The Man From U.N.C.L.E: The Thief From Moscow

Chapter 22: Interrogating Lyudmila

Gaby poured them all a strong cup of coffee as they gathered around the couches in the large hotel suite. They sipped at the hot drink for a while before Illya put his mug down loudly. "We need to start asking questions."

Solo nodded, and also put down the mug. "Lyudmila, we need anymore information you may know about the fire that could help us."

Lyudmila looked down nervously. "I know something. I didn't tell any of the other agents or police officers."

"We need to hear all information." Solo pressed her.

"Approximately an hour before the fire started," she closed her eyes to try and imagine the scene in full detail, "I went downstairs to get myself a glass of water. It was probably around five o'clock in the morning. Anyway, I went downstairs and I saw a face outside." She paused and her eyebrows furrowed into a frown. "I could have sworn it looked exactly like someone who worked in the council alongside my father. I'd seen him before."

"Who?"

The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. Lyudmila opened her eyes again and pursed her lips. "Sergei Salnekov. He's deputy to my father and his closest friend when it comes to work. They trust each other with everything."

"Are you sure it was him?" Gaby asked.

"It was the spitting image." Lyudmila replied.

"Would he have any reason to do this?" Illya sighed, knowing the corrupt way some politicians worked.

Lyudmila bit her lip, and she still desperately tried to avoid their stares. "Sometimes, him and father got a little... tense over work. They're both very competitive, I believe, and hard-workers. When my father was selected as chairman three years ago, I think Salnekov was a little disappointed he hadn't been chosen or considered for the role. They're very similar in their manner, I must admit. But they both have very different ideas when it comes to politics. I've heard many rows happen in the house when Salnekov came to have a private meeting or discussion with my father. Sometimes, especially recently, it could get very... heated."

"This reminds me of the motives we talked about yesterday." Gaby had already started flipping through her notebook and finding links between Lyudmila's statement and the motives. "It's clear this is something we should investigate immediately."

"Have you ever heard of Sergei Salnekov, Peril?" Solo turned his attention on Illya.

Illya shrugged and shook his head. "I haven't spent a lot of time in Russia for a while. I don't tend to mix myself up in politics."

"We should go investigate straight away then." Solo turned back to Lyudmila. "Miss Kosygin, could you tell us where your father works?"

"In a private area near the Moscow Kremlin. It's surprisingly secluded. But I'd be able to get you in."

Solo got up from the couch and picked up his jacket. "Gaby, Peril, Miss Kosygin... Listen closely. I may have an idea."