I open the briefcase. I gaze upon stacks of neatly wrapped 100 dollar bills. Each band says $20,000 and there are 12 stacks, each with ten packs of banded bills. I grab in and check a random pack from the bottom to makes sure it's solid 100s all the way through. I extract a few bills from the pack and place them in my wallet. I spot an unmarked white envelope stuffed in the side of the briefcase. It is unsealed and inside is a single sheet of paper.
Dear SDAI-Tech1
Enclosed is payment for services rendered to the United States of America for the past 6 months. Keep up the good work.
KR;GWB
I activate my electronic signal sniffer and pass it over the case and contents. The device emits a steady beep which gets louder as it hovers over the handle. I take a pocket knife and cut open the leather handle. I pull out a small, yet quite powerful tracking unit the Agency uses to keep track of hard currency transactions. I place it under the hard heel of one of my new Bally shoes and crush the device. The beeping from the signal sniffer stops.
Three minutes later my cell phone rings. the display reads ODIN.
"Tech1"
"Just checking to make sure your received your summer bonus?"
"Yeah I just picked it up right now, thank you."
"No, thank you. As the architect of the latest conflict your efforts will keep those faithful to ODIN in Valhalla. That's no small accomplishment.
"All part of the job description. If I don't see you again before January, take care and give Frigga my love."
"Frigga is standing right her beside me, I'll tell her and I probably will be seeing you in midsummer sometime. We'll be having a little get together."
"Sounds like fun. I look forward to it."
The signal is broken and I close my cell phone, placing it back in my jacket pocket. I close the briefcase, walk out of the hotel room and towards the elevator.
The maid in the hallway smiles at me and says "hello" with a heavy Spanish accent. She has a small radio on her cart filled with towels, soap and other room consumables.
"Hello. It's a beautiful day isn't it?"
"Yes. Si."
I reach the elevator and as the doors open a striking young lady stands next to the control panel. I step in and the doors close. The young lady is wearing a strapless formal dress and the unmistakable scent of Chanel No. 5.
As the elevator starts descending. She turns to me.
"Večernje Novosti?"
"Politika." I reply.
She pulls out a copy of the Serbian paper Politika and hands it to me. I check the date and it is today's paper.
"ODIN sent me to make sure your package was delivered securely."
"Thanks. You work directly for ODIN?"
"I'm a Valkyrie."
"Oh. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"You brought a car?"
"Yes, the Aston."
"I've got a few hours to kill, and I've always wanted to see Shamballa. This is the first assignment I've had that brought me out to this region."
I look her over again. Her blond hair is cut in a neat bob emphasizing her long, graceful neck. Her skin is sun-kissed with just the hint of a tan. I can see the tiny blond hairs on her neck catch the artificial light of the elevator.
"Sure. It would be my pleasure to give you the grand tour."
"Great."
The elevator opens into the lobby and she immediately moves closer, hooking her arm into mine. All just standard protocol for a situation like this but nevertheless, delightful to feel.
We walk out of the hotel and the concierge stands near.
"The red Aston Martin."
"Yes sir."
He speaks into a walkie talkie and orders the car brought to the front.
It arrives in less than a minute and I open the passenger door for the young Valkyrie. I tip the concierge and the driver each a hundred dollar bill after placing the briefcase in the trunk.
"Thank you sir."
I get in and behind the wheel. It is a perfect day for enjoying the desert and the sky is the most intense blue. The scent in the air indicates the desert flowers are in full bloom.
I can't help but think to myself that being a patriot really pays off.
;-)