Page 72 of Savage Warrior

“S-Sokolov,” he wheezes.

“Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. What are you doing here, in Scotland?”

“S-selling girls…”

“Where? Where do you sell these girls?”

He starts to shake his head again. “I do not know.”

“That’s unfortunate. Tony, if you please. Our friend needs reminding what happens when he lies to us.”

“Net! Net! ya skazhu tebe…” Vasiliev is screeching, thrashing about, begging us to let him speak.

I put up a hand to halt Tony. “Go on.”

“Kinlochewe,” he splutters.

I meet Tony’s gaze.

He shrugs. “Never heard of the place.”

“You’re lying,” I snarl.

“Net! Eto pravda. Saray…”

I straighten. “Say that again.”

“Ambar,” he croaks, “Za derevney, u reki.”

“He’s talking about a barn, near Kinlochewe. Outside the village, by a river.” I translate the words for Tony.

“So, what happens at this barn?” Tony asks, pail poised.

I repeat the question in Russian.

“Auktsion.”

“I got that,” Tony mutters. “Holy fuck.”

“When does this auction take place?” I demand.

“I do not know. Next week, but… they escape.”

“Ah, yes. Your merchandise made a run for it. That must have been a pisser. So, what now?”

“I do not know. We catch them again.”

“You think?”

I beckon Tony to follow me out into the corridor. “So, do you think it’s true?”

He considers for a moment. “Yeah, I do. Why else would they drive all the way up here?”

“Next week? We could go to Belarus and be back in time to drop in on the sale. Assuming it still goes ahead with most of the gang dead and their stock depleted.”

“They still have some women, the ones who didn’t manage to escape. And we can assume at least a couple of the gang are still alive.”

“We should assume it’s on, then. We could have someone scope the place out while we’re away.”

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