The next day, Peter located John Bowers in Poolesville, Maryland. Bowers had been in America for 30 years. He had a wife and grown family who did not know he was a KGB agent. Peter called him and set up a meeting in the small park along the Potomac at Whites Ferry. John, who had met Peter twice as Mr. Walters, was obviously nervous. Peter was waiting for him at a picnic table with a couple of bottles of cold Sam Adams beer. Peter waved Bowers over and shook his hand. As they sat down, Peter said, “It’s been more than two years since we last met. How are you doing?”

“I’m living where you told me to go. Kids are doing well. Your extra money helped them finish their educations without a crushing debt. My wife is unhappy, she wants to go back to Wisconsin. My report is in this envelope.”

“Keep your report. I have some good news. You have two options. The first is to go back to the USSR next month or to relocate anywhere you want in Wisconsin.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Back to the Motherland or back to your wife’s family roots. What is so hard to understand about that?”

“This is a test. You know I have to say back to the USSR.”

“No test. You’ve done what we asked. It would be hard and expensive to relocate you and your family to Moscow. I want you to just disappear in the United States. Much more secure and inexpensive for us. We may contact you someday, but I doubt it. Your choice.”

“I’m still afraid this is a trap. Our Agency does not operate like that. If I opt to stay here, you will come after me someday.”

“Think! I don’t care where you go. Don’t tell me. How can anyone find you? I never turned in your current name. I have no idea how you got your wife to accept the name change. She must really love you or you’re a great convincing liar.”

“When can I go?”

“Soon as you can. I have a bit of advice. Do not use any name the KGB knows and do not settle anywhere near any address on record or your wife’s family’s home. Go at least 25 miles away or they will find you.”

“I don’t know why you’re helping me, but I appreciate it.”

“One more thing. Here’s an envelope for you. It contains $25,000 to help with the resettlement. This is our last meeting. You will never see me again. Be free but careful. Goodbye.”

Peter felt good about his meeting with John Bowers. He had done his time and deserved to be left alone. Peter had done his best. Neither the KGB nor the FBI should be able to find Bowers.