Austin broke free from the clump of officials, once again approaching Leo. He’d evidently decided Leo represented the ordinary man. Perhaps it was his coarse uniform and gruff reticence – during the car ride here Leo had said almost nothing, in contrast to the incessant pitter-patter flattery of the official. Austin put a hand on Leo’s shoulder.

—I feel I can talk with you, Comrade Demidov.

—Of course, Mr Austinto maint

—Everyone wants to show me the best. But I just want to see the ordinary stores, where ordinary folks shop. Is there something more ordinary around here? You can’t seriously be telling me every store is like this one? Is that what you guys are telling me?

Leo felt the pressure of his question like a hand tight around his heart. He answered:

—Not all are the same. We are in the centre of town. This store might have a better range than a village store.

—I’m not talking about a village store. I’m talking about an everyday store. You know? This can’t be the only place in town?

—There are other shops.

—Within walking distance?

Before Leo could answer the officials hurried over, keen to divert their guest back towards their displays. They still had things to show him – fresh bread, the finest cuts of ham. Austin raised his hand, as if to keep them at bay. His mind was made up.

—My friend is going to take me on a walk. He’s going to take me to a smaller store, you know, one that’s a little more… ordinary.

The officials glared at Leo as if the suggestion had been his. Their survival instincts were acute. Suddenly the two other teams of agents pushed forward, addressing Leo.

—That is out of the question. We must stick to our itinerary, for security reasons.

Austin raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

—Security? Are you serious? I’m not in any danger here, am I?

They were trapped. They could hardly claim that they couldn’t protect him on the streets of their capital. Austin smiled.

—I know you got rules and regulations. I know you got things you want to show me. But I want to be able to explore, OK? I insist. You hear that? I’m insisting.

He laughed to soften the order but it was an order nonetheless. They were under instructions to do as their guest requested. From the way the others were looking at Leo it was clear that he was going to be blamed.