The Cuban Affair

by Nelson DeMille

they have termites. And no one here cares what we’re talking about. Look, Mr. Macia, you have offered me two million dollars and it will not surprise you that I could use the money, but—” “You can pay off your bank loan on The Maine.” “But I will not do anything illegal for the money.” “I would not ask you to. I am an attorney.” “And your amigos? Are they attorneys?” “No. But I can assure you, the only laws you’ll be breaking are Cuban laws. Does that bother you?” “Only if I get caught.” “And that’s the point. If you don’t get caught you are two million dollars richer, and you have broken no American laws.” He smiled. “Unless you don’t pay your income tax on the money.” On the subject of death, taxes, and getting caught, I asked Carlos, “How dangerous?” “That’s for you to determine when you hear about the job.” “How dangerous, Carlos?” “Cuba is dangerous.” “You expect me to risk my life for a measly two million taxable dollars?”