Divide and conquer - Tom Clancy [69]
"My name is David Battat," he said.
"I know," she said.
"And you are-?" he pressed.
"In Baku, I am Odette Kolker," she said. There was finality in the young woman's voice. It told him two things. First, that she was definitely not an Azerbaijani recruited by the Russians. And second, that Battat would not be getting her real name. Not from her, anyway.
"I'm pleased to meet you," Battat said, extending his hand.
"I'm also extremely grateful for everything you've done."
"You're welcome," she said. The young woman shook Battat's hand firmly but perfunctorily. As she did, Battat noticed several small bloodstains on the sleeve of her off-white police blouse. There were no lacerations on her hand or forearm. The blood did not appear to be hers.
"Are you really a policewoman?" Battat asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"Were you working the night shift?" he asked.
"No," she replied.
"I was called in to do this." She smiled slightly.
"And I cannot collect overtime for it." Battat sipped more tea and smiled back.
"I'm sorry they had to wake you." He moved the plate to the night table and started to throw off the cover.
"I probably shouldn't be taking your bed-"
"No, it's all right," she said.
"I'm expected on duty in less than an hour. Besides, I'm accustomed to having unexpected guests."
"A hazard of the business," he said.
"Yes," Odette observed.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to eat. You should do the same.
Eat and then rest."
"I will," Battat promised.
"Do you need salt or anything else?"
"No thank you," he said. Odette turned and walked slowly toward the kitchenette. Less than an hour ago, she had killed a man. Now she was serving Battat breakfast. This was a strange business. A very strange business indeed.
Washington, D.C. Tuesday, 12:10 a.m.
"Hello, Paul." Sharon's voice was thick and cold on the other end of the phone. Hood glanced at the clock on his computer.
"Hi," he said warily.
"Is everything okay?"
"Not really," she replied.
"I just got back from the hospital."
"What happened?"
"The short version," she said, "is that Harleigh freaked out about ninety -minutes ago. I called an ambulance-I didn't know what else to do."
"You did the right thing," Hood said.
"How is she?"
"Dr. Basralian sedated her, and she's sleeping now," Sharon went on.
"What does he think is wrong?" Hood asked.
"Is it physical-?"
"He isn't sure," she said.
"They're going to run tests in the morning. The doctor said that sometimes a traumatic event can have physical repercussions. It can affect the thyroid, cause it to get hyper, or create a surplus of adrenaline. Anyway, I didn't call so you'd drop what you're doing and go to see her. I just wanted you to know."
"Thank you," Hood said.
"I'll still get over as soon as I can."
"No need for that," Sharon told him.
"Everything's quiet. I'll let you know if there's a change."
"All right," Hood said.
"If that's what you want."
"I do. Just some down-time. Tell me, Paul. Is there a problem?"
Sharon asked.
"With what?"
"The world," Sharon said.
"Always," Hood replied.
"I tried the motel first," Sharon told him.
"When you weren't there, I figured you must be putting out a fire somewhere." Hood was not exactly sure how to take that remark. He tried not to read anything into it..
"There's a problem in the Middle East," Hood said.
"Could be a bad one."
"Then I won't keep you," Sharon said.
"Just don't kill yourself, Paul. You're not a kid anymore. You need sleep. And the kids need you."
"I'll take care of myself," he promised. Sharon hung up. When Hood and his wife were together, Sharon used to be frustrated and angry whenever he worked long hours. Now that the two of them were apart, she was calm and concerned.