“And naïve. Let us say, just for the sake of argument, that I do work with Jackson. A relationship like that—forged over many years, with mutual trust and respect on both sides—cannot be ignored. A relationship like that would have an understanding that would prevent one party taking advantage of the other. The purchaser, for example, might insist that he is only prepared to pay a certain amount on the condition that the distributor does not sell significant amounts into his market via any third party. The amount that you are offering, with all this uncertainty—I don’t know you, Mr. Smith—would certainly be beyond what a reasonable business partner would tolerate. And so, while this has been an interesting meeting, I am afraid that I must bring it to a close.”

He raised his hand, and the man from the rope stepped closer.

“You said significant amounts,” Milton said, thinking quickly.

“I did.”

“What about an insignificant amount?”

“What would be the point? You already told me that you were only interested in a larger deal.”

“One key. Let me buy that, and I’ll show you how professional I am. Give me the chance to demonstrate that I can dispose of a modest amount like that, and that my money is just as good as his.”

“A test, then?”

“Exactly. A test. In the meantime, you can take a look at what I’ve said about Jackson. When you agree with me about him, you won’t have to spend weeks—months, maybe—finding someone who can take his place. I’ll be right there. Ready and waiting to step up.”

López stared at him, running his finger around the rim of the flute. He leaned back, pursed his lips, and smiled, as if surprised at himself for the decision that he had made.

“A kilogram?” he said.

Milton nodded. “How much?”

“Twenty-five thousand dollars.”

“That wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Just like that? No haggling?”

“You have the better bargaining position. I’m happy to pay a premium.”

“I’ll need proof that you have money.”

“I’ll pay it tonight.”

“Without a guarantee that we will be able to work together?”

Milton nodded. “I understand that.”

There was a napkin dispenser on the table. López pulled a napkin out, took a pen from his pocket, and then wrote on it. He finished and slid the napkin across the table. Milton looked down and saw the details of a bank account.

“Thank you,” Milton said. “I’ll see that the payment is made this evening.”

“How can I contact you?”