Though his expression hadn’t changed, somehow Greene’s face communicated an intense dislike of the captain.

—I’m sorry, I still don’t know your name…

Leo remarked:

—He is Captain Anton Vashchenko.

There was silence for a while, calculations being made, options being considered. Greene continued smoking, dumping ash into the untouched cola. The captain was growing impatient. He switched back towards Leo.

—Demidov, return to Afghanistan with me. You do not belong in America. The two people you are trying to protect are no longer in danger. And your defection would put your daughters at home in a terrible position.

Leo lowered his head, considering the danger that Elena and Zoya faced if his defection were known.

Judging from the movement of his eyes, Captain Vashchenko had begun to discreetly weigh up the degree of threat. Fahad was his only serious opposition. Greene seemed oblivious or unconcerned, inhaling deeply, blowing smoke through his nose. Leo was convinced that Vashchenko’s next remark would be his last before he resorted to violence. The captain said:

—Do not get involved in Afghanistan. The Afghans hate you as much as they hate us. If you do not interfere in our affairs, if you refuse to supply weapons to the mujahedin, we will bring order and the rule of law within a matter of months. We will open schools, rebuild roads, repair infrastructure. We will educate the population. If the United States joins this war you will condemn the country to years of chaos. You will not find an ally at the end of it. You will create a regime that will despise you as payment for your support. Greene dropped his cigarette into the cola bottle, where it fizzed on the surface.

—I will pass on your message to my superiors.

Greene translated the conversation. Salaam listened carefully then spoke to Greene for a moment. Greene translated:

—Salaam will allow you to walk out of here without being arrested. That’s the best he can offer. Live to fight another day. He has no interest in escalating hostilities with the Soviets.

Leo had remained silent through these discussions. They were coming to an end with no resolution between the parties. He had no option but to act.