The model of efficiency known as Astrid produced a silver tray bearing coffee and biscuits, and on this cue the meeting commenced. The lawyer spent a full thirty minutes covering Swiss inheritance law. He explained that bequests to direct heirs were normally compulsory, yet not a concern in this case because Grossman had no family. Holmberg confirmed that the legacy would pass without restriction to Natan Mendelsohn, with the intent of guiding it toward the unnamed charity that he “kept close ties with.” Slaton had never before heard the State of Israel referred to as a charity, but he supposed there was no other way for Grossman to have designed things. One cannot name Mossad as beneficiary to an estate.

Ten signatures later, Holmberg was stuffing papers back into his briefcase.

Slaton, having been given a stack of duplicate documents, asked, “Is there a detailed property listing here?”

“Yes, of course,” said Holmberg, pointing his gold-tipped pen toward the papers. “Addendum Three contains a precise inventory of all assets, cross-referenced to the valuations in Addendum Six.”

What could be more Swiss? Slaton thought, but did not say, as he flipped through and found what he wanted. He nodded approvingly.

With that, the lawyer snapped his briefcase shut and made a professional exit. When they were alone Krueger began the pitch Slaton knew was coming.

“So, as Holmberg has advised, we can expect no more than a few weeks for probate administration to run its course. Your friend Grossman was right to have put his affairs in order.” He sipped from a delicate china cup. “As the sole beneficiary of this estate you are faced with many important decisions. As you know, I have considerable experience in managing private accounts. Monsieur Grossman was, I think, quite happy with my results. I understand that a certain percentage of these funds will go to the foundation you keep ties with. I should advise you, however, that it could be in everyone’s best interest to retain a portion of the assets in reserve to … shall we say, construct a more permanent endowment. I think you could expect continued healthy returns using a strategy of—”

“Herr Krueger,” Slaton interrupted, “please allow me a moment.” Slaton pushed his own teacup aside, and his gray eyes leveled on the Swiss. “As you know, our late acquaintance was a man whose business skirted the bounds of … shall we say ‘propriety.’ I should tell you that I too have certain interests I would choose not be open to the light of day. Indeed, that is why we are both here in this quiet little office, is it not?”

Krueger shrugged and turned up his palms on his desk. “D’accord, monsieur.”