Excerpt
Zhukov sat behind his huge desk as he focused on his agenda. The private intercom buzzed twice. This signaled that Bruslov had arrived for his interview. Zhukovs mind snapped to attention. He set aside files and straightened up old correspondence. He opened a journal and placed a pen nearby so he could jot down notes. He pushed the intercom button once to signal he was ready for Bruslov.
Zhukov rose up from his chair and stood behind his desk. He smiled and extended his hand to Bruslov as he was ushered into his office.
Welcome to our company.
Thank you for inviting me to see you.
Zhukovs assistant motioned that he would leave. Zhukov nodded his approval. The two Russians were now alone.
Zhukov took a few moments to study this young man. He cleared his mind. The first impressions were good He began the interview, saying,
Were looking for new blood for our Juan les-Pins operation. Im afraid our work isnt as exciting as atomic warheads for the Russian army.
That was my past. Im glad to be done with that part of my life.
Im sure that you are. What do you think you can bring to us, asked Zhukov as he sank into his huge chair looking straight at Bruslov.
Ive had experience dealing with Egyptian Muslims and al-Qaeda cell leaders in London. I speak fluent English and Russian. The American FBI arrested me after an aborted mission in the States. A Russian attorney in Brighton Beach represented me. He and some Russian associates in New York worked hard to get me free. I owe them many favors. If not for their work, Id still be serving fifteen years in prison.
Sounds like you got lucky. I am sure you could handle yourself well in Juan les-Pins after your time in the Russian army. We have many business contacts in the Middle East, particularly Cyprus. Were active in the trading of diamonds and weapons. Trading oil here in Marseilles is our main thrust.
Bruslov listened carefully to Zhukov. He didnt want to appear too anxious. He chose his words carefully when he responded to Zhukov.
Weapons are no problem. Im familiar with most Russian equipment. Diamonds and oil are new subjects for me, but Im sure I could learn quickly. Bruslov stopped talking. He didnt want to be caught talking too much. He wanted to learn about Zhukov and his trading company. Bruslov knew he wouldnt learn anything by talking. Zhukov picked up on the conversation, saying,
Im sure you could. Currently, most of our Juan les-Pins business is gambling related. Were quietly expanding into trading with Muslims who want to purchase guns and explosives. We usually accept only cash; Euros and American currency. Occasionally, we accept diamonds in payment for weapons. We receive calls from Russians who offer to sell us stolen weapons. We also get offered weapons captured from warlord militias who have been put out of business. We have a policy to generally take things slow. We never rush into a deal. We dont do big weapons deals in the Middle East like Adnan Khashoggi. We have to know with whom we are dealing. We are always on guard that we dont fall victim to an Interpol sting operation.
Zhukov picked up his pen and jotted down a few notes. He liked this young Russian. His scrape with the American FBI didnt bother Zhukov in the least. It made him feel just that more comfortable. Its a little early in the day, but would you join me with a glass of vodka. Its an excellent brand, asked Zhukov. Bruslov hesitated but agreed to have a drink with the man who might soon be his boss. Bruslov wasnt a drinking man but he knew Russians like to seal a deal by drinking vodka. Yes, Id enjoy a glass.
Zhukov walked to his private bar and carefully poured a shot of vodka into crystal glasses. He passed a glass to Bruslov, raised his glass and said,
Za vashe zdorovye!
Bruslov raised his glass and replied,
Yes, to your health!
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