
    “Very much so, Comrade President.”
    Putin turned to Greta. “Major Novikova.” He offered his hand. “I hear good things about you, even if you are GRU.”
    It was his little joke, a reference to the intense rivalry between the KGB, to which he had once belonged, and GRU Military Intelligence.
    Greta said, “It would have been an honor to have served under you.”
    “Yes, well, in Afghanistan, this one did.” He tapped Ashimov on the shoulder. “And Captain Levin, the boy wonder.” He swiveled to look at Volkov. “All of us served, in good times and in bad—served Russia and each other. I expect nothing less from you in this present matter.”
    There was a moment’s silence. Ashimov said, “It would be our honor.”
    Putin nodded, turned to Volkov and handed him an envelope. “There is what you asked for. Read it.”
    Volkov opened the envelope and took out a document, which he unfolded.
    “Aloud, please.”
    “From the Office of the President of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin. The bearer of this letter acts with my full authority. All personnel, civil or military, will assist in any way demanded. Signed, Vladimir Putin.”
    “It may help, it may not. It’s in your hands now.” Putin stepped behind the secret door and it swung noiselessly back into