The suited man’s response was glacial and dignified : “Have we met?”

“I simply don’t understand,” said the secretary-general.

The other man was magnetic, utterly confident, utterly relaxed. “You’ll have to forgive me for taking very special precautions. That was my double, as you’ve no doubt figured out by now.”

“You sent a double in your place?”

“You’re familiar with the role played by the ‘morning Stalin,’ are you not? The Soviet dictator would send a look-alike to make certain public appearances—it kept his enemies on their toes. I’m afraid that there had been rumors of an assassination attempt in the General Assembly. Credible reports from my security staff. I couldn’t risk it.”

“I see,” Zinsou said. “But you know, of course, that the Russian prime minister, the premier of China, many others, also have enemies. And they’ve addressed the General Assembly. The U.S. president himself has honored us with his presence today. This institution has an unbroken record of security, at least on this small plot of land here on the East River.”

“I appreciate that, mon cher. But my enemies are of a different order. The heads of state you mention could, at least, assume that the secretary-general was not himself conspiring against them. It hasn’t escaped me that the first person who occupied your office and position was a man named Lie.”

Zinsou’s veins were chilled. After an excruciating moment of silence, he said simply, “I’m sorry you think that.”

Peter Novak patted Zinsou’s shoulder and smiled ingratiatingly. “You mistake my meaning. I don’t think it anymore. It’s just that I had to be sure.”

Beads of sweat had broken out on the secretary-general’s forehead. None of this was anticipated. None of this was according to plan. “Can I get us some coffee?” he said.

“No, thank you.”

“Well, I think I’ll have some,” Zinsou said, reaching over to the phone console on his desk.

“I wish you wouldn’t.”

“Very well.” Zinsou maintained eye contact. “Tea, perhaps? Why don’t I just call Helga and tell her to—”

“You know, I’d rather you not make any phone calls, either. No need to clear your schedule or consult with anyone. You may think me paranoid, but we don’t have much time. In just a few minutes, I shall be leaving from the rooftop helipad: all arrangements have been made.”

“I see,” said Zinsou, who didn’t.