The Nine Men (A Novella)

  Alexi continued, ‘I wanted to…’

  ‘Shut up,’ the commander snarled.… ‘Viktoriya, you have been a very silly girl, haven’t you?’

  Viktoriya looked at Alexis and bowed her head.

  ‘Lovers are we?’ the commander asked… ‘WELL ARE WE?’

  ‘Yes,’ Viktoriya answered. ‘We are lovers.’

  ‘Not for much longer!’ — Do you remember who owns you? We do, the FSB, not this fucking monk who can’t keep his dick in his trousers.

  Alexi’s face contorted with anger.

  ‘Get out and stay away from this girl.’

  Viktoriya hugged Alexi tightly. ‘You can’t do this to us, you monster.’

  Tsvetaeva stood up and walked around to their side of the desk. He looked Alexi in the eyes. ‘Get out now, while I’m in a good mood, otherwise you know what will happen to you.’

  ‘…Go, Alexi, just get out,’ Viktoriya pleaded.

  ‘What about you? I can’t leave you with him.’

  ‘Please, Alexi, I’ll be fine, please get out now. I’ll see you later.’

  Viktoriya’s expression was pained as Alexi reluctantly walked out of the office.

  ‘Very touching,’ Tsvetaeva said, coldly. He raised a finger to wipe a tear from Viktoriya’s cheek but she grabbed his wrist. ‘Don’t touch me, you pig!’

  The commander laughed and walked back to his side of the desk. He picked up the phone and dialed a number, all the while eyeing Viktoriya. ‘We have the book,’ he said and put the phone back on the receiver.

  ‘You need to finish your education. Education that the FSB is paying for so that you can be a worthy contributor to this great country in the future. Forget that deadbeat monk, he is no good for you. If I find you with him, believe me, you’ll never see him again.’

  Viktoriya stared the commander in the eyes. ‘I hate you, you evil monster.’

  Tsvetaeva laughed out loud. ‘Good fuck was he? Did he like it when you sucked his cock? I wonder who gives better head; you or the monastery’s bum boy?’

  Viktoriya’s emotions reached boiling point. In a rage she ran at the Commander intent on punching him but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, peering into her beautiful, blue eyes he could feel her sweet panting breath on his face. Viktoriya cringed and he pushed her away.

  ‘You piece of dog shit, I hate you!’ she yelled, and ran out of the office, slamming the door behind her.

  I could fuck you, he thought.

  Chapter 28

  Sergey Volodin gestured to Professor Shastri to sit down. Shastri settled onto one of two burgundy, leather sofas and felt the warmth of the roaring log fire. The shower and change of clothes had improved his mood.

  ‘As a representative of the State Duma I can only apologize for the unacceptable treatment you’ve experienced, Professor,’ Volodin said, offering Shastri a large glass of brandy.

  In his early fifties, Volodin, was a tall man with broad shoulders. He sported a well trimmed, graying beard that accentuated his strong jaw-line. Wearing an expensive black pinstripe suit and a gold Rolex he looked more like a merchant banker than a member of the government, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the professor.

  Volodin’s success within the party started some twenty-five years ago when it became evident that he was an expert negotiator. Within a few years his talent for getting results had rocketed him to the highest levels of Russian politics. He was also a close friend and advisor to the President.

  ‘I will be making an official complaint against Commander Tsvetaeva,’ Shastri said, accepting the brandy offered to him. ‘You simply cannot treat people like that anymore. I thought Russia was a civilized society these days.’

  The Russian nodded, ‘It is unfortunate that you had to experience the Commander’s, shall we say, abrupt approach.’

  Shastri sipped his drink and peered pensively into the flames of the fire. ‘The man is an arrogant pig, Mr. Volodin.’

  ‘Yes, and that is probably being kind, Professor… However, here in Russia he is a war hero. A man decorated for his bravery in Afghanistan by our President, no less… Unfortunately, I sometimes think he’s still at war, as you have found out first-hand.’

  ‘Yes, I have.’

  ‘It is my sincere hope that we can move on, Professor,’ Volodin suggested, sitting down opposite Shastri.

  ‘What exactly do you have in mind that would allow us to move on, Mr. Volodin, apart from you buying the manuscript from me?’

  ‘…We believe the manuscript has a certain value and I’m sure we can come to a mutual agreement on price.’

  ‘You know my price.’ Shastri added, sharply.

  ‘Yes,…indeed we do. But for that kind of money Professor we would also expect you to decode the book for us.’

  Shastri shifted nervously at the suggestion. ‘Are you confirming that you have the book?’

  ‘Of course, we have the book, why would we be talking to you, otherwise?’ Volodin asked.

  The professor took a deep breath. ‘…Good, then I…I need to see it first… before we can agree anything.’

  ‘You seem hesitant; Is there something worrying you?’

  ‘No…No,…not at all but I need to authenticate the book.’

  ‘If you prefer, we can purchase the services of Victor Canseliet.’

  Shastri almost dropped his brandy glass. ‘Canseliet? …I don’t think he would be the right man at all. And he’s not easy to find these days.’

  ‘Actually, he’s in Moscow at the moment on vacation.’

  The professor was clearly agitated. ‘I’m the expert on this kind of artifact, not him.’

  ‘Excellent! Then this is what I suggest… You are given the opportunity to decode the book before anyone else, using your own extremely valuable scroll. And if you succeed… then let’s just say we will make it very worth your while. And, at the price you’re asking for the scroll, my friend, I suggest you must be feeling pretty confident right now?’ Volodin smiled smugly and sipped his brandy.

  ‘And if I fail?’

  ‘If you fail to decode the book, then you are free to leave Russia — on the proviso that we keep the scroll and you promise not to take any legal action against any individual in my country. If at any time you rescind on this promise we will destroy your career overnight.’… The professor turned to look into the fire. This wasn’t in the plan, he thought to himself.

  Beads of perspiration appeared on Shastri’s forehead and he forced a smile. ‘Clearly, you leave me no choice, Mr. Volodin. You have me by the balls, you bastard.’

  Volodin returned the smile before taking a large gulp of brandy.

  ‘I prefer to think of it as protecting my interests, Professor Shastri.’

  Chapter 29

  Alexi was standing all alone, looking at the familiar splendor of the green and white Church of the Holy Fathers of Seven Ecumenical Councils in the grounds of the Holy Danilov Monastery; his home for so long. Today, wearing faded denims, trainers and a Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt he looked like one of the hoards of tourists that frequented the place.

  ‘It’s time — let’s do it,’ he said, and walked across the courtyard in the direction of the Bishop’s office. At the office door he stopped. His heart was pounding in his chest as he took some deep breaths. ‘Do it,’ he said quietly, before knocking on the oak door-panel.

  ‘Come in,’ came the resonant response.

  Alexi lifted the latch and entered the office.

  The Bishop looked up, surprised. ‘I’m sorry this is private property, can you please lea…’

  ‘It’s me, Brother Alexi.’ he said, forcefully.

  Bishop Remizov’s jaw dropped and he stood up. ‘What! — Where have you been? —Why are you dressed like that? You are in so much trouble young man; the FSB are looking everywhere for you. Where is the book you…’

  ‘Shut up and listen!’ Alexi demanded. ‘I have safely delivered the book to the FSB.’

  ‘You have?’


  ‘Yes, I gave it to Commander Tsvetaeva personally.’

  ‘Oh, thank God.’ The Bishop visibly relaxed.

  Alexi approached his desk. ‘And for my efforts he threw me out of his office — as if I was a piece of dog shit! I’d say he has about as much respect for me as you do, Bishop.’

  Remizov’s mouth opened even wider. ‘What do you mean?’ he asked, with an air of indignation.

  ‘I have suffered your persecution and indifference for so long I almost forgot what life was really about. You and your perverted gang treat people like they’re worthless commodities, and all in the name of God! Where is God when you need him, Bishop? I don’t think he likes me very much. Do you think he approves of the sexual abuse this place practices?’ Alexi then mimicked the Bishop’s voice. ‘What happened was of your making and nobody else’s; you know that don’t you, Alexi?’

  The Bishop lowered his head in shame.

  ‘I will not be abused anymore, Bishop. I’ve decided to leave the Church… My faith in God has deserted me, I have no home to go to, I have no job and my future is at best, uncertain… but do you know what is ironic about all of this, Bishop?’ Alexi placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward. ‘Do you know, BISHOP?’

  Reluctantly, Remizov looked up at Alexi and shook his head.

  ‘The irony is that I’ve never been happier in my life… and it’s because I’ve finally found real faith; it’s a faith I can touch and see; a faith that is there for me when I call out for help; it’s a faith that isn’t demanding and gives back as much as it takes… and it has a warmth that finds its way into my heart. It has another name as well, it’s called love, but YOU wouldn’t have heard of it, because it’s nothing like the fear and guilt ridden crap this place peddles in the name of religion.’

  Alexi threw his room key on the desk. ‘I won’t be needing that anymore,’ he said, and walked out of the office.

  Adrenaline surged through Alexi’s veins as he filled his lungs to capacity with the fresh morning air. At last he was free; gone were the religious shackles that weighed so heavily on his conscience.

  He stepped out into the spring sunshine like a reprieved prisoner enjoying the sweet taste of liberation.

  Viktoriya was waiting patiently outside the monastery walls; he waved to her and she waved back excitedly; her smile nearly melted his heart.

  Back at the monastery, Bishop Remizov picked up the phone and dialed a number in the Ukraine…Clearly agitated, he tapped his fingers on the desk as he waited for a response……. ‘Bishop Yakunin?…It’s me, Remizov…I think we might have a problem. Brother Gorinyenko has walked out and he isn’t coming back…I fear he might talk.’

  The Bishop listened intently for a while before responding.

  ‘Yes, I agree, we must meet this week because we simply cannot allow this to happen. I have a possible solution, which I hope will resolve our problems….Okay call me back with a date.’ The Bishop replaced the receiver and sat quietly, deep in thought. After a pensive few moments he checked his notebook, picked up the receiver and dialed.

  ‘…Commander Tsvetaeva… Hello, it’s Bishop Remizov speaking. We have a serious problem here at the monastery and I think you might be able to help us.’

  ‘What exactly is the problem, Bishop?’ the commander asked.

  ‘One of my monks has absconded and taken a quantity of priceless artifacts from the monastery. I would suggest they're worth a fortune on the black market.’

  ‘Who is this monk?’

  ‘Brother Alexi Gorinyenko — the monk that delivered the book you were looking for.’

  ‘Do you know his whereabouts, Bishop.’ The commander asked.

  ‘I’m afraid I have no idea. All I know is that the silly boy has run away, Commander.’

  ‘When did this happen?’

  ‘We’re not exactly sure, It was only this morning after prayers that we noticed the artifacts were missing and they’re due to be returned to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Oh dear! This could be a national embarrassment.’

  ‘Calm down, Bishop. We’ll find the little thief don’t worry…and believe me, he’ll regret it — I promise you.’

  ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, Commander, I knew I could put my faith in your abilities.’

  Chapter 30

  Alexi was standing next to the grand piano, looking up at the image of Marilyn Monroe. ‘We did it Michael; and now you have your precious book back.’

  ‘Yes I do, and for that I am eternally grateful to you, but call me Robert, my real name is Robert,’ he said looking at Viktoriya, who was sitting next to him on the sofa

  ‘We can’t stay in Russia any longer.’ Viktoriya said. ‘We have to get out.’

  Rob held her hand. ‘I know…and I promised you I’d get you out of Russia, and get you out I will,’ he said, with conviction.

  ‘Do you trust me?’ he asked them both.

  Alexi looked at Viktoriya for approval and she nodded.

  ‘We trust you, Micha… sorry, Robert,’ Alexi said nodding his approval.

  ‘Good, because now, more than ever, you’re going to need my help.’

  *

  Rob and Victor were walking together in Gorky Park, but not in the tranquil gardens; this time Rob had chosen the noisy fun-fair with its overly excited, rowdy children and the thunderous scary theme rides that pushed the looping steel structures to their physical limits.

  Screaming, flailing passengers were enjoying a rush of adrenaline as they plummeted from a great height into a dark abyss.

  ‘You’ll never get me on one of those, mon ami,’ Victor said, as he licked his ice-cream.

  Rob smiled. ‘We have enough excitement in our lives, my friend, without the need for that.’

  ‘My life has never been so exciting!… So, is our little adventure over, Robert? Have you got the book back?’

  ‘Yes, Victor, I have the book.’

  ‘Formidable! Can I see it, Robert?’

  ‘I’m afraid that’s not possible, Victor. The book is no longer in Russia.’

  ‘What! So where is it?’

  ‘Back where it belongs; somewhere very safe. Our plan worked out very well and the Russians are convinced that they have the book; so, for a while they’re not interested in you anymore.’

  Victor frowned, ‘For a while?’

  Robert licked his ice cream… ‘Yes, for now, because very soon they’re going to be very interested in you, again.’

  Victor looked astounded.

  ‘They are? Why?’

  Rob smiled at Victor. ‘How good are your acting skills?’

  Victor’s brow furrowed, ‘I don’t understand.’

  Rob said, ‘I’ll explain. Professor Shastri is in Moscow at the moment. He’s brought the scroll with him, as we anticipated, and now he’s trying to sell it to the Russians for a fortune.’

  ‘But it’s worthless without the real book isn’t it, Ro…’ Victor paused and grinned as the penny dropped. ‘But they don’t know that, do they?’

  ‘Precisely, Victor! Shastri has no chance of breaking the code because the book they have and the scroll are fakes.’

  Victor looked shocked. ‘They are? — I thought the carbon-dating test proved the scroll was genuine?’

  ‘It did, but only because the carbon-dating results were fake.’

  Rob continued, ‘So, this is where you come in, Victor,’

  ‘I do?’ The Frenchman asked, excitedly.

  ‘Yes, you do. The Russians are going to approach you to decipher the code, which you will agree to, for a very fat fee of course.’

  ‘Of course,’ Victor agreed, enthusiastically. ‘When?’

  ‘As soon as they realize Shastri is incapable… I need you to keep the Russians off my back for just a bit longer because I have a promise to honor that wasn’t in the original plan.’

  ‘What kind of promise?’

  ‘I need to get Alexi and Viktoriya safely out of Russia.’

  ‘S
o… our little adventure isn’t over yet, mon ami?’

  ‘No, not quite, mon ami,’ Rob replied.

  ‘…Okay…So what exactly do I have to do, Robert?’

  As they walked together in the afternoon sunshine, enjoying their ice creams, Robert McPherson began to explain his plan to Victor Canseliet; and soon both were lost amongst the throng of visitors to Gorky Park.

  Chapter 31

  Commander Tsvetaeva stood up from behind his desk.

  ‘I’m not interested in that Frenchman…Canseliet, anymore; now that we have the book he is of no threat to us; but I am very interested in a thieving, little monk by the name of Alexi Gorinyenko.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ Nikolay said, repositioning the pencil balanced on his ear lobe.

  ‘The same monk who brought the book to me has stolen valuable artifacts from the Danilov Monastery and gone AWOL.’

  Nikolay frowned. ‘Why would he do that? Wasn’t the book far more valuable?’

  ‘Apparently so, but clearly he didn’t want to fuck with the FSB. But perhaps he thought a bit of church silverware might go unnoticed?’ Tsvetaeva suggested.

  ‘Obviously desperate for some money now that he’s succumbed to the sins of the flesh… Talking of that, where is the girl?’ Nikolay asked’

  ‘No sign of her; obviously they’ve run off together. Put all your efforts into finding them, comrade, ASAP,’ the commander demanded. ‘They can’t go far until they sell the artifacts, and that might take some time.’

  As Nikolai left the office the commander lit a cigarette and walked over to the window. He gazed out at a helicopter passing overhead. Memories came rushing into his mind’s eye.

  The Russian made Mi24 assault helicopter hugged the snow covered terrain of the Hindu Kush as it headed for the target area.

  ‘There it is, that’s the cave entrance straight ahead!’ Commander Tsvetaeva shouted above the noise of the helicopter’s engine and throbbing blades. Tsvetaeva’s eyes were wide with excitement; adrenaline surged through his veins. ‘Let’s get the rats, comrades.’

  As the Mi24 closed in on the cave a young Mujahideen fighter appeared at the cave’s entrance. On his shoulder he was holding a Russian made RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launcher.