The black limousine glides down the gently sloping hill;
the road a grey ribbon through endless fields of sunburnt grass.
In the distance a building rises from the vast plains.
A house white as snow, shimmering like a cold flame on a wizard’s hand.
The ambassador’s wife smiles as she welcomes the guests.
Old friends lock in tight embrace. Wrinkled lips kiss wrinkled faces.
Alcohol and aftershave.
Diplomats, murderers, renegades.