The phone rang in the dining room of the Mahogany Suite five minutes after the servant had finished making the bed for the night. The old man moved slowly towards the dining table. He was surprised. Usually at this hour the service desk did not transfer any incoming calls to him.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Dad, it’s me. How are you doing? Did I wake you up?”
“No, you did not wake me up. But you did surprise me. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Sorry that I’m calling you at this late hour. I wanted to talk with you. My good buddy from the Red Stars called me this evening. For the last three days our good friends have been desperately trying to book two rooms in the hotel. It looks like they are going to Derchany. This is good news. I wanted to let you know today and not wait ‘til tomorrow. Everything is working out the way you planned it. Dad, you are a master of human psychology.”
“This is great news, son. You know what to do next. Remember not to expose the Joker ahead of time.”
“Yes, I know what to do. I will be there. I don’t like that you are using this pseudonym. Better I will keep my King covered. I love you, Dad. You are my King.”
“Love you, Son. Keep me posted. Be careful. Talk to you soon.”
“I will. Do not worry.”
The old man hung up. He walked to the balcony. The streets were dark. A single tear streaked down his wrinkled face.