Page 179 - My FlipBook

researching that name. When you are done, we can speak
again." He hangs up the phone. Then he walks over to Trash,
who is still being held by two servants, and waves for them to
let him go.

"You seem like an educated man. You see the positions we
both find ourselves in. How would you suggest that we resolve
our current crisis? You know my superiors have issued me
orders I must comply with. The Americans will come in here
with their guns blazing like they are cowboys in the old west
movies, sooner or later. Even if you get through this day, you
will be hunted or incarcerated by one government or another
for the foreseeable future. If what you say has any validity,

your future is bleak. If you cooperate with me I can get you to
Russia as heroes. It may not be the life you know, but it is your
best option as I see it."

"With all due respect, Nicoli, when you play poker there are
three things that matter. First, do you have a tell. Second, how
good are the people playing against you. Thirdly and most

importantly, what do you have for cards. If you have five aces
then the other criteria cease to matter as much. So, here is
what I am going to suggest to you. I ask you to call your
consulate in Washington. When you get them on the phone,
tell them to get the president of Russia on the phone and make
sure he has a video feed of the National Mall in Washington, D.
C. I will negotiate with him and only with him once these
conditions are met. Perhaps we can come to an agreement.

Allan R. Emery 169