The Charm School

glamorous a job, but interesting things come across my desk. Don’t you agree?”
    “How did the KGB know the name of Colonel Fields?”
    Surikov looked Hollis in the eye and replied, “I think they’ve penetrated your embassy.” He studied Hollis’ face for a reaction.
    Hollis asked, “How was this KGB inquiry directed to you? Memo? Phone call?”
    “In person. I was summoned to Lefortovo. The KGB can even summon generals. They take delight in asking us to stop in to see them at Lubyanka or Lefortovo. One never knows if one will leave there alive. This happened a few days ago.”
    “Were you frightened, General?”
    “Very much.”
    “To whom did you speak at Lefortovo?”
    “A colonel named Pavlichenko.”
    “Tall, blond, pouty lips, blue eyes?”
    Surikov’s eyebrows rose. “Yes. You know the man?”
    “By a different name.” Hollis realized that Surikov was in an answering mood for a change. It was often so when the final deal was at hand. Hollis didn’t know if Valentin Surikov, a Christian, was any more trustworthy than General Surikov of the Red Air Force, but he was willing to gamble that he was.
    Surikov said, “After Lefortovo, I am more resolved than ever to leave here.”
    “I know how you feel.”
    “Can you get me out?”
    Hollis had no authorization to say yes, but the time had come to bring this whole thing to a head. “I can if you have the fare.”
    “Half now, half in the West.”
    “I understand.”
    “Is it dangerous? The getting out, I mean.”
    “Of course.”
    “It’s not for me that I’m worried.”
    Hollis already knew that. “Is she your granddaughter?”
    Surikov’s head snapped around, and he opened his mouth, but no words came out.
    Hollis continued matter-of-factly, “It’s dangerous, but it doesn’t require much from you except nerve. Does she have nerve?”
    Surikov drew on his cigarette. “She has faith.” He glanced at Hollis but did not hold eye contact. “You saw us?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you know why I want to leave.”
    “I suppose.”
    Surikov stared stupidly at the wrapped carp in his hands and spoke, but not to Hollis. “I curse the day I found God. My life has been a misery ever since.”
    Hollis didn’t know quite how to respond to that statement, but he understood it.
    Surikov said, “Yes, my granddaughter. Natasha. My only daughter’s only daughter. The light of my life, Hollis.”
    “She’s a beautiful girl. Does she speak English?”
    “Yes.”
    “She’ll do well. She’ll marry a rich American or Englishman and live happily ever after. Do you believe that?”
    “I would like to. Unfortunately, she wants to become a nun.”
    “Does she? Well, she’ll do what she wants, General. That’s what it’s all about over there.”
    “Is it? And me?”
    “We’ll find something for you to do.”
    “Yes.” Surikov wandered away, down the line of tombstones. The sky was more overcast now, and a few drops of rain fell, splattering the headstones and the damp leaves. A wind came up, and the rowan and birch trees swayed.
    Hollis walked past Surikov, then stopped to look at the next tombstone. “Borodino, General.”
    Surikov spoke. “Some kilometers north of Borodino was once located a Red Air Force ground school. Classroom instruction on American fighter tactics, capabilities, and weaponry.” Surikov paused for effect, then said, “The instructors were Americans.” He looked briefly at Hollis. “This is an incredible story, and you must listen closely.”
    Hollis drew a long breath. The one prayer he’d allowed himself in church was that Surikov would confirm what he and Alevy had discussed. Hollis said abruptly, “That’s the half secret? I know all about that.”
    Surikov turned his head toward Hollis. “What…?”
    “You can’t get to London on that fare. I’m sorry.” Hollis walked away. He kept walking, like a man walking away from a bad deal or an unfaithful lover, hoping that the deal or the lover would get better in the next ten steps.
    Surikov caught up with him. “You can’t… but how do you…?”
    “I was out to Borodino. That’s why I’m being kicked out. I know there are Americans out there. I’m sorry. I thought you knew more—”
    “I do!”
    Hollis stopped and turned toward Surikov, who still held the carp in his hand. “What were you going to give me in London? What is the other half of the secret?”
    Surikov licked his lips. “The school… you know they don’t train pilots there