‘You’ve caused a lot of bother,’ she said. ‘Some form of restitution is to be expected.’

‘How much?’

‘Fifty percent.’

‘That’s unacceptable.’

‘You’re not in a position to negotiate.’

In truth, it was a less savage cut than Radovan had feared, but he still pantomimed unhappiness before agreeing.

‘As you say,’ he conceded, ‘I am not in a position to negotiate.’

‘Good,’ said Ćirić. ‘So now you can both vanish, and I hope this will be the last time we ever meet.’

‘What else would we have to say to each other?’

‘Nothing.’ Ćirić began rebuttoning her coat, which she had not removed. ‘But this solves only one of your problems. From what I hear, Kiš and Stajić are not the only ones baying for your blood.’

‘All hunters tire in the end,’ said Radovan, ‘which means they either give up or become vulnerable to their prey.’

‘I admire your optimism. I give you a year, maybe less.’

‘Then in a year I shall send you a postcard, just to prove you wrong.’

‘I look forward to receiving it,’ said Ćirić, ‘should it ever materialize.’

‘And how long do you give Simo Stajić?’ Radovan asked.

Ćirić shrugged. ‘As you say, he’s reckless. Men like him drive too fast, drink too much, sleep with the wrong women, take the wrong drugs. Their days are always numbered. Perhaps even you may live long enough to read his obituary. Goodbye, vrana.’

They hugged and kissed once more, this time with more feeling. Radovan watched her depart, his face wistful. He left cash to cover the check, and walked through the main store to the front window. He saw Ćirić get into the passenger seat of a large black Audi with two men in the back before the driver pulled out and drove down Burggasse toward the MuseumsQuartier. No van, then. Perhaps, had the meeting with Ćirić gone badly, he would have been consigned to the trunk of the car. Still, he waited for a while before leaving, just to be sure he was safe. He browsed the men’s section of the boutique, and bought himself a vintage scarf in celebration. The scarf was black and gold, but more the former than the latter, which Radovan thought was appropriate.

For the bloodshed, he knew, was not yet over.

Chapter LXXI

Zorya was once again by the Zollamtsbrücke, watching the water run beneath. Spiridon’s friends in the United States had failed in their attempt to kill the dead girl’s father, which put Zorya in a very dangerous position. The Vuksans were being hunted in this realm, but Zorya moved between worlds, which potentially left her at the mercy of human elements in one and Jennifer Parker in the other. The Vuksans’ time was coming to an end, and Zorya thought she might sleep once they were gone. She did not want Jennifer to pursue her while she was at rest. A compromise had to be reached.