The Secret

Steven nodded. ‘It can’t be easy... but I understand that Simone’s complaint wasn’t just about territorial concerns. She believed that another agency wasn’t doing its job properly...’

‘I really couldn’t comment. I have no knowledge of that and rumours along those lines could be most damaging to our common cause.’

Steven thanked Schultz politely for his time, and the WHO man was about to move away when Steven added, ‘Do you think I could have a list of the people who attended the meeting, and their affiliations?’

Schultz’s demeanour changed. He turned with an angry look on his face. ‘May I ask why?’

‘I might want to talk to some of them.’

‘May I ask exactly who you are?’ asked Schultz coldly.

Steven told him and gave him his card.

‘And what jurisdiction do you imagine you have here?’

‘None at all,’ replied Steven. ‘Do I need it? Surely a list of people attending a scientific meeting can hardly be confidential?’

Schultz’s expression suggested he was struggling to keep his temper in check. ‘I’ll see that one is sent to you.’

‘Would it also be possible to have a list of the people who went on the trip to the Strahov monastery too?’

Schultz sighed, then said, ‘That was arranged locally. You can ask Dr Mazarek, who is standing over there.’ He pointed. ‘He made the local arrangements. He’ll be able to help you.’

Steven looked to the tall fair-haired man indicated by Schultz. He was in conversation with Simone’s parents.

‘What exactly is it you’re investigating, Dr Dunbar?’ asked Schultz.

‘I’d just like to know a bit more about the circumstances surrounding Simone’s death, doctor.’

‘It was a tragic accident. What more is there to know?’

‘Probably nothing, I’m sure.’

‘You give me the impression you’re looking for some kind of scandal, and that is something which could damage the cause that Simone fought so hard for. Any rumour — however unfounded — that her death was anything other than an accident and... well, I’m sure you know what the press would make of it.’

Steven nodded. ‘Believe me, Dr Schultz, damaging the cause that you and so many organisations work for is the last thing on earth I’d want to do. On the other hand... Simone Ricard was my friend. If she had concerns, I’m sure they were well founded.’ Steven ended his comment with a hard stare that made Schultz break eye contact, and turned away.

Six

Steven waited for a chance to speak to Mazarek. When it arose he found the tall Czech to be friendly and outgoing, the kind of person who wore his heart on his sleeve and the sort Steven usually liked instinctively. He said who he was and made polite conversation about how awful it all was before making his request for the list.

The smile faded from Mazarek’s face and he looked worried. ‘Is there some problem?’ he asked.

Steven shook his head and said, ‘I’d just like to be clear about everything in my own mind. Call me a compulsive investigator. Come to think of it, was there an official police investigation into Simone’s death?’

Mazarek spread his hands and seemed slightly nonplussed. ‘Well, the police attended, of course, but we all knew what had happened. Normally visitors to the Strahov are not allowed up into the high gallery, but with it being a private showing for the delegates the rules were relaxed so that people could get a better look at the paintings on the library ceiling. Unfortunately Simone must have leaned out too far, so that she overbalanced and fell to her death; an absolute tragedy. Everyone loved Simone. Surely you can’t be suggesting anything else, doctor?’

Steven gave a dismissive shrug. ‘No, I loved her too. I’d just like to have a clear picture in my mind of what happened... Was anyone with her in the gallery when she fell?’

Mazarek said. ‘Lots of people were up there at the time but I think only two saw what actually happened — I guess they were all looking up at the ceiling. But Bill Andrews, an American administrator, and Dr Ranjit Khan, a Pakistani aid worker working in the Afghan tribal areas, were next to her when it happened: they were inconsolable. Bill needed sedation he was so upset. He blamed himself because Simone had been laughing at some joke he’d made just before she lost her balance.’

‘I can only imagine how he must have felt. Is Mr Andrews here?’

Mazarek looked around. ‘I saw him a few minutes ago.’

‘Maybe I’ll have a word if I come across him.’ Steven smiled and offered his hand. ‘Thank you for your help, Dr Mazarek. Oh, sorry, one more thing. You said Bill Andrews was an American administrator. What exactly does he do?’

‘He’s a field coordinator, doctor, one of the people responsible for the funding and setting up of vaccination programmes on behalf of several US charities.’

‘The same sort of job as Charles Edelman?’ asked Steven.

‘Yes,’ agreed Mazarek, ‘except that Edelman is responsible for distributing official US government money.’