7. Questions for Discussion

Chapter 26

1. What seemed suspicious to DeVasher about McDeere’s holiday? Why was he worried? Who do you think Lazarov was?

2. DeVasher is speaking about Mitch. What was he dead sure of? Discussing Mitch as a person the partners tended to underestimate the danger of his alleged contacts with Tarrance as Mitch was just “an ignorant rookie”, but DeVasher didn’t rule out he might become dangerous. Why did he think so? What arguments did he provide?

3. DeVasher is briefing Ollie and Nathan on his conversation with Lazarov. DeVasher: “We have passed the preliminary stage.” DeVasher’s plan of action.

4. The Hourglass – what was peculiar about that place that appealed to Lazarov so much.

5. Alfred “specializes in simple answers and prefers the “yes and no” variety. Why did Alfred choose to work like that?

Chapter 27

1. What was behind Abby’s “unexpected” arrival at the Bendini office? Did the couple sound natural? Can you trace anything odd about their behavior?Why was DeVasher so much alarmed about it?

2. Copying the Bendini files in the Caymans. How was the operation arranged? Did everything go smoothly? What risks were Abby and Tammy facing? The two accomplices described Avery as “a willing but ignorant participant”. Why did they consider him an accomplice rather than an obstacle? Was Avery’s “contribution” important to the success of the operation? Why did the girls need an extra set of keys? Was there any point in making the call?

3. What is your idea of Mitch as “a designer” of the whole operation?

Chapter 28

1. What was Abby’s mission as Mitch’s representative in his talks with Tarrance? Why did she replace Mitch? How successful was she as a negotiator? What were her negotiating tactics like? Were they any different from Mitch’s?

2. Alfred denied his being aware of the Laundromat operation. His motto was: “Always say “no” first”. Why did he ask for delay instead of disclosing what he knew right on the spot?

3. The two deals are in essence alike: selling information. How different are they? How does the author reveal his attitude to Alfred?

Chapter 29

1. How did Mitch manage to copy the dirty files with an office copier? Was he sure he was safe?

2. The atmosphere at the corporate blowout. How did Mitch feel in his heart of hearts?

Chapter 30

1. The Moroltos’ criminal business. Speak about the money-laundering cycle beginning with taking cash out of the country and ending with its coming back as clean money. What is “smurfing”?

2. Those stupid questions of Tarrance’s. Were they silly to your mind? Why did they annoy Mitch?

3. How come Mitch took over the leading and coordinating role in the operation? Prove that it was Mitch who was calling the shots. Why, do you think, Tarrance put up with Mitch and Abby’s open mocking at his intellect and professional skills?

8. Role-play

1. Act as Abby being persistent in trying to persuade Tarrance to accept her scheme of transferring the money.

2. Lazarov and Tubertini speaking in the Hourglass restaurant about sorting out the problem with one of the Bendini firm employees.