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“It’s why you pay me,” the Russian answered

“And if you e to secure this piece there’ll be a bonus in it for you How do you plan to approach the man, this antique dealer?”

The Russian paused for a moment and Bondaruk could al Arkhipov’s lips

“I find the direct approach is always best, don’t you?”

Arkhipov knew about directness and results, Bondaruk thought The former Russian Spetsnaz was smart, ruthless, and relentless In his twelve years in Bondaruk’s employ, Arkhipov had never failed in a mission, no matter how dirty

“I do,” Bondaruk replied “I’ll leave you to it, then Just take care that you’re discreet”

“I always am”

Which was true Many, many of Bondaruk’s enemies had, as far as the authorities could determine, simply vanished from the face of the earth

“Call me as soon as you have word”

“I will”

Bondaruk was about to hang up when another question popped into his head “Just out of curiosity, Grigoriy, where is this man’s shop? Anywhere close to where we’d predicted?”

“Very close A small town called Princess Anne”

CHAPTER 3

SNOW HILL, MARYLAND

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