Page 62 of Shadow of Doubt

“And if she agrees?”

“If she agrees, we make sure no one, including Tsybulsky, ever comes looking for her. That’s what Grechko wants, right?”

“Why does that sound like a loaded question?”

Harvath, still holding her hand, leaned back in his chair and stared out toward the ocean. “Just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

Sølvi looked at him. “You’re up to something,” she said. “I can tell. What is it?”

“How much do you know about Arkady Tsybulsky?”

“Billionaire oligarch. Makes his money from mining. Close friend and confidant of the Russian president.”

“Correct,” Harvath replied. “In fact, Russia’s war effort in Ukraine is heavily dependent upon the raw materials that Tsybulsky supplies. His aluminum, titanium, nickel, and iron ore are critical to Moscow. Without them, you can’t build airplanes, helicopters, armored vehicles, missiles, and a whole host of other weapons and weapons systems.”

“You’re certainly knowledgeable when it comes to Tsybulsky.”

“The file Holidae gave me to read before we left was quite detailed. Suffice it to say that Tsybulsky was incredibly rich before Russia invaded Ukraine. Since the invasion, his wealth has exploded. Not only that, but according to the CIA, he was one of the people who had strongly encouraged Peshkov to launch the war.”

“The Ukrainians must hate him with a passion,” she said.

“You have no idea,” Harvath replied.

“What’s your plan?”

“I’ve decided we’re not going to make Inessa disappear.”

“You’re not?” Sølvi replied, drawing her hand back, somewhat surprised.

“No. Instead, we’re going to make her problem disappear.”

“You’re going to kill Tsybulsky?”

Harvath, who had turned to look at her, turned back to look at the ocean. “I’mnot going to kill him.”

Even though his head was turned to the side, she could see that look in his eye again. “Forget splitting the difference. Tell me the truth.”

Harvath turned to face her again. “I promise you. I will tell you the full truth, when the time is right.”

“What’s wrong with right now?”

“I’m doing you a favor.”

“By keeping me in the dark? How does that help me?” she asked.

“It’ll help you keep your job.”

“You mean the job that they’ve told me is out the window this time tomorrow?”

Harvath smiled at her. “Plausible deniability is invaluable. You’ve got that right now. Trust me, you don’t want to throw it away.”

“I think I should be the judge of that. Grechko is my defector.”

“Yes, he is. And I want you to be able to focus on him.”

“Please tell me you’re not trying to patronize me.”

“I’m not trying to patronize you,” he responded. “I’m trying to protect you. Believe me.”

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