Chapter 10
In the little kneipe on Holländerstrasse, Nicks and Simon occupied a table by the window. Their companion, Don, his hair thinning but brushed forward to hide the fact, looked like a solicitor and sounded like a high court barrister; the product of the British public school system. The barmaid brought their drinks over, smiled then returned to smoke a cigarette and chat with the man at the bar. The music, at a bearable level, was 80s retro. They spoke in low tones.
“Now Nicks. Simon and I are returning to the UK. You’ll be going back to Romania but before we can let you go home, you’ll be going to Bucharest.” Don smiled. It was the usual slick smile, both condescending and fatherly; the slight prominence of his teeth providing an otherwise acceptable façade with just a hint of sinister. “I know you’re keen to get back to Anca but we recovered the phone our target was using yesterday and it confirms what we already strongly suspected, so we need to finish the job off.”
He delved into his inside coat pocket and produced a removable hard drive that he slid across the table. “It’s all on there. Constantin Codreanu is the man we’re after. He’s the Romanian connection in this sordid people trafficking affair. Your contact will introduce himself as Mihai Georgescu. He’ll find you. You’ll be staying at the Hotel Scala. Lovely little place, I’ve stayed there before. The Embassy is only just around the corner so it’s handy, as it were. Phone this number when you get there and they’ll talk you in to the safety deposit box so you can collect your money.” He handed him a small white card on which the digits were written in pencil. The practised smile then his mood darkened. “Oh, and I’m not overly happy with yesterday’s near debacle. You really must pay more attention. You’re not on holiday, either of you.” He shot them a withering glance.
“I’m sorry, I must have been in a black spot.” Nicks took a mouthful of beer.
“I’ll say no more about it. Concentrate for Pete’s sake!”
He knew he’d fucked up but wasn’t in the mood to be playing an errant pupil. “Now hang on, Don,” Nicks said quietly. “Four bloody days wandering around Berlin on foot. It’s not that simple.”
Don sipped his drink. “Well, make an attempt. And while we’re on the subject try not to draw attention to yourself again. What were you thinking?”
“I didn’t have time to think. I needed to make up some ground. Anyway, he was one of ours.” He leaned back and shook his head in disbelief.
“Not that you were aware at the time. What’s next? You announce your arrival with a megaphone?’
He wanted to respond but thought better of it. This was obviously something Don needed to win so he just said, “Point taken, let’s move on, shall we?”
Don gave him a cold stare. “I think we should.”
Simon stood up. He knew he needed to break the moment.
“Same again?” he said with an enforced smile.