Snow Wolf

He had received the call just as he wasleaving the office and had brought the files to the embassy as Braniganrequested. Steniund knew better than to ask too many questions, except the barefacts, for he knew from the grim look on the face of the CIA man that thematter was serious indeed and sensitive enough for him to be summoned by theDirector himself. Now he stood beside Branigan as they went through a list ofnames.

All were mercenary pilots who riskedtheir lives flying into Soviet airspace from the Baltic on covert Fi

Branigan looked on as Stenlund consultedthe list. "What have we got?"

"According to my files, fifteen menwho operate freelance with their own aircraft for either our people or yours.They're all very capable pilots. Unfortunately, we're talking about places asfar apart as the east coast of Helsinki, near the Soviet border, to Arlandisland in the west. A distance of several hundred kilometers."

Branigan ran a hand across the back ofhis neck. "Jesus Christ."

Steniund puffed on his pipe and shrugged."However, we can eliminate most by assuming the people you're looking forwill want to cross the Baltic in the quickest possible time, and that means thepilot would possibly have a base within close proximity to Soviet soil. Also,weather is an important consideration. And right now, the imminent bad weatherwe're expecting would favor a drop."

Branigan nodded. "So who are thelikely suspects?"

"Two strong possibilities, seeing asboth have worked for the CIA at one time or another. A man named Hakala wholives in a small fishing village near Spjutsund. He's got an aircraft hangaredthere, a German Fiesier Storch. The second is a man named Saarinen."

"How far is the first?"

"Spjutsund'? About twenty kilometerseast of Helsinki. An hour there and back by car."

"And the other guy?"

"Ja

"Which would you pick?"Stenlund shrugged. "Like I said, they're both likely candidates. They'reexcellent pilots and, as I understand it, reckless enough to try a crossing inthe type of' weather we're expecting. Branigan hesitated, the tension in thesmall room stifling. "OK, we try the nearest. Hak ... ?"

"Hak-ala."

"Him first, then this guy Saarinen.I'll get us a car."

"As you wish."

Branigan reached for a shoulder-holsterwith a Smith and Wesson .38 pistol and buckled it on, then checked the chambersbefore slipping the gun back in its holster and turning to beckon severalburly-looking men waiting in the room, who began to check their firearms.Steniund looked on, alarmed, and when Branigan turned back, said nervously,"You think there'll be shooting?"

Branigan put on his jacket and overcoat."If there is, leave it to me and my men."

Small beads of sweat had already appearedon Steniund's forehead. "My pleasure. Personally, I never carry a weaponsince the war. Having the Gestapo forever up my nose was quite excitementenough."

Stenlund stood and tapped out his pipe,then pulled on his overcoat and glanced over at the clock on the wall. Thehands read exactly 7 P.m.

Bylandet Island.

Stanski sat down at the table and Masseypulled up a chair. His face was serious as he looked across. "There are acouple of things I want to make clear, Alex, and they've got to do withA

Stanski lit a cigarette. "Fireaway."

"No matter what happens I don't wantto see her hurt. Either by the KGB, or anyone else."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"She likes you, Alex. I can tell. Aman and woman going on a dangerous mission together are bound to be drawnclose, for comfort if nothing else. But I don't want her Put in any u

Massey thought for a moment, choosing hiswords carefully. "She's been through more pain than most. Let's just say Ifeel protective toward her."

Stanski stood. "It's not myintention to hurt A

Massey was silent for several moments,and his face looked grim. "Then just promise me one thing. If your backsare ever to the wall and there's a chance you're going to be caught, and shecan't swallow her pill in time, just make certain those KGB bastards don't gether alive."

For a moment Stanski didn't reply. He sawthe genuine concern in Massey's face, then said, "Let's hope it nevercomes to that."

A

"Nervous?"

She looked at him, something passingbetween them, and said, "I'm shaking."

Stanski smiled and raised his glass."Don't worry, it'll be all over before you know it."

Massey nodded to the corner of the roomto where the parachutes, canvas jumpsuits, helmets, goggles and gloves waited.There was an extra 'chute for Saarinen.

"You can leave those until Ja

"It'll be a member of the Estonianresistance. Any more than that I'm afraid I can't tell you, A

The door opened with a blast of freezingair and Saarinen appeared carrying a heavy-duty electric flashlight. He wore ayellow oilskin and scarf over his flying suit, and a pair of thick woollengloves.

"Christ, what a night," hesaid, closing the door. He shook his clothes and nodded to the vodka bottle."One of those would go down nicely." Massey said, "You thinkthat's wise?"

Saarinen gri

He checked his watch and looked at A