by Ethan Jones
“At this point, we suspect he’s seeking payback for perceived or real wrongs done to him.” Blokhin shrugged. “We don’t know for sure. It could be money, a strong motive for betrayal.”
Kasparova said, “From the intelligence we have, we don’t believe he’s under coercion. Was cooperation with the CIA or the FBI a condition in granting him expedited citizenship? We strongly believe so, but, again, we have no evidence.”
“The most troubling aspect of this affair is that Volkov could still be in possession of our list of agents from the time he served in Berlin. Because of his position and his network, he could cause severe damage to our operations not only in America, but all over the world,” Blokhin said.
“I said it was the last question, but your answer made me think of something else: If Volkov was at such a critical juncture in our intelligence system, how come he was allowed to travel to America?”
Blokhin groaned. “I’m not sure how that happened. Knowing who he is and who he knows, it wasn’t as difficult as it seems.” His voice was loaded with frustration. “Money can buy everything these days.” He exhaled, then leaned back in his seat, indicating the meeting was over. “Mr. Thornichinovich, show us that we’ve made the right choice.” He stood up.
“I will do that, sir.” Maxim shook the deputy director’s hand since he had offered it, then did the same with the captain.
Blokhin said, “We need to discuss something else…” and gestured toward the door.
Maxim said, “I can find my way out, and I will be in touch about my GRU partner.”
Kasparova gave him a small smile. He seemed to notice something glinting in her eyes, a look that he couldn’t determine if it was mistrust or something more sinister. He shrugged it off without a second thought. Whatever it is, I will prove to them I’m up for the task. I will excel, and the traitor will be dragged back home, dead or alive.
If you enjoyed this exclusive preview of Agent Rising,
click below to purchase it now:
Agent Recruit
From the Max Thorne Spy Thriller Series
Book 2
The Story
What price would you pay to learn the truth?
Russian FSB Agent Max Thorne, recovering from a daring assignment in the United States that led to shocking discoveries about his mysterious past, begins the search to put together the missing pieces … even if it means facing the darkness that is the Russian secret service, head on.
His mission leads him down a spiral of lies, betrayal, and deception. Barely able to stay one step ahead of powerful forces determined to protect these secrets at all costs, Max is determined to do the right thing.
But what price is Max willing to pay to learn the truth, and can he protect the ones he loves?
You can enjoy Agent Rising by
clicking below to purchase now:
This work would have not been possible without the great support of my wife and son. I would also like to thank Frank Paine, Kristen Lewendon, Patti Holycross, Susan Harju, Irma Lero, Meagan Myhren-Bennett, Barbara Kappen, Susan Fritz, Shari Gross, J.T. Brock,
and Tim Birmingham, for their helpful suggestions.
AGENT RISING. Copyright © 2019 by Ethan Jones
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Cover design: Kim Killion
First edition: June 2019
