where they have not been so fortunate as we have been. And let us face it, we Muslims could use some ‘good will’ and good press.”

“We could set it up like that and also get you a nice tax write-off.” Richard said. “I don’t see a problem. We could set it up something like the Jews and Salvation Army have set up the united type funds they have. However it would have to be very carefully monitored as I’m sure the government is going to ask a lot of questions.”

“Yes, I’m sure they will and we would welcome their investigations. We have nothing to hide. Just so long as we are allowed the same considerations as the other charities. We would want all kinds of checks and balances in place. We would have a group of respected community people to serve as board members, headed by myself, to see that it was… kept honest and on the up and up. Yussef, what is that word that I’m looking for? That Jew word…”

“Do you mean ‘kosher’?’ he offered.

“Yes that’s it.” Fazzi laughed and the three of them joined in his joke. “It must be ‘kosher’, but in an Arab way.”

“Well as long as it is ‘kosher’, I can see no reason why we can not arrange something,” Richard said and added, “as long as it is going to be for charity I think I can assure you that I myself will lower my fee for handling this for you, by say, oh, a few percentage points. After all why should you be the only ones to get a tax write-off?”

“Richard, my friend, you are in business to make money.” Fazzi said, “I do not see the need for your giving us a discount. Like our friend Yussef told my committee the other evening when he met with them, ‘you should expect to pay a lot of money to make money’ and we do expect to pay you top dollar for your advise and help.”

“Yussef said that! Well I guess I trained him well. One thing is for sure you get what you pay for on Wall Street. And you will pay, but I will see to it that we will all make a lot of money on this. I want your business and I also want the good will of the Arab/American community,” Richard said, “and after that I hope to become the funnel though which many millions, if not billions, of dollars flow. So you see it is not a matter of charity for me, but cold pure profit.”

The lights in the room lowered and Fazzi leaned forward and said, “Gentleman, we have had our food and coffee and did a little business, now for the piece ‘de resistance’, the entertainment. The room turned dark and suddenly the most intoxicating music was heard and a small spotlight lit up a small area where the stage curtains came together. Snake-like, a woman’s hand appeared with little finger cymbals clinking in time to the music. The arm moved, like a cobra, twisting and turning, in time to beat of the music. The arm was followed by a perfect female body clothed from head to foot in different colored silk sheer material that you could almost see through. Both the men and the few women in the place gasped at the sensual body dancing before them. Her headdress was composed of gold coins and gold chains extending down to