“Julia… I’ve been planning for this. It’s always the same in this business. My people are always too slow – they always hang me out to dry like this. And as for your Committee – from what you tell me they never listen to a word you say. It’s time to get out. Both of us – together.”
Julia flushed with excitement – this was more than she’d been hoping for.
“I’d love to get out of here, even with you,” she joked. “We’re on the wrong side here. I’m sick of the religions with their mortgage on God. If the sadhus are doing what I think they’re doing then frankly, I’m all for it. If they think they can prove the existence of God well… good luck to them! I wouldn’t mind knowing the truth myself!”
“I think everyone would be interested in that.”
“But Roger, I’ve got no money!”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Buck said, opening his brief case. “There are lots of ways to make money in this seedy business. Money is the least of our problems.”
He handed Julia a Swiss passport.
“I was hoping to give this to you when things settled down – just as an option. I know it’s a big step for you.”
She opened it – to see her own face looking back at her.
“How did you get this?”
“I’ve been a busy boy.”
“You certainly have!”
“You could step out of here as Juliana Cowan, and… if you decide to do it, here is your bank-account.”
Julia opened the book and stared at the bottom line in disbelief. It looked like Juliana Cowan had a lot of money in the bank.
Buck saw her jaw drop.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “It’s not that much. Everybody’s got a couple of million these days.”
“Really?”
“Anyway, you won’t need much money. I’ve set up the perfect retreat. You’ll love it – a house on a hill overlooking a sweet little bay, and a few good friends who know all about my double life and like me all the more for it.”
“I’m sold!” Julia said, thrilled by the thought of freedom and a new life.
“Great…” Buck said. “I’ve got a room near the airport. We’ll fly out in the morning.”
“Oh… by the way,” Julia said with a laugh. “Where are we going?”
“Australia.”
