"I must say I think you did a marvelous job," Samas said, stretching his legs under the table.

"Will they return with a decision?"

"Oh yes," he said, looking over at the gallery. The fifteen to twenty people had started to mill around and speak to one another; some appeared to be laying bets.

"Thanks for the help," I said to him

"You're welcome."

"Hey," I said tapping him on the arm. "What's this party afterward going to be like?"

"That's the spirit," he laughed. "Oh, they're not to be missed."

"Where's Poppy? I thought everyone would be here for this."

"She will be here, she'll be in trouble if she's not. Say," he said, turning his bulk toward me. "Have you thought about when you would want to go ahead with our plan?"

I was completely unprepared for his question. His air of assumption irritated me. I hadn't even given him a commitment that I would do it, much less when. My first reaction was to make my position crystal clear to him, but equally, I didn't want to bite a hand that held such an attractive offer. "No I haven't and probably won't think about it until I'm allowed to see what's on the other side of that curtain."

"I don't want to pressure you," he said defensively. "I was simply curious as to whether or not you'd thought about it."

"I haven't had time."

He shifted back in his seat and looked straight ahead. "What will you do after you're confirmed?"

"I'm not sure, probably go to Bulgaria."

"Have you thought about where you will go after that?"

"Stay here or go back to Los Angeles, I'm not sure."

"That money would surely come in handy no matter where you go."

"You're not telling me anything I don't know. I'd just like to make sure I have a home for the funds before I get them," I said in a nervous laugh.

"We're almost there. It looks like they're ready," he said, pointing to the old man as he came through the opening between the curtain and the wall. The other four came through behind him and took their seats. Samas put his hand on my arm and gave me a quick reassuring wink. It was all I could do to stay still in my chair. My racing heart felt like it might burst at any moment.

The old man straightened in his chair. "I think it would be appropriate to apprise Mr. Michaels of our guidelines before we give our decision." Several groans rose out of the impatient gallery. The old man whispered to the Egyptian, who stood up and spoke.