Page 131 of The Cellist

“Your friend from Moscow figured that out a long time ago.” Shamron crushed out his cigarette. “I assume you’re planning to retaliate?”

“The Americans are doing that for me.”

“There are sanctions,” said Shamron knowingly, “and then there aresanctions, if you understand my point.”

“I’ve been working on and off for the Office since I was twenty-two, Ari. I know what you mean when you refer to sanctions. In fact, I’m old enough to remember when we used to refer to an assassination as negative treatment.”

Shamron lifted a hand in inquiry. “Well?”

“After giving the matter careful consideration, I’m inclined to let it go.”

Shamron glared at Gabriel as though he had questioned the existence of the creator. “But youmustrespond.”

“Do you know how many Russians I’ve killed or kidnapped since the outbreak of our private little war? Even I’m not sure I can count them all. Besides, I took something more important from him than his life.”

“His money?”

Gabriel nodded. “And I proved to the Russian people that he’s nothing but a thief. Who knows? With a bit of luck, the next government citadel to be stormed by its own people will be the Kremlin.”

“A popular uprising in Russia?”

“It’s his biggest fear.”

“My biggest fear,” said Shamron, “is that soon after you move to Italy, I will read a story in the newspaper about your body being fished from a Venetian canal. Which is why you must delay your departure until the situation has settled.”

“How long do you think that will take?”

“Ten or fifteen years.” Shamron gave a mischievous smile. “Just to be on the safe side.”

“Chiara and the children are leaving the day after my term expires, with or without me.”

“Has it been that bad?”

“Washington was the final straw.”

“But not the final act, I hope.”

“I promised my wife that I would spend my last years on earth making her happy. I intend to keep that promise.”

“And what aboutyourhappiness?” asked Shamron.

Gabriel made no reply.

“Do you still grieve for them?”

“Every minute of every day.”

“Is there any room in your heart for me?”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“I trained you to lie better than that, my son.” Shamron was silent for a moment. “Do you remember that day in September when I came for you?”

“Like it was yesterday.”

“I wish we could do it all over again.”

“Life doesn’t work that way, Ari.”

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