Siren of the Waters: A Jana Matinova Investigation, Vol. 2 Read Online Free Page B

and claiming credit for other people’s successes. ”I suppose a medal would be in order for him, from his perspective, of course.”
    “He told me everything from his perspective,” Trokan amiably agreed. He looked a bit uneasy. “We both know he is a sneak. Since I don’t trust his perspective, I thought I might ask you.”
    “Why do you have to assign all the problem people to me?”
    “I gave a problem child to a problem child. That way, I only have to focus on one place to determine where grief is coming from.”
    “When was the last time I gave you trouble? Are you complaining about the way I do things?”
    “Of course. Everything is a major event with you. At least that’s what Seges implied.” His belly jiggled as he chuckled gleefully. “I think he said you were making mountains out of molehills.”
    “You want to give the case to someone else?”
    “No.”
    They always had this argument at the beginning of a case. Trokan took pleasure in needling her. He would have come up with a reason to do so even if Seges had not complained. She took it in good humor, because it always ended up with Trokan letting her have her way.
    “You can’t complain about the results,” she reminded him.
    “It’s my job to complain.”
    “As long as it’s only a little bit.” She eyed him, knowing he had something more to tell her. “What else?”
    “One working girl dead, no problem. Two dead, a sigh but good riddance. Three dead, a little uncomfortable. Four, and we are sweating. Five, and the building is falling down. Here there are six of them. Time for the government people, the newspapers, everyone, to run to an insane asylum and take lessons from the inmates. Throw in the man and there are major earthquakes, particularly with the Western community. The EU is already asking questions.”
    “All the women were probably prostitutes.”
    “That is your call.”
    “Not for sure yet. Seges was supposed to run the records. He told you; he didn’t tell me.”
    “He’s busy scoring points. He knows the Interpol man in Lyon. They did a hurry-up job for him. All the women were prostitutes. Most from other countries.” Trokan paused, then smiled very broadly. “That Seges does like to suck up to me. In a way, it is very comforting. He makes me feel like I am important. You should try it once in a while.”
    “Too late for me.”
    “It never hurts.”
    “If they were all prostitutes, it means it might be a trafficking case as well. Perhaps part of a motive for the killings?”
    “All murdered?”
    “I have begun to think so.”
    She went to the door.
    “And get rid of the blind cats,” he threw after her.
    “Is that an official order?”
    “I just make suggestions.”
    As soon as she walked out, Trokan got on the phone to the minister. “I spoke to her, Minister.” He listened. “I know. Pressure from the UN; pressure from the EU; pressure from the Americans. We did sign the Rome Treaty on Human Trafficking.” He swiveled in his chair, absently taking the bobby’s cap from the shelf and slipping it on again. “I think she will have to be the person we send.”
    He pulled a small mirror from a desk drawer and peered at his reflection wearing the hat. “No. Those are not the types of waves she would make.” He put the mirror down, than slipped the hat back onto the shelf. “Who cares what the French say? Less? Even less, who cares what the British say? They are not Slavs.” He settled back in his chair. “I know, the EU is important. Yes, the treaty. Yes, the UN.” He took a deep breath waiting for the minister to finish, smoothing the hairs back that had been dragged out of place by the cap. “Yes, Minister, I will push this. Thank you, Minister.”
    Trokan dumped the phone back onto its cradle, then picked up the mirror, studying his face, this time without the cap. “English is okay; Slavic is better.” Satisfied, he put the mirror back in the drawer.

Chapter 5
    J ana and Seges were unable