things could have gone wrong - the device may not work, if Solomon is searched and it’s discovered he may go the way of Sinclair. Let’s keep our fingers crossed,” advised Guy cautiously.
Just then faint voices could be heard from the device in Guy’s hand. He turned up the volume. We closed the car windows. This is what I heard, supplemented by later information as to who was there and my interpretation of what happened.
They had entered one of the luxury apartments. Solomon was standing with Gromyko and Pavlovitch either side of him. At the other end of the room was a man whom I later knew as Vasily Ustinovich Zhukov.
“Ah Meester Solomon, how nice of you to come,” Zhukov said, knowing full well that Solomon had hardly had much choice in the matter.
He was there for two reasons: a desire not to be killed like Sinclair and the enticement of money - rich rewards had been promised for what was being asked of CB Holdings.
“So Solomon let us talk business yes?” invited Zhukov.
“Yes of course Mr Zhukov ,” said Solomon apprehensively.
“I was disappointed with your organisation. We agreed on a deal and your comrade decided to...............re-negotiate. You should understand I never do that............unless I deem it appropriate. Sinclair not understand that...........” and then raising his voice, “He want to charge higher price..........who he think he dealing with? Do you know who I am? Do you know what I can do?” said Zhukov angrily.
Having vented his fury there was a momentary silence as he assumed a calmer demeanour and then continued, “You will deliver everything as agreed on time. My clients are important, they are also impatient. Deliver the goods as agreed and I will make sure there are no problems with customs. You are getting paid well – you agree?”
“We’re having difficulties with the Beluga CC238 Mr Zhukov,” wailed Solomon.
“I do not want to hear of your problem,” said Zhukov imperiously, “You have received the money as agreed so far?” Zhukov asked.
“Yes thank you.”
“I will keep my side of deal. You keep your side of deal you understand Solomon? ”
“I want to discuss the delivery schedule Mr Zhukov. Some of the dates will be difficult to achieve. May we delay the last delivery by one week?” implored Solomon summoning up all his courage.
“That will not be possible. Apology if this is a problem, but this is vhat my client tells me.”
“But we cannot do it Mr Zhukov!”
“These are my client’s requirements. I am sorry for it. You know vhat to do. Don’t fail me Solomon. If you do, my client not happy - den I not happy. That will not be good for you. Now get out,” barked Zhukov.
Just as one heard the sound of Solomon turning to leave with his escorts , Zhukov called after them, “Be careful how you cross the road in Russia Solomon. Remember what happened to Sinclair. I would hate for you to have accident. Russian drivers so careless,” he said attempting to feign sadness as he made his not so veiled threat.
As I heard them leave the room Zhukov could be heard laughing in a maniacal fashion; no doubt sending a shiver of fear through the blood of Solomon at such an implied threat to his life.
CHAPTER 9 – A ROOM WITH A PARTNER.
Good advice I thought.
“His concern that Solomon should not get run over whilst in Moscow is quite touching,” I said trying to bring a bit of levity to the proceedings.
“That was a thinly veiled threat if ever I heard one,” said Guy, “........an admission no less.”
“So Zhukov had Andrew killed,” I reflected grimly, “Who is he?”
Guy proceeded to relate to me everything he knew of Vasily Ustinovich Zhukov. It started in the early 1990’s after the Soviet Union collapsed, when through nefarious means Zhukov acquired state run factories in Russia and the Ukraine for a knockdown price, which he then sold on for an enormous profit – several million US dollars it is believed.
Linda Mooney
Marissa Dobson
Conn Iggulden
Dell Magazine Authors
Constance Phillips
Lori Avocato
Edward Chilvers
Bryan Davis
Firebrand
Nathan Field