The Enigma Source

He might have engineered some more amorous playtime if his cell phone hadn’t rung. He quickly assessed the incoming number and answered, “Yes, sir?” He pictured Otto with his white shock of well-groomed hair in a well-tailored suit with a ready smile and a twinkle in his eye as if he knew something you didn’t, which was typically the case.

Otto was one of the main patriarchs of the R-Group and announced when the call was connected, “Ah good, Jacob, I caught you before you began your evening. We have a situation that requires the entire team to get together and talk. While you are not a senior charter member of the R-Group, both Wolfgang and I value your input. Can you possibly help me locate Petra, so she can attend? As late as it is getting, I would like all of us to meet at Wolfgang’s chateau. He has agreed to host a modest dinner while we consider this next series of issues.”

Jacob offered, “Yes, of course, Otto. I’m fairly sure I can find the charming, alluring, but evasive Petra and convince her to attend,” he said, smiling while trying to fish around under her silk robe. “Can you provide some framework of the nature of the discussion, sir?”

Otto smiled as he said, “I’m glad to see you haven’t lost all your American upbringing with its heavy tendency for impatience. We will discuss it when all are gathered. See you both soon, Jacob.”

After disconnecting from the call, Petra, smiling impishly, commented, “You didn’t explain why he couldn’t find me. I just love your discretion when speaking with my father. He knows we’re over here buck naked, but he is too much the European gentleman to tell us to immediately put on some clothes and come to an important meeting.”

Jacob chuckled. “While you are correct that your father, Otto, is the quintessential gentleman, you are living proof that he is not the prude you cast him as. For that detail, I’m most grateful.”

Petra smiled at Jacob and offered, “I guess I’d better shower and get ready to go. Care to join me so we can conserve water while showering, my dear?”