The Case of the General's Thumb Read Free Page B

asked.
    â€œTell you later. That all?”
    â€œHow about a flat? And when my family joins me?”
    â€œThe flat will have to wait. Something decent’s what you want, and your present funds don’t run to it.”
    â€œThere’d be something affordable, you said!”
    â€œTo the Federal Bureau, yes, when funds materialize and we’re up and running. Meanwhile, you’ve got this place free.”
    â€œHow about our container?”
    â€œNo sweat. That’ll hole up in some customs warehouse, andwe’ll pay storage. But put your feet up, have a think. I’m going for a stroll.”
    The ensuing silence seemed cheerless, alarming. His future was veiled in obscurity.
    The prospect of work held no terrors. Indeed, the degree of trust implicit in the Colonel’s proposal was flattering and a plus. As also the Colonel’s chancing to select him just when he was doing his damnedest to get out of Tadzhikistan. His one anxiety was the prospect of extended separation from Tanya and Volodya. He wondered how they were, how they were eating, what they were doing.
    Lying back on the sofa, he closed his eyes. What better than to spend his coming fortieth birthday with Tanya and Volodya? He could fly to Saratov. It would be a month or so before he found a flat.

6
    Viktor bumped into Dima Rakin unexpectedly, while taking a breath of fresh air.
    â€œOut and about in working hours?” Dima challenged.
    â€œLooking for you, as a matter of fact.”
    â€œA likely tale.”
    â€œNo, seriously.”
    â€œLet’s go somewhere and sit down.”
    The Grey Tom basement bar was empty, and Dima had to rap the counter with a coin before a girl appeared.
    The marble table top was icy to the touch, and after the sun outside the bar seemed distinctly chilly.
    â€œTell me all,” said Dima.
    â€œAs I expect you know, I’ve got a murder case.”
    â€œYour big chance. Well done!”
    â€œNot so sure.”
    Dima affected surprise.
    â€œIt feels like a setup. Petty crime’s what I deal with. Not murdered Presidential Advisers!”
    â€œIs that you speaking, or Ratko?”
    â€œWhat’s the difference?”
    Dima pulled a pack of cigarettes from his shirt pocket and lit one.
    â€œIt was me suggested you,” he said quietly between puffs. “I’ll explain, so far as I can, but it doesn’t amount to much, if I’m honest.”
    He crushed the partially smoked cigarette into the ashtray.
    Viktor got himself another coffee, and for some minutes they sat in silence. Dima crushed out a second cigarette.
    â€œI thought you’d be good at the incidental lines of inquiry.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œExternal pressure, involvements, anonymous tip-offs … the normal stuff. Nothing to worry about. Make a good job of it and you could find yourself in a nice warm office with a proper window … Read the file? Well, what are you waiting for? Get marching, singing as you go! Like in the army!”
    â€œCan a good job be made of it?”
    Dima grinned ruefully.
    â€œDepends … But don’t worry, you won’t be out in the cold. Help and advice will be forthcoming. You’ll see. And I’m there on the phone.”
    He gave Viktor his card.
    After the subterranean bar, the sunny side of the street was doubly pleasant.
    Ratko greeted him with a knowing wink.
    â€œPhone call from the Ministry. You’re big time, it seems. I’ll have to watch my step.”
    â€œBalls! Big-time luck is what I need.”
    â€œAnyway, you won’t get brained by a brick – you’ve got wheels.Or will have within the hour. A Mazda, one of ten, gift to the MVD from the Ukrainian Transport Bank! Democracy in action. Quite right, too. Better than two per general! What news from his nibs? Or were you just taking a breather?”
    â€œWhat Dima said was – ”
    â€œDon’t want to know.