Zidarov ignored him, and started to file through the bills. They were no doubt incomplete, and probably recorded things that had never existed, or failed to record things that had, but there was nothing that leapt out at him from a cursory look. He doubted that Adeard had any interest in them, either.

‘Ever have any trouble, down here?’ he asked, idly.

‘Not really, probator.’

‘Never?’

‘Not while I’ve been here.’

It was possible they were that lucky. ‘There’s something missing here.’ He held up some scrits. ‘See?’

Chaikos frowned. ‘I don’t–’

‘Sure you do. Regular payments. Made from this expenses account, only I don’t see records of any expenses.’

It was all nonsense. Zidarov hadn’t had time to pull the figures apart, but he didn’t see Chaikos as being much more of an expert than he was. He probably got someone else to file these, and barely understood what the numbers meant. That was how these places normally operated – a supervisor wasn’t there to handle that kind of trouble.

Zidarov put the files down. ‘So who do you pay with this? Chakshia? Zin Zin?’

Chaikos went pale again. ‘Come on…’

‘Just between the two of us. Like I said, I’m not really interested in you. Who would be? Give me a name, and I’ll go away.’

Chaikos blinked. Then looked nervous. Then swallowed. ‘Vidora,’ he said.

Zidarov gave a low whistle. ‘Seriously?’

Chaikos nodded.

‘Fuck,’ Zidarov swore. ‘No wonder you’re jumpy.’

Chaikos didn’t laugh with him. ‘Anything else, probator? Want to take a look downstairs? Pull open a few crates? Slit my throat?’

Now he was getting mouthy. Hells, he was like a child.

‘Calm yourself, citizen,’ Zidarov warned. ‘I’ll be gone soon. You’ll have a name for your contact, the arrangements you make. That’s all I need. You’ll never be mentioned. Like I said, I’m not interested in you. Understand? Get it over with. I can be gone right now. Or I can come back with a few sanctioners and take a closer look around, maybe at this account, maybe some others. Your choice.’

For just a moment, Zidarov thought Chaikos might actually try to hold out. Couldn’t blame him – the Vidora were a bloodthirsty bunch. He stood there, not going for his gun, just folding his arms, exposing the jawsnapper.

In the end, Chaikos was sensible.

‘You’ll keep me out of it,’ he said, miserably, going back to the desk and reaching for a locked drawer. ‘Please, keep me out of it. I’ve got enough trouble to cope with.’

‘So do we all,’ said Zidarov, activating his translexer and sitting down again. ‘Just start talking. You’ll feel better when it’s out.’