But it’s a trick. He teases me, embarrasses me, and then truststhat I’ll run off and do as I’m told.
So far, it’s worked way too well.
“It sounds to me like you might be the one on the deadline,” Isay. My voice is shaky, but I press on. “What’s the matter? Isthe boss putting the pressure on you?”
Nikolai whips around, his gray eyes hard as steel. “Excuseme?”
“If you’re in trouble, I can help,” I say softly. “I thought youwere embezzling money for yourself, lining your own pockets.But if this man—Giorgio or George or whatever… if he’slaundering money through your business or forcing you to doanything, I can help. I’m trained to report this kind of thing tothe authorities. I can vouch for you.”
I’m not even finished speaking yet when Nikolai tips his headback and laugh
