Havana“T
he price is not negotiable.” Manuel Panteros poured 11-year-old Santiago de Cuba dark rum for his visitors and then sat back in a lounge chair. “When the transfer of funds is confirmed, I will transport Ruiz-Romero to a place of your choosing.”
“It’s the cash that presents the problem.” The senior GRU man sipped his drink, smiled his compliments at their host, and crossed his legs. “My country would prefer an arrangement involving an exchange of military hardware or technology.”
“Of course you would.” Panteros offered cigars from a teak humidor and waited until the two Russians had stoked their smokes into life. “But you must understand and convey to your leadership that this is not a deal between Russia and Cuba. This is a deal between Russia and Manuel Panteros. I have no nee
