Consequences

Schuster settled back in his chair. The pain in his chest was returning but it had to be worth one last throw of the dice before he was obliged to capitulate. He sensed he would need to make it good. Brastic was smiling again.

He gave an involuntary shudder.

I think it has escaped your memory, First Minister, that I know too much for you to blackmail me.

The smile for a second left Brastics face and he stared sternly across the table from behind hooded eyes; then without warning he relaxed and broke into a broad smile.

On the contrary, Heindrich, you know exactly the right amount; which is the precise reason I selected you to play a part in this little enterprise.