He could hear a rhythmic, hollow banging. He knew what that was: someone trying to beat down a door. Over the top of the cacophony was “Get me out of here, I’m begging you, get me out” followed by a series of gunshots and a shriek that was so loud it made the phone howl with feedback.

“And that’s it,” said Pif. “Someone pulls her to the ground, out of camera, and the last thing you see is a guy with a gun, pointing it straight at the screen.”

Petrovitch wriggled his finger in his ear. “Can you do something for me? Save those two files onto a card and put it somewhere safe. Wipe the rest of the incoming mail. Then sit tight.”

“Is it going to be okay?”

“No. No, it’s not. But what that means is anyone’s guess. I’ll call you.”

He hung up, then dialed the Oshicora Tower.

“Moshi moshi,” said the operator.

“Good morning,” said Petrovitch, “my name’s Samuil Petrovitch; you might remember me from such incidents as ‘hunted like a dog through the streets’ and ‘kissed by the boss’s daughter.’ I’d very much like to speak to Oshicora-san—he assured me that he’d take my call if I had an emergency, and if this isn’t one, I don’t know what is.”

He could feel the fear like a cold wind. It was true. His heart gave a little trip, and he shuddered.

“I am afraid,” said the female voice, “Mister Oshicora is unavailable at the moment.”

“I am afraid,” countered Petrovitch, “that you’re lying through your teeth. Find me someone in authority. Now, please, or I’ll cut the connection.”

Seamlessly, another voice spoke up. They were listening already. They were waiting for him.

“Moshi moshi, Petrovitch-san.”

“Hijo-san? Is that you?” Petrovitch put his finger over the cancel key. Press it too early and he wouldn’t learn what he needed. Too late and they might work out where he was.

“Hai, Petrovitch-san. What service can I do for you?”

“You can tell me if you’ve murdered Oshicora, shot your way into Sonja’s room, and crudely attempted to keep me off the net, and like that was ever going to work. A simple yes or no will do.”

Hijo laughed. It started as a chuckle and ended in a full-throated roar.