Gemsicuted

Written by Julian Robov


Forty Seven


Hours dragged like days. Rubyhall had no intention of keeping Rubin waiting for the impossible. Lam’s effort to fetch the 37carat ruby was getting him nowhere. Rubyhall called Den. Lord wasn’t making any commitment despite Den’s intervention. Something was not right. So with no other options left at his disposal, Rubyhall called Rubin at the Oriental.
“Rubin!” Rubyhall continued. “We have a little problem with the 37carat piece. I will have to do something I haven’t done in ages. You will get your 37carat piece just one week late. I’ll have our men deliver it to your office in New York, at no extra cost.”
“Why? What happened?” Rubin asked shockingly.
“It’s a long dirty story, which you don’t want to hear,” Rubyhall added. “I just don’t want to waste your time. I called David a few minutes ago, and told him you are on your way home tonight. You will see all the rubies in New York, in less than a week. Your dad has no problem with that. He needs you back urgently. Listen, you don’t have to pay the bills at the Oriental. It’s all taken care of. By the time you reach the receptionist, you will meet my secretary, Simi. She will give you an envelope. Your air ticket is in it. Your check out time is approaching. I must say, less than two hours. The limousine is waiting to take you to Don Muang International Airport. Don't forget to check once again the departure time.”
“This is a real surprise, especially coming from you,” Rubin said, glancing at his watch. In fact, he had other plans for the day, and now all had to be canceled.
“This time it had to happen this way,” Rubyhall said apologetically. “Anyway, you
will appreciate this arrangement. I think it’s better for your health this way. You better leave the city, before something unfriendly happens to you. There is lot of rumors. I’ll explain to you when you have reached home safely. That’s all I can say. So don’t waste your time. Forget about July. Is she still in your room?”
“No. She just left,” Rubin said, expressionless.
“Good. Leave a message for her with the reception: Bon Voyage!” Rubyhall hung up the phone.
All of a sudden, like a warning, situations changed, and after glancing once again at his watch, Rubin rushed to pack his belongings. This was the first such experience for him. Rubyhall’s ambiguous statement regarding Rubin’s health and safety rung in his ears repeatedly. Who would want to hurt him when his only dealing was with Rubyhall? Bangkok was considered a relatively safe city, especially Silom, and its environs.
He glanced once again at his watch. Everything was packed, and as he arrived at the reception, Rubyhall’s secretary was waiting for him with an envelope.
“Everything is in,” Simi said, affectionately. The limo was waiting for him outside the hotel. Rubin couldn’t believe events happening at such a fast pace. When he came to Bangkok, he thought that he would be able to see all the rubies he wanted to buy. Now he was returning home with none. Rubyhall was going to deliver all the pieces in a week. He wondered what was going on at the Rubyhall’s headquarters, something strange and serious. But he was no match to ask such questions. He believed in Rubyhall’s promise. One week! Period!
He thought of July and their brief relationship. Like a flash they met and conquered each other only to separate without knowing more. Her face and smile kept beaming back and forth, as the limo approached Don Muang International Airport. He thought of calling her from the airport. Then, he remembered Rubyhall’s remark. He didn’t want any trouble, especially when departing.
While waiting at the lounge for his departure, a beautiful lady in a sarong approached him and said, “You must be Mr Rubin Rosenberg, right? Here is a message for you.” She handed him a packet, and then disappeared.
He even forgot to ask who she was. There were several of them who looked pretty much the same if he decided to chase. She was gone. Rubin got back to his seat and checked the time once again. He had another twenty minutes to board the Thai Airways International flight. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him. Slowly he opened the packet wondering about its content. It was a message from Rubyhall wishing him a safe journey, and apologizing once again for the inconvenience. As he boarded the plane, that same lady returned waving final goodbye to him.