“Yes, but I do not know your people. They could lead him right to

you, and you would be able to lead him directly to me. I would

prefer to avoid that risk.”

“There are risks in any undertaking of this sort, ” said Shiro in a

condescending manner that made Nishikawa want to strike him.

But he restrained himself. There was no reason to abuse a tool that

could be useful.

“Quite true, ” he said, after taking a moment to compose himself.

“But it would be foolish not to minimize those risks. If your people

are able to locate Morpheus, go ahead and approach him with your

offer. One never knows, it’s just possible that he might accept it. If

not, then you are to keep careful track of him and report to me at

once. If it is necessary for him to be eliminated, I would prefer to

use my own people. People who can be trusted not to talk. And

people whose capabilities I am more certain of.”

Shiro seemed not even to perceive the insult. He merely

shrugged. “As you wish.”

“If your father has any further meetings with Lt. Fugisawa, do

what you can to get evidence of those, as well. It would serve to

make our case stronger with the council.”

“No problem. My father trusts me.”

Nishikawa smiled wryly. “How unfortunate for him.”

“You don’t like me very much, do you?”

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

“It makes no difference to me. I could care less. Just as long as

you live up to your part of the bargain.”

“Of course, ” said Nishikawa. He snapped his fingers and the man

behind him handed him a white business envelope, which

Nishikawa passed across the table. “Your thirty pieces of silver, ” he

said dryly.

Shiro smiled. “I am not Judas and my father is certainly not

Christ. Besides, there is one very significant difference between

Judas and myself. I have no intention of hanging myself.”

“Given enough rope, you just may, ” said Nishikawa. “Oyasumi