Double Cross: A gripping political thriller (The Cadre Book 3)

by Stephen Edger

  Stratovsky began to walk slowly towards him. ‘Yes, we were just discussing it. He offered me the Russian presidency.’

  ‘You’re best out of politics, Victor. Someone with your skillset wouldn’t enjoy all the mudslinging, believe me.’ Dillinger couldn’t stop his hand shaking as he poured from the decanter. ‘Care to join me in a toast to the late Chairman?’

  ‘I prefer vodka,’ Stratovsky said, as he moved behind Dillinger in the direction of the drinks trolley. ‘So, you think I can’t be trusted?’ Dillinger raised the tumbler to his lips and, as he did, Stratovsky pulled a garrotte from his pocket and looped the razor-sharp wire around Dillinger’s neck. The glass fell from Dillinger’s hand as he forced his fingers between the wire and his exposed throat. The Russian kicked the back of Dillinger’s legs, causing him to fall to his knees. He then pressed his arm down on Dillinger’s shoulders as he tightened the garrotte. The wire cut threw Dillinger’s fingers and the tips fell to the floor as the wire made contact with the neck. Red droplets spattered up from the dying man’s lips, as he gargled on his own blood. He continued to gasp as his life ebbed away. The Russian pulled the wire tighter until the body beneath him fell limp.

  Stratovsky wiped the wire on the back of Dillinger’s suit and returned it to his pocket. He continued to the drinks trolley and picked up the bottle of vodka, unscrewing the cap and allowing it to drop to the floor. He took a long swig from the bottle and walked to the workstation to collect Dillinger’s weapon. As he did, he looked up at the twinkling lights of the large computer before him.

  ‘So you can locate anyone anywhere?’ he said to the large machine. ‘Let’s see if that’s true.’

  He placed the bottle of vodka down and pulled the keyboard towards him and typed in two words: Mark Baines.

  THE END