They settled themselves in the office at the back of the building and Max relaxed after taking a couple of sips of the excellent yellow liquid with ice in it.
"The Caspian is a dangerous place Max, everyone has a claim over it and all claims are disputed. Go too far north and the Russians will attack you, too far south and there are the Iranian patrol boats. The corridor in the middle is usually safe, but it's a good two hundred kilometres across and that's too far to risk travelling in a small boat. Then there are the pirates."
"I know Karim, I've seen the reports. I know Taxi drivers have been killed for getting too close to the border, I know it's a dangerous place. But there is always a way."
His host brought more ice from a battered old fridge and topped up their glasses.
"There is a way Max, but it won't be cheap."
"I can get the money, I just need to get across that two hundred kilometres of sea."
"I can arrange an introduction, but I can't guarantee your safety. There is a way across, but it'll mean travelling with the pirates and most of them are ex-Iranian soldiers. They're crazies Max, some of the worst I've ever seen."
Max sipped his drink and once again contemplated going home. Perhaps a few nights in Baku and then back home, maybe even pick up the reigns of his business again. Then he thought of the DGSE file and the pictures of what Das Geheimnis could do.
"Arrange the meeting Karim." He said.
