He said something in Czech and Laure recognized the words ‘Tomas’ and ‘Anatomie’. Tomas looked up from his plate. ‘Can we talk in English for the sake of my companion here?’

Without missing a beat, the man switched into accented English. ‘You are Tomas from Anatomie.’ Tomas nodded his head and the man turned to Laure. ‘And you must be?’

Tomas introduced Laure and mentioned she was employed by the Kobes. The stranger did no more than glance at Laure but she got the impression that he had absorbed every detail.

‘You’re very good,’ he was saying. ‘In fact, I’ve tried to buy your recordings but they are impossible to get hold of.’

Laure found the accented English extremely sinister.

Tomas sent him what Laure recognized as his professional charming smile, designed to render its target immobile. ‘You would be very clever if you did as shops are banned from selling then.’

‘That’s a shame.’ Without fuss, the man sat down. ‘I’m Major Hasík.’

The elderly waiter had disappeared, and a space had formed around their table.

‘Are you working on some new songs? Apparently, one or two have been performed in France. Am I correct? I’m told and, I may be wrong, that a couple of the lyrics poked fun at this country.’

‘Really?’ said Tomas.

‘Really,’ said Major Hasík. ‘And perhaps not such a good idea?’ He shifted in his seat. ‘I gather you like to get out to the countryside. A healthy thing to do. Do you go mushroom hunting? Where I go the woods have been picked clean. I am always anxious to know where there’s a good supply.’ He searched in his pocket, produced a card and laid it on the table. ‘Do please phone me if you ever come across any. It would be so good to know.’

Tomas barely glanced at it. ‘Where I live, the phone has been cut off.’

‘Shouldn’t you get it mended?’

‘I’m told it can’t be mended.’

Major Hasík stood upright. ‘How odd. Why don’t you get in touch and I’ll see what can be done?’ His smile was pleasant and helpful. ‘I’m afraid people in this country don’t want to work, so they tell you that things can’t be fixed. I know someone in communications who can help.’

‘Don’t bother,’ said Tomas. ‘I find it more peaceful not using a phone.’

Laure watched his exit. ‘How did you know he would speak English?’

‘They often do. A tool of the trade.’

They didn’t stay long after Major Hasík had gone. Laure handed over what money she had on her, and Tomas made up the difference. ‘Sweet, lovely, generous Laure,’ he said. ‘One day, I’ll do the same for you.’

After he had paid, he tucked his hand under her elbow and took her down to the river where they walked along the embankment.