The square we were meeting was near enough to the tourist areas and crowded enough that our meeting wouldn't draw anything more than a curious glance at most. Approaching the square from a side street, the defector was to meet me near the statue in fountain in the middle. No signs like holding reading a newspaper or anything else. I'd seen her photo and would recognise her immediately.

When she strode across the square, I was glad to see she didn't appear nervous. In fact, she looked confident. A little too confident, if I was honest. She dragged a small suitcase behind her and had the air of someone ready...