“No,” Frank said honestly. “They’re looking for Frank Russo, and they’re not going to find him.”

“Why not?”

“Because I took precautions some time ago,” Frank said. “I have a genuine Florida driver’s license, carry license, and U.S. passport in the name of Franklin George Riggs, and I bought my apartment three years ago under that name. I also have a Miami bank account, credit cards, and a credit history here.” He indicated the stubble on his upper lip. “And I’ve always thought I’d look great with a mustache, and I’ve given up my contacts for these.” He pointed at his glasses.

“How are you fixed for cash?”

“I’m comfortable.”

“Does anybody—anybody at all—know where you are?”

“Just Susie. My former partner thinks I’m in L.A., and he doesn’t know what I’m driving or what name I’m using.”

“Do you have a wife?”

“I had a woman I called my wife. She’s sitting on a stash that will keep her comfortable for a while. She owns a house that I paid for, and she has a good job. And not even she knows where I am. We won’t be speaking again.”

“You’re a fellow who knows how to burn his bridges.”

“I am.”

“I admire that, and I think you and I may be able to do business.”

“I’m very impressed with you, Jim, but that depends on what you’ve got in mind. I’m not up for any business that requires a gun to close a deal.”

“Frank, I’m an attorney, and I never carry a gun. How would you like to be an attorney?”

“It’s a little late in life for me to be going to law school.”

“Of course it is, but you’d be surprised how rarely the law comes up in my business. A law license is very good cover, though, and I can supply you with one, along with a very nice diploma and a transcript from your alma mater. It’s instant respectability, and as I said, very good cover.”

“That’s an attractive idea,” Frank said. “What’s it a cover for?”

“Loan sharking, planning and financing robberies—but never participating in them. I’m the money behind a couple of bookies, too. My cash flow is excellent.”

“I’m interested in excellent cash flow,” Frank said.

Chapter 30

Stone called Dino the following morning.

“Hey,” Dino said. “I guess you want to know if we’ve caught your shooter yet.”

“A positive answer would be an excellent start to this conversation.”

“Then let’s begin at the beginning: Who wants you dead?”

“Only one guy that I know of, and he got dead first.”

“The Russians again, maybe?”

“I think Lance Cabot negotiated me out of that mess. They might like to see me dead, but I don’t think they want to unnecessarily piss off the CIA.”