"I need some information," Templer said seriously.
"That is my business, of course."
"We have a problem in the States . . ."
"As usual," Alex interrupted.
"Yes," Templer grinned, "as usual. But this one is not usual. Someone, someone with connections, is apparently using computers as a blackmail tool. The FBI is investigating domestically, and, well, it's our job, to look outside. So, I figure, call Alex. That's why I'm here."
Alex disguised his surprise. How had they found him? He now needed to find out what, if anything, they knew.
"Blackmail? Computers? That's not a lot to go on." Alex main- tained absolute composure.
"Here's what we know. And it's not much. There appears to be a wholesale blackmail operation in place. With the number of com- plaints we have gotten over the last few months, we could guess that maybe 10, or 20 people, maybe more are involved. They're after the big boys; the banks, some senators, folks with real money and power. And it's one professional job. They seem to get their information from computers, from the radiation they emanate. It's something we really want to keep quiet."
Alex listened quietly. If Templer was being straight, they didn't know much, certainly not the scope of the operation nor Alex's own involvement. It was possible, though, that Templer was playing dumb, and trying to elicit clues from Alex. If he was a suspect.
"What sort of demands are being made?" Alex was going to play the game to the hilt.