The Hunters (Presidential Agent 3)

“It might be a good idea.”

“Is that why you called, Karl, or is there something else on your mind?”

“Actually, there is. How much trouble would it be for Frau Schröder to open a bank account for me in the Liechtensteinische Landesbank in the Cayman Islands?”

“Why would you want to do something like that?”

“And put, say, ten thousand euros in it?”

“Why would you want to do something like that?” Görner asked again.

“I’ve always been frugal. You know that, Otto. ‘A penny saved,’ as Benjamin Franklin said, ‘is a penny earned.’”

“Gott!”

Frau Schröder shook her head and smiled. Görner gave her a dirty look.

“And tell them to expect a rather large transfer of funds into the account in the next few days, please,” Castillo said.

“I really hate to ask this question, but didn’t you just say you’re in the penthouse of a casino?”

“In the Belle Vista Casino.”

“And did you put the penthouse on the Tages Zeitung’s American Express card?

”

“No. Actually, I’m staying here free.”

“How much did you lose to get them to give you a free room? A penthouse suite?”

“Why do you think I lost?”

Görner exhaled audibly.

“When do you want this bank account opened?”

“How about today?”

“If you’re telling the truth—and I would be surprised if you are—and you’re trying to hide money from the IRS, you’re probably going to get caught.”

“Thank you for your concern. Just have Frau Schröder open the account and e-mail me the number so I can make a deposit. I’ll worry about getting the money out later.”

“All right, Karl. But I wish I really knew what you’re up to this time.”

“I’ll tell you the next time I see you.”

“And when will that be?”

“Maybe soon. I’m going from here to see my grandmother and then I’ll probably come over there.”

“I hope I can believe that.”

“Tell Frau Schröder thanks, Otto. I’ve got to run.”

The line went dead.

Görner put the handset in the cradle and Frau Schröder took off her headset.