Page 74 of The Nameless Ones

‘Which is why they are seeking new names and new passports. An agreement has been brokered with Belgrade, but my clients have to leave Europe soon. A delay might be misconstrued as a prelude to hostilities.’

‘Some in Belgrade would contest the existence of any such agreement.’

‘Would Simo Stajic be among them?’

‘Perhaps,’ said Kauffmann.

‘Stajic is a thug. It is Matija Kiš who speaks for Belgrade.’

‘A city from which you recently barely escaped with your life, if the tales are true. Do you really think that Kiš would have stepped in to save you had you not made it to Romania?’

‘Kiš is a gangster trying on a politician’s clothes for size – or perhaps it’s the other way round: one can never be sure with men of no principle. Whatever his true nature, any further bloodshed might damage his standing beyond repair.’

‘Kiš is a pragmatist,’ said Kauffmann. ‘If he gets blood on one set of clothing, he can exchange it for another. But my guess is that he would be clever enough to keep his distance from any carnage, and let Stajic do the butchering.’

Frend did not like the turn the discussion had taken.

‘Have you been warned against becoming involved?’ he asked.

‘If I had, do you think I’d be talking to you now? I’d like my skin to remain uncharred. For the moment, Kiš is probably prepared to forget about your clients as long as they leave the Continent. Later, though, who can say?’

‘Later is for providence, not for us,’ said Frend.

‘Because you want the Vuksans gone just as badly as Kiš does.’

She had consented to name them at last, Frend noticed.

‘More so. I’m at risk as long as they’re here.’

‘And not only from Belgrade,’ said Kauffmann.

‘More rumors?’

‘Facts this time, as indicated by a growing trail of bodies. Someone seems even more intent than Simo Stajic on wiping out the Vuksans. Even Belgrade is intrigued to know who that might be. Stajic thinks it’s Muslims, but then Stajic believes everything is a Muslim plot. Kiš isn’t so sure. You wouldn’t have any ideas, would you?’

‘No,’ said Frend.

‘I don’t believe you, but perhaps it’s better that I don’t know.’

‘From my proclaimed position of ignorance, I can only assume so. Can you help me, Hannah?’

‘It will be expensive. Traveling with baggage always costs extra, and the necessity for new identities may complicate matters. It would be cheaper and easier for you to bribe someone in Greece or Italy in return for documentation.’

‘I don’t have those contacts,’ said Frend. ‘Also, the passports have to be cast-iron, and come with guarantee of safe haven. My clients may be forced to reside in the territory in question until the Red Notice has faded to a soft pink.’

Kauffmann tired of the second cigarette and sent its butt to join the first.

‘I should have an initial response in twenty-four hours,’ she said.

‘And the cost?’

‘That depends. Jordan is probably out, given what happened in Paris. The Jordanians’ ties with France are too close, and they prefer to avoid inviting the attentions of extremists. Don’t look so shocked, Anton. I know about Gare de Lyon, too. Anyway, the Jordanians charge a million per document, and that’s before fees and overheads. With that in mind, I have a feeling your clients may be destined for the Caribbean. Given the complicating factors, I’d anticipate somewhere close to two hundred thousand per passport – and that’s at the lower end of the scale – plus my twenty percent.’

‘Dollars?’

‘I think we’ll make it euros. In cash. It’s just two passports, correct?’

‘Most likely three.’