‘The whole operation, everything,’ Kisley added. ‘You see, we have done our homework on your outstanding work as an oil man, a geologist. Vladimir is in great admiration of how you took on and defeated Conquer.’

Haut took a deep breath. His shoulders slumped a bit.

‘You can name your price for this work,’ Kisley said.

Haut shook his head and moved his forefinger left and right, saying, ‘Money is never the issue with me.’

‘We are talking one hundred million dollars a year.’

‘No. It’s not the issue,’ Haut repeated.

‘Then what is the issue?’

‘I am dealing with the US government. I can’t double deal.’

Kisley frowned for the first time. He downed another glass, and filled Haut’s again.

‘Is that why you could not work with the Chinese?’

Haut was taken aback. ‘Part of the reason,’ he said, cautiously. ‘They wanted me to work on certain applications I don’t wish to discuss.’

‘To do with oil exploration?’

‘No, although I was showing them how to find it in the Pacific.’

‘What then?’ Kisley asked, topping up Haut’s glass.

‘I can’t talk about it.’

‘Your cold fusion work to use water to replace fossil fuels in combustion engines?’

Haut was surprised again. ‘You don’t miss much, do you?’ he replied. ‘But it wasn’t that exactly. I was told in secret by the Golden Brain of China where the work I was doing with him was headed.’ He downed his drink. ‘I was shocked. I got out fast.’

Kisley nodded knowingly. They sat in silence for a minute.

‘I shall have to talk to Vladimir about your rejection of his offer,’ he said. ‘Can we meet for breakfast tomorrow?’

‘Fine. Just thank the president very much for this offer. Tell him it’s nothing personal and I regard his approach as an honour. I am sincere.’ He chuckled. ‘It is not often that such an offer comes up! But please tell him that my main aim is to develop my leases in my home country, my home state.’

Kisley reflected on the comment, then he smiled and said, ‘I shall explain this all to him. He is not used to rejection, you understand.’

‘Then we are two of a kind,’ Haut said.

*

Kisley, one bodyguard propping him up either side, moved out of the bar, followed by Catherine the Great, who turned and waved to Haut. His expression lit up as he waved back.