Few days later Molotov was sitting in his office absent minded.
The door opened.
Beria slipped inside without ceremony. "You didn't smile once during the parade, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich. People will notice."
"Let them notice," Molotov said curtly, dropping into his chair. "Smiles don't move borders."
Beria chuckled, then placed a small dossier on the desk. "Our people in Riga report German trade officials will be visiting next week. Timber contracts, supposedly. But one of them is close to Ribbentrop's ministry."
Molotov's eyes sharpened. "A visitor we can use."
"Perhaps," Beria said carefully. "But it must be quiet. Stalin has not given you permission to open any doors yet."
Molotov leaned forward. "Stalin told me to prove my conjecture. That means testing the locks. Quietly. Without leaving fingerprints."
Beria smiled thinly. "Then I will make sure the visitor enjoys a comfortable stay."
April 5, 1938 – Hotel Metropol, Moscow
