With a sudden twist I felt as though my arm was being ripped apart at the joints. My elbow and shoulder screamed as though they were being dislocated. I could feel the weight of Tomas on me and was unable to move from the table.

“You have taken on Michael’s obligations,” Ulinov reminded me. “I expect those obligations to be honored.”

The pressure on my arm lessened, but it was still firmly held.

“Michael owed me six million euro’s. I expect payment. In full.”

“I don’t know if…” I didn’t get any farther as the pain returned. Tomas held the tension for what seemed an eternity, but was probably only several seconds. Then the pressure relaxed again.

“I’m sorry Mr. Talman, you were saying,” Ulinov said in a sickly sweet manner.

“I said I’d try…” Again the pain returned and stretched out until I felt I would pass out from lack of breath.

“How’s that again, Mr. Talman?”

“I need time.” No more pain.

“I am a reasonable man, Mr. Talman. You have twenty four hours.”