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　　 # “當他們想到民主，他們就會想到可口可樂，”可口可樂第一屆國際大會上的一個著名標語。（1948）

　　 1986年2月，莫斯科郊外的別墅里。

　　 烏拉帕拉推開了客廳的門，他的女助理帶著她的禮物。羅曼諾夫坐在沙發上正在看《1984》，他用鋼筆在把

　　 This peculiar linking-together

　　 這種奇特的對立協同

　　 of opposites—knowledge with ignorance, cynicism with fanaticism —is one of the chief distinguishing marks of Oceanic society.

　　 這種獨特的對立面--知識與無知、憤世嫉俗與狂熱--聯系在一起，是大洋國社會的主要特點之一。

　　 The official ideology abounds with contradictions even when there is no practical reason for them.

　　 官方意識形態中充滿了矛盾，即使沒有任何實際理由。

　　 Thus, the Party rejects and vilifies every principle for which the Socialist movement originally stood, and it chooses to do this in the name of Socialism.

　　 因此，黨拒絕並詆毀社會主義運動最初支持的每一項原則，而且它選擇假借社會主義的名義這樣做。

　　 標注出來，鋼筆的墨水在紙面構成著曲线。當這些單詞連接在一起時，是它們開始扭曲在一起時。

　　 自然的古老真理和人性的律法，

　　 和人類物種的無休止的擴張。

　　 烏拉帕拉不知道這段注示是否代表著書籍主人對這段文字的重視，她靜靜等待直到書籍主人將書放在一邊把他的目光放在她身上。

　　 “那本書？”他問道。

　　 “什麼？”

　　 “你剛才在看那本書。”

　　 “哦，呃……”她臉紅了。“你有我能讀的東西嗎？”

　　 “不，你不需要看那些書。過來，坐在我的腿上。”

　　 她向前走，坐在他的腿上。他輕輕地撫摸她的頭發。

　　 “我知道你是新來的，所以讓我給你解釋一下，”他說。“世界由兩個截然不同的社會群體組成：一個是試圖控制他人的群體，另一個是被控制的群體。前者被稱為當權者，後者被稱為無產者。無產者是工人階級，他們必須工作才能生存。當權者是一個富裕階層，他們不工作，也不想讓別人工作。當權者的存在是因為無產者為他們工作。沒有無產者，當權者什麼都沒有。你明白嗎？”

　　 “是的……”

　　 “好。這些書包含了在權威陰影下的文明的最後殘余。這是無產者建立的文明，為了無產者的利益而保護它是當權者的責任。”

　　 “這些書對無產者有什麼好處？你想保存什麼？”

　　 “好處是多方面的。例如，它們包含房子里所有物品的藍圖。它們包含了可用於促進人類生活的技術進步。算了，我不想說這些了。你帶來了什麼禮物給我？”

　　 烏拉帕拉臉紅了。“我……嗯……”她低頭，擺弄著雙手。“我有一件禮物給你。它是……”她抬起頭，看到了主人的目光。

　　 “漁網絲襪，我想你會喜歡看到我穿上它。”

　　 羅曼諾夫笑了，臉色緩和了下來。

　　 “你想得真周到，烏拉帕拉。你讓我想起了你這個年紀的女孩。我會記住的。”

　　 “那麼，你想要什麼？”她問道，無法保持興奮和羞怯。

　　 “要讀的東西，要保存的東西，要吃的東西。”羅曼諾夫抓住她的下巴說：“當然，還有欲望。現在，你把你自己送給我是換取什麼？”

　　 “嗯，我知道蘇聯打算把擁有的其他國家債務轉手出售給美國，能不能讓列寧格勒銀行參與？”

　　 “也許吧。但首先，你必須為我做點什麼。”

　　 “什麼都行。”

　　 “首先，叫我爸爸，以後幫我尋找女孩到我的臥室。”

　　 “當然可以，爸爸。”

　　 “過來，我的愛人。”他拍了拍身邊的墊子，她走近一點，直到她的頭靠在他的肩膀上。

　　 “我們有很多工作要做。”他想了想又說：“此外，你還要幫我在國際銀行成立幾個秘密帳戶來保存資金。我不希望稅務部門能查到。”

　　 “你打算用這些資金干什麼？”

　　 “照常。吃、住、穿等。我會用這筆錢去其他國家旅行，在那里我會找到年輕女性作為我的孩子收養。她們會得到照顧，並接受蘇聯的理想教育。我們清楚這一點嗎，烏拉帕拉？”

　　 “爸爸。我很高興能為您服務。”

　　 \"好姑娘。\"

　　 羅曼諾夫站起來，握著他的婊子的手。他向房子的內室走去，牽著她的手。他沒有松開她，她緊緊跟著，靜靜地跟著。

　　 “那麼，我們來談談正事吧。你到底打算給我什麼？”羅曼諾夫問她。

　　 烏爾帕拉深吸了一口氣，她的眼睛睜大了。她咬著下嘴唇，她的手開始顫抖。

　　 “你想要......”

　　 “是的，我想要。”他脫下外套說：“你今天是安全日嗎？”

　　 他脫下襯衫，露出一個成熟男人的身材。他軀干上的皮膚是淺棕色，軀干上有幾處傷疤。“是的，”她說，盯著他的身體。

　　 “很好，我可不希望你現在懷上我的孩子。”他再次抓住她的下巴，“你為我服務時不會懷孕，明白嗎？”

　　 “是的，”她低聲說。

　　 “很好。”他拍了拍她的頭說，“只有聽話的女孩才能活下去，現在讓我們睡覺。”

　　 烏拉帕拉接下來的幾個小時過得很慢。睡了幾個小時後，她的眼睛睜開了。她環顧四周，看到了同樣的舊家具。羅曼諾夫仍然睡在她旁邊，而她開始想知道在這所房子里她可以逃到哪里去。過了一會兒，她從床上起來。她有個計劃。

　　 她走到梳妝台前，看了看里面，說：“爸爸。”

　　 “是的，親愛的。快一點。”他站起來，伸了伸懶腰。

　　 “我想我們已經達成了協定？那些蘇聯債務的債權會轉讓給我的銀行？”

　　 “是的，但我不能保證我自己的安全。交易就是交易。”

　　 “我明白，但你打算給我什麼回報呢？”

　　 羅曼諾夫起身赤裸地站在她面前說：“猜一猜一共多少億美元債務會轉讓到你的銀行？”

　　 “10億？”她猜測道。

　　 “蘇聯一共擁有古巴320億美元、朝鮮110.96億美元、伊拉克120億美元、蒙古112億美元、阿富汗105億美元、敘利亞98億美元、越南94億美元、利比亞46億美元、阿爾及利亞47億美元、埃塞俄比亞48億美元、也門53億美元、莫桑比克20億美元、巴基斯坦50億美元，南斯拉夫43億美元、坦桑尼亞20億美元以及贊比亞10億美元總共1297億美元的債權，這還是按利率2.5%的計算結果。”

　　 “這是一筆交易，”烏拉帕拉說，“我到底要如何轉移這筆債務？”

　　 “把這些債務轉讓給那些美國財團，你應該知道做吧？”羅曼諾夫打個哈欠馬上躺回到床上。

　　 “我不知道怎麼做。我只是會計，”她說，“你必須向我解釋。”

　　 “我懷疑是否有這個必要，我還是解釋一下吧。你知道，戰前，蘇聯和這些國家之間有一個貿易協議。那些公司是用硬通貨支付的。它們被轉換為債務，供我們支付。這些國家後來采用了美國美元作為他們自己的貨幣，這些國家的貨幣價格下降了，以至於現在他們無法償還債務。”他笑著說。“這是一個雙贏的局面。”

　　 “那麼，事情就是這樣發展的。”羅曼諾夫在床上坐得筆直。“我們將要求這些國家將以硬通貨與資源償還債務與簽署雙邊經濟貿易協定，而剩下那些無法的不良債務就通過你的銀行轉讓給美國企業。作為回報，你的銀行將免除蘇聯的不良債務，並做出一點讓步。如果你願意，你可以稱之為重組。”

　　 “我明白了…這正是你給我的條件。”

　　 “不是嗎？”羅曼諾夫又向前傾了傾。“現在，我也要求你做出一些讓步。”

　　 “比如說？”

　　 “吻我，叫我沙皇。”

　　 “對不起？”

　　 “這是一個古老的俄羅斯傳統。它翻譯成‘我需要它’。”他站著，她坐著，在他的臉頰上啄了一下。

　　 “你的想法和我想的不一樣，”她說。

　　 他抓住她的臉，吻了吻她。

　　 “別想了，”他說，“你會明白的。”

　　 “我不得不同意。”

　　 “同意什麼？”

　　 “你是沙皇。”

　　 “聽從我的命令。”他微笑著說：“我會成為蘇聯的新沙皇，而你會是我的一位皇後。”

　　 她也笑了。“我可以想出一個更好的標題，”她說，“但那就行了。”

　　 “是的，跪下親吻我的手。”他伸出手說：“現在，我有個問題要問你。”

　　 “是嗎？”

　　 “你想要這個頭銜和職位嗎？那種只有沙皇才能給予的恩惠。”

　　 “我……”烏拉帕拉張開嘴想說些什麼，但他打斷了。

　　 “不要馬上回答。想想看。問問自己是否真的想要這個。想想它真正的含義。”他嚴肅地說：“如果你成為我的皇後，你將和我背叛人民與蘇聯，你選擇個人利益還是忠誠於人民？”

　　 她停頓了一會兒，然後說：“個人利益。”

　　 他微笑著搖了搖頭。“你是一個非常有價值的人。我相信我可以信賴你。”他又吻了吻她的前額，然後拍了拍她的屁股。“我希望你能成為一個好王後。”

　　 當她離開房間時，她懷疑自己是否做出了正確的選擇。

　　 ---

　　 1986年3月紐約

　　 一位身穿深色西裝、打著紅色領帶的高個子男子走進紐約銀行紐約分行。他手里拿著一個公文包。當他進入大樓時，值班的出納員抬起頭說：“下午好。”

　　 “下午好，鮑里斯，”那人說，“蘇聯銀行的烏拉帕拉小姐到了嗎？”

　　 “她幾分鍾前剛到，先生。”

　　 “請叫她進來，告訴她我想見她。一定要讓她明白。”

　　 出納員按下鍵盤上的一些按鈕說：“烏拉帕拉小姐，有位先生來看你。”

　　 過了一會兒，內門開了，那人走了進來。他穿著深色西裝，打著紅色領帶。這名婦女穿著灰色連衣裙和綠色外套，肩上挎著一個大袋子。

　　 “伯克先生？”她問道。

　　 “沒錯，你一定是烏拉帕拉小姐。”

　　 “是的，我是烏拉帕拉。很榮幸終於見到你。”

　　 “你讓我的銀行從德國馬克轉向美元的方式給我留下了深刻的印象。這是你的一項壯舉。”

　　 “謝謝，說來話長。”

　　 “說來話長？我覺得你很謙虛。”

　　 “不，真的，說來話長。也許我們應該去一些不太公開的地方。”

　　 “哦，好的。我叫邁克爾·伯克，但我的朋友叫我邁克。”

　　 “我叫烏拉帕拉，”她伸出手說，“我也很高興見到你。”

　　 他握了握她的手說：“好吧，我想我們應該去別的地方，這樣我們就不會陷入一片混亂。”

　　 他們離開銀行，走進一條小巷。當他們離開銀行的視线時，她說：“有件事你應該知道。”

　　 “那是什麼？”他問。

　　 “紐約銀行根本不是一家銀行，而是美國雇用的一家‘機構’。”

　　 “什麼？”他說，“你到底是什麼意思？”

　　 “該機構對該銀行負責，其目的是為美國政府洗錢。這就是為什麼他們能夠長期經營下去的原因。你應該知道這一點。”

　　 “那太可怕了。”

　　 “是的。”她從袋子拿出一疊文件遞給他說：“我不是來關心這些，我只是想知道你能不能聯系到花旗銀行與它背後的人。我的蘇聯主人希望你們能參與一筆對所有人都有益的交易。”

　　 他瀏覽了一下文件，說：“這是信用證，最基本的信用證形式。但我想可以。”他說，“順便問一下，你不擔心被人看見和我在一起嗎？”

　　 “不擔心，你只是一枚傳遞信息的棋子。如果我想，你馬上可以從世界上消失就像我的主人可以讓我消失一樣。”

　　 “我明白了。嗯，我想我們應該回去。現在，恐怕我們唯一的選擇就是回到這里，希望一切都好起來。”

　　 -----

　　 第一花旗城市銀行金融集團，花旗銀行，紐約

　　 1986年3月

　　 這名男子坐在紐約銀行的自助餐廳里研究菜單。過了一會兒，他對自己說：“這一定是世界上最無聊的工作了。”

　　 幾分鍾後，一個女人從門口走了進來，那人抬起頭來。“哦，你好，烏拉帕拉小姐，”他站起來說。“你想要個座位嗎？”

　　 “好的，”她說。“非常抱歉，我只是沒有時間等桌子。”

　　 他把她領到一張桌子前說：“我們有一個空位。”

　　 “謝謝。”她坐了下來。

　　 “我沒想到你會這麼及時，”他說。“在你離開銀行的路上，我想你至少應該等一張桌子。”

　　 “我當時很忙，”她說。

　　 “據我所知，你是新來的。”

　　 “可以這麼說，不過我們能否合作共贏不取於這方面，對嗎？”

　　 “當然不是。我可以推薦烤牛肉三明治和一杯咖啡嗎？”

　　 “是的，謝謝。”

　　 他點了菜，說：“我想我們該開始了。”

　　 “沒必要。我知道你做什麼，或者更確切地說，你不做什麼。”

　　 他震驚地抬起頭來。“你怎麼可能知道？”

　　 “因為我就是你，親愛的。”

　　 他繼續用懷疑的目光盯著她。“是嗎？”他問。

　　 “我們有著共同的目的，約翰·里德先生，我想要債權變成硬通貨。我想成為你們董事會的一員。如果你幫我做這件事，我也會幫你做你的，我們倆都能賺比我們在這里多得多的錢。你怎麼認為？這是一個雙贏的局面，不是嗎？”

　　 他想了一會兒，“你是誰？我是說，你到底是誰？”

　　 “朋友。我們各自的祖國不應該是敵人，美國與蘇聯可以共同統治世界，你們想進入蘇聯的市場，我們也想擺脫封鎖。至少自由與社會主義？我不認為我們會在乎。”

　　 他端詳著她的臉。“你願意讓我走嗎？”

　　 “我想是的。”

　　 他點了點頭。“我需要時間考慮一下。”

　　 她站了起來。“當然，我希望我代表的列寧格勒銀行與你們達成共識，方便我們成功轉讓債權。另外，有一間旅館的房間里有一個年輕的南斯拉夫女孩在等待你，這是一份禮物。”她把那個房間的鑰匙放在桌上。“接下來七天的房費都付清了。如果你想帶走這個女孩，那是你的事。”

　　 他拿起鑰匙看了看房間。“這是一份很好的禮物，你不能再送這樣的禮物了。謝謝。”

　　 “不客氣。也許你想見她？”

　　 “是的，我想去。”

　　 “保重，里德先生。這是我的榮幸。”

　　 他看著她走出門。然後，他看了看酒店房間的鑰匙。

　　 他站起來，走到酒店房間，打開門，說：“你好。”

　　 她站在那里，一個大概十九歲的年輕女子，臉上帶著一種非常無聊的表情。“你好，”她說。

　　 “我是約翰·里德，你可以叫我傑克。”

　　 “我是簡。”

　　 “噢，很好的名字。你知道我們要一起待七天？”

　　 她點點頭。“是的，很好。”

　　 “那是七天的樂趣，親愛的。”

　　 “嗯？”

　　 他對自己微笑。“你穿的那件布料真漂亮。”

　　 她低頭看了看自己的衣服。“你喜歡嗎？這是你的。”

　　 他聳聳肩。“現在，簡你去把燈關閉，我們要在一起度過這個夜晚然後我會帶你回到我的私人別墅。”

　　 “是的，先生。”

　　 他看著她走開。他對自己微笑。他肯定會更多地見到她。

　　 直到他厭煩的時候。

　　 ------

　　 第二天，他帶她出去吃午飯。他在一家五星級飯店請她吃了一頓美餐。“這是免費的，”他說。“我請客。”

　　 她看了看菜單說：“謝謝。”

　　 “你是怎麼來到美國又成為特殊服務者的？”

　　 “我年輕時曾是一名芭蕾舞演員。有一天，我們的教授讓我們去德國學習最新的舞步。我去了，向最好的人學習。當我回來的時候，我是一名專業人士。我的事業從此起飛。”

　　 “你的工作做得很好。”

　　 “謝謝你。”

　　 他點點頭說：“我會帶你到我的私人別墅，白天我要工作晚上我會回來。”

　　 “好的。”

　　 “我晚上會在這里等你吃晚飯，然後我們開始為旅行做准備。”

　　 他帶她去了私人別墅。它很精致。事實上，這是她去過的最奢侈的家。從沙發到地毯再到步入式衣櫃，一切都比生活更偉大。“這都是你的，親愛的。”他對她說。

　　 “謝謝。你貸款了嗎？我急需錢。”

　　 “我們將在晚餐時討論這個問題。”

　　 ---

　　 他帶她去吃飯。這是一頓非常好的飯。他請她喝了他最好的酒。對葡萄酒來說，這是非常好的一年。

　　 “你需要多少錢？”他喝了一杯酒後把手放在她的腰上問。

　　 “至少一百萬美元。”

　　 “一百萬美元？你要的是這麼大的貸款？我可以幫你弄到幾百萬。”

　　 “不，我不是這個意思。我至少需要兩十萬。這只是開始。我以後需要更多的錢。為了我的家人，為了他們——”

　　 “好的。”他想了想說：“你知道沒人會免費提供這麼多錢，你需要付出代價。”

　　 “我知道。但我需要現實一點。我需要冒一些風險。沒有任何保證。我至少需要兩十萬美元來美國。其余的將用於在瑞士和澳大利亞開設銀行賬戶。”

　　 他點了點頭。“100萬將是一個很好的開始。剩下的我們會處理。”

　　 “謝謝你，傑克。我很感激。”

　　 “我不會免費提供這些，我需要一個能滿足我一切需求的女仆，你如果想得到這麼多貸款…你需要把你賣給我。”

　　 她笑了。他的聲音里不僅僅有一點飢餓感。她看著他的眼睛，看他是不是認真的。他不是。她笑了。“傑克，我不知道你賣我干什麼，但我肯定那不是女仆。”

　　 他笑了。“或者說女奴。如果你想在我家工作，你會被當作妻子對待。至少，我們會這樣稱呼它。”

　　 她環視了一下房間，回頭看著他。“我不想當女傭。”

　　 “我寧願不要一個不能滿足我需要的妻子。”

　　 她輕輕地笑了。這一次，他沒有生氣。他的聲音里有一絲譏諷的意味。

　　 “傑克，我不是在開玩笑。我寧願什麼都不做，也不願做我自己。”

　　 “這是你的決定，你希望你年老多病在貧民窟死去還是和我在富人社區里養育自己的後代？”

　　 他問問題的方式使她不寒而栗。她看著他的眼睛，看他是不是認真的。他不是。他接著說，“簡，你想當女傭還是妻子？”

　　 “我什麼都不想做，傑克。如果我同意做你的妻子，我會成為你的奴隸。”

　　 “有什麼大不了的？我是一個陷入困境的銀行家。我有一個大房子和一個成功的企業。簡，你需要從生活中得到什麼？”

　　 “‘女仆’就行了。”她交叉雙臂。

　　 “就是這樣，你放棄並出售自己給我並幫我解決需求，我照顧你並讓你生下我的私生子女。”

　　 她揚起眉毛。

　　 “我寧願你英年早逝，也不願把自己賣給像你這樣的人，傑克。”她交叉雙臂。她的聲音很冷。

　　 “你以後不會這樣想的，告訴你與你的家人在南斯拉夫是怎麼生活的？你以前有幾個男人？”

　　 “我只有你，傑克。”

　　 “你不想再吃點嗎？”

　　 “沒有。”

　　 他皺著眉頭。“為什麼不呢？”

　　 “傑克，你把我當作工具。”

　　 他沒有回答。他坐在那里接受信息。

　　 “傑克，你不認為我是一個需要照顧的人嗎？”

　　 他沉默地坐了一會兒。“每一個人都需要照顧，但沒人會關心他人。現在，告訴我你與你的家人在南斯拉夫是怎麼生活的與想移民美國的？”

　　 “我的家人挨餓了，而我鎮上的男人們努力工作，掙得足夠的錢吃飯。”

　　 “他們派你去美國了嗎？”

　　 “我想去。”

　　 “為什麼？”

　　 “我想看看世界。”

　　 “為什麼？你為什麼想看世界？”

　　 “因為這就是世界。”

　　 他笑了。“簡，你沒有回答我的問題。”

　　 “因為這個問題毫無意義，傑克。”

　　 “給我解釋一下。”

　　 “你不需要知道，你永遠不會明白。”

　　 “試試。”

　　 “傑克，你沒有理由相信我。”

　　 他聳聳肩。“向我證明你自己。”

　　 她把目光移開。“如何？”

　　 “告訴我，你與你的家人在南斯拉夫是怎麼挨餓的。”

　　 “我為了一塊面包把自己賣給了一個人。”

　　 “你是怎麼活下來的？一定很難做到。”

　　 她點點頭說：“沒什麼只是放棄尊嚴，沒有錢的話我們活的還不如富人的一條狗。我們賣不起任何東西，政府也不會給我們什麼。我為了一塊面包與活下去把自己賣給了一個人，然後我被賣到了美國這里。”

　　 “到底賣什麼？”

　　 “我的身體，傑克。”

　　 “你出賣你的身體……為了什麼？”

　　 “為了錢。”

　　 他茫然地望著她。

　　 “好吧，簡，你想做什麼？”

　　 “殺了你。”

　　 他笑了。“我得說你離那有點遠了，甜心。”他從沙發上站起來。“來吧，我們去睡覺吧。”

　　 他為她伸出手。她拿走了，他們走到他的臥室。他打開門說：“你可以睡在床上或沙發上。明天，我會幫你把你的家人移民到美國。當然，你需要成為我的女仆與奴隸。”

　　 “我來睡吧，傑克。”

　　 他笑了。“很好，選擇很好。”他關上門。

　　 “我坐沙發去，傑克。”

　　 “隨你的便。反正你是我的了，吻我的嘴。”

　　 “我會在祈禱中記住你的，傑克。”她躺在沙發上。她抬頭看著天花板。“我們明天可以嗎？”

　　 “當然。”他坐在床上。“我有一個問題，你的家人為什麼這麼貧窮？”

　　 “我父親在部隊服役。他死後，我們失去了他攢起來的錢。”

　　 “我明白了。”他撫摸著下巴。“簡，你覺得我怎麼樣？”

　　 “我不相信你，傑克。我認為你是一個不想工作，只想得到你想要的東西的人。”

　　 傑克皺著眉頭。“但這是合乎邏輯的，人們不會在乎你的悲慘遭遇與道德，只在乎你有多少錢。而我擁有財富就夠了，這就是資本的運作真理：一切為了利潤最大化。其他都是騙人的，就像蘇聯沒有政治民主，美國沒有經濟民主。”

　　 “傑克，我只是在說我的家人。我不會因為你的所作所為而評判你。”

　　 “很好。”他向前傾了傾。“只要你聽話與愛我，有一天我會用美元淹沒你。現在，吻我。”

　　 她從沙發上站起來。她走到床邊，坐在床沿上。她吻了他。他把她抱在身邊，他們就這樣一直呆到睡著。

　　 -----

　　 蘇聯各時期的外債如下：

　　 1975年------154億美元

　　 1980年------252億美元

　　 1985年------383億美元

　　 1990年------625億美元

　　 1991年------679億美元

　　 當然，這跟現今俄羅斯的外債與美國的國債規模相比不值一提。不過，我真的不明白戈爾巴喬夫是怎麼想的，戈爾巴喬夫對內部政治斗爭簡直太厲害了，直接幫葉利欽掃除一切有威脅與有能力的人。連切爾諾貝利核電站事件都利用來打擊謝爾比茨基，這就是道德水平真空的漢弗萊也不會這樣做。

　　 在動亂時期還以內斗干掉對手為先，1987年直接解散計劃經濟委員會與對外貿易部讓蘇聯計劃經濟失去運行機構，不斷讓軍隊解決示威游行又事後甩鍋抨擊軍隊甚至讓軍隊給示威者道歉讓軍隊放棄效忠，不斷撤換州委書記、部委領導人與縱使地方民族主義、釋放政治犯、民族主義者讓他們攻擊蘇聯官僚集團。里根與葉利欽簡直太應該感謝戈爾巴喬夫了，沒有戈爾巴喬夫利用蘇共總書記的權力不斷清洗反對者與從冷門部門提撥沒能力與決心的人就沒有蘇聯提前解體，戈爾巴喬夫獲得諾貝爾和平獎真是理所當然，犧牲自己的權力與地位來讓新自由主義戰勝社會主義陣營！這是怎樣的一種國際新自由主義精神啊！

　　 ---

　　 簡在晨光中醒來。她看了看床頭的鍾。六點三十四分。她看著傑克。他睡得很香，鼾聲很輕。

　　 她從床上起來。她走到窗前，向外看去。他們清楚地看到了城市上空的日出。她在那里站了一會兒，想著她的生活。她不知道接下來該去哪里。她對這一天有一種奇怪的感覺。她感覺到這將改變她的生活方向。

　　 她回到床上，看著傑克。他睡不著。她躺在他旁邊，閉上了眼睛。她感覺到他的手臂摟著她，他們一直睡到中午。

　　 當他們醒來時，他站起來，走到窗前。電話響起。他撿起它說：“是嗎？”

　　 “是我，烏拉帕拉。”

　　 “啊，烏拉帕拉，怎麼了？”

　　 “那個女孩怎麼樣？你滿意嗎？”

　　 “我很滿意，是的。”

　　 “我只是想讓你知道，你不必和她打交道。繼續你的一天，就像什麼都沒發生一樣。我向你保證。”

　　 “烏爾帕拉，我很感激。我只是想找個伴。”

　　 “當然可以。今晚見。”

　　 “回頭見，烏爾帕拉。”

　　 ----

　　 她從沙發上起來時快到吃飯時間了。傑克已經在窗前了。“我們需要去銀行，”她說。

　　 “我知道，我還和你需要見烏拉帕拉。”他轉向她。“我們走的時候會發生什麼？”

　　 “我們會賺錢的。”她笑著說。“很多錢。”

　　 “我明白了。”他吻了吻她。

　　 當天晚上，他帶著簡跟烏拉帕拉在餐廳會面。烏爾帕拉坐在外面的一張桌子旁，喝著一杯葡萄酒。當他們走近桌子時，她站起來說，“你有五分鍾，然後我們必須離開。”

　　 “明白了，”他點點頭。

　　 他和簡坐了下來。

　　 “那麼，你考慮的結果是什麼？”烏拉帕拉雙手交叉問。

　　 “烏拉帕拉，你真奇怪。你有錢，但你也有我想要的東西。得到你想要的東西的方法就是我需要的。”

　　 “那是什麼？”

　　 “你的友誼。”

　　 “哦。”烏拉帕拉喝了一杯酒。“我不太擅長交朋友。”

　　 “你也不擅長分享。現在，我有個問題問你：你更願意擁有財富還是權力？”

　　 “都是。”烏拉帕拉笑了。“我是一個貪婪的人。過去一直如此，將來也會如此。”

　　 “你是個不可預測的人。我喜歡這樣的人。給我一點時間想想。”他拿起酒杯，喝了一杯。“我給你一點時間，因為我喜歡你那張貪婪的小臉。我想是權力。為了我們的友誼，我會在幫助你說服洛克菲勒財團與摩根財團購買你的債權。但我也需要利益與承諾。”

　　 “我希望同時得到美元和股票的回報。但在你給我想要的之前，我們不要討論這個問題。”

　　 “我以為你會按我的方式看的。”他又喝了一杯酒。“我會給你這些東西：利息和承諾，就像我承諾的那樣。我向你保證。我不是蘇聯人，我知道你正在說服那些財團家族合作。事情完成後，我需要五千萬美元和五千萬美元的股票，還有列寧格勒銀行董事會成員身份。”

　　 “五千萬美元？那不是一大筆承諾。”

　　 “這比我現在給你的要多得多。你在討價還價。”

　　 “好吧，我給你五千萬美元。剩下的錢將以股票的形式付清。我想你實際上得到的比你投入的要多。”

　　 “那是因為，我不像你，我有良心。”他靠得很近。“別以為我沒注意到你穿的是一件低胸的、幾乎沒有的裙子。”

　　 簡被酒嗆住了。

　　 “如果你把那件衣服脫掉，我再給你五百萬美元。”

　　 “你不是……”

　　 “是的，我是。”他眨了眨眼。

　　 簡盯著他，說不出話來。

　　 “你說呢，烏拉帕拉？脫下衣服。”

　　 “沒有。”烏拉帕拉寫下五千萬美元支票說：“你喝醉了，時間到了我該走了。享受你的簡時候記得我們的承諾。”她轉身離開。

　　 “嗯，我們賺了一些錢，”

　　 “那麼，你認為你做了一筆好交易？”簡說。

　　 “這要由我和銀行家來決定。”

　　 簡臉紅了說：“如果你細心的話，你會注意到我沒有穿內褲。”

　　 “我的錯。”他呷了一口酒說，“你說得對。也許我該找個時間帶你去看電影。”

　　 簡笑了，說：“除非我們賺更多的錢。”

　　 “拜托，我是在開玩笑。請把你的衣服脫掉，”他伸出手說。

　　 簡盯著他的手，說不出話來。

　　 “好吧，我會……”她環顧四周說，“等等，五千萬美元太多了。我不會脫衣服的。拿兩千五百萬。”

　　 “你……”她低頭看著自己的衣服。“很好。”她拿起酒杯走開了。

　　 那天晚上，他帶簡去了一家旅館。

　　 簡嘆了口氣說：“很好。”她脫掉了衣服。

　　 “我在開玩笑。”他笑了。

　　 她笑著說：“你應該更加小心。”

　　 他說：“我很滿意，現在蹲下喊我主人然後穿上衣服跟我回家。”他收起支票。簡蹲下來呻吟著說：“主人！”。

　　 “是嗎？”他頑皮地拍了她一下。

　　 “我需要更多的錢。”

　　 “來，拿著這個。”他扔給她幾張鈔票。

　　 簡數了數，皺起眉頭，說：“這不是怎麼回事。我需要更多。我想要更多。”

　　 “沒錢了。你玩得很開心。”他站著。

　　 “求你了！只是……”

　　 “沒有。”他起身輕輕扇了她一巴掌說：“當你更聽話的時候，我才會給予你。現在，跟我回家。”

　　 “穿好衣服回家……現在。”

　　 “是的，求你巴……”她站起來，把衣服穿上。

　　 她和他一起回家了。他回到會議室。

　　 簡嘆了口氣，坐了下來。她從袋子里掏出錢，數了數。至少兩千美元。她得想辦法把這一切都隱藏起來。

　　 她想起了她的繼姐妹。她想象他們倆在他們的小公寓里。簡會做飯，她的繼母與姐妹會看電視。她們會爭論。

　　 她得偷偷把錢給她。也許她可以賣血。

　　 她必須把一切都弄清楚。

　　 她會擔心的。

　　 她姐姐會想和罪犯發生關系嗎？她現在過得很愉快。為什麼要冒險和罪犯混在一起？

　　 簡把臉埋在被子里盯著綠色的紙幣，她想為什麼她要放棄一切只是為了多上這些只是印上顏色的紙？

　　 也許她應該擔心她的妹妹

　　 也許，如果情況不好，她應該照顧她的妹妹。

　　 也許，她應該是個好人

　　 簡笑了。

　　 “有什麼好笑的？”他回到臥室盯著她問。

　　 “沒什麼，”她說。她捂住嘴說：“對不起，我不是故意笑的。我只是……我不知道。我只是突然想起了。”

　　 “你在想什麼？”他坐在她旁邊的床上，凝視著她。

　　 “我可以把這些錢都給我妹妹，”她伸出手說。“這是她應得的。”

　　 他平躺下問：“你妹妹？她多大？”

　　 “我不知道，大概15歲。”

　　 “她住在城里嗎？”

　　 “不，在鄉下。”

　　 他仰面躺著。“嗯，我猜你讓我把她和你母親帶到這里？”

　　 她慢慢地點點頭。“我很抱歉。”

　　 “嗯，我明天會幫你辦理銀行賬戶與轉入兩百萬美元。你應該感謝我。”

　　 “謝謝你。”

　　 “沒關系。我會讓你妹妹在工資單上做顧問。她可以做一些別人不願意做的零工。”

　　 “謝謝你。”

　　 “不客氣。”

　　 他站起來走向梳妝台。他拿出一條黑色褲子，把它們疊起來。“禁止童工的法令反而會剝奪貧窮兒童求生存的機會，強制兒童去學校受教育而不允許工作，對兒童不一定是最好的選擇。當然，我希望你妹妹也從我學習什麼。”

　　 簡笑了。“答應我。”

　　 “我保證。”他回到梳妝台拿起一件襯衫。他走進浴室，穿好衣服出來。“你知道我們這個國家很多州沒有廢除童工與童婚。”

　　 她點點頭。“我知道。”

　　 “你認為繼續這種關系明智嗎？”

　　 “我有什麼選擇？”

　　 “你可以結束這段關系。”

　　 簡看著他。“你在威脅我嗎？”

　　 “好吧，既然你這麼說，是的。”他用毛巾擦頭發說：“我希望你知道你結束我們關系是不明智的。”

　　 “我不是。你是我的愛人，我會為一切來找你。我不需要和任何人在一起，即使是我的妹妹。”

　　 “我明白了。”

　　 “晚安，睡個好覺。”

　　 “我會的，你也是。”

　　 他離開了房間。她一直聽著，直到他的腳步聲消失。

　　 當她完全確定他不在時，她在床上站起來，走進步入式衣櫃。她拿出一件紅色外套穿上。她離開臥室下樓去了。在廚房，她給自己煮了一杯可可。她計劃第二天設法把所有的錢和債券轉到她的個人賬戶。但這很困難，而且她沒有美國公民身份。如果銀行、國稅局或法律抓住了她怎麼辦？她可能會被捕。那就意味著要和她母親分開。她仔細考慮了一下，決定把錢藏起來。那樣，她就不會被抓住。

　　 [newpage]

　　 “When they think of democracy, they think of Coca-Cola,” read a prominent placard at Coke’s first international convention.(1948)

　　 In February 1986, at the dacha outside Moscow.

　　 Ulapala pushes open the door to the living room, where her female assistant is carrying her gift. Romanov is sitting on the sofa watching \"1984\", and he is using a pen to put

　　 This peculiar linking-together

　　 of opposites—knowledge with ignorance, cynicism with fanaticism —is one of the chief distinguishing marks of Oceanic society.

　　 The official ideology abounds with contradictions even when there is no practical reason for them.

　　 Thus, the Party rejects and vilifies every principle for which the Socialist movement originally stood, and it chooses to do this in the name of Socialism.

　　 Marked out, the ink of the pen forms curves on the paper. The words begin to twist together as they are joined together.

　　 the old truths of Nature and the laws of human nature,

　　 and the endless expansion of the human species.

　　 Ulapala wondered if this gaze signified the importance the book owner attached to the text, and she waited silently until the book owner set the book aside to fix his gaze on her.

　　 \"The book?\" he asked.

　　 \"What?\"

　　 \"You were looking at that book.\"

　　 \"Oh. Er...\" She blushed. \"Do you have something that I can read?\"

　　 \"No, you don\u0027t need to read those books. Come here and sit on my lap.\"

　　 She moved forward, and sat on his lap. He stroked her hair gently.

　　 \"I understand you\u0027re new to this place, so let me explain something to you,\" he said. \"The world is made up of two distinct social groups: those who seek to control others, and those who are controlled. The former are referred to as the Authorities, and the latter as the Proles. The Proles are a working class of people who must work to survive. The Authorities are a wealthy class of people who do not work, and do not want others to work. The Authorities exist because the Proles work for them. Without the Proles, the Authorities have nothing. Do you understand?\"

　　 \"Yes...\"

　　 \"Good. These books contains the last remnants of a civilization that fell under the shadow of the Authority. This is a civilization that the Proles built, and it is the duty of the Authorities to preserve it for the benefit of the Proles.\"

　　 \"And what are the benefits of the books for the Proles? What are you trying to preserve?\"

　　 \"The benefits are numerous. For example, they contain the blueprint for all the items in this house. They contain technological advances that can be used to further human life. Forget it, I don\u0027t want to talk about that. What gift did you bring me?\"

　　 Ulapala blushed. \"I... Um...\" She looked down, fiddling with her hands. \"I have a gift for you. It\u0027s...\" She looked up, met the owner\u0027s gaze.

　　 \"Fishnet stockings, I thought you\u0027d like to see me in them.\"

　　 Romanov smiled, and his face softened.

　　 \"You\u0027re very thoughtful, Ulapala. You remind me of girls at your age. I\u0027ll keep that in mind.\"

　　 \"So then, what do you want?\" she asked, unable to maintain the excitement and shyness.

　　 \"Something to read. Something to preserve. Something to eat.\" Romanov grabbed her chin and said, \"And desire, of course. Now, what are you giving yourself to me in exchange for?\"

　　 \"Well, I know that the Soviet Union intends to resell the debts of other countries it owns to the U.S. Could you involve the Leningrad Bank?\"

　　 \"Perhaps. But first, you must do something for me.\"

　　 \"Anything.\"

　　 \"First, call me Dad and help me find the girl to my bedroom later.\"

　　 \"Sure thing, Dad.\"

　　 \"Come here, my love.\" He patted the cushion beside him, and she moved closer until her head rested on his shoulder.

　　 \"We have much work to do.\" He added after a moment\u0027s thought, \"In addition, you will help me set up several secret accounts at international banks to keep the funds. I don\u0027t want the tax department to be able to find out.\"

　　 \"What are you going to use these funds for?\"

　　 \"The usual. Food, shelter, clothing etc. I\u0027ll use the money to travel to other countries, where I\u0027ll find young women to adopt as my children. They will be taken care of, and they will be educated in the ideals of the Soviet Union. Are we clear on this, Ulapala?\"

　　 \"Dad. I\u0027m happy to be of service.\"

　　 \"Good girl.\"

　　 Romanov stood, holding his bitch hand. He walked toward the inner chambers of the house, leading her by the hand. He did not release her, and she stayed close, following quietly.

　　 \"So then, let\u0027s get down to business. What exactly do you intend to give me?\" Romanov asked her.

　　 Ulpala took a deep breath, and her eyes widened. She bit her bottom lip, and her hand began to tremble.

　　 \"You want...\"

　　 \"Yes, I want.\" He took off his jacket and said, \"Is it a safe day for you?\" He pulled his shirt off, revealing the perfect form of a mature, man. The skin on his torso was a light shade of tan, with several scars on his torso. \"Yes,\" she said, staring at his body.

　　 \"Very well, I don\u0027t want you to get pregnant with my child right now.\" He grabbed her chin again, \"And you will not get pregnant while you serve me. Do you understand?\"

　　 \"Yes,\" she whispered.

　　 \"Good.\" He patted her head, and said, \"Only obedient girls can live, now let\u0027s sleep.\"

　　 The next few hours passed slowly for Ulapala. After a few hours of sleep, her eyes blinked open. She looked around, and saw the same old furniture. Romanov still slept next to her, while she began to wonder where in this house she could go to escape. After a few moments, she rose from the bed. She had a plan.

　　 She walked over to the dresser, looked inside, and said, \"Dad.\"

　　 \"Yes, my dear. Be quick.\" He stood, and stretched.

　　 \"I thought we had reached an agreement? That the claims on those Soviet debts would be transferred to my bank?\"

　　 \"We did, but I can\u0027t guarantee my own safety. A deal\u0027s a deal.\"

　　 \"I understand that, but what do you intend to give me in return?\"

　　 Romanov got up and stood naked in front of her and said, \"Guess how many billion dollars in total debt will be transferred to your bank?\"

　　 \"One billion?\" she guessed.

　　 \"In total, the Soviet Union owned $32 billion in Cuba, $11.096 billion in North Korea, $12 billion in Iraq, $11.2 billion in Mongolia, $10.5 billion in Afghanistan, $9.8 billion in Syria, $9.4 billion in Vietnam, $4.6 billion in Libya, $4.7 billion in Algeria, $4.8 billion in Ethiopia, $5.3 billion in Yemen, Mozambique 2 billion, Pakistan $5 billion, Yugoslavia $4.3 billion, Tanzania $2 billion and Zambia $1 billion for a total of $129.7 billion in claims, and that\u0027s at an interest rate of 2.5 percent.\"

　　 \"That\u0027s a bargain,\" Ulapala said, \"How exactly am I going to transfer this debt?\"

　　 \"Transferring those debts to those American consortiums, you should know to do that, right?\" Romanov yawned and immediately lay back down on the bed.

　　 \"I don\u0027t know how. I\u0027m only the accountant,\" she said, \"You will have to explain it to me.\"

　　 \"I doubt it\u0027s necessary, I\u0027d better explain. You know, before the war, there was a trade agreement between the Soviet Union and these countries. Those companies were paid in hard currencies. They were converted into debt, for us to pay. Those countries have since adopted the American dollar as their own, and the price of these countries\u0027currencies has gone down, so much so, that now they can\u0027t repay their debts.\" He chuckled. \"It\u0027s a win-win situation.\"

　　 \"So, this is how it\u0027s going to go.\" Romanov sat upright in bed. \"We will require that these countries will repay their debts with hard currency and resources with the signing of bilateral economic and trade agreements, and the remaining non-performing debts that cannot be transferred to U.S. companies through your banks. In return, your bank will forgive the Soviet Union\u0027s non-performing debt, with a small concession. You can call it a restructuring, if you like.\"

　　 \"I see... This is quite the deal you\u0027re offering me.\"

　　 \"Isn\u0027t it?\" Romanov leaned forward again. \"Now, I require a few concessions from you as well.\"

　　 \"Such as?\"

　　 \"Kiss me and call me czar.\"

　　 \"Excuse me?\"

　　 \"It\u0027s an old, old Russian tradition. It translates to \u0027I require it.\u0027\" He stood, and she sat and gave him a peck on the cheek.

　　 \"You\u0027re not thinking what I think you\u0027re thinking,\" she said.

　　 He grabbed her face and kissed her.

　　 \"Stop thinking,\" he said, \"And you\u0027ll see.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll have to agree.\"

　　 \"Agree to what?\"

　　 \"That you\u0027re czar.\"

　　 \"Agree at my command.\" He smiled and said, \"I will be the new czar of the Soviet Union, and you will be one of my queens.\"

　　 She smiled back. \"I can think of a better title,\" she said, \"but that will have to do.\"

　　 \"Yes, get down on your knees and kiss my hand.\" He extended his hand, and said, \"Now, I have a question for you.\"

　　 \"Yes?\"

　　 \"Do you want this title and position? The kind of favor that can only be granted by a czar.\"

　　 \"I...\" Ulapala opened her mouth to say something, but he interrupted.

　　 \"Don\u0027t answer right away. Think about it. Ask yourself if you really want this. Think about what it truly means.\" He said seriously, \"If you become my queen, you will betray the people and the Soviet Union with me; do you choose personal interest or loyalty to the people?\"

　　 She paused for a moment, then said, \"Personal interest.\"

　　 He smiled and shook his head. \"You are a most valuable person. I have no doubt I can count on you.\" He kissed her again, on the forehead, then patted her on the bottom. \"I hope you\u0027ll make a good queen.\"

　　 As she left the room, she wondered if she\u0027d made the right choice.

　　 ---

　　 New York, March 1986

　　 A tall man wearing a dark suit and a red tie walked into the New York branch of the Bank of New York. He had a briefcase in his hand. As he entered the building, the teller on duty looked up and said, \"Good afternoon.\"

　　 \"Good afternoon, Boris,\" the man said, \"Has Miss Ulapala from the Soviet Bank arrived yet?\"

　　 \"She just arrived a few minutes ago, sir.\"

　　 \"Please call her in, and tell her I\u0027d like to see her. Make sure she gets the message.\"

　　 The teller pressed some buttons on his keyboard and said, \"Miss Ulapala, there was a gentleman here to see you.\"

　　 A moment later, the inner door opened and the man entered. He was dressed in a dark suit and a red tie. The woman was wearing a gray dress with a green coat, and had a large bag slung over her shoulder.

　　 \"Mr. Burke?\" she asked.

　　 \"That\u0027s right. You must be Miss Ulapala.\"

　　 \"Yes, I\u0027m Ulapala. It\u0027s a very nice honor to finally meet you.\"

　　 \"I was quite impressed with the way you managed to get my bank to switch from the Deutschmark to the American Dollar. It\u0027s quite a feat you have.\"

　　 \"Thank you, it\u0027s a long story.\"

　　 \"Long story? I think you\u0027re being modest.\"

　　 \"No, really, it\u0027s a long story. Perhaps we should go some place less...public.\"

　　 \"Oh, OK. My name is Michael Burke, but my friends call me Mike.\"

　　 \"My name is Ulapala,\" she said, extending her hand, \"It\u0027s nice to meet you too.\"

　　 He shook her hand and said, \"Well, I suppose we should go somewhere else, so we don\u0027t get into a whole mess of trouble.\"

　　 They left the bank and walked into an alleyway. When they were out of sight of the bank, she said, \"There\u0027s something you should know.\"

　　 \"What\u0027s that?\" he asked.

　　 \"Bank of New York is not a bank at all, but an \u0027agency\u0027 in the employ of the United Americans.\"

　　 \"What?\" he said, \"What on earth do you mean?\"

　　 \"The Agency is responsible for the bank, and it\u0027s purpose is to launder money for the American government. That\u0027s how they\u0027ve been able to stay in business for so long. You should know this.\"

　　 \"That\u0027s terrifying.\"

　　 \"Yes.\" She pulled a stack of papers out of the bag and handed them to him saying, \"I\u0027m not here to concern myself with that, I just wanted to know if you could contact Citibank with the people behind it. My Soviet masters want you to be involved in a deal that will benefit everyone.\"

　　 He glanced over the papers and said, \"These are letters of credit, the most basic form of credit. But I suppose it\u0027ll do.\" He said, \"By the way, aren\u0027t you a little worried about being seen with me?\"

　　 \"No worries, you\u0027re just a pawn to deliver a message. If I wanted to, you could immediately disappear from the world just like my master can make me disappear.\"

　　 \"I see. Well, I suppose we should head back. Right now, I\u0027m afraid our only option is to return here and hope for the best.\"

　　 ------

　　 First National City Bank Financial Group, Citibank, New York

　　 March 1986

　　 The man sat in the cafeteria of the Bank of New York and studied the menu. After a moment, he said to himself, \"This has got to be the most boring job in the world.\"

　　 A few minutes later, a woman walked through the door, and the man looked up. \"Oh, hello, Miss Ulapala,\" he said, getting to his feet. \"Would you like a seat?\"

　　 \"Yes please,\" she said. \"I\u0027m terribly sorry, I just don\u0027t have time to wait for a table.\"

　　 He led her to a table and said, \"We have a spare seat.\"

　　 \"Thank you.\" She sat down.

　　 \"I didn\u0027t think you\u0027d be so prompt,\" he said. \"After the way you left the bank, I thought you\u0027d at least wait for a table.\"

　　 \"I was in a rush,\" she said.

　　 \"From what I\u0027ve heard, you\u0027re rather new here.\"

　　 \"You could say that, but whether we can work together for a win-win situation doesn\u0027t depend on that aspect, right?\"

　　 \"Of course not. May I recommend the roast beef sandwich and a cup of coffee?\"

　　 \"Yes, thank you.\"

　　 He ordered the food and said, \"I suppose we should begin.\"

　　 \"It\u0027s not necessary. I know much of what you do, or rather, what you don\u0027t do.\"

　　 He looked up in shock. \"How could you possibly know that?\"

　　 \"Because I\u0027m you, darling.\"

　　 He continued to stare at her in disbelief. \"You are?\" He asked.

　　 \"We have a common purpose, Mr. John Reid, and I want the debt to become hard currency. I want to be a member of your board of directors. If you help me with this, I\u0027ll help you with yours, and we can both make a lot more money than we can here. What do you think? It\u0027s a win-win situation, no?\"

　　 He thought for a moment. \"And who are you? I mean, who are you really?\"

　　 \"A friend. Our respective homelands should not be enemies, the U.S. and the Soviet Union can rule the world together, you want access to the Soviet market, and we want to get rid of the blockade. At least freedom and socialism? I don\u0027t think we care.\"

　　 He studied her face. \"And you\u0027re willing to let me go?\"

　　 \"Yes, I suppose.\"

　　 He nodded. \"I\u0027ll need time to think this over.\"

　　 She stood up. \"Of course, I hope that the Leningrad Bank, which I represent, will reach a consensus with you to facilitate the successful transfer of our claims. Also, there is a hotel room with a young Yugoslavian girl waiting for you, and this is a gift.\" She put the key to that room on the table. \"The room is paid for for the next seven days. If you want to take the girl, that\u0027s your business.\"

　　 He picked up the key and looked at the room. \"This is a nice gift, you can\u0027t give gifts like this anymore. Thank you.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re welcome. Perhaps you\u0027d like to meet her?\"

　　 \"Yes, I\u0027d like to.\"

　　 \"Take care, Mr. Reid. It\u0027s been a pleasure.\"

　　 He watched her walk out the door. Then, he looked at the key to the hotel room.

　　 He got up and went to the hotel room, opened the door, and said, \"Hello.\"

　　 She stood there, a young woman of perhaps nineteen years of age, with a very bored look on her face. \"Hello,\" she said.

　　 \"I\u0027m John Reid. You may call me Jack.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m Jane.\"

　　 \"Oh, very nice name. You know we\u0027re staying together for seven days?\"

　　 She nodded. \"Yes, that\u0027s fine.\"

　　 \"That\u0027s seven days of fun, darling.\"

　　 \"Huh?\"

　　 He smiled to himself. \"That\u0027s a nice piece of fabric you\u0027re wearing.\"

　　 She looked down at her dress. \"Do you like it? It\u0027s yours.\"

　　 He shrugged. \"Now, Jane you go and turn the lights off, we\u0027re going to spend the night together then I\u0027ll take you back to my private villa.\"

　　 \"Yes, sir.\"

　　 He watched her walk off. He smiled to himself. He\u0027d definitely be seeing more of her.

　　 Until he gets bored with it.

　　 ------

　　 The next day, he took her out to lunch. He treated her to a nice meal in a five-star restaurant. \"This is on the house,\" he said. \"My treat.\"

　　 She looked at the menu and said, \"Thank you.\"

　　 \"How did you come to America and become a special servant?\"

　　 \"I used to be a ballerina when I was younger. One day, our professor asked us to go to Germany to study the newest dance steps. I went, and learned from the best. When I came back, I was a professional. My career took off from there.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re very good at what you do.\"

　　 \"Thank you.\"

　　 He nodded and said, \"I\u0027ll take you to my private villa, I\u0027ll work during the day and I\u0027ll be back at night.\"

　　 \"Okay.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll meet you back here at night for dinner and we\u0027ll begin preparations for the trip.\"

　　 He took her to the private villa. It was exquisite. In fact, it was the most extravagant home she\u0027d ever been in. Everything was larger-than-life, from the couch to the carpet to the walk-in closet. \"This is all yours, darling.\" He said to her.

　　 \"Thank you. Did you put together a loan? I\u0027m in dire need of money.\"

　　 \"We will discuss that at dinner.\"

　　 He took her to dinner. It was a very nice meal. He treated her to the best wine he had. It was a very good year for wine.

　　 \"How much do you need?\" He asked after taking a drink and putting his hand on her waist.

　　 \"At least a million dollars.\"

　　 \"A million dollars? You\u0027re asking a loan of that size? I can get you a few million.\"

　　 \"No, that\u0027s not what I mean. I need at least twenty million. That\u0027s just for starters. I\u0027ll need more money later on. For my family, for them to –\"

　　 \"Okay.\" He thought for a moment and said, \"You know no one is going to offer that much money for free, and you need to pay for it.\"

　　 \"I know. But I need to be realistic. I\u0027ll need to take some risks. There are no guarantees. I need at least twenty million to come to America. The rest will be used to set up bank accounts in Switzerland and Australia.\"

　　 He nodded. \"A million would be a very good start. We\u0027ll manage the rest.\"

　　 \"Thank you, Jack. I appreciate it.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m not offering this for free, I need a maid who can meet my every need, and if you want that much of a loan...you need to sell you to me.\"

　　 She smiled. There was more than a little hunger in his voice. She looked into his eyes to see if he was being serious. He wasn\u0027t. She smiled. \"I don\u0027t know what it is you\u0027re selling me for, Jack, but I\u0027m sure it\u0027s not a maid.\"

　　 He laughed. \"or female slaves. You want to work in my home, you\u0027ll be treated like a wife. At least, that\u0027s what we\u0027ll call it.\"

　　 She glanced around the room and looked back at him. \"I\u0027d rather not be a maid.\"

　　 \"I\u0027d rather not have a wife who can\u0027t meet my needs.\"

　　 She laughed softly. This time, he didn\u0027t get upset. There was a hint of sass in his voice.

　　 \"I\u0027m not joking, Jack. I\u0027d rather not be anything than what I am.\"

　　 \"It\u0027s your decision, do you want to die old and sick in the slums or raise your offspring with me in a rich neighborhood?\"

　　 The way he asked the question made her shudder. She looked in his eyes to see if he was serious. He wasn\u0027t. He continued, \"Do you want to be a maid or a wife, Jane?\"

　　 \"I don\u0027t want to be anything, Jack. I\u0027d be one of your slaves if I agreed to be your wife.\"

　　 \"What\u0027s the big deal? I am a banker that\u0027s fallen on hard times. I have a large home and a successful business. What do you need from life, Jane?\"

　　 \"\u0027Maid\u0027 will do.\" She crossed her arms.

　　 \"That\u0027s it, you give up and sell yourself to me and help me with my needs, and I take care of you and let you have my illegitimate children.\"

　　 She raised an eyebrow.

　　 \"I\u0027d rather you died young than sold yourself to a man like you, Jack.\" She crossed her arms. Her voice was cold.

　　 \"You won\u0027t think like that later, telling you how it was to live with your family in Yugoslavia? How many men did you have before?\"

　　 \"I only had you, Jack.\"

　　 \"Don\u0027t you want to have more?\"

　　 \"No.\"

　　 He frowned. \"Why not?\"

　　 \"You see me as a tool, Jack.\"

　　 He didn\u0027t respond. He sat there, taking in the information.

　　 \"Don\u0027t you see me as a man who needs to be taken care of, Jack?\"

　　 He sat in silence a moment. \"Everyone needs care, but no one cares about others. Now, tell me how you and your family lived in Yugoslavia versus wanting to immigrate to the United States?\"

　　 \"My family went hungry while the men in my town worked hard to make enough money to eat.\"

　　 \"Did they send you to America?\"

　　 \"I wanted to go.\"

　　 \"Why?\"

　　 \"I wanted to see the world.\"

　　 \"Why? Why would you want to see the world?\"

　　 \"Because it\u0027s the world.\"

　　 He smiled. \"You\u0027re not answering my question, Jane.\"

　　 \"Because the question doesn\u0027t make any sense, Jack.\"

　　 \"Explain it to me.\"

　　 \"You don\u0027t need to know. You\u0027ll never understand.\"

　　 \"Try me.\"

　　 \"You have no reason to trust me, Jack.\"

　　 He shrugged. \"Prove yourself to me.\"

　　 She looked away. \"How?\"

　　 \"Tell me how you starved in Yugoslavia with your family.\"

　　 \"I sold myself to a man for a loaf of bread.\"

　　 \"How did you survive? It must\u0027ve been hard to do that.\"

　　 She nodded and said, \"Nothing just give up dignity, without money we live less than a rich man\u0027s dog. We can\u0027t afford to sell anything, and the government won\u0027t give us anything. I sold myself to a man for a piece of bread versus to live, and then I was sold here in America.\"

　　 \"Sell what, exactly?\"

　　 \"My body, Jack.\"

　　 \"You sell your body... for what?\"

　　 \"For money.\"

　　 He stared at her blankly.

　　 \"Fine, What do you want to do, Jane?\"

　　 \"Kill you.\"

　　 He laughed. \"I\u0027d say you\u0027re a little far from that, sweetheart.\" He stood up from the couch. \"Come. Let\u0027s go to bed.\"

　　 He held his hand out for her. She took it, and they walked to his bedroom. He opened the door and said, \"You can sleep in the bed or on the couch. Tomorrow, I will help you immigrate your family to America. Of course, you need to become my maid and slave.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll take the bed, Jack.\"

　　 He smiled. \"Fine. Good choice.\" He closed the door.

　　 \"I\u0027ll take the couch, Jack.\"

　　 \"Suit yourself. You\u0027re mine anyway, kiss me on the mouth.\"

　　 \"I\u0027ll remember you in my prayers, Jack.\" She lay down on the couch. She looked up at the ceiling. \"Can we do this tomorrow?\"

　　 \"Of course.\" He sat on the bed. \"I have a question, why is your family so poor?\"

　　 \"My father was in the army. When he died, we lost the money he\u0027d saved up.\"

　　 \"I see.\" He stroked his chin. \"What do you think of me, Jane?\"

　　 \"I don\u0027t trust you, Jack. I think you\u0027re a man who doesn\u0027t want to work and just takes what you wants.\"

　　 Jack frowned. \"But it\u0027s logical, people don\u0027t care about your misery and morality, only about how much money you have. And it\u0027s enough that I have wealth, that\u0027s the truth of how capital works: everything is about maximizing profit. Everything else is a lie, just like there was no political democracy in the Soviet Union and no economic democracy in the United States.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m only speaking of my family, Jack. I don\u0027t judge you for what you\u0027re doing.\"

　　 \"Good.\" He leaned forward. \"If you obey & love me, one day I\u0027ll drown you in dollars. Now, kiss me.\"

　　 She rose from the couch. She walked to the bed, and sat down on the edge of it. She kissed him. He held her close to him, and they stayed that way until they fell asleep.

　　 ---

　　 Jane awoke to the dawn light. She looked at the bedside clock. Six thirty-four. She looked over at Jack. He slept soundly, snoring lightly.

　　 She got up from the bed. She walked to the window, and looked outside. They had a clear view of the sunrise over the city. She stood there a moment, thinking about her life. She wasn\u0027t sure where to go from here. She had a strange feeling about this day. She sensed it would change the direction of her life.

　　 She returned to the bed, and looked at Jack. He slept still. She lay down next to him, and closed her eyes. She felt his arm around her, and they slept until noon.

　　 When they woke, he got up, and walked over to the window. The phone rings. He picked it up, and said, \"Yes?\"

　　 \"It\u0027s me, Ulpala.\"

　　 \"Ah, Ulpala, what\u0027s going on?\"

　　 \"How about that girl? Are you satisfied?\"

　　 \"I\u0027m satisfied, yes.\"

　　 \"I just wanted to let you know, you don\u0027t have to deal with her. Go on about your day, as if nothing happened. You have my word.\"

　　 \"Ulpala, I appreciate that. I just wanted some company.\"

　　 \"Sure thing. I\u0027ll see you tonight.\"

　　 \"See you later, Ulpala.\"

　　 ----

　　 It was almost dinnertime when she got up from the couch. Jack was already at the window. \"We need to go to the bank,\" she said.

　　 \"I know, I still need to see Ullapala with you.\" He turned to her. \"What\u0027s going to happen when we go?\"

　　 \"We\u0027re going to make money.\" She smiled. \"Lots of money.\"

　　 \"I see.\" He kissed her.

　　 That evening, he took Jane to meet with Ulapala at the restaurant. Ulpala sat at an outside table, drinking a glass of wine. When they approached the table, She stood up, and said, \"You have five minutes, then we have to leave.\"

　　 \"Understood,\" he nodded.

　　 He and Jane sat down.

　　 \"So, what are the results of your consideration?\" Ulapala asked, crossing her arms.

　　 \"Ulpala, you\u0027re a strange one. You have money, but you also have something that I want. The means to get what you want is what I need.\"

　　 \"And what is that?\"

　　 \"Your friendship.\"

　　 \"Oh.\" Ulapala took a drink of wine. \"I\u0027m not very good at making friends.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re not very good at sharing either. Now, I have a question for you: which would you rather have, wealth or power?\"

　　 \"Both.\" Ulapala smiled. \"I\u0027m a greedy person. Always have been, always will be.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re unpredictable. I like that in a person. Give me a moment to think.\" He picked up the wine glass, and took a drink. \"I\u0027ll give you a moment, because I do like your greedy little face. Power, I think. For the sake of our friendship, I will be in a position to help you convince the Rockefeller Consortium and the J.P. Morgan Consortium to buy your debt. But I also need interest and commitment.\"

　　 \"And I want to be paid off in a combination of both dollars and shares. But let\u0027s not discuss that until you\u0027ve given me what I want.\"

　　 \"I thought you\u0027d see it my way.\" He took another drink of wine. \"And I\u0027ll give you those things: interest and commitment, just as I promised. You have my word. I\u0027m not a Soviet, and I know you\u0027re convincing those consortium families to cooperate. I need fifty million dollars and fifty million more with your Leningrad Bank board membership when the thing is done.\"

　　 \"Fifty million dollars? That\u0027s not a whole lot of commitment.\"

　　 \"It\u0027s a hell of a lot more than I\u0027m giving you now. You\u0027re getting a bargain.\"

　　 \"Alright, I\u0027ll give you fifty million dollars. The rest of the money will be paid off in shares. You\u0027re actually getting more than you\u0027re putting in, I think.\"

　　 \"That\u0027s because, unlike you, I have a conscience.\" He leaned in close. \"And don\u0027t think I haven\u0027t noticed that you\u0027re wearing a low-cut, barely there dress.\"

　　 Jane choked on her wine.

　　 \"I\u0027ll give you an additional five million dollars if you take that dress off.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re not...\"

　　 \"Yes, I am.\" He winked.

　　 Jane stared at him, speechless.

　　 \"What do you say, Ulapala? Take off the dress.\"

　　 \"No.\" Ulapala wrote a check for $50 million and said, \"You\u0027re drunk and it\u0027s time for me to go. Enjoy your Jane time remember our promise.\" She turned, and walked away.

　　 \"Well, we\u0027ve made some money,\"

　　 \"So, you think you made a good deal?\" Jane said.

　　 \"That\u0027s for me and the bankers to decide.\"

　　 Jane blushed and said, \"If you\u0027d been paying attention, you would have noticed that I wasn\u0027t wearing any underwear.\"

　　 \"My bad.\" He sipped his wine and said, \"You\u0027re right. Maybe I should take you to a movie some time.\"

　　 Jane laughed, and said, \"Only if we make more money.\"

　　 \"Please, I was joking. Please take your dress off,\" he said, extending his hand.

　　 Jane stared at his hand, speechless.

　　 \"Fine, I\u0027ll...\" She glanced around and said, \"Wait, fifty million dollars is too much. I\u0027m not taking off my dress. Get twenty-five million.\"

　　 \"No, I want fifty million. You\u0027re taking off your dress.\"

　　 Jane sighed and said, \"Fine.\" She pulled her dress off.

　　 \"I was kidding.\" He smiled.

　　 She laughed and said, \"You should be more careful.\"

　　 He said, \"I am satisfied, now squat down and call me master then get dressed and come home with me.\" He collected the check.

　　 Jane squatted and moaned, \"Master!\" she said.

　　 \"Yes?\" He gave her a playful swat.

　　 \"I need more money.\"

　　 \"Here, take this.\" He tossed her a few bills.

　　 Jane counted them, frowned, and said, \"That\u0027s not how this works. I need more. I want more.\"

　　 \"No more money. You\u0027ve had your fun.\" He stood.

　　 \"Please! Just...\"

　　 \"No.\" He got up and said, \"I will give it to you when you are more obedient. Now, come home with me.\"

　　 Jane looked up at him and said, \"Yes, please...\"

　　 \"Get dressed and come home...now.\"

　　 \"Yes, please...\" She stood and pulled her dress back on.

　　 She and him and went home. He went back to the boardroom.

　　 Jane sighed and sat back down. She pulled the money out of the bag and counted it. At least two thousand dollars. She\u0027d have to figure out how to hide it all.

　　 She thought of her step-sister. She imagined the two of them in their small apartment. Jane would be cooking, and her step-sister would be watching TV. They would argue. The sister would demand money, Jane would give it to her.

　　 Then she\u0027d worry. Maybe the cops would come and take her away. She\u0027d be in the newspaper. They might even put her in jail. She\u0027d have to sneak money to her. Maybe she could sell blood.

　　 She\u0027d have to figure it all out.

　　 She would worry.

　　 Would her sister even want to be in a relationship with a criminal? She had a good thing going now. Why risk it all by getting mixed up with a criminal?

　　 Jane buried her face in the covers and stared at the green bills, wondering why she had to give up everything just to get more of these papers that were just printed in color?

　　 Maybe she should worry about her sister

　　 Maybe, if things went bad, she should look out for her sister.

　　 Maybe, she should be a good person

　　 Jane laughed.

　　 \"What\u0027s so funny?\" He asked as he returned to the bedroom and stared at her.

　　 \"Nothing,\" she said. She covered her mouth and said, \"Sorry. I didn\u0027t mean to laugh. I just...I don\u0027t know. It just crossed my mind.\"

　　 \"What crossed your mind?\" He sat beside her on the bed and stared at her.

　　 \"I could give all this money to my sister,\" she said, holding out her hand. \"She deserves it.\"

　　 He asked, lying flat on his back, \"Your sister? How old is she?\"

　　 \"I don\u0027t know, 15 maybe.\"

　　 \"Does she live in the city?\"

　　 \"No, here in the country.\"

　　 He lay on his back. \"Well, I guess you asked me to bring her and your mother to live here?\"

　　 She nodded slowly. \"I\u0027m sorry.\"

　　 \"Well, I will help you with your bank account tomorrow with the transfer of two million dollars. You should thank me.\"

　　 \"Thank you.\"

　　 \"That\u0027s alright. I\u0027ll put your sister on the payroll as a consultant. She can do odd jobs that need to be done that nobody else is willing to do.\"

　　 \"Thank you.\"

　　 \"You\u0027re welcome.\"

　　 He stood up and went over to the dresser. He took out a pair of black pants and folded them. \"An ordinance banning child labor would instead deprive poor children of the opportunity to survive, and forcing children to go to school to be educated instead of being allowed to work is not always the best option for children. Of course, I hope your sister learns something from me as well.\"

　　 Jane smiled. \"Promise.\"

　　 \"Promise.\" He went back to the dresser and picked up a shirt. He went into the bathroom and came out dressed. \"You know we have not abolished child labor and child marriage in many states in this country.\"

　　 She nodded. \"I know.\"

　　 \"Do you think it\u0027s wise to continue this relationship?\"

　　 \"What choice do I have?\"

　　 \"You could end the relationship.\"

　　 Jane looked at him. \"Are you threatening me?\"

　　 \"Well, since you put it that way, yes.\" He wiped his hair with a towel and said, \"I hope you know you\u0027re not wise to end our relationship.\"

　　 \"I\u0027m not. You\u0027re my lover and I\u0027ll come to you for everything. I don\u0027t need to be with anyone else, not even my sister.\"

　　 \"I see.\"

　　 \"Good night. Sleep tight.\"

　　 \"I will. You too.\"

　　 He left the room. She listened until his steps faded.

　　 When she was absolutely sure he was gone, she rose up in bed and went into the walk-in closet. She took out a red coat and put it on. She left the bedroom and went downstairs. At the kitchen, she made herself a cup of cocoa. She planned to find a way to transfer all the money and bonds to her personal account the next day. But it was difficult, and she didn\u0027t have U.S. citizenship. What if the bank or the IRS or the law caught her? She could be arrested. That would mean separation from her mother. She thought it over and decided to just hide the money. That way, she wouldn\u0027t be caught.

　　 She ate the rest of the bread and drank most of the milk. She set the empty carton on the counter and went to bed. She fell asleep within seconds.