Free The Domino Game by Greg Wilson Page A

are the most likely person to be able to assist him with this.” He sidestepped a young woman pushing a stroller and picked up the conversation five meters on. “So, as long as he can see what you’re doing he’s likely to feel a degree more comfortable.”
    It took Nikolai a moment for the meaning to sink in. “You think he’s watching us?”
    Vari glanced sideways. “Ivankov himself?” He shook his head. “No. But others?” He looked ahead again. “Undoubtedly.”
    Nikolai fell silent. Only yesterday he had been the hunter and Ivankov the quarry. If Vari’s conclusion was correct their roles had now been suddenly reversed. He looked up from the pavement, noticing for the first time the blue plastic bag that dangled from his partner’s thick left hand. His eyes moved from the bag to Vari and back again.
    “What’s that you’re carrying?”
    Vari stared straight ahead as he walked. “A plastic bag. I borrowed it from your pantry. You don’t mind, I hope?”
    Nikolai glared with annoyance. “You know what I mean. What’s in it?”
    Vari continued on, expressionless. “Two sections of yesterday’s newspaper and a half empty box of tissues.”
    Nikolai stared at the bag again. Three paces and he had it worked out. “You want them to think we’ve got the tapes and the transcripts with us.”
    The hint of a smile shaded his partner’s face. “Almost right, little brother. What I want them to think is that I’ve got them. With me.”
    Nikolai thought about this, playing with the meaning. Vari glanced at him; decided he needed help.
    “I think we can conclude, Niko, that the way Gilmanov and his wife were dealt with was intended to send you a message. Death itself is frightening, but abstract. When you humanize it with unspeakable horror the message itself becomes much more distinct. Extend that threat to family and loved ones and you achieve maximum impact.”
    The realization hit Nikolai like a hammer striking an anvil. He stopped in his tracks. Vari pulled up a pace later and turned back to face him.
    “Holy Christ!” Nikolai breathed. He stared at his partner. “Natalia… Larisa!”
    Vari held his gaze a moment then dipped his chin in reluctant acknowledgment. “They could be in serious danger, Niko, you must understand that. But for the moment Ivankov will be more interested in us than in them. That’s why we’re better out here, where they can see us.”
    Nikolai felt dizzy. Was it his mind that was spinning, or was it the world around him? He shook his head to clear it and heard Vari’s voice start again.
    “I know how they operate, Niko. Gilmanov worked for them so the way they see it they owned him. He broke their trust, so they had to smear him. Nothing personal. That’s just the way it is.”
    Nothing personal. Nikolai felt a shudder run across his shoulders. “But you’re saying the way they dealt with him was a warning to me.”
    Vari gave an off-handed nod. “Sure. This is how we’ll do it to you,” that’s what they’re saying. But it’s all mind games. They won’t hurt you unless they really have to. Doing Gilmanov is one thing, but doing an FSB officer, or his family, that’s another matter altogether.”
    Nikolai shot him a dubious glance. “Is that so?”
    Vari shrugged and started forward again, leaving Nikolai with no option but to follow. He caught up, staring at his partner’s set profile.
    “What about Stephasin? What he said at the end of the tape about solutions? And why is it this conversation seems to be just revolving around me? If they’re watching us and they think you have the evidence, then by now they must assume you’re a problem too.”
    Nikolai caught the edge of his partner’s smile.
    “I didn’t hear Stephasin mention me, did you?” Vari shook his head. “No my friend, only you. What was it?… The young crusader!” He tossed his free hand in the air.” Me? I’m just wallpaper.” His smile faded. “You know why that is, Niko? Well