Chapter Eleven
St. Petersburg, Russia, contains 620 bridges linking 101 islands, spanning innumerable canals and the River Neva. Besides being one of the most important industrial centers and seaports of the country, the city has a major university, 270 scientific research centers, forty institutes of higher learning, a music conservatory, thirteen theaters and seven concert halls. Its 5,000,000 inhabitants enjoy 1,000 architectural and historical monuments along with immense artistic and cultural riches housed in fifty museums and 2,000 libraries, the largest of which is the Salykov-Schedri containing a collection of over 13,000,000 books and manuscripts.
Despite being a young city in comparison to the other major cities of Russia and Europe, St. Petersburg has seen its share of history. It suffered the German blockade of 1941-1944, as well as being the birthplace of the Russian revolutions of February and November 1917. Founded by Peter the Great at the turn of the 18th Century, the city attained full development under Catherine the Great late in the same century.
As the plane turned in for Pulkovo airport, Victor surveyed the city with a feeling of awe and fascination. It was his first sight of the city and he wondered why he had never been here before. The electric lights were on, turning the place into a Disney wonderland. He could see off to the Northeast the famous Lake Lagoda over whose frozen surface the Russian army had transported supplies to the city during the World War 2 siege. He decided it was time to talk to everyone.
“Karp, can you fix things up for us to depart for Moscow as soon as possible?”
“After we meet with my relatives, I will get you that information.”
“Augie, Lin you just tag along with us and stay out of trouble. Can you do that for a change?”
“We’ll do our best.”
“Anna, remain close to Karp’s relatives. I don’t know how long we’ll be gone, but we’ll get in touch.
Antonia do not go traveling by yourself. This is a big city, and we don’t want you to get lost. Do you understand?”
“But daddy, won’t we visit the city?”
“Yes, you will. But do as I say.”
Victor went forward to the cockpit.
“Tom, I suggest you three to stay on the plane. Comments?”
“Aren’t we flying you down to Moscow?”
“I think it would be prudent for you to stay here for two reasons: The possible complexities of night flying, and the need to remain at a central location in case Sean and I need your help.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know.”
Victor wished with all his heart to stay in the city for an indefinite time when he took in the reception given his party by Karp’s relatives. They were at the airport, perhaps fifty of them, cheering and singing as they spotted the ex-Russian Sergeant and his mother. The doctor was inundated by a tide of warm-hearted humanity. He could not understand the words, but he had no doubts about the meaning. Victor felt at home.
Anna whispered, “You did it again, dear brother.”
“Did what?”
“You made people happy. Now when will you do something for yourself? That girl in China will not wait forever.”
Victor could not reply.
At nine that night Victor, Augie and Karp reluctantly said goodbye to their hosts and left for Moscow train station. The train pulled out on schedule at 10:30 and moved toward the capital, 400 miles away. The three men found their compartments and settled in for the ride. Victor forced himself to put the evening’s festivities aside and concentrate on the job ahead. Would Andy still be in the hotel? Could he and his two colleagues be able to rescue him? Was Andy in real trouble or was this just another joyride? The rhythmic clattering of the train’s wheels lulled him to an uneasy sleep.
British Airways flight 845 received clearance to land and touched down at Sheremetyevo precisely at six A.M. By seven Sean had cleared customs, retrieved his baggage and was on his way to the American Embassy. He was just in time to squeeze through the gate as another charging cab disputed his right-of-way. Sean waited at the door with a huge grin on his face.
“It’s about time I beat you somewhere. How are things, Doctor, Augie, Karp?”
“It’s good to see you again, Sean. What do you have in mind?”
“We’ll talk inside. Let’s not keep the Ambassador waiting.”
