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intercepted in the United States.”
    The American’s face hardened. “The leaks came from here. Otherwise the Feds never would have got on to them. We’re going to have to find another route into the country.”
    “From South America,” the Frenchman said.
    “It won’t help,” Tony said flatly. “We did that the last time and it was picked up. If it starts here, we’re in trouble.”
    Ali looked at the Frenchman. “The leak has to be in your organization.”
    “Impossible,” the Frenchman said. “Every man working for us has been checked and rechecked.”
    “We may have no choice,” Ali said. “We cannot keep financing your operation if the merchandise can’t get to the market.”
    The Frenchman was silent for a moment while he thought. “Let’s not be hasty,” he said finally. “We have a shipment leaving this week. Let’s see what happens.”
    Ali Yasfir looked at the American. The American nodded. Ali turned back to the Frenchman. “D’accord, Pierre. We will wait and see.”
    After the Frenchman had gone, Tony looked at Ali. “What do you think?”
    Ali shrugged. “Who knows what to think?”
    “He could be selling us out,” Tony said. “The stuff’s still getting into the West Coast. We’re paying premiums to the mobs out there just to get enough to keep us in business.”
    “Their merchandise comes from Indochina?” Ali asked.
    Tony nodded. “And it’s cheaper than ours.”
    Ali shook his head. “With good reason. Our costs would be lower too if we were financed by the CIA.”
    “That’s only one part of the problem,” Tony said. “The hot item in the States now is coke. And that’s where we’re weak.”
    “We’ve been looking into that,” Ali said. “I have some contacts in Bogotá and will be going there myself next week.”
    “The boys will be glad to hear that. We’d rather stay in business with you than go looking for new partners.”
    Ali rose to his feet. The meeting was over. “We’re going to be in business together for a long time.”
    He walked to the door with the American. They shook hands. “We will meet in New York at the beginning of next month.”
    “I hope things will improve by then.”
    “I’m sure they will,” Ali replied. He shut the door behind the man, bolted it and placed the chain across the latch. He went from the door directly to the bathroom, where he fastidiously washed his hands and dried them. He then went to the bedroom door and knocked softly.
    The door opened and a young girl stood there. Her olive skin, dark eyes and long black hair belied her modern St. Tropez studded jeans and shirt. “Is the meeting over?” she asked.
    He nodded. “Would you like a cold drink?”
    “Do you have a Coke?”
    “I’m sure,” he answered. He went into the kitchen and brought a Coca-Cola from the refrigerator. He poured it into a glass and handed it to her.
    She drank thirstily. “When will we be leaving?” she asked.
    “We’re booked on tomorrow’s plane for Beirut,” he answered. “But there might be a delay.”
    She looked at him questioningly.
    His eyes met her gaze directly. “I have a meeting with your father tonight.”
    A startled expression came into her eyes. “You’re not going to give me away?” She put the drink down. “They promised me he would not know. I would not have left the school in Switzerland otherwise.”
    “It has nothing to do with you,” he reassured her. “Your father suspects nothing. We have some business with him.”
    “What kind of business?” Her tone was suspicious.
    “Your father handles many investments for us. He has entrée into areas that we could not penetrate otherwise. He can also purchase supplies and material that we cannot.”
    “Does he know that it is for the cause?”
    “Yes.”
    A strange expression crossed her face.
    “He is a sympathizer,” Ali said quickly.
    “I don’t trust him!” She was vehement. “My father sympathizes with nothing but money and power. The