Page 36 of Shadow of Doubt

Harvath smiled. “You’d be the first Russian I ever met who wasn’t.”

“Do you know why I chose Norway to defect to?”

“Besides the ease of crossing its shared border with Russia?”

“That was a definite advantage,” Grechko admitted. “But it wasn’t my main reason.”

“Then what was?”

“Norway is one of the most robust democracies in the world. It respects the rights of its citizens, its journalists, and the rule of law. Elections here are free and fair. The Norwegian government stands up for what it believes in and keeps its word. In every meaningful way, this country is the exact opposite of Russia.”

“All things the United States offers too. Plus, we can give you more agreeable winters and much better beaches.”

Now it was Grechko’s turn to smile. “I’m well aware. I did a fair bit of traveling when I was based at the Russian Embassy in Washington. America has many things going for it, but in the end, Norway is where I want to be.”

“I understand. In the short term, I still think the U.S. Embassy compound is the safest place for you. After that, maybe—and it’s a big maybe—if you’re willing to cooperate and share information with the CIA, we might be able to help establish a safehouse somewhere for you.At least until the Norwegian Intelligence Service is able to fully reassert control over your security.”

The Russian thought about it for a moment, a plan beginning to take shape in his mind. “What if we split the difference?”

Harvath wasn’t sure he understood what the man meant. “That would depend. What are you thinking?”

“I’ll agree to a temporary CIA safehouse, but I get to pick the location.”

Harvath laughed. “That’s not how it works.”

“And my deal with the Norwegians has to change.”

“Change how?” asked Sølvi. She had been sitting in the living room monitoring the TV for updates. Coverage of the attack in Oslo was on every channel.

“My bonus,” Grechko responded as she walked into the dining room. “I want it up front.”

“The bonus is yours if you fully cooperate. It’s an incentive. That’s why it comes at the end. We’re going to need surveillance, new passports, transportation… It’s going to take an entire team to make it happen. For the moment, I’m all you’ve got.”

“Technically,” the Russian corrected her, pointing at Harvath, “you’ve also got him, in addition to whatever resources the CIA is willing to contribute.”

Harvath looked at Sølvi. “What’s he talking about? What bonus?”

“It’s not a what,” she replied. “It’s awho.Her name is Inessa Surkova and it’s going to be a nightmare getting to her.”

“Russia?”

Sølvi shook her head. “South of France. But he’s insistent it look like an accident. He wants to be absolutely certain no one ever comes looking for her.”

“If you do this,” Grechko said, addressing him, “I promise I will make it worth your while.”

“Hold on,” Harvath stated. “I haven’t agreed to do anything. The only thing we’re talking about is getting you someplace secure.”

“Then let’s make it a safehouse in the South of France. It gets us out of Norway and my debriefing can run simultaneous with planning the Inessa operation, for which you need me on the ground, in person.”

This was getting out of control, fast. “All of this is above my pay grade,” said Harvath. “Your arrangement is with Norway. They expect you to honor your end. Any change will have to be approved by her.” As he pointed at Sølvi, he continued. “And any contribution I, or my country makes, is going to have to be approved by the CIA. That’s who compensates me. I don’t want or expect anything from you.”

“Then we’ll consider it a bonus,” Grechko responded. “An incentive, provided at the end of the operation, to ensure your performance.”

“Again,” Harvath stated, “that’s not necessary. The CIA will make sure I’m covered.”

“The CIA can’t give you what I’m offering.”

“What’s that?”

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