Though Martin’s eyes were concealed by sunglasses, he was now having difficulty maintaining his veneer of confidence. Martin was wrestling, thought Gabriel. Wrestling with his father’s sins. Wrestling with the illusion of his own life. Wrestling with the fact that, for all his money and power, Saint Martin had been bested on this morning by the child of a survivor. For a moment, Gabriel considered appealing to Martin’s sense of decency. But Martin had none. Martin had only an instinct for self-preservation. And Martin had his greed. Greed had compelled Martin to conceal the truth about the source of his wealth. And greed would make Martin realize he had no choice but to reach for the lifeline Gabriel was offering him.

“What exactly are you proposing?” Landesmann said at last.

“A partnership,” said Gabriel.

“What sort of partnership?”

“A business partnership, Martin. You and me. Together, we’re going to do business with Iran. You will get to keep your money and your reputation. Your life will go on as though nothing has changed. But with one important difference. You work for me now, Martin. I own you. You’ve just been recruited by Israeli intelligence. Welcome to our family.”

“And how long will this partnership last?”

“As long as we deem necessary. And if you step out of line, I’ll throw you to the wolves.”

“And the profits?”

“Couldn’t resist, could you?”

“This is a business deal, Allon.”

Gabriel looked toward the sky. “I think fifty-fifty sounds fair.”

Landesmann frowned. “Do you see no ethical issue in the intelligence service of the State of Israel profiting from the sale of gas centrifuges to the Islamic Republic of Iran?”

“Actually, I think I rather like it.”

“How long do I have to consider your offer?”

“About ten seconds.”

Landesmann raised his sunglasses and looked at Gabriel for a moment in silence. “Your two agents will be dropped off at the base of Les Diablerets in one hour. Call me when you wish to finalize the details of our relationship.” He paused. “I assume you have my numbers?”

“All of them, Martin.”

Landesmann headed toward the door of the helicopter, then stopped.

“One last question.”

“What’s that?”

“How long was Zoe working for you?”

Gabriel smiled. “We’ll be in touch, Martin.”

Landesmann turned without another word and boarded the helicopter, followed by Müller and Brunner. The cabin door closed, the twin turbines whined, and within seconds Gabriel was awash in a cloud of blowing snow. Martin Landesmann stared at him through the window as if enjoying this one small measure of revenge. Then he ascended into the pale blue sky and vanished into the sun.

CHAPTER 76

76

LES DIABLERETS, SWITZERLAND