Jenkins laughed at the recollection. “Let’s just hope it lands a little more smoothly. Are you going to be bored without Russian helicopters and planes chasing us?”
“I’m older now,” Studebaker said. “I’m starting to like the mundane. But it would get the juices flowing.” He turned to Maria, who came around the back of the car. “You are anything but mundane. Good Lord, where did Mr. Jenkins find a beauty like you?”
She looked to Jenkins, not fully understanding Studebaker’s comment.
“On govorit, chto ty krasivaya,” Jenkins said. He thinks you’re beautiful.
“Thank you,” Maria said.
“The pleasure is all mine. The name is Studebaker, like the car, but you can call me ‘Hot Rod.’”
Again, Maria looked to Jenkins, uncertain.
“Mashina yemu tozhe nravitsya,” Jenkins said. He likes the car also.
“Have either of you ever flown on a bird this beautiful?”
Jenkins shook his head. “It isn’t really English,” he said to Maria in reference to Studebaker’s slang. “But you’ll get used to it soon enough.”
“Somebody at home must like the two of you,” Studebaker continued. “It’s outfitted with food, drinks, and a place to lie down and sleep.”
“Is it fast?” Jenkins said. “I’m just looking to get home.”
“Then you are in for a real treat,” Studebaker said. “This baby will really light your fire.”
“He’s quoting a song by the Doors, an American band,” Jenkins explained to Maria. “It means the plane is very fast.”
Maria nodded to Studebaker that she understood. “Yes. Then ‘I’m on fire,’” she said. When neither Jenkins nor Studebaker responded, she added, “That is Bruce Springsteen. Yes? Born in the USA. ‘I’m on Fire.’”
Jenkins laughed. “The Boss. I think you’re going to do just fine in America, Maria. I think you’re going to fit in in no time.”
“Then let us go, Mr. Jenkins, and do like your mother says. Let us turn the page and see what happens next.”
Epilogue
Camano Island
Washington State
Jenkins spent a week at Langley, just long enough for his pain to lessen considerably and his appearance to further improve. Langley doctors checked him over from head to toe and generally were impressed with the medical attention he had received in Irkutsk. Before departing he also spent time in the disguise department with a makeup specialist who showed him how to minimize his bruising, so he wouldn’t scare his children. The makeup wouldn’t fool Alex, however, though it might cause her to raise an eyebrow.
Jenkins had the chance to meet Zenaida Petrekova at a safe house near Langley. She was going through the process of debriefing, but also being educated on her new home. She remained distressed that she would not be able to see her son or her daughter or her grandchildren in person, at least not for a considerable time. If Russia searched for her, her children would be the first persons they put under surveillance. Langley had arranged for an encrypted call, and she had FaceTimed them, advised them that she was well, but provided no further details about her work on behalf of the CIA or her current whereabouts.
“Do you think they know of your spying?”
“They are smart. I’m sure they have figured some things out on their own and are coming to terms with it. My son says now he knows why he could never get away with anything.” She smiled. “I miss them. I will miss them.”
“I wish you the best,” he said.
“And I you, Mr. Jenkins,” she said.
“Charlie,” he said.
“To use someone’s last name is a sign of respect, Mr. Jenkins.”
“Then I wish you the best, Ms. Petrekova.”
She hugged and thanked him again.
Jenkins felt comfortable leaving Petrekova and Kulikova because both had been treated well and responded in kind. Maria seemed almost embarrassed at the attention she received and at the accommodations provided. Lemore ensured she had Russian food, television programs, books, and other amenities to help ease her transition to the United States.
Toward the end of the week, Jenkins spoke to Lemore about Arkhip Mishkin and about his possibly taking a “vacation” to the United States after he retired. “Maybe a cruise ship,” Jenkins said. “He could get off in a port and simply disappear.”
Lemore said there were no guarantees.
“Will I see you again?” Maria asked Jenkins before he departed.