Page 92 of The Nameless Ones

‘What about guns? Are the Vuksans armed?’

‘Ilic carries a pistol. I assume Spiridon and Radovan do likewise.’

‘Wait,’ said Angel. ‘How do you know that Ilic wears a gun?’

‘He’s the go-between. I haven’t seen the Vuksans since they arrived in Austria, only Ilic.’

‘How do you stay in contact?’

‘Email.’

‘Give me the address.’

Frend needed a moment to search for it, presumably on his phone or in a notebook. He then recited a Tutanota encrypted address, which Angel wrote down.

‘What about phones?’

‘We change the numbers regularly. Radovan has a list of my SIMs, and he sends me his new numbers by email, but he’s being very sparing with them. Right now we’re in transition, and I haven’t yet received the latest.’

That sounded like evasion on Frend’s part, but Angel didn’t pursue it. Burner numbers would be of limited use to them.

‘Is there a protocol?’ said Angel.

‘What do you mean?’

‘A system. Do you email at particular times? Are there specific words to be used in the event of a problem?’

‘Like a code?’

‘Like an alarm.’

‘No.’

‘Let me warn you again about lying.’

‘I’m not lying. We don’t use greetings or names, but otherwise it’s just straightforward communication.’

‘When did you last meet Ilic?’

‘At the weekend. The girl was with him.’

‘Why did you meet?’

Another silence, then: ‘They needed cash. I provided it.’

Angel looked at Louis, who shook his head. They had both heard the lie, but Louis made a sign indicating that Angel should let it pass.

‘When will you meet him again?’ said Angel.

‘When the time comes to hand over the passports.’

‘What passports?’

‘The Vuksans have been ordered to leave Europe.’

‘Who by?’

‘Belgrade. I’ve been tasked with securing passports, under new identities.’