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

definite?”
    Valentin was quick to explain, “Simple maths, Sir. Nazarenko
spent three months in Lithuania, arriving here in December; that
easily gives August 14 time to train at least one more group, even if they took a
couple of months off for a winter break. Of course, it’s also
possible these sixteen presently in Lithuania have been there since
December, rather than being brand-new recruits, or even that they
have nothing at all to do with August
14 .”
    The Prime
Minister gave a deep sigh of frustration, fingers tapping absently,
trying to work out the best way forward. “We have to assume the
worst-case scenario. If you’re right, we could easily be looking at
eight or more terrorist cells already inside Russia, with several
more preparing to join them.”
    “Lithuania,”
Valentin said, “could supply all of the answers we so desperately
need: who finances them, how many of their people are actually
here, names, faces... perhaps even the identity of their leaders.
Evidence we could then use to justify such an attack. Conversely,
there are significant risks, and the diplomatic repercussions of
any action must be carefully weighed against the potential
rewards.”
    There was a long silence while the Prime Minister made up his
mind. “Let’s be very clear,” he said, emphasising each word. “Are
you both agreed that this site in Lithuania has been, or indeed
still is, a training camp for terrorists; specifically for those
of August 14 .”
    Valentin’s
response was immediate, “Yes, Sir.”
    Grebeshkov
knew it was too late to have second thoughts and what happened next
wasn’t down to him. “I agree, Sir. However, I must formally advise
that the consequences of military action on Lithuanian soil could
be disastrous.”
    “We must tread carefully, Sir,” Valentin reaffirmed.
    The Prime
Minister slammed his hand down onto the table, irritated by their
lukewarm support, “How many more terrorists can we allow Lithuania
to train before we react – ten, twenty, a hundred... They abuse our
friendship and you expect us to do nothing?” Abruptly, he waved his
hand in a gesture of dismissal, “Your opinions are duly noted,
gentlemen; however, we must act decisively, the Russian people
expect nothing less.”
    * * *
    Kolomenskoe
Park is one of Moscow’s more popular attractions, serving up a
different architectural wonder around every turn, from magic stones
for health and happiness to the beautiful Church of the Ascension
of the Lord on the bank of the Moskva. Despite the many tourists,
there are still vast areas of relative peace and tranquillity well
away from the security cameras where privacy is assured.
    Eglitis sat on
a wooden bench, listening to the church bells and soaking up the
beauty of the scores of apple trees just coming into blossom.
Couples and family groups were spread out across the orchard,
sitting haphazardly amongst the trees, enjoying each other’s
company. It was a truly harmonious scene but Eglitis still found it
difficult to relax, there always that small doubt some observant
policeman would see through his disguise or decide his ID was
worthy of a more detailed check. Today’s meeting was important but
hardly essential; nevertheless, they both believed such risks were
justified, it perhaps being their final opportunity to exchange
essential information and review progress.
    Nabiyev was
late, a fact which hardly helped Eglitis’ mood. To sit too long
would draw unwanted attention: to many in these suspicious times,
an old man sitting alone watching children at play was obviously a
kidnapper or a paedophile, not a grandfather missing the love and
laughter of his own family.
    Eglitis rose stiffly, hunching over his walking stick, trying
not to over-play his part. On cue, Nabiyev immediately appeared in
the distance, striding purposefully along the path. Eglitis quickly
sat back down, annoyed with himself for his own impatience, and
annoyed with Nabiyev for lacking the good sense to