The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

Bakhturin. When seated, Starostin began to read the letter that he had received from theProtocol staff while listening to Osadchiy’s conversation with Bakhturin.“The ambassador is correct. You should go to Hotel Kabul immediately. Those partyadvisers there…” Osadchiy winked to Bakhturin. “God forbid something should happen tothem. If evacuation is necessary, make the decision on the spot, without seeking myapproval.”“I know they will grab their suitcases and we won’t be able to move them, even if thehotel is about to explode,” Bakhturin, who was an expert on the behavior of Sovietspecialists overseas, gloomily prophesized.“You need to be firm,” asserted Osadchiy. “And keep an eye on the Americans, seewho they arrive with, whom they speak to, what they are doing. You don’t need me toremind you of this. Good luck.”Bakhturin shook Starostin’s hand and exited Osadchiy’s office. Valery settled into hisseat.“How was your meeting with Van yesterday?” asked Osadchiy. Starostin, in greatdetail but perhaps too emotionally, reported on his meeting with the person whom Sovietintelligence considered to be a potentially valuable agent. He also mentioned hisconversation with Louisa Turko. “Do you know that her husband is the CIA resident?”asked Osadchiy.“Yes, you mentioned it at the briefing. Here is the letter I received from her thismorning,” said Starostin, showing Osadchiy the letter. In the letter, Louisa remindedStarostin of their conversation the preceding night and informed Valery that she would like297