Petrov seemed more in his element than Austin had ever seen him. “I reminded my men of an old Russian proverb: 'Live with wolves, howl like a wolf.' ” Noting Austin's blank look, he said, “It's like your saying about birds of a feather.” Seeing that his explanation still fell short, Petrov said, “I'll explain later.” He daubed Austin's forehead and cheeks with paint, Indian fashion. “Now you're properly prepared for action.”

“Thanks, Ivan,” Austin said, completing the job. “Sure you're up to a field operation?”

“Are you implying that I'm too old? As I recall, I'm a month younger than - ”

“I know,” Austin said. “My dossier: Don't be so touchy. I was thinking about your injuries from our fun night in Boston Harbor.”

“A wonderful battle. I will never forget the way you swung over the deck like Tarzan of the apes. I have a few scratches. Nothing that would slow me down.”

Austin jerked his head toward Petrov's men. “Hope the same goes for your men. Maybe we should give them Breathalyzer tests.”

Petrov dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand. “I would trust any of those men with my life, drunk or sober. You worry too much. A few shots of vodka before battle is a tradition in the Russian military. It was the secret weapon we used to defeat Napoleon and Hitler. When the time comes, my bandits will carry out the mission with precision and courage.”

Austin glanced toward a young sailor who had stepped through the door. “Looks like that time is now, Ivan.”

The seeds of the joint operation had been hatched after Austin had returned to his office following the White House meeting. Petrov had been waiting for him. When Austin described the plan, Petrov immediately volunteered his men to board the yacht. Austin checked with Sandecker, who liked the idea and got an okay from the vice-president. Russians boarding a Russian yacht would add another layer of insulation between the mission and the president.

The sailor surveyed the painted faces, trying to pick out someone in command. Austin waved him over.

“Captain says we're ready anytime you are.”

Petrov barked a command to his men. The transformation was startling. The horseplay came to a halt and the bottle of vodka vanished. The grins were replaced by firm jaws and stony expressions of determination. Hands reached for automatic weapons, and a chorus of metallic clicks echoed throughout the room as loads were checked. Within seconds, the ragtag gang had changed into a fierce-eyed fighting force.

Ivan gave Austin an I-told-you-so smirk. “After you,” he said.

Austin grabbed the pack holding his Bowen, and with Zavala and the others behind him, followed the sailor to the control room. Captain Madison lifted his eyes from the periscope and said, “We surface in exactly three minutes. The target is one hundred yards away. Seas look fairly calm. You're in luck, the clouds are covering the moon.”