…oncet I knowed a feller what thought he was working for the KGB…spent twenty-seven years with GMC before he found out different…
Monroe D. Underwood
Grogan folded his papers and stuffed them into the manila envelope.
He banged the bar with an authoritative fist.
He said Purdue you’re going to find Sonia for us.
I gave Grogan a long bleak stare.
I lit a badly bent Camel and blew smoke at the ceiling.
I said now let’s see if I got it straight.
I said you’re going to send me out stomping around a country of more than two hundred million people looking for a broad I wouldn’t know from a crock of peanut butter.
Grogan said Purdue we’re going to make it real easy.
He said we’re going to bring Sonia to you.
I said thanks a million Grogan.
I said I get Sonia with three hundred KGB boys right on her tail.
Grogan said very unlikely.
He said Sonia keeps a low profile and she’s foxy.
He said only one KGB guy ever got within shooting distance of her.
I said what happened?
Grogan said he was shot.
He said she got fifteen into him before he hit the ground and you could have covered them all with a saucer.
He said there wasn’t a powder burn on the poor bastard.
He said she had to be using a 9mm Krakenzekrust.
I said why not a Beretta?
Grogan said a Beretta holds just seven rounds and this was rapid fire.
I said it only takes one so why the whole clip?
Grogan said well this sort of thing is peculiar to a certain type personality.
He said they aren’t easily ticked off but if somebody throws the switch it’s good morning John I brought your saddle home.
I said I get the impression she can shoot.
Grogan said well Purdue you must understand that the Krakenzekrust is far and away the world’s most accurate handgun.
I said your inference being that it shoots where you point it.
Grogan said every damn time.
I interjected a profound silence.
The beer cooler stopped clanking.
Grogan said the Krakenzekrust was manufactured in Kaleski by the Gunthorst Works in Blucherwessel.
He said there were less than twenty made and they were solely for the use of the Kaleskian royal family and its employees.
He said they’re collectors’ items.
I said I’ll just bet that made a lot of difference to the KGB man.
Grogan said I’ve never seen one.
I said a KGB man?
Grogan said no a Krakenzekrust.
He said but we got pictures and specs back at Langley.