The Greatest Lie Part 17

"What did you say, honey?" my Mom asked. "Do you need me to open it?"

"No, just put it in a safe place. It has some very valuable data on it."

"Now tell me the truth, why were you expelled from that horrid school? They claimed it was for drugs!"

"No, but it wasn't my fault, and I'm sure the University of Minnesota won't care. Some important people didn't appreciate my research, and they claimed we were drug dealers. The research that proves that the drug charges were just retaliation is saved on my computer, so put it someplace safe. We wouldn't want the new nanny to steal it!"

"Now you see my point, darling. It begins with a few dollars, and then it's the family jewels. I'll lock it up and call a new nanny agency just as soon as I have a free moment. Now, I need to meet my girlfriends at Barney Greengrass. And you know the traffic getting into Beverly Hills. Bye, darling."

"Bye, Mom, I love you too." I hung up and joined Nancee for a pastry and a cup of tea.

"I think Tran made it back to the hooch, and managed to get the computer into the U.S."

"I told you that our karma was good. We will get plenty of rest and they will take care of us here, and we will be healthy, you will see. And by the time we are out of here, Tran will be safe too. Eddie can do it. He likes her to much to lose her."

I managed a smile. "Thanks for your calming influence, Nancee."

We heard a tap at the window, and masked nurse said "The director of this institute would like to meet and thank you for helping with the rescue of our ailing backpack nurse. She is doing well, thanks to you, and she is a much beloved friend of our staff. Please wait here."

A masked, silver-haired doctor appeared at the window. I translated his French for Nancee. "Thank you, honored guests of our institute, for your heroism and bravery in the face of a dread disease. My beloved daughter Lizette lives today because of your sacrifices. You have manifested heroism and ingenuity worth of the finest traditions of this Institute. We hope to have the pleasure of your company in happier circumstances than these, and accordingly we invite you to intern with us at your convenience. We have applied for work permits and visas for you."