CHAPTER 1
My name is Bob Carlini. I am a business man on Vacation. At the moment, I am sitting on this comfortable lounge chair, lying in the sun, basking and thinking about last night. I was involved in a poker game. As it happened, I had four aces, and placed a fairly large bet. The foreign gentleman to my left, must have felt he had me beat, since he took a handkerchief from his pocket, that was wrapped around an object, and put it right in the middle of the pot and raised the bet to double, and jubilantly showed his four kings.
With four aces, I naturally won the pot. He began screaming and yelling "You cheated, you are a bunch of crooks.". He pulled a revolver out and waiving mid air and shouted, "This game is fixed. I will kill you fucking bastard". Pointing the gun at me, he was subdued and escorted out of the building. The gun was confiscated. I thanked the men around me, picked up my winning pot and discretely walked the hell out of there.
The first thing I did this morning was to call you my Gumba's together, to see if anyone knows what this jeweled object is. It looks expensive, but I don't really know. Have any of you ever seen anything like this, or know what or where I should go with it. Come you fellahs, think.
"Looks like a paperweight", says one and shrugs his shoulders
"Maybe you could take out the jewels and go to Frannie the Pawn"
"Oh no, I wouldn't touch it or destroy it," says another.
"It really looks expensive, how much was the pot worth, maybe I would buy it from you".
"How about you guys look around and listen if there is any scuttlebutt about this object. Meet me back here tomorrow if you hear anything. I will give a small reward for the most info about this thing. I have got to find out what it is before I go berserk or just throw it away.
Ah, the sun is grand. I did not sleep well last night, so I need to relax, and lounge around. Hello there. Hmm but aren't you the sweet thing. May I buy you a drink of your choice. You look as lonesome as I feel.
I need some company. My name is Robert Carlini. How about you? You are an American. So am I. Aren't these Islands wonderful. The weather is just great. I actually got somewhat of a suntan. Tell me, have you been enjoying yourself? What is your name?
My name is Jennifer Cammerand. Yes, I am here on a vacation. I am a schoolteacher, of high school students. In a few days I will be returning home to the states.
What state are you from Jennifer. You have no particular accent, where I am told I have a definite brogue for the Bronx. Your speech is delightful.
I am from Brooklyn, Robert.
Gosh I have so many friends in Brooklyn, Jenny, may I call you Jenny, I am there more than at home. May I get you another drink. It is so pleasant sitting here talking to you. It upsets me that you will be leaving so soon. Jennifer, may I take you out for dinner tonight. I know so few people here, that I have been thinking of going home early. You are the sweetest thing that has happened to me since I arrived. I will meet you at the Steak and Brew at 8 p.m. How does that sound to you. Interested?
Just fine Robert. It is something to look forward to.
Do you have a bathing suit on?
Yes I do!
Lets go for a swim. It is very hot out today and we can cool off. Isn't this refreshing? Gosh you are a great gal Jennifer, with a great shape. I like your long hair when it floats on top of the water. Have you ever been to Las Vegas? No! Boy would I love to take you there. We could have so much fun.
Sounds enticing. Maybe my next vacation, I could meet you there.
Call me Bob, please.
Alright Bob, I will meet you tonight at the Steak and Brew. It is very nice of you to take such an interest in me. I have not had much luck in meeting any nice gentlemen, or making friends. But the beaches and the sun made up for it.
You certainly have a lovely suntan Jenny, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous. Long, and wavy black. Lets sit here for a while, before you have to go in and dress for dinner. Tell me about your family.
Well Bob, I have one sister Abigail, two years younger than me, and a brother John, who is the Assistant D.A. in our district. Now tell me about your family.
Well Jennifer, I am the third of five children. Two older sisters, and two younger brothers. My sister are social workers. One for the school district, and the other in private practice. They are just the best, swell gals. They worry about me all the time. My Mother is a gem of a woman. She is always cooking and cleaning. My Dad is a cop. Twenty Four years on the force. He is about to retire. You might as well know, I am the black sheep of the family. I like to drink once in a while. I also like to play craps, and gamble. I have never been so open with anyone, so fast, in my life. Jennifer I have been thinking about flying over to Vegas for a little fun. What would you think about cancelling out the three days left on your ticket, and fly over to Vegas with me. We could have some real fun.
Listen Bob! You seem like a nice guy, but you are too fast for me. A dinner, a swim, a drink does not constitute my leaving and going anywhere with you. I am an adult, and had my share of affairs. I make a living, teaching. I have my own home, car, and a dog named Bruiser. He is my protector.
Good golly, what did I say or do? I meant it only in the most gentlemanly way. To me a vacation means fun. I thought you felt the same way. I am so sorry if you thought I was wrong for wanting someone like you to be my guest, and have some real exciting fun. I know I do not speak the kings English, but believe me Jenny, I meant you no harm. Please do not let this little misunderstanding affect our dinner date tonight. See you at eight.
So here we are again, and nobody learned a thing about this object, I won. Very hush, hush. Yeah I bet it has some kind of value, or why would I have this feeling that someone is tailing me. Why so hush, hush. I have a feeling that my room has been searched. Everything was put back very neatly. Much to neatly, if you know what I mean. I am carrying the object with me night and day.
Hey Bob, you have a plan? You better even have a plan B, just in case.
I have a plan and a B plan. If nothing turns up in a few days, I am going to slip it to this broad I met. When she goes through customs, I will grab her, and give her a big kiss, and slight of hand I will drop it in her tote bag, she carries a few of them. We are having dinner together, tonight, and I will get her address and phone number, on the pretense of a date, when we get home. I may join her on the plane and try to retrieve it then. Everything depends on what this object really is. I am getting agidda from this thing. I want an end to it all. I feel like dumping it somewhere, but I will wait.
G-d Damn it, why is it, when you least want the phone to ring, it does. Here I am in the tub, trying to relax a little, and there is the phone. Oh well I might as well answer it. Hello, hello, yeah. Hi my gumba. You do! Tell me what is it worth. I hope at least, all this trouble I have gone through. What? There is an ad in the paper. What? They will pay what the pot was worth for its return. About $2000.00 It must be returned to its rightful owner. They gave a phone number, to call. They said it would be cash on delivery. Do you want the number.
Yeah, its worth a try. It is not the cash I was hoping for but it is worth a try to speak to them. Thanks my friend. I will see you tomorrow and pay...
