Page 96 of The Nameless Ones

‘Who do you think warned your driver? Don’t be naïve, Anton. I looked after you, just as I’ve always done.’

Frend wasn’t so sure of this. Teodora Ciric looked after herself first, and everyone below her survived on whatever scraps she saw fit to scatter. Frend suspected that his share was particularly lean, but common sense dictated that he should hold his tongue.

‘I apologize,’ said Frend.

‘And I accept,’ said Ciric. ‘Now, what do you want?’

‘The passports are on the way. The Vuksans will be leaving Europe.’

‘I know all that. I met with Radovan.’

‘You what?’

‘He made the approach, and I agreed to talk.’

Frend recovered himself.

‘What did he ask for?’

‘Money: the unfreezing of assets.’

Which was the same reason Frend had called her. He had to be sure that the funds were available for the passports. Depending on how he chose to handle the threat to Pia, they might never be used, but a wise man prepared for all eventualities.

‘And?’

‘It’s being facilitated.’

Some of the tension eased from Frend.

‘Good,’ he said.

‘Was that all?’

As this piece of the puzzle clicked into place, the larger picture became clearer to Frend, and the best plan of action became manifest – for him and his daughter, if not for the Vuksans.

‘I have one more question,’ he said.

‘I’m listening.’

‘Who else knows about our relationship?’

‘You make us sound like lovers,’ said Ciric.

God preserve me, Frend thought, that I should ever be so desperate.

‘Our agreement, then.’

‘Only you and I, although some in Belgrade may have their suspicions.’

‘When this is over—’

‘You want me to destroy those documents relating to your past transgressions, right? You dislike having a sword hanging over your head.’

‘I’d prefer you to hand them over to me,’ said Frend.

‘I can do that. With the Vuksans gone, what use will we be to each other?’

‘Exactly my reasoning.’

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