Numbered Account

A woman rose from the bed and walked unclothed to the bathroom. He watched her go. After all this time, he still enjoyed her lush figure. The woman closed the door without a backward glance.

Kaiser said, "Ali, this is a crazy time to come to Zurich. Thorne and his team are sure to be maintaining surveillance on the bank."

"Thorne is a nuisance easily disposed of. Surely you don't view him as a threat?"

"The man is a representative of the United States government. Any other time, we could shoo him away. Today?" Kaiser sighed. "You know too well the situation we are in."

"No matter. He must be neutralized."

"You don't mean…"

"Growing squeamish, are we?" Mevlevi asked. "Don't lose the qualities I used to admire in you. Ruthless. Relentless. Remorseless. You were unstoppable."

Kaiser wanted to say that he still possessed these qualities. But such a response would be construed as defensive and thus weak. So he said nothing.

"Get this man off of my back," said Mevlevi. "I don't care how you choose to do it. If you prefer a more genteel method, so be it. But make no mistake, he is your responsibility."

Kaiser could imagine the Pasha sitting in his study at five in the morning, smoking his filthy Turkish cigarettes, musing about the future. "Understood. And regarding your arrival, I'll have Armin Schweitzer meet you at the airport."

"No. Send Mr. Neumann. I'm anxious to meet the young firebrand. Did you know that he has been seeing Thorne? Or, Thorne has been seeing him. I haven't yet decided how to interpret the meetings."

"He's been seeing Thorne?" asked Kaiser, unable to mask his surprise.

"Three times by my count. But he is resisting. Nothing to worry about. Not yet, anyway. Send Neumann. I simply wish to ensure that he's one of us."

"I still need him," said Kaiser firmly. "See that no harm comes to him."

"That will be my decision. You must have plenty of other stallions in your stables."

"I said I require Neumann. He's instrumental in our drive to win over undecided shareholders."

Mevlevi coughed. He said distractedly, "I repeat, that will be my decision."

Kaiser responded angrily. "Sometimes you lead me to believe you welcome the bid from Adler Bank."

"Be content that I'm concerned. Consider it a display of my respect for our long relationship." Mevlevi cleared his throat and asked, "Other news?"

Kaiser rubbed his eyelids. How did the man know? How could he have learned so quickly- in the space of only minutes? "We have a problem. Cerruti has broken. You scared him witless. It seems that Thorne has been pressuring him."

"Cerruti is weak," said Mevlevi.

"True. But he is a trusted colleague. He has given his life to the bank."

"And now? Does he wish to clear his conscience? Is he seeking absolution at the hands of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration?"

Kaiser said reasonably, "I thought we would send the poor fellow to Grand Canary. I have an apartment there. It is far away and my staff can keep an eye on him."

"A short-term solution to a long-term problem. Not at all like you, friend."

Kaiser looked toward the bathroom, listening for the muted gurgle of water running in the tub. What would she think of all this if she knew? After so long together, would she be surprised that he was beholden to another?

"What is the status of this renegade bank?" Mevlevi asked.

"Very tight. Adler has a limitless source of cash. Every dollar they receive goes toward buying USB shares. Have you considered my proposition?"

"Two hundred million Swiss francs certainly ranks as greater than a proposition."

"A loan. We'd repay the full amount in ninety days. Interest at forty percent per annum. A ten percent gain on your outlay in three months."

"I'm hardly the Federal Reserve."

Kaiser had difficulty guarding an objective tone. "It is crucial we repel the Adler Bank."

"Why?" asked Mevlevi playfully. "Isn't that the natural scheme of affairs in your financial world? Engulf and devour? It's hardly more civilized than mine."

Kaiser exploded, the strain of the past days quivering in his voice. "This is my life's work, dammit."

"Calm yourself," ordered Mevlevi. "I understand your predicament, Wolfgang. I've always understood it, haven't I? Now listen to me carefully, and I'm sure we can find suitable accommodation for all." The voice lowered a tone, losing all hint of humanity. "If you wish for me to consider extending to you a temporary credit facility of two hundred million francs, you will take care of Mr. Cerruti before my arrival. A long-term solution. You will also devise a plan to remove Thorne from my back for good. Understood?"

Kaiser closed his eyes tightly. He swallowed painfully. "Yes."

"Good." Mevlevi laughed, once again innocence and joy. "Do these small chores for me and we will discuss the loan when I arrive. And don't forget Neumann. I'll expect him at the airport."

Christ, it was easy to take orders once you got used it, lamented Kaiser. "Yes, of course."

"Good night, friend. You may ask your companion to rejoin you now. Sleep well."