Golden Bird

David let him go, and Jack straightened his collar as he walked around his desk. He picked up the phone and punched in some numbers.

“This is Jack Hogan,” he said into the receiver. “That’s right, from the casino in America. Listen, I need to contact the Prince ... Yes I know that, but this is very important. Tell him a Mr. David Wilson wants to talk to him ... That’s right, Wilson, W-I-L-S-O-N ... Very important. He can reach him here ... At the casino, ... in Atlantic City. Right.”

He hung up the phone and looked up at David. “All we can do now is wait.” He stood up and went to the bar. “Would you like a drink? I don’t know how long this will take.”

“Sure, why not. Scotch and water.”

David took the drink without a word and plopped down in one of the soft leather chairs.

“Just what’s so important?” asked Jack, curiously.

“None of your damn business.” David answered shortly.

Jack didn’t ask again, and the two men sat in the silent office until the phone finally rang. Jack jumped at the sudden noise, and reached for it.

“I see ... Yes, thank you.” He placed the receiver back on its cradle. “The Prince is in a meeting right now and can’t come to the phone. But he has been given the message, and will call here as soon as he can. Listen, why don’t you have dinner, on me, of course, and here,” he pulled some hundred dollar chips from his pocket, “have some fun at the tables. I’ll have you paged when he calls.”

David shook his head. “I’d rather lie down for a while.”

“Sure, anything you want,” he said as he opened the door. “Mary, will you please see that Mr. Wilson gets a room and whatever else he wants?” He ushered David out the door. “I’ll put the call through to you as soon as it comes in.”

Rashid unfolded the slip of paper that had been passed to him, and once he’d read the message, the rest of the meeting went on as if without him. What was the meaning of this? Why would David Wilson want to contact him? Apprehension constricted his chest. Could something have happened to Sara? He willed the meeting to end, and when it finally did, he rushed out to get to his hotel room and a phone. Nervously, he placed the call to Jack Hogan’s private line.