“All right, who is this Rattle, and what do you want to sue him for?”

“He is an intelligence agent of the British government,” the man replied, “and he is responsible for the murder of five of our sultan’s subjects.”

“Is Mr. Rattle a resident of Britain?”

“Major Ian Rattle, yes.”

“That would present difficulties. Why don’t you sue him in Britain?”

“Because we have information that he is in New York as we speak. And anyway, the court system here might be more favorable for our cause.”

Stone took a jotter from his jacket pocket and uncapped his pen. “What is Major Rattle’s address in New York?”

“Ah, we have not yet determined that, but we should know soon.”

“If you don’t know where he is, how do you know he’s in New York?”

“We have very accurate information from a source who must remain anonymous.”

“All right, who are you alleging Rattle killed?”

“Our sultan’s twin sons and his nephew and two pilots of his Royal Air Force.”

“They were killed in an airplane?”

“In an airplane crash.”

“And how did Major Rattle effect this crash? Was he aboard, as well?”

“No, his hirelings, who call themselves Freedom for Dahai, fired a rocket at the aircraft as it was approaching our airport.”

“How do you know who killed them?”

“They issued a press release claiming responsibility.”

“And how do you know that Major Rattle persuaded them to commit murder?”

“Again, from a confidential informant, who is completely reliable.”

“Ambassador, it is possible in this country to bring a civil suit for a criminal action, but usually, a conviction is sought first.”

“We have read of the intricacies of your criminal justice system and the appeals process. We believe we can more quickly satisfy our aims with a civil suit.”

“And what are your aims?”

“To show the world that the British are uncivilized and to receive compensation for the families of the dead and for the cost of the airplane.”

“If you want the world to know that the British are uncivilized, why don’t you simply hold a press conference and announce it. That would be much less expensive than bringing a lawsuit.”

“We wish our denouncement of the British to have the force of law, thus the suit.”

“I see. And what damages are you seeking?”

“Five hundred million dollars—one hundred million for each family involved—and forty-five million dollars for the aircraft, a Gulfstream 450.”

“Now we come to the matter of witnesses: Did anyone see the freedom fighters shoot it down?”

“Many people saw the crash.”

“But did anyone witness these people firing the missiles?”

“Our government is tor— questioning potential witnesses as we speak.”

“I see. And was there a witness present when Major Rattle ordered the missile attack?”

“Again, we are questioning potential witnesses now.”

“Is there any scientific evidence of the crime—for instance, can you prove the missile was of British origin?”