All this of course, behind closed doors, and within the realms of respectability originally established by old Borat Henagar, who would surely be spinning in his grave, if he knew what the institution he’d created had become.
It was Bogdan who, with information from his Mafia boss in Moscow, had discovered the Henagar was more than likely the bank through which the ransom had been administered.
It took a little over fifteen minutes to find the bank. The original building, in the old part of the city, had been turned into a trendy bistro and wine bar. The Henagar now ran its business from a very modern establishment in the New Town area, right in the heart of the financial district.
Large tinted glass doors were monitored by three sets of CCTV cameras. As the two approached, a small screen, to the side of the doors, lit up and gave access to an intercom.
Jack touched the screen and said, ‘I’m here to establish an account.’
No reply came, but within a second or two of Jack’s words, the doors slid silently open.
They stepped into a large hallway and the outer doors slid closed behind them. The internal doors were not tinted, and Jack could see a burly security guard on the other side. The internal doors opened.
‘Good afternoon, gentlemen,’ said the guard. Then pointing to an elegant desk a few yards away, said, ‘Please.’
A very attractive middle-aged woman stood as they approached the desk. She looked directly at Jack, and said, ‘Good afternoon, sir. How may we help you?’
Jack smiled. ‘I’d like to talk to the Managing Director please.’
‘Yes, sir. And I believe you wish to establish an account?’
‘That’s correct.’
‘Our General Manager would be able to help you with that, sir.’
Jack’s smile faded. ‘I’d prefer to deal with the most senior person in the bank.’
‘Of course, sir. May I have your name please.’
Jack’s smile returned. ‘Smith.’
Bogdan grinned.
The big office on the sixth floor was modern yet elegant, with a view that looked out over the winding river.
‘Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Emilio Schlovan,’ said the MD.
Jack smiled and held out his hand. ‘Jack Smith.’ He didn’t introduce Bogdan.
The banker nodded slightly and returned the smile. ‘Mr Smith. Yes of course. Please have a seat. May I offer you a drink?’
‘Just water, please,’ said Jack.
Schlovan spoke into the intercom. ‘Water please, Katarina.’
A few seconds later a young woman entered with a tray. She placed a bottle of water and a crystal tumbler in front of Jack and Bogdan. Smiled then left the room.
After the door closed, Shlovan said. ‘Now…, Mr Smith. How may we help you, sir?’
Jack filled the tumbler with water and drank half of it down. ‘I have interests in South America, America and Europe. And as our business has grown so rapidly we have an issue with money.’
The banker smiled. ‘Not the lack of it I suspect?’
Jack finished the water. ‘On the contrary, Mr Schlovan.’
‘Please, call me Silvio. And what type of assistance do you require from us, sir?’
‘We have to move funds from North America and Europe, which would then need to be worked or invested in multiple legitimate enterprises.’
Schlovan nodded sagely. ‘May I ask what kind of volume we are talking, Mr Smith?’
Jack turned to Bogdan. ‘Mikael?’
The Russian paused for a few seconds. ‘About fifteen million dollars.’
Schlovan looked mildly disappointed. ‘No disrespect intended, sir. But that’s a very simple amount for us to handle for you.’
‘A week,’ said Bogdan.’
The banker’s eyes widened. ‘Ahh. Yes of course, sir. It’ll take a day or two for us to put a prospectus together. We want to make sure your funds are disbursed and invested in the best possible way. How long will you be in Montenegro?’
‘A few days,’ said Jack.
‘Very well. I’m having a small gathering at my home this evening. I would be honoured if you could join us?’
Jack stood up. ‘That’s very kind. We’d be happy to.’
‘If you let Katarina know your hotel, she will arrange a car to pick you up. Shall we say nine o’clock?’
Jack and the banker shook hands. ‘Thank you, Silvio. Until this evening then,’
Chapter Twenty Three
It was late afternoon when Jack called Nicole. Bogdan had gone back to his room for a nap and Jack had just showered. The heat of the day had past and the temperature was now a pleasant 20 centigrade. The balcony windows were open and the light breeze from the river freshened the room.
‘How are the girls, darling?’
‘Missing their daddy, as always.’
Jack smiled. ‘Me too, baby.’
‘How’s the hotel?’
‘It’s fine. Bogdan sends his regards, by the way.’
He heard her little laugh. ‘How is the big man?’
‘Same as always.’
‘Tell him I said he has to look after you.’
Jack smiled. ‘Yes, boss.’
‘I love you, Zaikin.’
His fone beeped to signal another call. ‘Love you too, baby. Sorry, gotta go. Call comin’ in. Talk soon, darling.’
‘Take care, Jack.’
‘Always.’
Jack looked at the screen, swiped it, and said, ‘Hi Matt.’
‘Jack, hello. You okay?’
‘I’m good. Whatsup?’
‘We got forensics back from Special Branch. They got a hit on the DNA from Sir Anthony’s body.’
‘Excellent. Anyone we know?’
‘Yes, indeed. Looks to be an old acquaintance of yours.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. Our old friend, Greg Stoneham.’
‘Jesus, Matt. Are they sure?’
‘Ninety-nine-point-nine percent sure.’ The line was silent for several seconds… ‘Jack?’
‘I’m here Matt. What about the CCTV? He’s not that stupid to be caught on camera.’
‘We have a copy of the tapes. But the man that entered the hospital looks nothing like Stoneham.’
‘He’d be in disguise.’
‘Of course, he would. He’s a pro and knows his street-craft. But the man on the tape doesn’t resemble Stoneham in any way at all. He doesn’t even limp.’
‘But it’s definitely Stoneham’s DNA on the body?’
‘Yes.’ The line was silent again… ‘Jack?’
‘Yeah, I’m here. If that bastard’s involved, then you can definitely say Sir Anthony’s murder and the Poseidon hijacking are related.’
‘Certainly looks that way.’
‘Okay, thanks, Mathew. Have you told the Americans?’
‘Not yet. But we’ll be making that call very soon. They still have him on their Most Wanted List. And since he killed those two police officers in Istanbul, so does Interpol.’
‘Right, so at least we know who we’re after. Send me the hospital footage, please.’
‘Will do. Any developments your end, Jack?’
‘We’ve contacted the banker and are invited to a party tonight.’
‘Okay good. I’ll let you go, Be careful eh?’
Jack smiled. ‘Always.’
‘Talk soon, Jack.’
‘Cheers. bro.’
The line went silent.
Chapter Twenty Four