“That Kosovsky was willing to negotiate with you should tell you how close you were.” Gold smiled. “Please feel free to call me if you’re concerned about anything. I know these guys and they can be a bit intimidating.” He looked at Rina. “For most people, that is.”

“Never let them see you sweat,” Rina said.

Gold smiled. “I do have to get back to school. Stop by if you’re ever in Cambridge. I’ll show you around.”

“That’s an offer I can take you up on,” Rina said. “I don’t see Russia in my future.”

“No, that trip has been deleted from the bucket list,” Decker said.

“Glad I saw it when I did,” McAdams said.

“I couldn’t afford it anyway,” Mulrooney added.

“You and me both,” Radar said. “Besides I don’t see a lot of vacation time in my future. Brettly’s pissed.”

“Sorry about that,” Decker said.

“Screw him. You, Oliver, McAdams, and Mulrooney did good.” A pause. “Not as good as Mrs. Decker I have to say.”

“I blush,” Rina said.

Decker shook his head. “I have to call Angeline’s parents.” To Mulrooney, he said, “You’ll take care of Latham’s parents?”

“Of course. The news won’t make any of them whole again, but at least we can say the guy was . . . dealt with. Maybe it is better . . . sparing everyone an emotional trial where bad things can come out.”

“Pleasure working with you, Chris.”

“Same here, Pete.” He smiled at Rina. “Nice meeting you, Mrs. Decker.”

“You’re earned the right to call me Rina.”

“Thank you.” Mulrooney waved and left.

With the locals remaining behind, Rina said, “How come it feels like midnight when it’s only five o’clock?”

“Did you know about the Amber Room or was that just a lucky guess?” Radar asked.

“I did happen to know that the fearless leader was the deputy mayor of St. Petersburg. So since I couldn’t think of anything else, I went with what Peter and Tyler have always said.” Rina picked up the kettle. “Tea, anyone?”

“Are you sure Kosovsky didn’t slip a Mickey in it?” Decker asked.

Rina laughed. But then she looked inside. “I don’t see any powder or anything.” She felt the pot. “It’s a little cold. Maybe I’ll just put a fresh kettle on—after I wash it out with soap and water . . . very, very hot water.”

Decker said, “Throw it away, Rina.”

“It’s pure copper.”

“I’ll get you another pure copper kettle. For your contribution to the mess, it probably should be gold plated . . . and studded with diamonds.”

“A copper pot is fine,” Rina said. “No diamonds necessary unless you want to take a trip to Maxwell Stewart’s gallery.”

Oliver said, “This is gonna cost you, Deck.”

“Big time,” McAdams said.

Decker said, “Do you think Maxwell Stewart will give me a discount?”