Fiction

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David and Asher were meeting a strange man at a Coffeehouse in Istanbul.
The man said, "Are you sure no one followed me?"
Asher replied,"I should think that is more your business then ours. But as a matter of fact, yes we are sure. We have a friend of ours several lengths behind you screening you. None of your's followed us."
The man then said, "I've come to join the fight for freedom."
Asher and David kept professionally straight faces, while mentally chuckling to themselves.
Asher then thought,"Yes, having several several hundred thousand men trying to cross the Rhine must have been quite an inspiration to your idealism...".
The man continued, "And after all, I'm not really a German, I am an Austrian."
Asher then replied, "Some might say that an Austrian has more choice then a German about who he fights for."
The man said, "Will you take me or not?"
David said, "You know the rules. Bring us enough information to convince us your not a plant..."
The man said,"And enough for you to hold over me, should I get squeamish..."
Asher said,"Even so. You are quite familiar with The Trade, aren't you."
The man smiled, "Very much so. In return, you will protect me and my family. Will you not?"
Asher said, "We shall do are best."
They separated and went each to their own affairs.
As Asher and David walked down the street, Asher made a pause.
He said,"I wonder why he came to us, instead of the British or the Americans."
David said, "You know, I never thought of that. Do you suppose that he could have a relation who did something gruesome? Gruesome enough that he might want to make sure he has a deal worked out with the Jews?"
Asher whistled,"Now that is a very distasteful thought. But unfortunately we gave our word."
Then David said, "There's nothing for it but to get as much as we can out of it. It's funny though, how every defector claims that he is an Austrian."
Asher said, "I wonder what they will do with their recent population increase."

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