Page 145 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

Bobby stood up, and the ambassador did the same. "I need an answer tomorrow," Bobby said. "That's not an ultimatum, it's the reality. Our generals are itching for a fight. And don't send us one of those long Khrushchev letters that take all day to translate. We need a clear, businesslike answer from you, Mr. Ambassador. And we need it fast."

"Very well," said the Russian, and he went out.

*

On Sunday morning, the KGB station chief in Havana reported to the Kremlin that the Cubans now thought an American attack was inevitable.

Dimka was at a government dacha at Novo-Ogaryevo, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Moscow. The dacha was a small place with white columns that made it look a bit like the White House in Washington. Dimka was preparing for the Presidium meeting to be held here in a few minutes, at twelve noon. He went around the long oak table with eighteen briefing folders, putting one in each place. They contained President Kennedy's latest message to Khrushchev, translated into Russian.

Dimka felt hopeful. The American president had agreed to everything Khrushchev had originally demanded. If this letter had arrived, miraculously, minutes after Khrushchev's first message had been sent, the crisis would have been over instantly. But the delay had permitted Khrushchev to add to his demands. And, unfortunately, Kennedy's letter did not directly mention Turkey. Dimka did not know whether that would be a sticking point for his boss.

The Presidium members were assembling when Natalya Smotrov came into the room. Dimka noticed first that her curly hair was getting longer and sexier, and second that she looked scared. He had been trying to get a few minutes with her to tell her about his engagement. He felt he could not give the news to anyone in the Kremlin until he had told Natalya. But once again this was not a good moment. He needed her alone.

She came straight to him and said: "Those imbeciles have shot down an American plane."

"Oh, no!"

She nodded. "A U-2 spy plane. The pilot is dead."

"Shit! Who did it, us or the Cubans?"

"No one will say, which means it was probably us."

"But no such order was given!"

"Exactly."

This was what they had both feared: that someone would start the shooting without authorization.

The members were taking their seats, aides behind them as usual. "I'll go and tell him," Dimka said but, as he spoke, Khrushchev came in. Dimka hurried to his side and murmured the news in the leader's ear as he sat down. Khrushchev did not reply, but looked grim.

He opened the meeting with what was clearly a prepared speech. "There was a time when we advanced, as in October 1917; but in March 1918 we had to retreat, having signed the Brest-Litovsk agreement with the Germans," he began. "Now we find ourselves face-to-face with the danger of war and nuclear catastrophe, with the possible result of destroying the human race. In order to save the world, we must retreat."

That sounded like the beginning of an argument for compromise, Dimka thought.

But Khrushchev quickly turned to military considerations. What should the Soviet Union do if the Americans were to attack Cuba today, as the Cubans themselves fully expected? General Pliyev must be instructed to defend Soviet forces in Cuba. But he should ask permission before using nuclear weapons.

While the Presidium was discussing that possibility, Dimka was called out of the room by Vera Pletner, his secretary. There was a phone call for him.

Natalya followed him out.

The Foreign Ministry had news that must be passed to Khrushchev immediately--yes, in the middle of the meeting. A cable had just been received from the Soviet ambassador in Washington. Bobby Kennedy had told him the missiles in Turkey would be removed in four or five months--but this must be kept deadly secret.

"This is good news!" Dimka said delightedly. "I'll tell him right away."

"One more thing," said the Foreign Ministry official. "Bobby kept stressing the need for speed. Apparently the American president is under severe pressure from the Pentagon to attack Cuba."

"Just as we thought."

"Bobby kept saying there is very little time. They must have their answer today."

"I'll tell him."

He hung up. Natalya was standing beside him, looking expectant. She had a nose for news. He told her: "Bobby Kennedy offered to remove the missiles from Turkey."

She smiled broadly. "It's over!" she said. "We've won!" Then

she kissed him on the lips.

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