The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

to invite the archaeologist to speak to the members of the Oriental Studies section of theAmerican International Women’s Club.“Here’s what you should do, Valery. Quickly find out about Sarianidi and call thislady at home. Talk as if you know nothing about the ambassador’s kidnapping.”“I truly know nothing about it,” lied Starostin, with a begrudging undertone.“I do not know more than you do, so I can’t tell you anything. Go ahead and callLouisa, then come see me.”Starostin quickly discovered that Sarianidi would not be in Kabul for the next twoweeks. He then went to the Protocol Section, where all the calls to the city were made, andphoned Louisa Turko at home. Her husband took the phone and cheerfully informedStarostin that his wife was taking a bath, and that he could try to call again after twenty tothirty minutes. Valery tried to place the second call half an hour later, again reachingLouisa’s husband, who then informed him that his wife was combing her hair. Eventually,Louisa took the receiver and spoke with Starostin. After their conversation, Valery returnedto Osadchiy’s office.“Our colleagues from the CIA have an interesting lifestyle,” he reported. “The CIAresident seems to be relaxing at home with his freshly bathed wife while their ambassadoris being held at gunpoint by the terrorists. Interesting….”Osadchiy thoughtfully scratched his bald head.***The sun was very bright in Kabul that morning. The snow that had fallen the nightbefore was turning into slush. However, night frost still hid in the shade of the street. Inthose contrasts of light and dark, cold and warm, the broad, central streets and the298