A din of surprise filled the library air, voices bantering about in Russian and English. Dudnyk used the ruckus to whisper: “Are we loyal retainers allowed in this game, Ninel?”
loyalShe shook her head “no.”
“Silly thing, then.”
“Our visas only last four more days,” objected Peter. “We have a plane back to America on Monday.”
“Peter, think of the opportunity,” said Nancy, cuffing him across the back of the head. “I want furs and pearls. Oysters in Sausalito. My own lap tigers!”
“How can I run a Russian criminal empire? I’m a database programmer! I don’t even use pirate software.”
“You are welcome to leave, Pyotr,” replied Konstantin, “But of course, then you’ll forfeit.”
“I think any issues you’d have for overstaying your visas would be worth billions,” offered Ninel. “I can assist
