Page 95 - Maj 2020 PDF

Chapter 9

Liberation

Olina follows the silhouette on the roof, as she lets the words sink into her

cerebral cortex. She wants to see her colleague again, and it should not be her

standing in the way of this. Now it is just a matter of time and of what condition
he is in.

"Is he unharmed?" She asks, trying to sound calm through the phone; it's been
three days since she last heard from him, since she knew that he was alive. The

operation that looked easy on the drawing board, and which he was absolutely

convinced would not cause problems doesn’t seem as easy now.
"Yes," Claire replies. “Tom is unscathed, yet, but we would like some initiative

on your part, otherwise I can guarantee you that he will not remain unscathed

for long. It all depends on you, and how quickly we two can make an agreement.”
She takes a short break, it sounds like she's talking to someone else at the other

end. The conversation is in German, and can only hear fragments as it clear that

she’s been covering the phone with her hand. Then she is back again.
"Let's get the financial matters out of the way," says Claire, the name whom the

woman has presented herself with.

"Financial?" Olina repeats.
"We require half a million euros in order to deliver him back alive, unharmed-

You’ll have 25 hours from the end of this conversation to bring the finances in

order," continues Claire.
"Half a million euros?" Olina repeats what Claire has just said, and at the same

time she hates herself for it. Her brain records the repetition in a split second.
"How do you want them?" She sneered back, as the blood rushes through her

body. She is furious and has to mobilize all her willpower not to start scolding

Claire.
"In 100 and 200 euro banknotes and in a metal travel suitcase, which must be

unlocked, so that we can check it immediately, so that everything goes right

before we part again." Claire's voice sounds harsh and commanding.
"Okay, and where and how do you want to meet?"

“Meet us at the rest area 10A, a little outside Munich on Wednesday morning at