The border guard studied Marino’s passport closely, as if not convinced it was authentic. “Pennsylvania, U.S.A,” he said. “What is special about Pennsylvania?”
It was the fifth senseless question the guard had asked. Marino’s patience was waning. “The Philadelphia Phillies.”
“What is Philadelphia Phillies?”
“A baseball team.”
The guard eyed him warily. “You’re a funny man, aren’t you?”
Marino shrugged and didn’t reply.
The guard picked up the phone. Holding the receiver close, he spoke quietly for a moment and then hung up. He looked at Marino. “Someone is coming to talk to you.”
Marino sat on a wooden bench by the front door. About ten minutes later the door opened and a handsome man in a black suit walked in.
“There he is, Mr. Hofer,” the guard said, pointing to Marino
The new a
