by Ethan Jones
Blokhin coughed and leaned closer to the table. “After the wall collapsed, Volkov returned to Moscow and worked for the KGB, then for the GRU, and finally for the SVR. The doubts about his involvement in the betrayal diminished and finally went away. He retired two years ago, then emigrated to America.”
“Is he a US citizen?”
“He is, yes, and that complicated things with this matter of extradition. The Americans will never accept our official request to hand over Volkov. Thus, we have to resort to other, unofficial ways.”
“I understand,” Maxim said.
Blokhin said, “About a year after Volkov’s arrival in America the string of assassinations began.”
Maxim swallowed hard and looked up from the file. “What assassinations?”
“SVR agents stationed or visiting America or the United Kingdom. The killings, or I should say the executions, were always carried out in the same way. Same trademark style. They were lured to a remote location—we believe through a contact, or an asset—then were killed with a single bullet to the back of the head.”
Maxim nodded. Yes, that’s the KGB’s way. “So these people trusted Volkov, and he killed them?”
Blokhin nodded, then gestured toward Kasparova. The captain said, “That was our initial theory. Then, about two months ago, shortly after the last—well, we hope the last, which is the third—execution, one of our agents stumbled upon a woman who turned out to be Volkov’s associate.
“She’s been under tight surveillance, but we still haven’t determined Volkov’s exact location. Once she is captured, which should be within the next twelve to twenty-four hours, she’ll give up the wolf’s lair, and our agents will take him to a safehouse in Washington, DC. From there, we’ll take him to the airport. Diplomatic plane. One-way trip back home. All the details are in the file. Study it, and get ready to head to America.”
“When?”
“As soon as possible, preferably tomorrow morning,” Blokhin said. “That gives you twenty-four hours to become familiar with the file. I’ll inform your director, who will, of course, agree to the SVR’s request.”
Maxim detected a hint of smugness in Blokhin’s voice, a clear sign of his attitude of the SVR’s superiority compared to all other Russian intelligence agencies. Considering Maxim’s situation, however, he was more than pleased to return to the field, especially when working for the SVR, albeit on a temporary assignment. He nodded and closed the folder. “I will not disappoint you.”
Captain Kasparova said, “I’m sure you won’t. We didn’t decide lightly on this operation. You’re one of the best of FSB, and, paired with one of our best agents, this time, we’ll be invincible.”
Maxim nodded.
“Remember that the agent will have the lead in tactical and operational matters when it comes to securing Volkov. Once he’s in the car and ready for transport, then you take over that part of the mission. Is that clear?”
Maxim peered deep into Kasparova’s unflinching eyes. “It’s clear.” He nodded again.
“Good. Very good.”
“One last question,” Maxim said, “What’s Volkov’s endgame?”
“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:
This work would have not been possible without the great support of my wife. I would also like to thank Frank Paine, Kristen Lewendon, Patti Holycross, Susan Harju, Irma Lero, Meagan Myhren-Bennett, Barbara Kappen, Shari Gross, Sarah Stern, Susan Fritz, J.T. Brock, David Parker, Rosemary Kenny, Wessel Gordon, and Tim Birmingham, for their helpful suggestions.
COUNTERBLOW. Copyright © 2020 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: May 2020
Don't miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Ethan Jones publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.
https://books2read.com/r/B-A-CXHE-NZEFB
Connecting independent readers to independent writers.
Also by Ethan Jones
Carrie Chronicles
Priority Target: A Carrie Chronicles Spy Thriller
Codename Makarov: A Carrie Chronicles Spy Thriller
Entry Point: A Carrie Chronicles Spy Thriller
Unknown Operative: A Carrie Chronicles Spy Thriller
Foreign Interference: A Carrie Chronicles Spy Thriller
First in Each Series
Ethan Jones Starter Pack Box Set - 1st in Each Series
Jack Storm Spy Thriller Series
The Extractor
Mossad Extraction
Extracted Asset (Coming Soon)
Unextracted (Coming Soon)
Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
The Corrector: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Betrayal: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Closure: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Retrieval: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Interception: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Deception: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Counterblow: A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller
Javin Pierce Spy Thriller Series - Books 1-3 Box Set
Justin Hall Spy Thriller Series
The Interrogation (A Justin Hall Short Story Prequel)
Canadian Assassin: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Tripoli's Target: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Iranian Protocol: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Double Agents: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The Diplomat: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller Novella
Rogue Agents: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
&nbs
p; Shadow Agents: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Homeland: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The Saudi Strategy: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The CIA Connection: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The Austrian Asset: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The Belgian Bagman: A Justin Hall Series
The Cyprus Coverup: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Covert Assassin: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Target Acquired: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
The Russian Defector: A Justin Hall Spy Thriller
Resident Spy
Justin Hall Spy Thriller Series - Books 1-3 Box Set
Justin Hall Spy Thriller Series - Books 4-6 Box Set
Max Thorne Spy Thriller
18 Minutes - A Max Thorne Spy Thriller
Agent Rising - A Max Thorne Spy Thriller
Agent Recruit - A Max Thorne Spy Thriller
Agent Assassin - A Max Thorne Spy Thriller
Watch for more at Ethan Jones’s site.
About the Author
Ethan Jones is an international bestselling author of over thirty-five spy thriller and suspense novels. His books have sold over one hundred thousand copies in over seventy countries. Ethan has lived in Europe and Canada. He has worked for the American Embassy and did missionary work in Albania. He’s a lawyer by trade, and his research has taken him to many parts of the world.
His goal is to provide clean, clever, and white-knuckle entertainment for his valued readers. Ethan’s thrillers are fast-paced, action-packed, and full of unsuspecting twists and turns.
When he’s not writing or researching, you can find Ethan hiking, snorkeling, hanging out with family/friends, or traveling the world. Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack.
Read more at Ethan Jones’s site.
