I was in the private room off of my bosses' suite at the Jack of Hearts. The suite was in use-- again-- and Richard was making sure a customer was happy.

I watched Richard talk to the man through the two-way mirror, their voices going in and out through the small headphones.

That's why I came down here early. The mics were shorting out and I was replacing the cables.

The man handed Richard an envelope. "Here...It's...you wanted...Just don't...wife...votes...contract...you...need...bastard."

Richard kept his poker face on. "You...kept...your pants."

One last connection, perfecto.

I put on the headphones.

"One last thing Councilman..." said Richard.

The man suddenly froze like a deer in headlights.

"Do come back and see us again."

The Councilman nodded nervously and then stormed out of the room.

Richard went over to the mirror and tapped.

"Gregory," he said. "If the microphones are working now, tap the glass."

I rapped the glass with my knuckles.

"Good," said Richard. "You know what to do."

I made a thumbs up sign, realizing that Richard couldn't see me. I pulled off my headset and picked up the phone. "Yes. This is Greg in the suite. Mr. Milhouse wants the room cleaned up."

I put the receiver down when someone familiar walked into the doorway and suddenly I froze in my tracks.

It was Eric.

And Richard looked none too happy about the intrusion. I quickly put on the headset and listened.

"Who are you?" Richard asked.

Eric thrusted out his hand. "I'm Dr. Eric Lewis. I've come to see about renting this room."

"Well doctor," said Richard, looking at Eric's hand in disgust. "Do I look like the person who handles that sort of thing? No, I do not. Now, I want you to leave this room before I count to five or someone will be glad to escort you out of here."

Eric stood there stunned, his arm still out stretched. "But, I'm a member."

"Of course you are," Richard said. "Otherwise you'd never have gotten inside."

"But..."

"Goodnight."

A room monitor walked into the suite and put a hand on Eric's shoulder.

"Get someone to help him rent the suite. He is a 'member' you know."

"Of course," the young man said, showing Eric the way out. "This way, sir."

Eric left the room and I burst into laughter.