Fugisawa nodded. “You’ll get it. Within reasonable limits, of

course. I want to make sure we understand each other, too. I’m not

proposing any sort of permanent arrangement here. As you said,

cooperation on this particular case serves both our interests. This

particular case only. You try using this to lean on me later and I’ll

lean back. Hard.”

Kobayashi smiled and nodded. “A limited, closed-end partnership,

then. With the understanding that you will owe a favor for a favor.”

“Within reasonable limits.”

“And what if we cannot agree on what is and isn’t reasonable?”

“If any of your people off a citizen or something like that and get

nailed cold, I’m not going to be able to get them off for you and I

won’t even try. Nor will I compromise any police investigation. But

if it’s something where I can look the other way, we can certainly

discuss it. You’re a businessman, Don Kobayashi. You understand

about such things. And as you yourself admit, this isn’t a case

where I’m getting something for nothing. We will both benefit by

this.”

Kobayashi nodded. “Very well. In that case, it would be best if we

were not to meet here again. If my people need to get in touch with

you, you will receive a message that your uncle called. You know

the Paradise Club?”

“Of course.”

“If you receive such a message, go to the Paradise Club and ask

for the manager. Do not identify yourself as a police officer. Say

merely that your uncle sent you. And if you should need to get in

touch with me, you may use the same procedure.”

“All right.”

“Thank you for stopping by, Lt. Fugisawa.”

“Thank you for seeing me, Don Kobayashi.”

He stood, inclined his head slightly, and left.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of a cop putting out a

contract, ” said one of the men at Kobayashi’s side.

“He’s done no such thing, ” said Kobayashi. “And you’d be wise to