Boston—a short time later
“I’d say we’re ninety-five percent sure the Russian intelligence service was involved,” Jenkins told Massina in his office after Tolevi and his daughter left. “I’d say one hundred percent, but nothing in life is certain.”
“They want our plans for the robot. And this Tolevi wasn’t involved?”
“No. Although he knows some of the players. The CIA had him under surveillance here. It’s Stratowich and this mafya chieftain, Medved. Medved has ties to what used to be the KGB. Your plans are worth a fortune. They figured you were an easy mark. Low-hanging fruit.”
“Because we don’t work on Sunday?”
“They got in. So they weren’t that wrong,” said Jenkins. “Right now, they’re laying low, worried about what Stratowich is telling us. But they’ll be back. They don’t give up when they want something.”
“I don’t expect them to.” Massina got up from his seat and began pacing around the office. The glass window still hadn’t been repaired. “We’ve had attempts before. All by computer, nothing like this.”
“You’re going to have to start taking precautions. Personal precautions. A bodyguard. Do you carry a gun?”
“Rarely. Not at work, certainly.”
“You might think about it.”
Massina walked to the window and looked out. The memory of the other night was going to remain with him for a long time. “This Tolevi—you’re sure he had nothing to do with the break-in?”
“I’d love to pin it on him,” admitted Jenkins, “but honestly, no. He skirts the line. He’s a criminal, if you ask me. But he knows what he can get away with, especially with the CIA backing him.”
“He got his ear cut off.”
“Maybe it will make him retire.”
“I would think it would make him angry,” said Massina. “And want revenge.”
Yes, thought Jenkins. Massina was right. Revenge.
He knew the emotion well. Though for him, it was more a question of justice.
Justice and revenge.
“So, we’ll keep in touch on this, right?” he asked Massina. “Share information? Your help on the ATMs was invaluable. I’m sorry I wasn’t as frank as I could have been. My hands were tied. I’ll try and keep them untied in the future.”
“So will I.”