“Just what I always wanted: a train trip through the tundra of Siberia. I can’t think of a better way to spend my money.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ll be amazed at the spectacular scenery.”
“Especially you. How do I get to Moscow? I assume that’s where I catch the train. Will my flight leave from LaGuardia or JFK?”
“You’ve got it all wrong. Sable is paying her pilot, Jack Smith, to fly you to Vladivostok. You’ll board the train there.”
“Never heard of it.”
“Russia’s largest port on the Pacific. Home of the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet.”
I correctly guessed that Ms. Brandenburg was making a huge self-sacrifice, hoping I’d return the favor when I could. “Decent of her.”
But the Countess put a negative spin on Ms. Brandenburg’s generosity: “Catherine threatened to
