"Where is the money?" Arno repeated.

Raf shook his head gently. "I'm sure Mister Starlet is not so foolish to bringso much cash to our first meeting."

"The cash is at a dead drop," Starlitz said. "That's a standard method oftransferral. That way, if you're surveilled, the oppo can't make out yourcontacts."

"The tactical teachings of good old Patrice Lumumba University," said Rafcheerfully. "You were an alumnus, Starlet?"

"Nope," said Starlitz. "Never was the Joe College type. But the Russian mob'schock-full of Lumumba grads."

"I understand this money transfer tactic," murmured Eero, swinging the grenadeawkwardly at the end of one bony wrist. "It's like an anonymous remailer at anInternet site. Removing accountability."

"Is the money in US dollars?" said Aino.

Raf pursed his lips. "We don't accept any so-called dollars that come fromRussia, remember? Too much fresh ink."

"It's in yen," said Starlitz. "Three point two million US."

Raf brightened. "Point two?"

"It was three mill when we finalized the deal, but the yen had another uptick.Consider it a little gift from our Tokyo contacts. Don't launder it all in oneplace."

"That's good news," said Aino, with a tender smile.

Starlitz turned to Eero. "Is that enough bread to get you and your friends setup in the Alands with the networked Suns?"

Eero blinked limpidly. "The workstations have all arrived safely. No moreproblems in America with computer export restrictions. We could ship Americancomputers straight to Russia if we liked."

"That's swell. Any problem getting proper crypto?"

Eero picked at a purple wisp of hair with his free hand. "The Dutch have beenmost understanding."

"Any problem leasing the bank building in the Alands, then?"

"We bought the building. With money to spare. It was a cannery, but the Baltic