DECISION

That night Lenny thought about what he was about to do.  He told himself he shouldn’t feel guilty about betraying Radic because they were just acquaintances after all.  Serena was an adult; she can make her own decisions.  He has never done anything so bold in his whole insipid life.  There’s a big chance he could get caught. What would the consequences be?  The notion titillated him. He felt like James Bond.  All he had to do was pick up Serena and deliver her to the Croatian embassy.  What’s the worst that can happen? He decided to  call Alice and get her feedback.

“I don’t know, Lenny.  It sounds pretty risky.  You don’t know who these people are or what they’re capable of.  Being engaged to a Croatian could be like treason or something.  A war could break out. From what you told me about the two Prime Ministers going at it with each other who knows what might happen.  Radic flipped out just because Babic berated his dog. Can you imagine what might happen if his niece went to the other side?  She’s like Helen of Troy.”

“She’s only asking for a ride.  Her uncle won’t even be there.  I need this Alice.  I just turned fifty-two  and I have nothing to show for it.  What does a doctorate in Astrophysics get you?  Something no one can relate to.  It’s what defines me. It’s meaningless.  There’s something missing in my life and I think this will be the one thing I’ll ever do that matters.”

“Well, Lenny, it sounds like you’ve thought this through. You have my support.  I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you.  You better call me every five minutes, Lenny. I mean it.”