Free Henry of Atlantic City by Frederick Reuss Page B

country, we would bring it directly to you. The story back at the Palace would be that I had stolen it. We’d give her time to doctor the books, then the money would be returned and she’d be exposed.”
    Henry’s father stood up and put the suitcase down on the emperor’s desk and turned it around and flipped it open so the emperor could see what was inside.
    “Why should we believe a goddamn thing you’re telling us?” John the Troglite asked.
    Sy was quiet for a minute. “Maybe you shouldn’t,” hefinally said. “I’m sure there’s a lot more going on here than I could ever know about.”
    “He’s right about that,” Henry’s father said. “Mind if I talk now?”
    John the Troglite nodded.
    “The numbers were cooked from the start—in case he
did
run. Either way, she figured she’d be covered.” He spread his arms. “A million here, a million there? What’s the difference, right? Either he does what he’s told and she’s got a little offshore account set up for herself. Or he runs, takes the heat, and the cooked books cover her for the difference. Not a bad little scheme, huh?”
    John the Troglite got mad and shouted at Henry’s father: “Listen to me, you son of a bitch, I’m not asking you what
she
expected. The books say there’s seven million dollars missing! Seven! I want to know why you only brought us three. Where’s the rest of the money?”
    Henry’s father didn’t look at John the Troglite; he looked at the emperor. “The books were cooked, sir. She had them cooked. It was part of the plan. I swear upon the soul of my mother and my mother’s mother what you have there is everything.” He looked at John the Troglite. “I am an honorable man and have acted out of loyalty to you.”
    John the Troglite was red in the face and about to start screaming again but the emperor held up his hand.
    Henry’s father looked around at all the men in the room. “It’s all there. You have my final word.”
    Germanus unclasped his hands. “It’s all a little too goddamnconvenient,” he said. Then he crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the emperor and shook his head. “As far as I’m concerned we ought to get rid of the whole stinking bunch.” He waved his arm like he was sending something back to the kitchen.
    John the Troglite agreed.
    The emperor was quiet. Then after a few minutes he told Henry’s father to stand up. “What punishment would you recommend?”
    Henry’s father looked around at the generals and at Sy. He looked everyone in the eye, proud and tough. “It’s not for me to say.”
    “If you can make accusations, you can suggest punishments. Go ahead. You have my permission.”
    Henry’s father looked at the ground for a minute, then looked up and smiled. “Give me her job.”
    The emperor drummed his fingers on the desk and then raised his hand and slapped it down hard. “I’m too tired to listen to any more.” He beckoned to Sy.
    Sy’s face turned pale and he didn’t get up from his chair.
    The emperor beckoned to him again.
    Sy rose and walked up and stood at the emperors desk.
    “I hear that you got married recently.”
    Sy nodded but didn’t say anything.
    The emperor opened up the suitcase. “Marriage is a sacred institution, and it sickens me to see it falling into ruin. Do you plan to have children?”
    Sy nodded again and put one hand on the edge of the desk for support.
    “Children are a great treasure,” the emperor said and handed Sy three stacks of bills from the suitcase. “Thank you for the trust you’ve repaid me.”
    “I can’t accept it, sir,” Sy said.
    “Take it,” the emperor said. “Tomorrow is Christmas. Go and celebrate.”
    Then the emperor looked at Henry’s father. “I will consider your request,” he said. “You will have my decision after New Year’s day.” Henry’s father held out his hand but the emperor didn’t shake it. Instead he beckoned to Henry and took him on his knee. He stroked the back of