"Michael, what's going on? We need to work together."
"I'll just say this. I think the godfather's got a big surprise cooking. Maybe we're both caught in the middle."
He smiled. "If that's true, we can help each other out. Though I can't push too hard." He took a deep breath and gazed at the murky London sky. "But still . . . I'll tell you the truth. I'm very seriously thinking I may just refuse to touch the whole thing. Tanzan Mino—yes, why not name names? He's even made vague threats against my family. The man has pushed me too far this time. Somewhere it has to end."
"You're a brave man. He still runs some very persuasive muscle. Better have your life insurance paid up."
"I'm well aware. But I don't want to jeopardize everything I've built here. My whole new life. So that's why I need you. If you could find out what's behind all this, I could decide whether I should risk everything and go ahead with the offering. Or just stand up to him at last. Otherwise . . ."
"What's the timing?"
"I have to list the first offering with the Issuing House Association day after tomorrow. We've already put together the paperwork, just in case."
"Pretty tight."
"Michael, I'll see what I can do about your problem. And if there's anything else, you know I'll try my best."
"Depending on whether my message gets through, I could be needing somebody to handle some cash. A reasonably substantial sum. Maybe as part of our little quid pro quo you could arrange it."