‘Thanks to the testimony of Major Yegerova, we are aware of the deaths of three Directorate S agents that we conclude were caused by the so-called Project Mykl, and four more operatives whose covers may have been compromised and who have been removed from Britain,’ Churkin continued. ‘While it is clear that Major Yegerova did not follow proper protocol in securing higher authority for acting against another department of the first chief directorate, we cannot fault the reasoning behind her actions or desire to protect Chairman Kosygin against a perceived, if entirely fictitious, threat to his life. This committee agrees with the recommendation of Major General Sobel that as reward for her devotion to the Soviet cause, Major Yegerova shall be stationed to the residentura in Buenos Aires to oversee Directorate S’s operations in Argentina with immediate effect.’

So, Rykov thought, that was Yegerova’s punishment for meddling with things she’d never truly understood—promoted to the South American front lines in the unending war with the West, and sent about as far away from Moscow as possible.

Churkin cleared his throat. ‘It is now our responsibility to consider what should be done with Major Rykov.’

Rykov knew there would be no consideration—this kangaroo court wouldn’t have been convened until he’d already been found guilty. The only question was, how guilty?

Rykov had stared straight ahead at a knot in one of the wooden wall panels behind Churkin since the colonel general had started talking, and he continued to as the charges against him were laid out.

‘This committee has concluded that Major Rykov bears responsibility for the deaths of the three Directorate S operatives, the unapproved requisitioning of an experimental submarine that was exposed to foreign observation and potential interception, and the deployment of an unstable asset.’

Rykov noted that Churkin referred to only one asset. There was no mention of Anna, who he had also sent to Britain and who, Churkin had whispered to him at the end of an interrogation session a week earlier, had gone to ground. It seemed the colonel general was keen to keep the Volk programme in the realm of myth and secrets.

‘Does the major have anything he would like to add by way of explanation for his actions?’ Churkin asked, addressing Rykov directly for the first time.

Rykov lowered his eyes to meet Churkin’s. The colonel general’s face was inscrutable. Rykov didn’t know if he expected him to apologise or beg, or if he’d damn himself if he did either.

After a long moment considering his limited options, he spoke. His voice was hoarse and contrite.