"Let’s not misuse the term we, Michael," Mr. Bank said. " You planned to make out very well indeed, be the hero, and get a winner’s ransom." He turned to Alice. "Officer Squire had an idea, you see. He was approached to help with the transition and decided to try some blackmail on the side. I mean, why not? He’s seen criminality succeed for years, so how hard could it be? He went to the mayor, said he knew all about the plan, and would tell the UN unless he got his thirty pieces of silver. At the same time he’d already arranged to meet the consul. He would take the bribe, then bring this whole venture down anyway. Michael made a mistake, though: he underestimated how good people act under pressure. The mayor paid the money and then ordered me to pick him up."