“It goes far beyond that.” Petrov lit up another cigarette. Austin was surprised to see that the match hand was trembling. “He is advised by a monk named Boris, a man of great animal magnetism with a reputation for prophecy. He exerts an evil influence over Razov, encouraging his claim that he is a true descendant of the tsar, going back to Peter the Great.”

“I was under the impression that Tsar Nicholas was the last of the Romanov line.”

“There have always been questions.”

“Even so, I can say I'm the king of Spain, but that doesn't put me on his throne.”

“Razov says he has proof.”

“DNA?”

“I doubt if he would let anyone take a blood sample.”

“You may be onto something,” Austin conceded. “You have a movement, a charismatic leader guided by a messianic prophet and a hereditary line. I agree that sounds like a potent formula for revolution.”

Petrov nodded solemnly. “There is no 'maybe' about it. Russia is on the verge of a neo-Cossack revival that will sweep across the country, wiping out all the gains we have made. The tsar and his family have already been canonized by the right wing in our country. And Razov is poised to take on the tsar's sacred mantle.” He smiled. “How many politicians can claim to be descended from a saint?”

“Most of them claim to be saints. But I take your point. What's your role in this Ivan? Are you with the KGB?”

“The KGB has been infiltrated by Razov's people. I lead a small inner group whose job is to keep watch on those who threaten Russia's stability. We report directly to the president. But I've only told you part of the story. This involves you, too, Mr. Austin. Razov considers the United States to be the head of a dark worldwide conspiracy that is largely responsible for Russia's ills. He believes America is deliberately using its power around the world to keep Russia impoverished and backward. Many in parliament share his views.”

“America has a long list of enemies. It goes with being the only superpower.”

“Add Razov's name to the roster, then. But this isn't just political - he has a personal reason as well. His fiancée was accidentally killed in the Americans' bombing of Belgrade several years ago. I understand Irini was quite beautiful, and he has never gotten over her loss. So I would urge you to take him very seriously - especially as there are signs he intends to cause great harm to your country.”

“In what way?”

Petrov spread his hands. “We don't know. We know only that he has given his scheme a name: Operation Troika.”

“Then you've wasted your time and mine. You should use diplomatic channels to take your case to higher-ups in the American government.”

“We already have. We have told them we want them to avoid any overt moves.”