“YOU CAN SEE SHE IS unharmed,” Valeri said, pointing to the video screen. The cameras captured Sophie in her stunning blue dress, talking idly with her two guards and taking occasional sips of wine. “She no longer wishes to pursue a career in diplomatic relations, so you may inform the Embassy she has taken these few months to reconsider her position and has graciously resigned. In exchange, you will receive an appreciable percentage on all import transactions, including weapons and narcotics. It is an equitable offer that your predecessors have been most wise in accepting. We’re confident you will come to enjoy the benefits of this arrangement as much as they.”
“You talk like a salesman, Kovalenko. Very eloquent for a Kaznachey, a bookkeeper. You will find I’m not easily sold.”
Valeri
