Free The Will Of The People (Conspiracy Trilogy Book 1) by Christopher Read

terrorists’ movements prior to their arrival in Russia,
specifically Baranovskiy, which combined with satellite data and
other intelligence, gives an indicator of where they might have
been trained. The most likely site is in the Dzūkija region of
Lithuania, near to the border with Belarus. An initial assessment
of this site has confirmed the presence of at least a dozen
personnel, together with visual evidence of weapons’ training. That
by itself is not definitive but if they are August 14 it suggests several more
terrorist cells may soon join those already here in
Moscow.”
    “Not at all
what I wanted to hear,” the Prime Minister said with a sigh of
frustration. “And Eastern Europe again – this has become a
dangerous theme. But let’s be clear, Arkady, you’re not absolutely
certain where Baranovskiy was trained, and might it be somewhere
other than Lithuania?”
    “It’s
possible, Prime Minister. It will take time to gather sufficient
evidence, and it may never be conclusive – men and women firing
weapons doesn’t have to mean terrorists… Perhaps we should consider
bringing in the Americans?”
    That was now
two of the Committee’s members who seemed keen to involve the
United States. A terrorist base in Eastern Europe would make
everything far more complex and action against Lithuania – in
whatever form – without American agreement would be at best
unwise.
    The Prime
Minister chose to keep his thoughts to himself, “Thank you, Arkady.
Lithuania lies well outside the remit of this Committee, but should
your fears be confirmed, Russia’s response will need to be judged
most carefully–”
    Golubeva was quick to interrupt, “With any response we must
also consider the fact that August
14 appears to be particularly well
informed. Their agents seem able to bypass police raids and road
blocks at will, and the increase in security obviously hasn’t
halted the attacks.”
    Moscow’s
Commissioner of Police was the first to protest, struggling to hold
back his anger, “We lost a man at Domodedovo and three more at
Lubyanka. Every one of my officers wants to get these bastards. If
there’s an informer, I suggest you look elsewhere…”
    “Perhaps not
the police,” Golubeva continued, unabashed. “The conspiracy
theorists always seem keen to blame the FSB.”
    “As they
blamed the U.S. Government for 9/11,” Grebeshkov retorted calmly,
before his two colleagues could respond. “The FSB is always an easy
target. My responsibility, indeed my specific charge from the Prime
Minister, is to ensure the FSB is blame-free.” He looked directly
across the table at Golubeva, speaking slowly so as to emphasise
each word, “My responsibility, my reputation.”
    Golubeva gave a
thin smile, but remained silent.
    “Well said,
General,” the Prime Minister said smoothly. “I think you have your
answer, Irina.”
     
Lincolnshire, England
    Anderson
returned from a visit to Marshwick’s general store to be met by a
grinning Rob. “There was a call for you,” said Rob with a wink,
“Commander Saunders’ daughter...”
    Anderson nodded
his thanks as he took the proffered post-it note and tried to look
nonchalant; after a terrible start with Charlotte, things had
definitely improved, and now he finally had her mobile number. He
stepped back outside, preferring a little more privacy for the
return call.
    For once
Charlotte actually sounded pleased to hear from him even if the
pleasantries were effectively ignored. “To cut a long story short,
I phoned Erdenheim. I trust you’re not busy tomorrow morning
because you’ve got an appointment to go and visit them; eleven
o’clock sharp.”
    “An
appointment?” repeated Anderson in confusion. If he had any sort of
a plan then it was to stay inconspicuous, not rush full pelt into
the lion’s den.
    “Well someone
needed to take the initiative,” said Charlotte forcefully.
“Otherwise you’ll keep badgering my mother. So I put on my best
telephone