This is a work of fiction, and as such the characters are not bound by the usual dictates of modern society. Unsafe sexual practices can be undertaken with impunity only in the world of fantasy. In reality, it is your obligation and your right to play safely, sanely and healthily.
I hope you enjoy my work, and if you have any comments, or ideas that may inspire new work, please feel free to contact me - all E-mails will be answered to the best of my ability.
I would like to thank all of you that wrote and told me how much you like the story. Keep the letters coming and send in a donation to the site you are reading this on. A Special Thanks to J.A.
The white BMW passed over the Washington Bridge and headed toward Paterson. About 15 minutes from Fazzi's place, Joseph pulled off the road and called him to let him know he was coming. From the excitement in Fazzi's voice, the soldier could tell that Kassie must have informed him that he might be stopping to pick up his laundry.
"Yes Yussef, we have been waiting to hear what news you have for us," he said.
"We? Who is we?" asked the surprised Joseph.
"My friends, the investors, that I told you about," Fazzi said. "It would be nice if you could come and meet them. I'm sure they would like to meet you."
"I most certainly would like to meet them. As a matter of fact, I was calling to ask if I could meet with you tonight," Joseph said. "I just left the Worthington's house and I have great news for you. I was looking forward to telling you what happened, and as long as I had to make a stop at your place I thought I would tell you in person rather then on the phone."
In a very low voice Fazzi asked, "You have to make a stop here or do you want to make a stop? You do know that Kassie and Mary are away until tomorrow evening!"
"Yes I know that. I do have laundry to pick up and, well, it is getting late and the base is a few hours away," Joseph stammered into the cell. "I just thought you would want my report and that I could catch a few hours of sleep before I had to return to class."
"You are most welcome to come here. Come right up to the main house. You can meet with my friends and make a short report to them. I'm sure they will be pleased to meet and hear from you," the Arab said. "I have been bragging about my future son-in-law to them for weeks. Hurry, because the meeting is almost over. After they leave you can give me a more detailed report of your weekend."
"Yes, I should be there in a few minutes. Hold them there, as what I have to tell them will make it worth their while to wait," Joseph said. And in his most seductive voice whispered, "'Habibi', it will be good to see you again. I have missed you."
"We will be waiting," Fazzi smiled, and put down the phone and returned to the meeting.
"Gentlemen we have a treat coming," he told the six men assembled in his library. "My future son-in-law, he wants to talk to us about investing some of our money with one of the best firms on Wall Street. I reported to you last week about him and his connection with Richard Worthington. Well, it looks like he might have some news for us."
"We thought you were kidding us," one of the men said. "Is this the one you gave the car to? The car that I had to get ready in three hours?"
"Yes, and now I think that gift is about to pay off very well!"
Joseph parked the BMW in the rear of a long line of parked cars in front of Fazzi's home. He took a folder from the rear seat of the car. It contained promotional brochures with information on some of the stocks Rich's father had given him to show Fazzi. Some of them were stocks that Worthington thought were good investments. Joseph rang the front doorbell and was greeted by an effervescent Fazzi in the traditional way that Arab men greet each other–he enfolded the soldier in his arms and kissed him on both cheeks.
"Marhaba, sallam alechem, welcome. Come into the library and meet some of my friends," Fazzi said, taking him by the arm and leading him into the room. "They have been waiting to meet you and hear your report."
They walked into the room and Joseph was introduced to everyone. He tried to take note of their names as he smiled and shook hands with all of them. One of the men took hold of his hand and held it as he said in Arabic to Fazzi, "No wonder you rushed me to get that car ready Fazzi. It looks like you have got your daughter a blond prince. He is worth at least 20 camels!"
"Only 20 camels? Then I would say that I got the better of the deal," the smiling soldier disputing him said. "The daughter of Fazzi is worth at least 100, if not more!"
Fazzi laughed and said to the embarrassed man, "I am sorry. I should have warned you that Yussef speaks our language. In fact, his knowledge of our language and customs is almost frightening. The only problem is his Egyptian accent, and be assured that I am working on that."
"So then it was you, in addition to Fazzi, whom I should thank for that excellent automobile. It is a really fine piece of machinery," Joseph said, trying to placate the embarrassed car dealership owner. "Now let me tell all of you what I learned from Mr. Worthington."
They all sat around and Joseph opened the folder and passed around the information. "To begin, let me assure you that 'Worthington Associated Investment Corporation' and Mr. Worthington, personally, will be very pleased to do business with you. He sees the Arab/American community as a new market, full of opportunity, promise, and yes, MONEY. A market that until now has been concentrated in 'Oil', but which he sees has the ability to grow and flourish in many new directions. He visualizes vast opportunities and will try to accommodate you in any way he can. In order to better understand your particular needs, he suggests a meeting, a personal meeting, between Fazzi and himself. After that, then he would like to meet with all of you as a group. At that meeting he will have investment counselors, who will take the time to advise and answer any and all questions you might have. He is so eager for your business that he himself will personally talk to all of you both in a group and as individuals."