'He knows too much. I must ask you to do nothing.'

'But this time I caught him in the act. I have proof, witnesses, everything. There is no possible doubt. Surely...'

'I said he knows too much! The company can't afford to have any problems. Our position is very sensitive in this country. We can't afford to take risks. I am telling you once again - you will do nothing. And if there is any trouble, I'm afraid I shall have to hold you personally responsible. So be sensible for once in your life. '

'I see. So you are telling me to close my eyes to corruption and behave as if nothing has happened. Is that right?'

'I didn't put it quite like that. But, if you insist, yes. What Vish does or doesn't do is a minor matter compared with the company's global strategy. Just try to get things in perspective. After all, you won't be stuck in Madras for ever - I'll make sure that you're not. So just go with the flow for a bit longer. When you're in your next post this will all seem a very long way away, I can assure you. But meantime, no trouble. I hope I've made myself clear. Oh, and, by the way, I advise you to forget that we have had this conversation. Goodbye. '

Dick Sterling put the phone down. His hands were trembling. He was furious with himself for failing to persuade his boss in Delhi, Keith Lennox, to support him, and was disgusted at the mixture of veiled threats and vague promises Lennox had made. 'He knows too much' - the words still rang in his ears. He wondered, not for the last time, just what it was that Vish, the office manager of the factory, knew. How could it be so important that the company's position in India could be threatened by it? It simply didn't make sense.

Dick glanced at his watch. Four o'clock. He called for his driver, Gopal, and asked to be driven home. He'd had enough for the day. On his way out he passed Vish in the corridor. Vish was a small, fat man who waddled slightly when he walked. His ugly smile revealed two large teeth and his small eyes reminded Dick of a snake. Was it his imagination, or was the man smiling to himself? His snake eyes glinted with self satisfaction, almost as if he knew he was safe, protected.