Slan didn’t speak for well over a minute. He was searching desperately for some alternative, and he knew his search was a waste of time, because there was no alternative. Sleder had him hook, line and sinker, and Sleder knew it. It was over the third glass of vintage Remy Martin, that Slan had quietly confided to his host, after a magnificent dinner on Chanson II, that he had never before been unfaithful to his wife – not because he didn’t lust after other women, but because of his terror of her. It all came flooding back now, and it was too late to start cursing. He shrugged his shoulders. ‘I’ll do it.’

Sleder’s smile turned to a big grin. ‘Thank you, Harry, that’s what friends are for.’

‘Don’t give me any more of that “friends” crap.’

Sleder sounded hurt again. ‘It’s not crap, Harry. I can’t afford to do without this business. American Fossilized Corporation can. No one’s going to suffer. So the shares might dip a little, if the news gets out, but this plant of yours in Adamsville, it is only a part of the whole business; it would not affect it too dramatically. And besides, the news isn’t going to get out. So it will cost your company a little more to buy the fuel than to make it, but I will be fair with my prices; I am going to give your company good prices.’

‘What about the danger to my men?’

‘That, I’m afraid, is your problem. I am sure you can find a time when no one is around – I don’t know when: the middle of the night, or a Saturday – you will have to choose.’

‘And when do you want me to do this?’

‘Very soon. Before the end of November.’

‘That gives me less than three weeks.’

‘So how long does it take you to throw a few switches and undo a couple of bolts?’

‘I think you are as aware as I am that it will not be as simple as that. There are elaborate safety systems at all stages. I’m going to have to give it very careful thought.’

‘Don’t look so gloomy, Harry. Cheer up, I am full of confidence in you! By the way,’ he lied, ‘Eva sends her love. She said, if you ever get to Germany, give her a call.’ Sleder was a maestro.

‘Really?’ said Slan.

‘Yes. I think she’s pretty hooked on you – it’s too bad you have a wife when there are so many nice girls around in the world.’

‘You have some pretty good-looking ones in here.’

‘Yeah, not bad, eh? New York is an okay place for the not bad-looking girls.’ Sleder grinned.

‘You’re right. That receptionist you’ve got – she’s really something.’