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“I can find someone,” the billionaire said

“Then I’ll send you a sliver ofit froold used in the Buddha was mined in—”

“I know the history,” the billionaire said, cutting hi to send the sample?”

“I’ll FedEx it this evening,” Spenser said

The billionaire reeled off an address, then asked, “If it checks out, in what form will you want payment?”

“I’ll accept a wire transfer of American dollars to an account I’ll specify at the time of the transfer,” Spenser said

“Sounds reasonable,” the billionaire said “I’ll set it up tonight One h,” the billionaire added “I just hope you’re better at stealing than you are at picking electronics Your choice in voice-alteration equipment is second-rate—your accent is as British as beans on toast, and that gives ood idea of who you are”

Spenser stared at the flashing green light in disgust, but said nothing

“So just remember,” the billionaire finished, “if you try and screw me—I can be real unpleasant”

“FULL stop,” Hanley ordered

The Oregon had crossed the outer edge of the harb

or just after 11 AM and picked up the pilot Several containerized ships leaving port had slowed their progress, and the trip to abuoy in the water just off the main portion of the port had required most of the next hour The time was just before noon when the vessel was finally secured

Cabrillo stood next to Hanley at the helm and stared at the city, which encircled the harbor The pilot had just left, and he watched the stern of the boat retreating

“You don’t think he noticed anything unusual?” Cabrillo asked

“I think we’re okay,” Hanley answered