Washington, D.C.
8:05 a.m.
THE TAN, WELL-KEPT man was shown into the oakpaneled office of the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The rotund and jovial Russ Piper stood from behind his desk and walked over to greet his wealthy visitor.
Extending his hand. Piper said, "Prince Kalib, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Rafique Aziz extended his hand with the proper amount of aloofness and took Piper's hand in a light grip.
"How was your flight?" asked Piper.
Aziz looked around the room, gazing at the framed photos hanging on the paneled walls.
"Fine." Aziz planned to keep conversation to a minimum. The real Prince Kalib was a recluse, and the characteristic fit his needs perfectly.
"I understand you're enroute to the Mayo Clinic to visit your father."
"That is correct." Aziz nodded.
"How is the sultan doing?"
"He is fine." Aziz extracted a gold cigarette case from his jacket pocket.
"The doctors at the Mayo Clinic are the best in the world." Aziz lit the cigarette with a matching gold lighter, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and walked over to the window.
Piper watched his guest light up with his mouth slightly agape, words of admonishment ready to spill forth. The chairman almost informed his royal guest that smoking was not allowed in the building, but after a brief moment he thought better of it. Piper ran his hand down his tie and checked to make sure it was straight.
"Yes, we've treated many of our own presidents there," added Piper, getting back to the conversation.
Aziz continued to look out the window at the large rotunda of the Capitol. Then turning slowly, he said, "I assume you had no difficulty in arranging our meeting?"
"No difficulty whatsoever," Piper said proudly.
"The president and I are very close."
"Good." While holding his cigarette with one hand, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a long blue check.
"As per your instructions, I had this written to your party through one of my American corporations."
Piper grabbed the check with both hands and looked at the all-important box on the right side. The chairman of the Democratic National Committee smiled at the large number.
"This is greatly appreciated' Your Highness."
Aziz nodded benevolently.
"I can promise you that I will do everything within my power to help your country obtain the proper defensive weapons that you seek."
"Kingdom," corrected Aziz.
"Yes, kingdom." Piper nervously rubbed his hands together.
"My apologies." Looking at his watch, he said, "Well, we should probably get going. I have a limousine waiting downstairs to take us to the White House. We don't want to be late to see the president."
"No, we don't." Aziz grinned.
"I've been looking forward to this day for a long time."