Though thrown off balance by the outburst, Adam stubbornly pressed the point. “Even if you don’t have the painting, you could sell him information about who does. With just a little money in our pocket—” Senlin cut him off. “No, Adam! No, I am not going to bargain with the commissioner. That’s the end of it!” Senlin pounded the table once, making his book jump. Adam looked as if he’d been slapped, which Senlin regretted, though it did not cool his response. “Look, you will never have enough money to pry Voleta loose of her contract because Rodion sees no advantage in letting her go. He will
...more
