The fact that a politician might have personal ambition did not bother Friday. He had heard what Captain Nazir was really saying. Minister Shankar wanted Friday to go with Striker to make sure that the Americans were working for India and not just for Washington. And if Friday did undertake this mission he would have a highly placed ally in the Indian government.

The men reached the brick wall at the end of the street and Nazir lit another cigarette. Then they turned around and started walking back to the inn. Nazir was looking down. He had obviously said what he had come to say. Now it was up to Friday.

"You still haven't convinced me that there isn't a leak in your organization," Friday said.

"How do I know we won't go out there and find ourselves ass-deep in Pakistanis?"

"You may," Nazir granted.

"That is why we cannot go ourselves. As for leaks, I know everyone in the Black Cats.

We have not been betrayed in the past. Beyond that, I cannot give the assurances you ask for." Nazir smiled for the first time.

"It is even possible that someone in Washington has leaked this to the Pakistanis. There is always danger in our profession. The only question is whether the rewards are worth the risks. We believe they are, for us-and for you."

That sounded very much like an introductory lecture from a guru at an ashram. But then, Friday should have expected that.

"All right," Friday said.

"I'm in-with one condition."

"And that is?"

"I want to know more about today's attack," Friday said.

"Something about it is not sitting right."

"Can you tell me exactly what is bothering you?" Nazir asked.

"The fact that the attacker detonated two separate charges to bring down the police station and the temple," Friday said.

"There was no reason for that. One large explosion would have accomplished the same thing. And it would have been easier to set."

Nazir nodded.

"I've been wondering about that myself. All right. I'll see what I can find out and I will let you know when we are together again-which will be tomorrow around noon. We can meet here and then go to lunch. I will bring the materials I'll be turning over to your team."

"Fair enough," Friday said.

The men reached the inn. Friday regarded the captain.

"One more question," Friday said.

"Of course."

"Why didn't you offer me a cigarette?" Friday asked.

"Because you don't smoke," Nazir replied.

"Did the minister tell you that?" "No," Nazir told him.

"You checked up on me, then," Friday said.

"Asked people I've worked with about my habits and potential weaknesses." "That's right," Nazir told him.

"So you didn't entirely trust the minister's judgment about bringing me onboard," Friday pointed out.

Nazir smiled again.

"I said I knew everyone in the Black Cats. The minister is not one of my commandoes."

"I see," Friday replied.