However, before he could examine the papers properly, the front door knob rattled.
Maddux stashed everything inside the top desk drawer and worked feverishly to restore the room to its previously undisturbed status. He completed his task just moments before a man stormed inside. Maddux scrambled to his feet and hid behind the drapes. The man scurried around the apartment before easing toward the desk. While Maddux couldn’t see what was going on, he heard the man’s satisfied moan along with the rustling of papers.
Maddux swallowed hard and contemplated his next action. He hadn’t gone all this way just to let someone swoop in and make off with the vital documents. Taking a deep breath, he ripped open the drapes.
Chapter XII
MADDUX DIDN’T CATCH the intruder by surprise. With his knife already drawn, he set his feet and, with his free hand, beckoned Maddux to engage. Maddux obliged the request, kicking at the man’s left knee. Jumping backward, the man avoided any contact and then lunged at Maddux. Pulling his chest back, Maddux missed getting slashed by a couple of inches.
Regrouping after the scare, Maddux went on the offensive again. Only this time, he faked a kick and countered with a solid throat punch. The man staggered toward the center of the room all the while trying to regain his balance. Maddux seized the opportunity to maintain the upper hand and charged. Sliding to the side, the man eluded Maddux’s rush. Maddux regained his footing and spun around in time to see the man racing toward him with his knife drawn. Ducking to avoid a direct hit, Maddux’s move stunned the man and sent him crashing to the floor.
Maddux stomped on the man’s hands, eliciting a yelp as he dropped his knife. Kicking the blade to the side, Maddux focused on bringing the man into submission. Just as Maddux put his knee into the man’s back, he squirmed free and reversed his fortunes. Pinning Maddux to the ground by sitting on top of him, he stretched for his knife and drew it back then plunged it toward Maddux’s throat. Maddux jerked his hands free and used them to halt the blade from penetrating, albeit mere inches away from his Adam’s apple.
The two men struggled for a few seconds, the knife oscillating between one and eight inches above the surface of Maddux’s throat. Maddux took a deep breath and channeled all his energy into one strong thrust to push the man away. The attempt resulted in a success as Maddux shoved the intruder backward as he went rolling across the floor. His knife also escaped his grasp.
Both men scrambled for the blade, but this time Maddux emerged victorious, snatching it. And he wasted no time in using it either, jamming the tip into the top of the man’s hand. He screamed in pain before Maddux kicked the man in the face, yet he remained alert and continued to fight for control.
Maddux spun around to gain a better position behind the man. With a stiff jab, Maddux stabbed the man in the back. He contorted his body, writhing backward, and then crashed to the floor. While Maddux wasn’t keen on killing anyone, he realized the man had left him no choice. In one swift swipe, Maddux slit the man’s throat.
Wiping the blade off on the man’s pants leg, Maddux knelt next to the intruder and then dragged him into the bathroom. Shutting the door, Maddux rushed back to the desk and perused the documents again. He shuddered as he read about what the Soviets were planning.
No wonder Zhirkov wanted to warn us.
The impending attack that drove Zhirkov to share with the Americans was truly terrifying. Now armed with the technical capabilities, the Soviets were going to launch nuclear missiles at the United States’ eastern seaboard from a nuclear submarine.
Chapter XIII
Bonn, Germany
WHILE MADDUX ANTICIPATED more scrutiny as he exited Leningrad for a flight back to Germany, the process went smoothly in large part due to his last-minute request to meet with Boris Romanov on the trip to the airport. The Protek CEO was a prominent figure in the city and escorted Maddux all the way to the gate. And Maddux couldn’t have been more grateful. However, his return to the CIA offices in Bonn resulted in a less-than-pleasant demand for answers from Pritchett.
Pritchett eyed the point on the end of his hook while Maddux settled into a chair across the desk from his boss.
“What exactly were you thinking over there?” Pritchett asked.
Maddux furrowed his brow. “I’m afraid you’re going to need to be more specific. When are you talking about?”
Pritchett finally looked at Maddux. “Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
“Are you talking about jumping into the frigid waters off a ferry or returning to Zhirkov’s apartment?”
“That all kind of goes together, doesn’t it?”
Maddux shifted in his chair. “I appreciate the fact that you were worried about me, but I—”
“Worried about you?” Pritchett said. “You think that I risked the cover of two agents because I was simply worried? The KGB was highly suspicious of you, and I didn’t want you getting caught. If you had fallen into Soviet hands, we would’ve lost information or prisoners they surely would’ve demanded in exchange for you.”
“We also would’ve lost our opportunity to retrieve information vital to preventing an attack that could very well start a global war with fatal consequences for millions.”
Pritchett adjusted his eye patch. “The agency has other means of obtaining information. We have multiple assets that we could’ve leaned on to get us the information about the exact details of the Soviets’ plans.”
“And how long would that have taken? Weeks? Months? Years? I think we both know that whatever is being planned will be taking place sooner rather than later. Time is in short supply. Ultimately, I thought the risk was worth taking.”
“That’s not your call to make,” Pritchett said with a growl.
“But now that you have all this information, do you still think it was the wrong call?” Maddux asked.
Pritchett looked down at the documents strewn about his desk.“Let’s just move forward, okay?”
A wry grin spread across Maddux’s face.“If you insist.”
Pritchett nodded. “I do. Next time, don’t take actions that put us all in precarious situations. Sometimes living to fight another day is more important than gathering intel in the moment. There are other ways to obtain what you’re after, and you must remember that.”
Maddux nodded as he put on his best look of contrition, one that included pouty lips and a crinkled forehead. Even though he imagined Pritchett could see through the charade, Maddux figured it was better to at least appear remorseful than to shrug it off, which was what he really wanted to do.
“I’ll do better, sir,” Maddux said before redirecting the conversation. “So, now that we have this information, what are we going to do about it?”
“Zhirkov risked everything because he wanted to get this information to us expediently,” Pritchett began. “Armed with all the documents that provided us with proof of what was happening, we’ve been calling on all our assets and allies in the intelligence community to investigate what Soviet subs with nuclear missile capability were being prepped to leave port.”
“And what did you find?”
“So far, none of the subs appear to be undergoing any unusual activity—except one.”
Maddux arched an eyebrow. “And where is it located?”
“It’s on Svalbard in the Arctic, so what we know is based solely on satellite images. We have yet to put boots on the ground there. And it’s my belief that’s the optimum place for them to launch a sub from anyway. Everything makes sense as far as I’m concerned.”
“Yet you’ve been unable to verify that, right?”
Pritchett nodded.
Maddux stroked his chin and eyed Pritchett closely.“So, what’s our next move?”
A faint smile flashed across Pritchett’s mouth before he responded. “I want you and Dex to travel to Svalbard.”
“To do what?”
“I want you to sabotage it, preferably so it blows up and drifts to the bottom of the ocean in waters so d
eep the Soviets will never be able to recover the sub.”
Maddux scowled. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to send me? I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’ve certainly never even trained for it. Besides, I hate the cold.”
“Nobody likes the cold. It’s why Florida and California are overrun with temporary residents in the winter, and Svalbard is inhabited by little more than polar bears, reindeer, and mine employees.”
“But why me? What skill set do I possess that nobody else has?”
“Your physical abilities are not why I hired you.”
Maddux cocked his head to one side and frowned.“Then why did you—”
“Opel. The mine operated by the Russians relies on Opel’s parts to maintain the cable cars that usher the coal out of the mine and to a loading dock. Know anybody who works with Opel who could gain access to the Russian mining village without raising any suspicion?”
Maddux nodded knowingly. “Okay, I’ll go, but I can’t promise you that I’ll be of much help to Dex when it comes to sabotaging a submarine.”
Pritchett chuckled. “Don’t try to fool me. It wasn’t that long ago that I heard you talking all about your trip scuba diving in Bali.”
“Are you trying to compare Bali’s warm waters with the Arctic’s?”
Pritchett waved dismissively with the back of his hand.“Shoo. Get out of here. Go see Rose. I’m sure she’ll have plenty of technical gadgets to make your job easier.”
Maddux trudged out of Pritchett’s office and headed to Rose’s lab. For the first time, he wasn’t looking forward to an assignment.
Chapter XIV
MADDUX STARED AT HIS FEET and put his hands on his hips while waiting for the elevator doors to slide open. After letting out a long breath, he looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and turned to see Dex striding down the hall. With his eyes narrowed, Dex shook his head.
“Try as I may, I can’t get away from you, Maddux,” he said.
“Well, my mother always told me that trouble had a way of following me,” Maddux replied.
“Cute, though wildly inaccurate. I wasn’t the one who just braved the Gulf of Finland and risked getting caught by the KGB for intel. You’re making trouble when you do things like that.”
Maddux grinned. “Yet here I am, safe and sound. And I did manage to get some information that might just help us save the world.”
“It also earned us a trip to the Arctic. I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive you for this.”
“It’s far better than the alternative. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Dex nodded. “I suppose so.”
The elevator’s bell dinged, and the doors parted.
“The magician’s den awaits,” Dex said as he shuffled inside.
“The magician?” Maddux asked while joining his colleague. “Is that what you call her behind her back?”
“And maybe a few other things,” Dex said. “But everyone knows you’ve got the hots for her. You might just want to not act quite so excited about visiting her lab all the time.”
“Everyone knows,” Maddux said.
“That’s the problem of working with a bunch of spies,” Dex said with a wry smile. “They are great at keeping secrets—as well as finding them out.”
After a few moments of silence, they reached the bottom floor and then exited into Rose’s lab. Wearing clear goggles and her white coat, she was engrossed in a remotely controlled gadget that was humming around the room. The flying object used a pair of rotary wings to stay airborne. She didn’t see her visitors until she almost flew her device right into them.
“I’m sorry,” Rose said as she placed the controls on a nearby table. The flying object smashed into the wall behind them before tumbling to the ground.
Maddux looked at Dex and then at the jumbled heap of plastic now strewn across the floor.
“Fifty-eighth prototype?” Maddux asked.
Rose smiled and shook her head. “If I could just keep that thing flying straight all the time. But I’m sure you’re not here to talk about my continued failures in the lab.”
“We’re going to the Arctic,” Dex said. “I’m sure Pritchett has already briefed you on the mission.”
She nodded. “First thing this morning, as a matter of fact. I just finished getting everything together for you a few minutes ago before you caught me dreaming up my next big innovative tool.”
“Hopefully you have something to keep us warm,” Maddux said.
She held up her index finger and smiled. “I’m always looking for a way to hide other devices as you go in and out of different places. And all those extra layers are a chance for me to use a few things I’ve been working on, starting with these ear muffs.”
“Ear muffs?” Dex asked. “Are we in elementary school again?”
“When it’s thirty degrees below zero, I doubt you’ll care if you’re dressed like you did in the third grade, just as long as you stay warm.”
Dex nodded. “I suppose you have a point.”
Rose picked up the ear muffs and pointed to one side.“So, aside from keeping you warm, the left side will deliver pepper spray. If you’re engaged in close quarters combat, this might enable you to stun your opponent. And then the right side reveals a knife.”
“A two-pronged tool,” Maddux said. “I like it.”
Rose smiled as she drifted around the table.“I’ve got a blade embedded into these,” she said, holding up a pair of thick snow pants. Just tug on this little zipper here, and the handle of the knife slides out and you can pull it out.”
“That could come in real handy,” Dex said.
“I installed a homing beacon in these so you don’t get stranded in the snow,” Rose said as she picked up a pair of boots. “To activate it, you simply twist this nodule here. If you ever get lost, we’ll be notified and be able to send someone out to find you, hopefully in time before you freeze to death or the Russians kill you.”
“Thanks for those comforting thoughts, Rose,” Maddux said.
“Any time,” she said with a wink.
“Anything else?” Dex asked.
She nodded. “These watches will contain the underwater explosives. You’ll disengage from the wristband here. And then just beneath the buckle is the detonator. But you have to activate the device on the side first after the watch face has been separated from the band. That’s to make sure you don’t just randomly blow yourself up.”
“Again, very comforting, Rose,” Maddux said.
“I aim to please,” she said, walking over to the adjacent table.
“Is that it?” Dex asked. “We’re on a tight schedule.”
“I’ve also modified these oxygen tanks so they’ll fit inside a gun case. It’s common to take your own rifle to Svalbard because you need it if you venture outside the city limits of Longyearbyen, which you will be doing.”
“Everyone has their own rifle?” Dex asked, his brow furrowed.
“Polar bears,” Rose said. “I do my homework. This place isn’t for the faint of heart. Freezing temperatures, sudden snowstorms, dangerous wild animals. It’s all a bunch of important details they don’t include in the travel brochures.”
“Are we taking rifles?” Maddux asked.
She shook her head. “Your guide will have a gun. Besides, I found it’s better to use weapons that are acclimated to the surrounding environment. Less of a chance of misfiring or jamming due to the severe cold temperatures.”
“You’re the boss,” Dex said.
She smiled. “Oh, don’t I wish.”
“Looks like you’ve thought of everything,” Maddux said.
“I even have this box for you, which are the parts you need to deliver as Opel affiliates. Also, I have your new aliases and passports here. Good luck and stay warm, gentlemen.”
Maddux and Dex exited Rose’s lab and headed upstairs via the elevator. As they were ascending, Maddux looked at their supplies.
“So, are we drawing the straws to s
ee who gets to dive into the water and place explosives on the sub?” he asked.
Dex chuckled. “I’m not taking any chances with straws, so I’m claiming senior rank on this one. You’ll be the one in the water. Besides, you’re the one who just took a dip in the Gulf of Finland, not me.”
Maddux sighed. He wasn’t looking forward to that part of the mission at all.
Chapter XV
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
MADDUX SLUNG HIS GEAR over his shoulder and marched through the snow blanketing the ground, his boots crunching with each step. He looked back at Dex gathering the last of their supplies. While Maddux initially worried they might stand out with all their equipment, he looked around while they were unloading the plane and feared they might look suspect for not carrying enough.
“Can I help you with that, sir?” a young man said as he approached Maddux just outside the customs gate.
“I can handle it,” Maddux said. “But thanks for the offer.”
“Are you John Roe?” the man asked, using the name of Maddux’s alias.
“In the freezing flesh,” Maddux said. “And that’s my buddy, Tom Boggs. Did Arktikogul send you?”
The man nodded and offered his hand.“Ivan Milanovich,” he said. “I know we have this new arrangement with Opel to get supplies from them, but getting a special delivery is unique.”
“Sometimes you have to give your business partners first class treatment.”
Maddux looked back at Dex as he stared at all the items he was responsible for. He appeared to be assessing how to gather them all up.
“Why don’t you go help, Tom?” Maddux asked Milanovich. “He looks like he could use an extra hand.”
Milanovich hustled over to Dex, and they quickly gathered up all the supplies and then caught up with Maddux.
“Where to first?” Maddux asked.
“We’ll spend the night at my place before taking off at daybreak for Barentsburg,” Milanovich said. “But don’t worry—it’s not that early. The sun doesn’t rise on this island until just after eight o’clock.”
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