“Stavro,” Ron said into his phone. “S-t-a-v-r-o. He said he was a partner in a computer services company.” Ron looked down at his desk, at the form Stavro had filled out on his first visit to Sterling. “Hyperion Limited. Apparently it was active in Africa, places like that. Is active. It’s supposed to be privately held, a partnership. Well, don’t you do business in Uganda? He said they do business in Uganda. Uganda isn’t that big, is it? All right, just do me a favor then, ask around. No, there’s not a problem. I don’t think there’s a problem. It’s routine. Due diligence.”

Majid had walked into Ron’s office. He listened as Ron finished the call. “And do give my love to Evelyn.” Ron put the phone down and saw Majid looking at him. “I went to school with him,” Ron said. “Decent bloke. Works in the City.”

“Due diligence?” Majid said.

“Overdue diligence,” said Ron. “Don’t you think we should know who the fuck this guy is?”

“You just said. Decent bloke, works in the city.”

“Not him. Stavro.”

“Oh. You mean the man whose investment saved our company?”

“He’s a phantom,” said Ron. “I don’t like it. I don’t like him.”

“Fine. You want to send his money back? Close up the fund? Sell the furniture?”

Ron didn’t answer.

“Why not?” said Majid. “Maybe I can get a job driving a streetcar.”

“You can work for a bank. You could go home.”

“I’d rather drive a streetcar,” Majid said.