“I want one of these,” Pablo said, fingering the device. “Can you get me one?”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Stone said. “I’ve learned over the weekend that the Manhattan District Attorney is aware of our meetings with Lance and believes he may be able to develop cases from what you have to say.”

“That’s very unlikely,” Pablo said. “I have been very careful not to conduct business in the United States that might result in the breaking of U.S. law.”

“Fine, I just wanted you to know. Another thing: I think we may want to conclude these meetings earlier than Lance believes we will. I’m thinking, before noon on Thursday.”

“That’s fine with me,” Pablo said.

“Can you drop off the grid for a few days or weeks afterward?”

“I can.”

“Then, when I decide the time is right for that—and this is after you’ve given them their bonus—I’ll say something to the effect that I want a break, because I don’t want to tire you out.”

“All right.”

Stone explained to Pablo what to do in that eventuality.

“Thank you, Stone; I’m grateful.”

“After that, call me only on my cell phone from another cell phone, one with the GPS chip removed.”

“I have such a phone,” Pablo said. He took a notepad from his pocket and scribbled something. “Here is the number.”

Stone entered the number into his cell phone, under the first name he thought of, which was Willa Crane. “Okay, let’s get some breakfast.” They went into the kitchen, where Helena whipped up something for them.

Shortly after nine the doorbell rang, and Joan, who had been warned about the recording system, let Lance and his group in and led them to the dining room, where breakfast had been laid out on the sideboard. Pablo remained in the kitchen.

Lance, Holly, and Todd Bacon made up the CIA interrogation team, and there were two technicians with them to operate the video and audio equipment.

Everyone sat down at the table and had some breakfast.

“Where is our guest?” Lance asked.

“He will join us when we’re ready to begin,” Stone said.

When the dishes had been taken away, Joan brought in Pablo, seated him at the center of the table, next to Stone and directly across from Lance, who had Holly and Todd on either side.

“Good morning, Pablo,” Lance said. “I believe you’ve met every-one.”

“I have,” Pablo replied. “Good morning to you all.”

“Are you ready to begin?” Lance asked.

“I am.”

Stone nodded to Joan, who took a seat and opened a steno pad.

“I would just like to make a comment before we start,” Pablo said.

“Please go ahead.”