Heavy-duty connections, Vance told himself, the very best. Which meant Novosty was in even bigger trouble than he probably imagined. The latest rumor in the world of hot money was that Tanzan Mino and his Yakuza had, through dummy fronts, just bought up half of Hawaii. If that were true, it meant he laundered real money these days. Who the hell needed a small-time operator like Alex?
Then the man reached in and caught Eva's arm, pulling her into the midday glare.
Thank God, he thought, she still looks vaguely okay. Will she be able to stay on top of this once it gets moving?
He noticed she was wearing a new brown dress, but her short hair was tangled, her face streaked with pain.
The bastards. They must have worked her over, trying to find out everything she knew.
There were two "representatives," Novosty had said. So the other man was still in the limo, in the driver's seat, covering in case there was trouble.
Good move. Because there was definitely going to be trouble. A lot of it. Tanzan Mino's goons were about to have all the trouble they could handle.
"Michael, oh, Christ." She finally recognized him. "Thank God. Just give them--"
"Can you understand what's going on here?" He raised his hand. "These guys are _kobun_, professional hit men. They have a very sick sense of humor. They also have no intention of--"
"Please, they have given me their word." Novosty interrupted him, then glanced back. "You can see she is well."
She didn't look well at all. She seemed drugged, standing shakily in the brilliant sunshine, a glazed stare from her eyes, hands twisting at her skirt.
Eva, Eva, he thought, what did they do to you? Whatever it was, it worked. You look defeated, helpless.
"Michael, just let them have the computer." She spoke again, her voice quivering. "They say it's all they want. Then they'll--"
"Eva, it's all a lie. The big lie. So just lighten up and enjoy this. We're not giving them so much as the time of day until they let you go. First tell me, how badly did they rough you up? I want to know."
"You will be happy to learn that Dr. Michael Vance is a specialist in international finance," Novosty interrupted, addressing the tall Japanese. "He has kindly offered to serve as my agent in completing the final arrangements for the transfer of funds from London. He will resolve any remaining difficulties. As I said, he is my agent, and it is important that he not be harmed."