Michael Dibdin: Vendetta

Unlike the other celebrities, whose fleshly reality often jarred uncomfortably with their etherealized media image, this man's appearance coincided perfectly with the photographs Zen had seen of him. Elderly without frailty, experienced but not resigned, he gave the impression of just having reached the prime of life.

'We were talking about you earlier,' the young man resumed, effortlessly inserting himself and Zen into the inner circle of initiates. 'Indeed, I trust you will not think me indiscreet if I mention that 1'onorevole was pleased to remark how deeply indebted we are to you for your, ah, effective and timely intervention.'

The distinguished figure, deep in conversation with two younger men whose enthusiastic servility was embarrassing to behold, paid not the slightest attention.

'It would be no exaggeration to say that the Party has been spared a most trying experience as the result of your, ah, initiative,' the young man went on. 'It's true that we were at first somewhat surprised by the choice of… that's to say, by the fact that this woman, ah, proved to be the guilty party. However, on mature consideration we unreservedly approve of this solution, more especially since it allows us to retain the Padedda option as a fallback position should any further problems arise. We are really most grateful, most grateful indeed. Isn't that so, onorevole?'

For a second, the elder man's eyes swept over Zen's face like the revolving beam of a lighthouse.

'If there's ever anything you need…' he murmured.

Zen made the appropriate noises, then gracefully withdrew. As he headed towards the door, towards his evening with Tania, the words were still ringing in his ears. 'if there's ever anything you need…' Better than money in the bank, he thought. Better than money in the bank!