“No.” he said finally. “We have not arrested anyone by that name.”
“Really?”
“My memory does not fail me in this instance. I do apologise, Your Excellency.”
“I also,” said Shilard Fitz-Oesterlen icily. “Especially since it seems impossible in these conditions, to conduct a mutual extradition of criminals. I will not annoy your Lordship further. I wish you health and success.”
“Good health and good luck.”
“Mutually. Good-bye, Your Excellency.”
The ambassador went out, after some complicated, ceremonial bows.
“Kiss my sempitemum meam, smart ass.” Dijkstra muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. “Ori!”
The secretary, red from coughing and grunting, emerged from behind the curtain.
“Philippa is still holed up in Montecalvo?”
“Yes, hem, hem. With her friends Laux-Antille
