Golden Buddha (Oregon Files 1)

“Exactly.”

39

THE storm that brought the torrential rains to Macau had turned into spring snow by the time it crossed Russia. Had it not been night, Cabrillo would have seen that Moscow was covered in a wet blanket of white that rounded the edges of buildings and quieted the sounds. Peering from the windows of the Gulfstream as the pilots shut down the engines, he could see a trio of black Zil limousines with police escorts front and rear. Holding a fax that had arrived from Overholt only minutes before, he slid the document into the file and then unbuckled his seat belt and rose. The copilot was unlatching the door as he walked forward.

“Do you men need anything?” Cabrillo asked.

“I think we’re okay, boss,” the copilot said. “We’ll just refuel and await your return.”

Cabrillo nodded and waited as the step was lowered. “Wish me luck,” he said as he stepped down onto the snow-covered tarmac.

A tall man in a thick, dark blue wool coat was standing a few feet from the Gulfstream. His head was covered by a fur Cossack cap and his breath made puffs of mist as he exhaled. He approached Cabrillo while removing a glove and offered his hand. Cabrillo shook it, then the man motioned to the middle limousine.

“I’m Sergei Makelikov,” the man said as the driver opened the door, “special assistant to President Putin.”

Cabrillo followed the man into the rear of the limousine. “Juan Cabrillo, chairman of the Corporation.”

The door was closed, and a few seconds later the police cars started away from the Gulfstream followed by the trio of limousines. “The president is very interested in hearing what you have to say,” Makelikov noted. “May I offer you a drink, perhaps vodka, or some coffee?”

“Coffee, please,” Cabrillo said.

Makelikov reached for a silver-plated thermal carafe and poured the contents into a red mug with the crest of the Russian republic on the side. He handed it to Cabrillo.

“How was your flight?”

The streets were deserted at this late hour. The procession roared down the road toward central Moscow, followed by a cloud of snowflakes. Cabrillo sipped the coffee.

“No problems,” Cabrillo said, smiling.

“Cuban cigar?” Makelikov asked.

“Don’t mind if I do,” Cabrillo said as he selected one from the box Makelikov held.

Trimming the end with a tool from inside the box, Cabrillo leaned over for a light from Makelikov. “We’ll be there shortly,” the Russian noted. “In the meantime, perhaps you would like to hear some music.”

He motioned to a CD player and a stack of discs. They were all jazz.

“I see you know my taste in music,” Cabrillo said.

“We know a lot about you,” Makelikov said easily, “and that is why President Putin is staying up late to see you.”

Cabrillo nodded and smiled. “Great cigar.”

Makelikov lit one and puffed. “It is, isn’t it?”

Cabrillo slid a CD into the player and the men relaxed and listened.

Fourteen minutes later the procession slid to a stop in front of a row of town houses near Gorky Park. Makelikov waited until the driver opened the door, then he stepped out onto the snow-covered sidewalk.

“One of the president’s hideaways,” he said as Cabrillo climbed out. “We can talk here in private.”

The two men headed up the walkway to the steps and climbed up to the door, where Makelikov nodded at a Russian army sergeant. He saluted and swung the door open. Makelikov and Cabrillo walked inside.

“Mr. President,” Makelikov said loudly, “your visitor has arrived.”

“I’m in the living room,” a voice said from a room to the right.

“Let me take your coat,” Makelikov said, helping Cabrillo out of his overcoat. “Go on in—I’ll join you in a few minutes.”