The morning sun spread its life-giving rays on the rooftops as Kaare and Holger drove through the outskirts of Tallinn. Kaare registered that the city was a peculiar mix of Russian-inspired architecture, contemporary buildings and Western-style shopping centres. The run-down car was a significant risk to them now that daylight had broken, and Kaare asked Holger to find somewhere to dump it.
‘What on earth is that monstrous concrete monument?’ asked Kaare as they passed the Bay of Tallinn shortly after.
‘It’s the Russalka memorial, commemorating the fallen Russians from 1918. It was built in the ’60s and ’70s. Archetypal Soviet cement terror architecture of that time. The metal statues were added in the mid-’70s to commemorate the dead Russian soldiers from the Second World War. It’s a bit surprising that it has been allowed to stay standing since Estonia became independent,’ Holger answered as he scanned the surroundings for a place to leave the Lada.
It’s probably a compromise for a young country with a Russian minority of one-quarter of the population. A minority that didn’t want to return to Russia, Holger thought, as he turned left towards the 427Kadriorg Palace and the large park. He took the first byway, slowly rolled past the palace, continued down a narrow path into the Kadriorg Park and parked the car.
‘A brilliant hiding place. The police always think that those with something to hide will look for a dodgy place to do that,’ Kaare said and exited the car to stretch his legs.
Having ensured that the vehicle was out of sight from the road, they quickly made their way on foot out of the park. Kaare carried the Kalashnikov tucked into the jacket as a bundle, and as they emerged onto the main road, they jumped onto a number four tram heading for the old part of town. At this time of year, there were few tourists in Tallinn, and Kaare and Holger felt exposed as they walked along the cobbled streets between the beautifully restored houses in the old town. As this part of the town stretched up a ridge, it offered them the advantage of being able to spot any would-be pursuers. They also had a breathtaking view over the Bay of Tallinn and the large harbour area from this position.
‘It’s pretty annoying that we don’t have time for sightseeing,’ said Kaare ironically as they walked into the town square with its tall, gorgeous buildings.
‘Come over here,’ said Holger, leading them quickly down a small side street and in through a low door.
‘Welcome to Molly Malone’s,’ said a blonde girl behind the bar, flashing a perfect smile.
‘Two coffees and some breakfast,’ Holger replied.
Holger paid and joined Kaare, who had sat down. The table was strategically placed at the back of the room next to the emergency exit, with a clear view of the entrance and town square. Kaare had lifted a tourist brochure from a holder on the wall, and as they 428decimated their eggs and bacon, they planned the next leg of the escape.
The girl behind the bar smiled at their zealous interest in the simple map at the back of the brochure. Men are all alike, she thought and shook her head, convinced that their interest was focused on the location of X-Club. It was one of the numerous high-end strip clubs in Tallinn, and it was not the first time she had seen tourists drawn to that particular entertainment venue. After a few more cups of coffee, the plan was finalised. Their destination was the industrial harbour west of the large ferry docks, where they hoped to find a cargo ship that would transport them out of Tallinn as stowaways. They would have to take it from there once they were out on the open sea. At least the police could not reach them there.