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"Petra Arkanian," said the psychiatrist, "since you're right that I don't know the driver all that well, tell me what I should have done. You have a better plan than trusting him?"
"Of course," said Petra. "You tell him the rendezvous point, plan with him very carefully how he'll drive there."
"I did that," said the psychiatrist.
"I know," said Petra. "Then, at the last minute, just as you're loading me into the van, you take the wheel and make him ride in one of the limousines. And then you drive to a different place entirely. Or better yet, you take me to the nearest town and turn me loose and let me take care of myself."
Again, the psychiatrist looked away. Petra was amused at how transparent his body language was. You'd think a shrink would know how to conceal his own tells.
"These people who kidnapped you," said the psychiatrist, "they are a tiny minority, even within the intelligence organizations they work for. They can't be everywhere."
Petra shook her head. "You're a Russian, you were taught Russian history, and you actually believe that the intelligence service can't be everywhere and hear everything? What, did you spend your entire childhood watching American vids?"
The psychiatrist had had enough. Putting on his finest medical airs, he delivered his ultimate put- down. "And you're a child who never learned decent respect. You may be brilliant in your native abilities, but that doesn't mean you understand a political situation you know nothing about."
"Ah," said Petra. "The you're-just-a-child, you-don't-have-asmuch-experience argument." "Naming it doesn't mean it's untrue."
"I'm sure you understand the nuances of political speeches and maneuvers. But this is a military operation."
"It is a political operation," the psychiatrist corrected her. "No shooting."
Again, Petra was stunned at the man's ignorance. "Shooting is what happens when military operations fail to achieve their purposes through maneuver. Any operation that's intended to physically deprive the enemy of a valued asset is military."
"This operation is about freeing an ungrateful little girl and sending her home to her mama and papa," said the psychiatrist.
"You want me to be grateful? Open the door and let me out." "The discussion is over," said the psychiatrist. "You can shut up