Fire Ice (NUMA Files 3)

"Razov? Do you think it's wise to play your hand here on his territory?"

"Maybe I can get him rattled enough to make a mistake."

"I've heard it's not safe to play with rattlesnakes, but do what you wish. I think I'll wander around and enjoy the food and drink as long as I'm here."

"You came alone?"

Petrov plucked a shot of vodka from the tray of a passing waiter. He slugged it down and smiled. "I won't be far away if you need me."

The party was going full-blast. Guests wandered about the deck with food and drinks. The Cossack band had switched from Russian folk tunes and was belting out a rock number. Petrov mingled with the crowd and disappeared like a leaf being swept away in a stream. Austin saw a knot of people, with Razov holding court at its center. He moved closer, wondering how he was going to get past the body- guards flanking Razov. The pair of long-legged canines took the matter out of his hands. Razov's dogs jerked away from him and galloped toward Austin in a dead heat. As before, they jumped up, put their paws on his chest and licked his face. He managed to dislodge them with strategically placed hip blocks.

He grabbed the leashes and held them short to keep the rambunctious hounds under control. A moment later, the dogs' trainer came running up, this time with panic in his eyes. Austin was about to pass the leashes over when he saw Razov and his two bodyguards coming up behind the trainer.

"I see you've met Sasha and Gorky," Razov said, with a genial smile. He took the leashes from Austin and said some1hing in Russian. The dogs obeyed instantly and sat by his side. Their haunches quivered as they fought their instincts.

"I shared some prime rib and sausage with them a while ago," Austin said. "Hope you don't mind."

"I'm surprised they ate it," Razov said. "They dine on fare much better than most people's. My name is Razov." He extended his hand and glanced at the name on the press pass hanging around Austin's neck. "I'm the host of this little celebration."

"Yes, I know. I heard you speak. Very impressive." He squeezed the hand until the bones crunched and he saw Razov wince with pain. "My name is Kurt Austin."

Razov's face showed no emotion. "The famous Mr. Austin. You look nothing like I expected."

"Neither do you. You're much smaller than I thought you'd be."

"This is only a temporary diversion. I'm still with NUMA. We've been doing some treasure hunting in the Black Sea."

"I hope it was worth your while."

"Someone beat me to a treasure aboard a ship called the Odessa Star."

"That's too bad, but treasure-hunting is very competitive."

"What I can't figure out is why someone who already possesses huge wealth would go through so much trouble to recover a few shiny baubles."

"We Russians have always been fascinated by baubles, as you call them. We believe that beyond their intrinsic value, they impart a power to the possessor."

"Treasure didn't do the tsar and his family much good."

"The royal family was betrayed by traitors in its midst."

"I assume you intend to return the treasure to the Russian people."

"You know nothing about my people," Razov said. "They don't care for jewels. What they need is the firm hand of a leader who can restore their national pride and fend off those countries who are circling like vultures."

"That's assuming your secret Operation Troika is a success."

"There's nothing secret about Troika," he said, with undisguised scorn. "It's shorthand for my plan to open trade centers in Boston, Charleston and Miami. Look around, Mr. Austin. There is nothing sinister about my business."

"What about the massacre aboard the NUMA ship? Would you consider that sinister?"

"I read about it in the press. A tragedy, certainly, but I had nothing to do with that unfortunate incident."

"I don't blame you for not taking credit for it. It was a botched attack. You screwed up, Razov. Your mad dog got the wrong ship. I wasn't on the Sea Hunter, and your men murdered the Sea Hunter's crew for nothing. Of course, you know all that by now."

Austin saw a flash of anger in Razov's eyes. "Really, Mr. Austin, you disappoint me. You sneak aboard my ship in that ridiculous disguise, drink my vodka and eat my food, then repay my hospitality by calling me a killer."

"I had another reason to come aboard. I wanted to look into the face of the murdering scum I plan to destroy."