Washington Dulles International Airport, at the far end of the terminal.
The United Airlines Global First Lounge isn't open to regular first-class passengers.
It has a hidden side entrance, reserved for VIPs who don't want their names on a flight manifest, or for those transiting through the capital on private jets.
4:00 PM.
Sterling sat on a sofa in the corner, a lean man seated across from him.
George Vance.
Chief Legal Officer of Pfizer, and the man in charge of the pharmaceutical alliance's operation to corner Pittsburgh.
"Have a drink, George."
Sterling pushed a glass toward him.
"Don't thank me. I brought this bottle back from Scotland. It's much better than that distilled water you guys have in your labs."
Vance didn't touch the glass. He glanced at Sterling.
"We only have twenty minutes, Sterling," Vance said, his voice cold. "My plane is waiting. If you're here to play lobbyist for that madman in Pittsburgh, then we're wasting our time."
"Don't be so hasty."
