Golden Bird

"Mr. Hogan." came an insistent voice from the hall. "We know you are in there, please do not make this more difficult for yourself."

Suddenly the door flew open with a loud crash.

"Hey, who's making all the racket?" yelled a voice from down the hall."

"You see, Mr. Hogan, you really should not make me loose my temper. Now we have awakened one of your neighbors." The menacing intruder noticed the packed suitcase on the bed and laughed. "So, you are planning a trip, Mr. Hogan?"

Jack forced himself to look into the cruel, black eyes of the tall, dark, bearded man. Listen, Ahmed, I'll get the money ... I just need some time ... come on," he pleaded. "Can't you just tell Abdulah that you got here too late? I know I can't hide, I just need some time. I got some connections, ... I can get the money..." His voice trailed off as he realized it was falling on deaf ears.

Ahmed smiled, revealing a glint of gold from a front tooth, capped in gold. "Yes, Mr. Hogan, you will get the money ... or die ... it is not my decision. Now if you please, his Excellency is awaiting the pleasure of your company."

Jack backed away, but knew he was trapped. "OK, OK, I don't want any trouble." He picked up his hat and coat from the bed and looked wistfully at the suitcase. Almost ... .

Ahmed stepped aside and followed Jack through the dank hallway and down the three flights of stairs. When they reached the sidewalk, Jack, for one irrational moment, thought of making a run for it, but knew it was hopeless, so got into the white Cadillac.

"So, Mr. Hogan, you have built up quite a debt, yes?"

Jack stood, a defeated man, looking down at the hat he held, crumpled, in his hands. "I can get it ... if I just had some more time ..." his voice trailed off.

Abdulah glanced down at the photograph on his desk. Candy had just brought it in moments before Ahmed had arrived with Jack Hogan, interrupting his fantasies of the beautiful, golden woman lying naked and cringing beneath him. He held the photo for Jack to see.

"Quite a beautiful woman, don't you think?"

Jack nodded, looking at, but not seeing, the photograph.

"Tell me, Mr. Hogan, what do you suppose a woman like this to be worth?"

Jack came to attention and cocked his head, puzzled by the question. He peered more closely at the photograph, and was surprised to see that he recognized the woman. It was that juicy piece who bumped into him in the lobby the other day. That was a face that was hard to forget. "I don't know what you mean, that woman is no hooker."