Part 8 (1/2)

'Army,'van Effen said briefly. He didn't specify which army. 'You've actually defused bombs?' Agneni's respect was genuine. 'Quite a number.'

'You must be good.'

'Why?,

'You're here.'

'I am good. I'm also lucky, because no matter how good you are the bomb you're trying to defuse may be your last one. Peaceful retirement is not the lot of a bomb disposal expert. But as I a.s.sume you have no more unexploded bombs than you have oil wells, then it must be explosives. Explosives experts in Holland are not in short supply. You have only to advertise. That I should be approached in a clandestine fas.h.i.+on can only mean that you are engaged in activities that are Wegal.' 'We are. Have you never been? Engaged, I mean?'

'All depends upon who defines what is legal and what is not and how they define it. Some people hold definitions which are different from mine and wish to discuss the matter with me. Very tiresome they can be, those alleged upholders of justice. You know what the British say - the law is an a.s.s.' Van Effen considered. 'I think I put that rather well.' 'You've hardly committed yourself. May one ask - delicately, of course - whether this discussion you are avoiding has anything to do with your vacationing in Amsterdam?'

'You may. It has. What do you want me to blow up?'

Agnelli raised his eyebrows. 'Well, well, you can be blunt. Almost as blunt as you can be, shall we say, diplomatic.'

'That's an answer? An explosives expert is good for only one thing - exploding things. You wish me to explode something? Yes or no?' 'Yes.'

'Two things. Banks, boats, bridges, -anything of that kind IT blow up and guarantee a satisfactory job. Anything that involves injury, far less death, to any person I won't have any part Of. P

'You won't ever be called upon to do any such thing. That's also a guarantee. The second thing?'

'I don't seek to flatter you when I say that you're an intelligent man, Mr Agnelli. Highly intelligent, I should think. Such people are usually first-cla.s.s organizers. To seek the help of a last minute unknown to help you execute some project that may have been in the planning stage for quite some time doesn't smack to me of preparation, organization or professionalism. If I may say so.'

'You may. A very valid point. In your position I would adopt the same disbelieving or questioning att.i.tude. You have to take my word for it that I am a member of a highly organized team. But, as you must well know, the best-laid plans etc. An unfortunate accident. I can explain to your satisfaction. But not just at this moment. Will you accept our offer?' 'You haven't made one yet.'

'Will you accept an offer of a job in our organization, on, if you wish, a permanent basis, on what I think you'll find a very satisfactory salary plus commission basis, your special responsibility being the demolition of certain structures, those structures to be specified at a later date.' 'Sounds very businesslike. And I like the idea of commissions, whatever they may be. I agree. When do I start and what do I start on?' 'You'll have to bear with me a little, Mr Danilov. My brief for this afternoon is only of a limited nature - to find out, if, in principle, you are prepared to work with us, which I'm glad to say you seem to be. I have to report back. You will be contacted very shortly, sometime tomorrow, I'm sure.'

'You are not the leader of this organization?'

'No.'

'You surprise me. A man like you acting as a lieutenant - well, this leader I must meet.'

'You shall, I promise.'

'How will you contact me? No phones, please.'

'Certainly not. You will be our courier, Vasco?'

'My pleasure, Mr Agnelli. You know where to reach me any time.' 'Thank you.' Agnelli stood up and gave his hand to van Effen. 'A pleasure, Mr Danilov. I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.' Helmut Paderiwski didn't offer to shake hands. As the door closed behind them, Sergeant Westenbrink said: 'I need another beer, Lieutenant.'

'Peter. Always Peter.'

'Sorry. That was pretty close. The ice was very thin at times.' 'Not for a practised liar. I rather gather that you've given them the impression that I'm a desperate and wanted criminal?' 'I did mention that there was the odd extradition warrant out for you. But I didn't forget to emphasize your generally upright and honest nature. When dealing with your fellow criminals, of course.' 'Of course. Before you get the beer, I have a phone call to make. Well, get it anyway.'

Van Effen went to the bar and said to the man behind it, 'Henri, a private call, if I may.'

Henri, the proprietor, was a tall', gaunt man, sallow of countenance and lugubrious of expression. 'You in trouble again, Peter?' 'No. I hope someone else will be, soon.'

Van Effen went into the office and dialled a number. 'Trianon? The manager, please. I don't care if he is in conference, call him. It's Lieutenant van Effen.' He hung on for a few moments. 'Charles? Do me a favour. Book me in as from a fortnight ago. Enter it in the book, will you, in the name of Stephan Danilov. And would you notify the receptionist and doorman. Yes, I expect people to be enquiring. just tell them. Many thanks. I'll explain when I see you.'