The Geographer's Library

Jon Fasman
But he was a temporary employee anyway. No sense of dedication. He did
help acquire certain things we needed, but he really had no further utility.”
“What things?”
Tonu took a small step backward farther into the hall. I stepped toward
him. “No. No more questions. This is all you need to know.”
“No,” I sputtered. “No, I have more questions now than I did three hours
ago.I...You can’t just . . . What you told me makes no sense.”
“Which part of it did you not understand?”
“Any of it. All of it. I just can’t believe—”
“You don’t need to. I know of no law that states a thing must be believed
to be true. You really ought to be more grateful, you know. You’ve actually
been entrusted with a piece of information that many people would kill for.”
“And you trust me to keep quiet about it?”
“Trust you?” Tonu laughed. “Of course. Who would you tell? Who
would believe you? I think we’re quite safe on that score, and if not, we keep
ourselves well camouflaged. Should you suddenly develop a chatty disposition,
I might need to visit you again. Besides, now that Jaan has enticed Tablet
seekers, you certainly would attract attention from the most unsavory and
unscrupulous quarters should you decide to brag about your connection to
him. And as I said, we would be long gone and unable to help you.”
“What if I decide to take my chances? It’s a good story,” I bluffed, more
testily than bravely.
Tonu gave me a disappointed smile, then shrugged and said, “As I told
you, I have no plans to take up residence in your apartment. I cannot control
what you do. I can, however, remind you that you would be guilty of breaking
and entering and, quite possibly, found guilty of murder. Should you
wish intimate knowledge of Connecticut’s prisons, Mr. Sickle will ensure
that you receive it. But if we thought you insensible or rash, neither you nor
Joseph nor his uncle would still be alive. Be wise, Mr. Tomm. This is the sum
total of the advice I have. Be wise.” And with that he left, easing the door shut
behind him, well mannered to the last. I heard him descending the stairs, and
then from my window I saw him climb into an unmemorable car of unremarkable
color. He started up the engine and, using the appropriate turn sig-
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