“The Russian people are pretty sophisticated, for all their problems,” the president said. “Do you really think they'll buy a cock-and-bull story like that?”

Sandecker's lips tightened in a smile. “As an elected official, you've had more experience than I have with the ability of politicians to bamboozle the public.”

The president cleared his throat. “Yes, I see what you mean. He wouldn't be the first tinhorn dictator to sell his people a bill of goods. We know Razov is furious at the United States for trying to paint him out of the political picture. Sounds like he intends to call our bluff, use this so-called threat as a little blackmail to get us to pull back. Well, I've got news for Mr. Razov. The United States won't be blackmailed. If we let Razov get away with this, there will be no end to the threats.”

“It may be more complicated than simple blackmail,” Austin said, recalling the story Petrov had told him about Razov's girlfriend. “Razov had a fiancée, a young woman who was going to be his tsarina. She was visiting Yugoslavia during the NATO air raids on Belgrade and was accidentally killed by a bomb from an American plane. It's given him a deep hatred of the United States.”

Sandecker rejoined the discussion. “What Kurt is saying is that Razov's animosity toward the United States goes beyond our efforts to frustrate his political career. My guess is that neutralizing the U.S. fits in with his nationalist ambitions, but that he intends to satisfy his thirst for vengeance as well.”

The president leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers across his chest. “It's the last part that interests me, Admiral. How's he propose to knock us out of the game?”

“We think Razov has found a way to release the energy stored in pockets of methane hydrates under the continental shelf off the East Coast,” Sandecker said. “By destabilizing the shelf, he can cause massive underwater landslides that create tsunamis, giant waves that can be directed at specific targets.”

A look of pure astonishment crossed the president's face. He sat bolt upright. “Are you saying Razov plans to launch giant waves against the U.S.?”

“He already has. He sent that wave into Rocky Point.”

Turning to Sparkman, the president said, “Sid, I signed off on the federal disaster aid to Rocky Point. Did anyone say it was connected to terrorism?”

“No, Mr. President. Nobody I've talked to thinks the wave was anything other than a natural occurrence. In this case, caused by an undersea earthquake.”

“Well, Admiral?” the president said to Sandecker. “Perhaps if we heard from an authority on the subject, it might allay any doubts.”

“That seems like a good idea,” the president said. “When can you line up your expert?”