"KGB?" He pulled up sharply. "What in bloody hell do they—?"
"It's a long story."
"But why would Soviet intelligence be involved? They're supposed to be keeping a lower profile these days."
"Rumor has it they let this one get past them. The money left home without a passport and now they look like fools for letting it happen."
"I see." He grew silent, then glanced at his watch and pulled his overcoat tighter. "Well, perhaps I should send that cable now. Before Tokyo tucks in for the night."
"The sooner the better."
"And the matter of concern to me?"
"Let me think it over." Vance spoke slowly. "But in the meantime, I'd strongly advise you to hold off with the offering."
"You're not telling me what you know. Is that fair?"
"No. But who said the world's got to be fair? There's a play about to go down. I know about part of it, not all. But before I'm through, well, let's just say that when somebody starts using muscle on me, I sort of lose my sense of proportion."