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KIRILL I shake hands with Igor and his son before they leave my office. Loud music slips from downstairs in the small time frame all of Igor’s men leave my space. This was the second night of incessant negotiation. It started last night, and when we didn’t come to a full agreement, Igor didn’t give up. Instead, he brought his son, Alexei, and more men to convince me that we can help each other. Yuri closes the door behind them and stands there with his arms crossed. Viktor finally moves from his statue-like position by the wall and stops in front of my desk. “That’s a good deal,” he says. “I wouldn’t be so quick to conclude that.” I drum my fingers on the desk. “Igor, and especially Alexei, don’t do favors for no reason.” “Igor was friends with your father.” “That means nothing. He’s not friends with me, and if he’s offering to back me up, there’s a price to pay. If not now, then somewhere down the line.” “Then you can use his influence and discard him later.” “That’s a dangerous path