Page 53 of Enemy of My Enemy

In Sergey’s presidential office, cameras were set up and television lights washed out all the shadows, illuminating his office for his presidential address. He’d called the news outlets only a half hour before. It would be a surprise to his country, and to the world.

Past Russian presidents had changed the entire world from his office. Now, it was Sergey’s time to make history.

Breathing deep, Sergey nodded to Ilya and strode into his office. The film crews stood respectfully, clapping, and waited for him to sit at his desk before they went back to their final details.

And then, the television producer was counting down, signalingthree, two, one. The lights behind the cameras dimmed and the teleprompter beneath the lens winked on.

For a moment, Sergey stayed silent. His broadcast was going to every single Russian, all around the country. On the television, over the radio, and streaming live online. There was no going back.

He folded his hands on top of his desk and stared into the camera. “My friends, tonight is a very special night. Together, we are about to step into the future with a renewed strength.” He hesitated and licked his lips. “We have much we need to improve as a country.”

Somewhere in his office, a film crew member hissed.

Sergey kept on. “We have to bring our country back from where we have gotten lost.”

Silence, as he breathed. No one in his office moved.

No Russian president had ever said their country wasn’t the absolute best in the world.

“Eighteen months ago, I became your president. And I made a promise that day that I would strengthen Russia’s prosperity and her character. On that day, I, and my senior leaders, began a systemic investigation of the corruption that has infested our motherland. We tracked all bribes offered to the Kremlin and to my office. We followed all the money and all political favors through charity organizations, false bank accounts, and fraudulent corporations until we found the roots of this corrupt evil. Our state prosecutor has collected evidence all this time, and is tonight executing warrants against those who have crippled our country. Come tomorrow morning, a new Russia will awaken. Stronger.”

All around the nation, doors were being kicked in and FSB agents were dragging out members of the Duma, the federal legislature, senior businessmen, oligarchs who had overreached, military officials too cozy with theBratva, and members of his own government. Thousands of arrests. A national purge.

Somewhere in his office, one of the film crew gasped, and the television producer who had counted him down had her hands over her mouth.

“Every ruble that has been paid in corruption money and bribery to the Kremlin has been funneled into a special account for the state prosecutor’s review. As of today, that total stands at just over eight hundred million. But this barely touches the twenty-five percent of our GDP that is lost to corruption annually.

“It is time to put a stop to this acceptance of corruption as a way of life. Beginning immediately, all forms of bribery and corruption will be met with the full force of Russian justice.

“This is not the Russian way. This is not what a strong Russia is made out of. We will fight this evil, just as we have fought every invading force that threatens to destroy Russia. With determination and commitment.

“We will bring about a free and prosperous Russia. Prosperity does not come from corruption, and it does not come from nothing. We will all perform hard work to create our future, together.”

Sergey hesitated again. He could end it there. That was enough of a bombshell. His nation would be in shock, the markets rocked, and his economy would stutter while it tried to find its feet again.

No, he must do more.

“And, my friends, we must unite asonepeople. One great nation. All Russians, everywhere, are part of this country. Our GLBT Russian brothers and sisters must be respected. They are equal Russian citizens. All laws of this nation protectallof our peoples. Today, I am calling for the creation of the Moscow GLBT Advocacy Center, which will monitor and bring to justice all crimes perpetrated on our GLBT citizens. I will not stand by and watch while senseless violence is perpetrated on my Russian people.”

One of the film crew was crying. Streaks of tears rolled down his cheeks, glinting in the reflections of the floodlights.

Another looked ready to puke.

Sergey took a deep breath. “Our future is made together. Your future creates Russia’s future. We are responsible for making our motherland great. Thank you, my friends.”

The camera winked off.

Silence filled his office.

Sergey stood, buttoned his jacket, and walked out.

* * *

White House

Ethan turned to Jack,his eyes wide, mouth hanging open.

Jack watched the dumbfounded news anchors react to Sergey’s presidential address.