Red Notice

85

‘You really think he is going to do as you say?’

‘Sambor, my brother, we have a plan to execute, and I have a call to make. The last thing I need now is an Englishman with a rather badly fitted explosive waistcoat getting in my way.’

Once back in the engineer’s compartment, he picked up the radio mic, switched on the speaker and settled back into the seat, resting his boots on the oxygen sets bungeed to skateboards that Sambor and the fighters had lugged from their vans. ‘Mr Woolf?’

‘Yes, Mr Antonov. What can I do for you?’

‘It is time I allowed you to turn the power back on. Some people are sick, the elderly are suffering, women and children are crying. I’m sure their welfare is dear to your heart.’

‘And what are you willing to offer us in return? Let me have the ill and the old. They need—’

Laszlo laughed. ‘Oh dear, Mr Woolf, is that what they teach you in hostage-negotiation classes? You would have been better off in Las Vegas, learning some of the basic rules of gambling — for example, that it’s dangerous to bluff when you don’t hold any cards. But I’m a generous man. I’ll tell you what I won’t give you if you turn the power back on: five more dead bodies.’

‘Wait one moment, please. I have to seek permission, you understand.’

‘Of course, but hurry. I will give you two minutes. Then I start the killing. I know that your government does not care for these people, but you all have families. Think of your loved ones. What would you feel if they were on this train? You will all be directly responsible for their deaths. Will you be able to live with that? Will any of you be able to live with that?’

There was a click as Laszlo cut the comms and glanced down at the driver. His eyes were threatening to pop out of their sockets. Whatever Woolf thought, this man was in no doubt that he might only have two minutes left to live.