บท 177: Chapter 177: Natale, Part 15

"Are you still there, Dakho?"

"I am here, Mr Alexanders..."

"Call me, James. It's less of a mouthful. Tell me, are you just a supplier of services to Klempner, or are you a friend?"

A hesitation... "We respect each other's skills. I am aware that you regard yourself as a friend of Mr Klempner."

"And how would you know that?"

Dakho's voice is matter-of-fact. "For example, I read the message you sent him apologising for your behaviour the last time you and he met."

My face heats...

"... We both consider ourselves his friends, James. But between us, by our shared incompetence, we put him at risk."

"Alright, fair answer. And now, tell us what you know."

"As I said, I have worked for Mr Klempner for several years. However, I am not his employee. I simply perform services for him from time to time, as requested. His last request to me was to make the arrangements for his trip to Brazil..."

"Setting him up as this Harry Hughes?"

"Among other things, yes."