“… Mr. Trotsky is greatly concerned over the disappearance of young Yonatan. He hopes and believes that in the next few days, or even hours, the young man will make an appearance. For many years now he has been prepared, should the occasion arise, to acknowledge legal paternity of the boy. Indeed, he once declared as much in writing, in a registered letter to you that was unfortunately never answered. Mr. Trotsky has reason to assume that, if the matter is put to him, the young man will wish to determine, by medical tests if necessary, who his true father is. Mr. Trotsky desires to stress that he has no intention of imposing anything on his son. He does, however, insist on his right to a private meeting with the boy and his mother.”

Having finished with the formal deposition, the lawyer continued on his own. “I have been authorized to negotiate the matter discreetly with you, Mr. Lifshitz, and separately with your wife, in order to reach an understanding with you both. And I have a concrete proposal to make.”

“You do?” said Yolek without a trace of annoyance, extending his head forward as if fearful of failing to hear. “A proposal? And exactly what is it that you wish to propose?”