Free sThe Quiet Wart Page B

to go to extremes.’
    â€˜Okay, then it’s worth asking, I guess. We should know who Blom met in the car park before tomorrow as well,’ Clive conceded.
    When they left the café, they walked Anna back to her apartment. Sean was glad to have Clive with him, although Anna still managed to discreetly tell him to join her later, opening her eyes wide when making the offer.
    Hoping that Clive hadn’t noticed the brief interchange, or if he had, he’d understood that it wasn’t welcome, Sean walked back to the Sofitel and went straight to his room, showering quickly before calling Liz, who he told nothing of the events in Anna’s apartment.
    During the call, Liz updated him on her research. ‘Blom is fifty-six years old: a Swede from Gothenburg, but now living in Stockholm. He’s been married for twenty-two years and has three children. He was a senior figure in the Swedish Government before taking on the role at the Commission, where he’s been for seven years. His upbringing and education were fairly standard: middle-class, good university, etc. His politics are considered just left of centre and he’s never been involved in a scandal… that I can find, that is.’
    â€˜He sounds pretty dull,’ Sean said.
    â€˜A grey man, like all of them,’ Liz replied.
    Describing the situation in detail, Sean quickly filled Liz in on the events in the car park.
    â€˜Weird, but unless you know what was in the envelope and who the other person was, it doesn’t mean much.’
    â€˜I know. We’re working on it. How’s Praew?’ Sean said.
    â€˜She got an A for her maths homework, she’s so pleased and I’m so relieved.’ Sean could almost feel Liz’s passion over the phone.
    â€˜That’s great. Can I talk to her?’
    â€˜She’s in bed, sorry. But I’ll tell her you congratulated her.’
    â€˜Anna said she might be able to help with the Home Office.’ Sean felt his stomach tighten even mentioning her name.
    The line went silent briefly. ‘Really? Why? She doesn’t know us,’ Liz said.
    â€˜I know, but she’s an MEP and may have some influence,’ he said, surprised by Liz’s response.
    â€˜I don’t like her, Sean. There’s something about her.’
    â€˜She’s okay. She’s just trying to help,’ Sean said.
    â€˜We’ll see. Be careful around her,’ Liz warned.
    Sean shivered.
Could she know? Did she sense something?

Chapter Twelve
    Tuesday, 29th September. Brussels, Belgium.
    â€˜Terry finally called at 5:30 a.m. He followed the car to a house on the outskirts of Leipzig. I’ve forwarded the photos to both Liz and Anna, to see if they know who the passenger is,’ Clive said, before slurping on a coffee.
    â€˜It’s seven now, only six in London. Liz won’t be up yet. Have you heard from Anna?’ Sean asked.
    â€˜She’s joining us for breakfast. She’ll be here any minute.’
    When Anna entered the breakfast room just a few minutes later, dressed in a dark blue pinstriped suit and carrying a black designer briefcase, Sean noticed again how her image changed: one minute the vulnerable shy girl; next the temptress; then the formidable business woman, hard and unapproachable. After pouring herself a coffee and grabbing a croissant, she joined them at the table.
    â€˜Do you know the person in the photos I sent you?’ Clive asked.
    â€˜Yes, unfortunately I do,’ she said. ‘It’s Ulrich Wagner, one of the less satisfying by-products of German re-unification. He owns steel mills across the old East Germany, and is reputed to be one of Germany’s richest men.’ She paused to take a sip of coffee. ‘Mr Wagner holds some very unhealthy political ideas.’
    â€˜Such as?’ Sean asked.
    Considering her response before speaking, Anna placed her coffee back on the table and lowered her eyes.