‘Austria…’ he echoed, and Laure had no idea of what he was thinking. Maria chose this moment to fling herself against her father’s knees. Petr ran his fingers through his daughter’s sweaty hair. ‘You must tell your friends that, if they are planning a trip, they must go through the proper channels.’

Thoroughly rattled, she replied, ‘They’re just musicians who like to sleep late. Musicians do.’

‘Perhaps, but I should warn you that Anatomie are thought to support Parallel Polis.’

Her alarm deepened. ‘I’ve no idea what that is.’

‘It’s a document written by a so-called philosopher. A Catholic.’ There was a hint of nostalgia in the way he pronounced ‘Catholic’. ‘He argues that everyone should ignore State institutions and form alternative, parallel structures. He approves of the musical underground. Anatomie is part of the musical underground.’

‘I don’t know anything about it.’

‘But you do. By association.’

‘Just because I see some friends doesn’t mean I agree with their views.’

‘This is Czechoslovakia, Laure.’

She recollected the man in the navy-blue suit to whom Petr had been talking earlier. Sure enough, when she looked around she spotted him loitering by the entrance to the Kampa, his jacket hooked onto a finger hanging down his back.

He looked bored and hot.

‘Do any of your friends talk about these subjects?’ Petr was persisting.

Jan was teasing Maria by throwing handfuls of leaves into her face. Maria wasn’t sure how to react. Petr called to Jan, ‘Be careful.’ He turned back to Laure. ‘I’m only asking because I’m curious. Having been away so long, I’m in danger of losing touch with what is going on in my own country.’

Laure was now doubly sure she must keep her mouth shut. ‘I don’t know. As I said, I don’t understand much.’

He turned towards her and, to her surprise, took her hand. Embarrassed and not a little alarmed, her instinct was to snatch it away. Finely shaped and well-manicured, it was a nice hand – but she didn’t wish it on hers.

‘I think you’re terrific.’ His voice was warm and reassuring. ‘Clever and thoughtful. What more could my children want?’

She felt herself going red and cast around. ‘Your friend is still here. Over by the entrance.’

He released her at once but his fingers left an impression on her flesh. Gesturing to the children, he said, ‘Don’t worry, you’re quite safe with me. I’m not going to take advantage of you.’

She didn’t answer but felt enormous relief.

‘But your friends must take care of themselves. They know what they are doing.’ He hesitated. ‘You should be aware, Laure, that they’re probably running big risks.’