AN AUDIENCE UNSUSPECTING - David Holub

He made his first contact a number of years ago. Who he is, I can’t say. I would say, but I’m not exactly sure. He called himself Henry but the name was certainly made up. I have established that he is neither a government entity nor does he sell hamburgers or cable news. Those I’ve crossed off the list.

I was sporting an eye patch and fake sideburns in those days. That afternoon, I was wearing only the bottom half of a tuxedo and had been spotted juggling bowling paraphernalia--shoes, balls, pins--in the backyard of a friend’s acquaintance.

On a juggling break behind a maple in the far corner of the yard, Henry approached me wearing a conspicuous Hawaiian shirt made of burlap and was hindered by what appeared to be at least one metal leg. Speaking with an Eastern European accent--clearly fake--he explained his affiliate’s plan to me in detail.