Viktor said nothing.His silence was confirmation enough.
"You weren't serving Valdoria," Betty said."You were dismantling it.Piece by piece.And my grandmother was supposed to die never knowing that her most trusted advisor was the one holding the knife."
Viktor looked at the laptop screen, at the Grand Duchess who had given him power and position and trust.Whatever he saw in her face made him flinch.
"Your Grace."His voice had lost all its smoothness."I can give you names.The full network.Everyone in Moscow who's been coordinating this operation.In exchange for consideration, I can help you understand the scope of what you're facing."
"There will be no immunity," the Grand Duchess said."No bargaining.I've already sent my evidence to Valdorian prosecutors.You'll be transported back to Valdoria today to face charges of treason, conspiracy, and crimes against the Crown."
Viktor turned to me, desperation breaking through."You need what I know.The Russians won't stop just because you've arrested me.There are others.Plans already in motion.Without my cooperation, you'll be fighting blind."
"We'll manage."I nodded to Roberto.
Roberto stepped forward."Valdorian security is waiting outside.You'll be taken into custody and transported by diplomatic convoy."
Viktor drew himself up, making one last attempt at dignity."This changes nothing, you know.The alliance is still fragile.Congress hasn't approved the base agreement.One removed advisor won't stop what's coming."
"Maybe not," Betty said."But it changes one thing.You won't be here to see what we build."
Captain Steiner moved to Viktor's side, her hand on his elbow."Lord Viktor.This way."
He shook her off but walked toward the door.At the threshold, he paused and looked back at the laptop screen.
"I did what I thought was best for Valdoria," he said."History will judge whether I was right."
"History will forget you," the Grand Duchess replied."As you deserve."
Captain Steiner escorted him out.The door closed behind them.
For a long moment, none of us moved.The weight of what had just happened settled over the room like dust after an explosion.
"Your Grace," I said to the screen."Are you all right?"
"It's a relief to finally have this over, even if the confirmation is painful."The Grand Duchess's voice was heavy with regret."I almost let my trust in him outweigh the evidence.” She shook her head. “I’ll see you both soon.I have to rest now.”
“Good bye, Grandmother.”
She gave Betty a weak smile and hung up.
"It's done," Betty said simply.
"It's done," I agreed.
Betty leaned against my desk, looking drained but lighter somehow."So.What now?"
"Now we go to Oregon."I took her hand."We get married for real this time.And then we figure out how to save the world from Russian influence, one coffee shop at a time."
"That's a terrible plan."
"Do you have a better one?"
She considered this."Not really.But I do have one condition."
"Name it."
"Before we leave, I need coffee.Real coffee.Not whatever Roberto's been brewing in the security office."
"Coffee first," I agreed."Then Oregon.Then saving the world."
