‘How long is this going to go on for?’ ‘This?’ ‘This situation with . . .’ ‘Our visitor?’ ‘What the fuck else would I be talking about?’ ‘As long as it needs to.’ ‘The longer she stays, the worse it gets. She’s digging everywhere!’ ‘I’ve told you before, all bases are covered.’ ‘She went to see . . .’ ‘I’m aware of who she has seen.’ ‘Well, I’m warning you – this has to stop.’ ‘You’re warning me? There are quite a few things that disqualify you from issuing warnings and ultimatums, my friend, not to mention your frequent visits to a certain young woman.’ Silence. He decided to end the call. He was tiring of the game. ‘You’ll have to excuse me. I have an urgent matter to attend to.’ ‘And this isn’t?’ ‘No, it isn’t. It’s important, yes, I never said it wasn’t.’ ‘We both have a hell of a lot to lose here!’ ‘I haven’t forgotten, but it’s not urgent.’ ‘Yet.’ ‘I really have to go now.’ ‘I’ll stay in touch, just in case things do become urgent.’ The caller’s sarcasm was lost on him.
