War Plan Red Read Online Free PDF Page A

nuclear submarines, and the defueling of their reactors had not only contaminated huge tracts of land in and around northern Russian cities, the fissile materials also presented a tempting target for terrorists bent on constructing a nuclear device. The Russians had as much to fear from terrorists as the U.S. did. A nuclear device in the hands of Chechen terrorists was too frightening to contemplate. But with the Russian economy only now beginning to recover from years of Communist control, funds for the disposal of nuclear materials had dried up.
    Scott said, “And you’re thinking that while Drummond was up in Murmansk, he stumbled into a personal situation and took advantage of it?”
    “Yes, that’s how I see it.”
    “Well, I don’t. Drummond wouldn’t pay for sex. Not from a high-class call girl, much less a young man. Besides, his wife had just visited him in St. Petersburg.”
    “Whatever,” Radford said, unmoved by Scott’s argument, “Drummond’s death can’t in any way interfere with the summit or cause embarrassment.”
    “I presume the President has been informed.”
    “I briefed Paul Friedman. I thought it better that the national security advisor know about it first so he can maneuver the President around any land mines waiting in Russia.”
    “Do the Russians know?”
    “If you mean the Kremlin, I can’t say. I assume the FSB keeps them informed about everything, but about this, who can be sure? In any event, it could prove embarrassing to both sides.”
    Scott didn’t see anything embarrassing about Drummond’s death. If anything, he wanted to prove the FSB wrong and clear the man’s name. And the best place to start would be in Moscow.
    Radford clicked the mouse. “Drummond had possession of sensitive materials, documents, CD-ROMs.
    He billeted at the embassy so you’ll have to find the materials, seal and return them via diplomatic pouch as soon as possible. Also, take care to sanitize his personal belongings. We wouldn’t want Mrs.
    Drummond to have a nasty surprise.”

    Scott ignored this last admonition. “Who’s my liaison at the embassy?”
    Radford looked at the monitor. “Chap named Alex Thorne. Second science attaché. Don’t know anything about him, only that he was apparently working with Drummond and has connections with Earth Safe. He may know something about Drummond’s movements around Murmansk. But be discreet. Your orders state that you’re a CACO—Casualty Assistance Control Officer—and the embassy staff may be able to help you cut through any bureaucracy attending the release of Drummond’s body.”
    “Where do I billet?”
    “At a hotel in Moscow. We want you out of sight as much as possible. The Russkies still watch the embassy and it’s best they don’t see you going in and out every day. You’re authorized to wear civilian clothes, which may help you keep a low profile. All of this is spelled out in your orders. You’ll also find manifests for the return of the body via U.S. commercial air carrier. And payment vouchers for mortuary services. You will report your progress to me and for that purpose you’ll be issued an armored cell phone by the embassy’s chief of security. It’ll have preselected channels, but use it sparingly. The Russians have gotten better at breaking our signals.”
    “When do I leave?”
    Another glance at the monitor. Another scroll. “Tomorrow night. From Dulles to London, then Sheremetyevo II. Someone from the embassy will meet you. Oh, and one more thing: You’ll be working with this Abakov fellow, the FSB officer who wrote the report. Be careful with him. A lot of their people are former KGB and they’re not to be trusted. Tell him nothing.”
    “Aye, aye, sir.”
    Radford’s face took on a steely look. “Admiral Ellsworth told me you’re one of his best skippers.
    That’s despite what I’ve seen in your file.”
    Scott felt pressure at the base of his skull. “Well, General, as you said, the files don’t