The Five Pearls Read Free

said.
“Sorry you had to sell it to a musician,” Hogan scoffed. “Another stoned rocker from the seventies.”
“The good doctor said it was his third transplant. The waiting list here in the States is too long, so he takes any donor he can get.” He rubbed his legs rapidly.
“What’s wrong with your legs?”
“Circulation problems. We get our money?”
Big Bill Hogan wiped his mouth off on a sleeve and set his food down. “Yeah, I got it all.”
He unlocked a filing cabinet, reached past a pair of whisky bottles, and pulled out a briefcase from the bottom drawer. He set it on the desk and opened it. Inside the briefcase were stacks of cash.
“After my expenses, you got about sixty thousand dollars left. You sure you don't want to sell the other kidney?”
John didn’t reply. He glanced in at the briefcase. There was no emotion.
“Guess I’d be tired too, after fifteen years of nothin’.” Hogan matter-of-factly returned to the filing cabinet. “I got you a new identity, just like you asked.”
“Good.”
Big Bill pulled out several plastic cards from the bottom drawer. “Your new name is John Battle. I let you keep your first name. Even got you a driver's license and social security card. You do remember how to drive?”
“We’ll see about that.”
“The whole kit and caboodle cost you two grand.”
John with the new last name of Battle reached into the briefcase and counted out two thousand dollars.
“How did you do on the rest?” John Battle asked.
“Piece of cake. Lucky for you, my uncle the Warden liked you. His office got me into Fed files I never heard of.” Big Bill Hogan reached into his desk and pulled out a folder. “I got past and present schools, group homes, foster care, psychological profiles, state, local county and city records, even medical bills.” He handed John the folder. “Where do we go from here?”
John flipped through the pages in the folder. “Can you get me pictures?”
“Pictures?” Hogan scratched his neck. “Not a problem. Then what?”
“Let’s see what develops.”
Hogan stood up and leaned over him. “Excuse me. Pardon my indiscretions, but I’ve been informed that you don’t have too much time left on this good green earth.”
John pulled out five hundred dollars from the briefcase. “Get me some photographs?”
“Will do.” Hogan grinned and collected the money off the table.
“What about living arrangements?”
Big Bill lifted an index card from the corner of his desk. “I got you into the Loomis House under your new name. Mrs. Powell there, she’s a retired nurse. She'll take excellent care of you. Knows your situation. She’ll respect your privacy and she’s grateful for the money.”
“How much a week?”
“A grand, plus the cost of your meds.”
John stared down at the briefcase full of money. “I hope this lasts.”
“Depends on how long you live,” Hogan reminded him. “Besides, there’s always new money to be had. If you think you might run short, let me know and I’ll make some calls.”
Battle closed the briefcase. “I get to keep this as a parting gift?”
“The case comes with the cash,” Big Bill smiled.
John took the case and grabbed his cane. He headed for the door. “Thanks for all your help, Big Bill.”
“Give me a couple of days. I’ll be in touch.”
The man with the new name of John Battle pointed his cane towards the filing cabinet.
“Don’t make the same mistake I did.”
“What do you mean?” Hogan was bewildered.
“Those two whisky bottles in the filing cabinet. Looks like a serious hobby.”
“I can handle it.”
“That’s what I said once. If you need help, just ask.” Battle moved towards the door.
“Hey, John? Promise me you won't sell any more kidneys!” Hogan joked.
Battle smiled wearily and left the office.
Big Bill watched him as he made his way back down the walk towards the waiting taxi. After the cab pulled away, he pulled a bottle of whisky from the filing cabinet and took a long