Page 64 of Near Miss

“Who are the attendees?”

“Thomas Kinder, assistant director of the FBI for financial crimes, and an agent of his choosing. There will also be two technicians hovering about to make audio and video records of what transpires.”

“Who’s the client?”

“A new one: Peter Greco, né Egon Pentkovsky.”

“Of the Russian mob Pentkovskys? Brothers, right? Anton Pentkovsky was in charge prior to Serge Gromyko.”

“Well, Peter’s the brother who’s still alive. He served for seven years as the organization’s chief financial officer. He believes that Alexei Gromyko, the mob’s current leader, wishes him dead, so he is offering his financial records, contained on a thumb drive, to the FBI, in return for immunity and witness protection.”

“Okay, when do we start?”

“As soon as the FBI men arrive, we’ll have dinner. Then I’ll produce Greco, and he will disclose all.”

“How long will the meeting take?”

“As long as it takes. We may have to pause and continue tomorrow. Everybody’s sleeping here.”

“Okay, I’m game.”

“Good.”

Kinder and his associate, Bob Grant, arrived, declined alcohol, and had dinner. Then they got down to business.

“So, where is your mysterious witness?” Kinder asked.

“Upstairs. He recently changed his name to Peter Greco, butyou will probably know him by his birth name, Egon Pentkovsky.”

“Anton and Izak’s brother?”

“Do you know of any other?”

Kinder raised an impressed eyebrow, then turned to Carly. “Ms. Riggs, what is your purpose at this meeting?”

“To remember it,” Carly replied.

Kinder looked at Stone, askance.

“Carly has an extraordinary memory,” Stone said. “When this is over, you will wish to hire her, but you may not. She belongs to Woodman & Weld.”

“Okay,” Kinder said, and there was disbelief in his voice. “We are all set up in your study. Produce your witness.”

Stone picked up a phone and dialed an extension. “Now, please.”

They moved to the study, and the subject turned up. Introductions were made, and everyone took a seat.

Stone handed Kinder a document outlining what Greco was receiving for his testimony. “Read this and sign it.”

Kinder read it and, to Stone’s surprise, signed it without requesting alterations.

“To what extent will Mr. Greco require witness protection?” Kinder asked.

Greco spoke up. “I will choose a location, and you will transport me there and provide security for as long as I deem necessary. I will not require that you furnish housing or create a new life for me. I’ll take care of that myself.”

“Stone,” Kinder said, “I believe your client is underestimating the extent of our involvement in his safety.”

“I assure you, I am not,” Greco said. “I have already purchased a property in a western state under a corporate name. It will be easily surveilled and guarded by your people, and housing will be provided for them.”

---