Chapter 71: The Daughter's Manumission, Part 5, Twenty-Eight Years Ago, Klempner

Bech marks out an area on the top storey of the main building.... ".... And if we build internal walls here and here, we'll be able to separate the men from the women and keep the minors in their own area." He grinds to a halt, looking up to see my reaction.

"You've thought this through, Bech. You'll be trying to take the lead yourself next...."

His laugh is desert-dry, devoid of humour. "I'm a tactician, sir. It needs a strategist at the head of an organisation. My talents are best fitted to back-room support. You provide the.... vision.... I'll move the pieces around the board. Or see that they are moved."

All true....

"Talking of strategy," I say, "It seems to me that the unrest around East Africa and Somalia ought to provide some opportunities. Do we have anyone over there?"

"Nooo... Not as such." Bech rubs his chin, his eyes unfocusing. "But the authorities over there are all corrupt as hell. It shouldn't take me long to find someone helpful."