“Love that you’re continuing to use your accent.”
“Of course.”
“There’s been a change.”
Halston’s heart dropped.
“I know we discussed you coming here after you get checked in at the embassy, but it’s too risky.”
Dammit.
“Go to Hotel Dillinger in northwest DC at seven tonight. Penthouse 1119. Since you won’t have a keycard, type in 1224 on the elevator keypad. At the suite, knock twice. A tall brunette will answer and ask why you’re there. Tell her you’re following the white rabbit. She’ll be your POC going forward.”
“What about you?” Halston asked.
“Your case has been reassigned.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Is she with Langley?” Halston inched forward in the Customs’ line.
“My boss got an email from the Director?—”
“Of our department?”
“No,theDirector.”
What the hell?
“I’m next for Customs,” Halston said. “Thanks for everything.”
“Good luck.”
Halston killed the call, shoved the burner into the false bottom of her crossbody, and pulled out her passport.
“Next,” called the agent.
At the counter, she set her passport down. He glanced at her, then her picture. “First time in the US?”
“Yes.”
“Why are you here?”
“I will be working at Russian Embassy for newly-appointed Ambassador, Yuri Bulgrov.”
He shifted from her to his computer. After too much typing, he said, “What is your occupation?”
“Lead translator,” she replied.
He stamped her passport. “Welcome to the United States.”
Yessss!
Thrilled to be home, she smiled. After collecting her passport, she continued on. Up ahead on the left, a group of limo drivers waited. To her surprise, one of them held a sign with her alias on it.
Minka Kotov