Nick knew he was being bribed, but I wondered what kind of grade he had given the guy for his performance. I asked him about it over a beer. I didn't have any words for him, so I sat back and let him roll things over in his mind. Finally he looked up at me and sighed. A light went on in Nick's brain.
People help each other.
That's what this whole business is about. After the test, Nick went outside for a cigarette, where he found the sergeant doing the same. They chatted amiably for a minute or two, and Nick was visited by a powerful idea. Nick had continually been frustrated in his efforts to resolve their differences, and he knew he needed a Korean ally with some muscle to get results. That muscle was now standing in front of him, smoking a cigarette and apologizing for the chintzy desk clock.