Prelude: It’s been 6 months since I wrote Part 1. To update you Frank and Marisca have gone undercover to Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Mossad which is a department of Israeli intelligence. Donovan is Turk Aakre; a British-Arab motorcycle racer recently married to Marisca Vanius an American socialite. Their mission is to find which one of the Sheik’s guests is a major financier of the Jihad and get proof only then get out. They have one week.
“One of us needs to check out the luggage the Sheik’s visitors bring” Marisca whispered in Frank’s ear as they lie in bed.
“Wouldn’t we be lucky if they all brought laptops” he replied whispering incase they were being observed in the room.
“Even luckier if the guy has all his bank accounts on it. This is going to be a challenge not having any tech to help us” she said referring to equipment to help in the process.
“It’s six. Let’s get up and look around,” he whispered and she nodded then they kissed briefly.
Marisca and Frank rose from bed getting back in to character assuming they were being watched. He dragged her in to the shower where they made love very loudly just to dispel any notion they were having private conversations in the small enclosure. Then they got dressed and left the unguarded room venturing first around the upper floor in silence. They had been provided with architectural schematics of the estate and the outer building, which had been acquired through previous intelligence gathering. The Sheik, like their own country and other foreign interests constantly watched other wealthy and prominent men in the Middle East. The upper portion of the building had little except private rooms and amazingly still no guards but cameras all over up towards the ceiling. They pretended by verbalizing they were lost when everything that could be seen was seen then they headed back in the direction of the elevator they had used the night before. When they did get down to the bottom level they were immediately greeted by the Sheik’s personal assistant.
“Good morning! I hope you didn’t get lost finding your way down?” he asked testing them as it had been reported they were wandering around.
“We took a wrong turn coming out our door but we found our way back to the elevator,” said Frank in his British accent. “Is the Sheik up yet?”
“No. He doesn’t rise until nine. It’s only after six,” the man said looking at his watch.
“We’re early birds” Marisca stated cheerfully. “And we’re starving! Two pouched eggs, white toast with jam and black coffee for both of us” she ordered not asked.
The assistant was taken aback by her demands as the chef had already prepared a menu for breakfast. But it was Marisca’s intention to show the man they were used to having servants and getting what they wanted. She may play the friendly American but he was in all-intense-and-purposes a servant also and they were guests.
“When are the Sheik’s other guests arriving?” Frank asked what he felt was a normal inquiry.
“At ten Mr. Aakre. The Sheik is having them flown in on his plane,” he answered. “They visit as a group a few times during the year to relax and do some motocross and racing. And to talk about their latest motorcycle acquisitions. I’m sure you’ll be very impressed when you see the Sheik’s collection. But, please follow me. I’ll take you to the breakfast room.”
“Thank you” Frank stated then they followed the immaculately dressed and very proper man.
“Are any of the other guests bringing their wives?” asked Marisca as they strolled further in to the estate.
“No. This week is for men only. The Sheiks wives would very much like to meet you Mrs. Aakre. They have asked me to extend an invitation to you to join them for lunch in the garden.”
“That would be fine. Please extend my thank you and let them know I will be happy to join them,” said Marisca formally. “Do you think after breakfast you could give us a tour before the others arrive?”
“I’d be delighted” the assistant responded cracking a smile as he was becoming attracted to her himself. “This place is a showcase and most that visit have been here many times. It’s how you say in the states? Like an old hat to them. They’re used to it.”
“I could get used to this place very easily,” Marisca said for some reason.
“Then perhaps I will steal you away from your husband, after all” interjected the Sheik as he came around a corner. “A man enjoys hearing a woman finds his home easy to get used to. Good morning. I hope you both sleep well,” he said as he took Marisca’s hand and kissed it.
“We did, thank you,” replied Frank taken slightly aback by the man’s aggressive statement.
“Good. Now let’s have some breakfast then I’ll take you for a tour myself, Marisca” Ahmy said as he led them on to the morning room.
During breakfast Frank was deciding if he should play the jealous husband and insist he accompany them on the tour of the estate. It was apparent the Sheik wished to take Marisca alone and in Frank’s gut he wanted to smash the guy’s head in. But both of them were waiting for an opportunity to do some further searching. But then again if he did not act jealous the Sheik would be suspicious so when the meal was finished and Ahmy and Marisca were about to depart Donovan stated.
“I want to see you in our room!” he said adamantly grabbing Marisca’s arm, which did not really surprise her.
She had been thinking too of the situation.
“What for?” she asked back heatedly trying to get out of his grasp.
“You know!” Frank answered hoping the Sheik would think he was referring to sex.
“Come, come” Ahmy said as did not like the way Frank was treating her in front of him. “The tour will not be that long, Turk. I only thought your wife would be more interested in my home and my art collection. I will have her back in your arms in no time.”
The handsome Sheik did not want Marisca going upstairs to have sex with her new husband. He wanted to make his own moves on her. Donovan had played the part as the Sheik had expected so now he backed down so he could take his leave and hopefully wander around.
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry” Frank said calmly then he kissed Marisca briefly on her soft, inviting lips. “You have a nice time looking around.”
Marisca truthfully found both men equally gorgeous but her husband had that animal quality and that intensity that made him the more attractive. The more desirable. And she was aroused at his passion, which never seemed to diminish. But she tried to hide it so their host would think he had some chance with her. There just was no other way to get information she felt as a woman spy other than using her sexuality. Being and playing a married woman gave her another advantage. The advantage was that if she went to bed with the Sheik at this time he would think less of her. So she had some leverage in the situation, which Marisca was definitely going to use.
“You have to forgive him, Ahmy. He’s always been unnecessarily jealous when other attractive men are around.”
“No need to apologize. I’ve never been jealous. I have four wives which is expected of me but I can’t say I have the passion your husband has for you for any of them” he replied honestly. “Don’t tell them I said that. I understand you’re having lunch with them today.”
“Mum’s the word,” she answered smiling as they strolled down a large hallway. “I like Arab men and the culture but I never thought I’d marry one.”
“I must say I was a bit surprised to have met you first in my back yard, so to speak. Is this the second time you’ve been to Saudi?” he asked.
“No. I love this country. I’ve been here several times but it’s getting more restrictive for women. I haven’t been here since the time we met and now” Marisca said as they entered a very large, open room with high ceilings. “This is beautiful!”
“This is the room I use for large gathering” the Sheik said of the room with blue walls, white marble floors and dozens of paintings. “All the art work here I’ve acquired on my travels. They’re not my finest though. Those I have tucked away for my own pleasure.”
“I think I’d do the same thing,” she said softly. “May I ask you something? You don’t need to answer me but I’d like to know. I mean because I’m beginning to like you.”
“Beginning to like me is encouraging,” he said laughing as he took her arm and led her through the room. “You can ask me anything.”
“I’m really opposed to the violence in the middle east and with what happened in New York last year. I would never have gone out with Turk if he were pro Arab violence. And I don’t really think I can be a friend with you if you are. I guess what I’m asking is if you’re a terrorist?”
Marisca put the question out in a naïve way, which obviously he found charmingly simplistic for such a sophisticated woman. He smiled widely, threw back his head and laughed and laughed from the way she was pleasing him.
“Trust me! I’m not. As I said before I abhor violence and I’m not a Muslim fanatic like Bin Laden. But I can’t say the same for my friends” Ahmy replied. “But that’s their business not mine. We just get together because we enjoy motorcycles.”
He was on the level she knew it immediately from years of experience. And he knew exactly who his friends were and their business. Ahmy only tolerated their indiscretions because he was alone and wanted some male companionship with a group that loved the sport he loved. And he was lonely, very lonely even with all the people around him but he did not want Marisca to know that.
“I’m sorry I brought the subject up, Ahmy. I really didn’t think I’d be in the middle of Saudi during such difficult times. I’m really kind of afraid but Turk wanted to come. And he wanted to go to Israel before which made me even more frightened. And look what happened there.”
“I’m surprised you held it together. You’re a woman” he commented not realizing his chauvinistic remark. “I’m glad I was able to rescue you from that jail. If you were my wife I would have never put you in such a position. I would protect you. I mean I would have protected you.”
“You’re very old fashioned aren’t you?” she asked gently and he nodded.
Marisca looked at Ahmy and the way he was speaking already and gazing at her made her realize he was falling for her quickly. Albeit the fact she liked the man and did not want to mislead him she and Frank were on a deadly serious mission.
“I suppose I am,” he answered somewhat shyly then he added much to her further amazement. “I have security cameras placed all over this complex, Marisca. I just wanted you to know I’ve ordered the ones in your suite turned off.”
“Why?”
“I don’t feel you’re a threat to me,” he said succinctly.
The comment had a double meaning. Marisca and Donovan were trained to take such comments in two ways: the Sheik knew who they were and why they were there and was playing his own game or the Sheik did not know who they were, liked them and really felt they were not a threat to him. It was tiring over analyzing everything but it was necessary and what made Frank and Marisca the best in the field was because this was all second nature.
Donovan went outside and walked around visually checking accesses to the three other buildings that surrounded the palace/estate. The guards all dressed in tan uniforms, holding M16 with laser sites merely stood at their posts observing him. Ahmy’s assistant did not trust the couple as the Sheik did so he sent a very friendly servant out to administer a small test.
“Triid takul shay?” (Would you like something to drink?) Asked the male servant unknowingly testing the man to see if he could speak Arabic.
“Naam. Ariid maay madaniyya” (Yes. I’d like mineral water) answered Frank in his best Arab accent.
“Min weyn anta?” (Where are you from?) The servant asked.
“Ana min bariitaanya” (I’m from Great Britain) Donovan answered. “Ana saakin fi Oxford.” (I live in Oxford.)
The servant left and went back to the kitchen to fetch the mineral water and reported to the assistant the guest spoke Arabic as a native would. Frank shrugged his shoulders having wondered when someone would see if he could at least speak the language. He continued his walk until it got close to ten so he started back to find his wife and the Sheik and be available when the other guests arrived. In the distance everyone could hear the plane making its descent towards the private airstrip, which was south of the encampment. Then half an hour later two limousines came driving up as Ahmy, Donovan and Marisca stood waiting. Four men came from the first limo and their luggage from the second.
“Let me introduce everyone,” said the Sheik smiling after he personally greeted his friends. “This is Turk and Marisca Aakre” he motioned to the couple as he looked directly in to Marisca’s eyes. “This is Da’ud El Emad, Abbas Abd’ al-Baki, Jabbar Kamal and this is Labid Nasawi Nasir.”
Frank and Marisca had been given bios on all the men so they knew whom they were dealing with. As General Yatom had told them before the mission these men had been watched for along time with no results. One of them was a major financier of the Jihad that the Israeli government desperately needed to suppress. The couple was there to find out which one, get proof and get out. So now they met the players face to face: Da’ud El Emad was from Iraq. He owned a bank in the capital, he was of course pro Hussein and pro terrorist which he was very public about. He was all of thirty years old, ruggedly handsome but short and liked to dress in jeans. Abbas Abd’ al-Baki was from Jordan. He owned oil fields like Ahmy and he was just as wealthy as the Sheik. He was the oldest at forty-five, unattractive but tall and very conservative both in manners and dress. He was anti terrorist, anti Israeli but pro American publicly. Jabbar Kamal was from Saudi Arabia to the south but lived in the capital. He was a major import/exporter and had just made his fortune at twenty-five. He had the same chiseled features that Frank and Ahmy had which made him the best looking of the four. He was pro terrorist, anti Israeli and American in public, which made him the most obvious candidate. Last on the bios was Labid Nasawi Nasir a man of thirty-five from Cairo. He inherited his money from his father and had no occupation other than playboy and jetsetter. He had no public opinion about anything. What they all thought and spoke about privately with friends was another thing that hopefully Donovan and Marisca would be privy too in the venue of the Sheik’s estate.
Ahmy escorted his friends and their bags up to each of their suites, which were in the same wing as Frank and Marisca’s. The couple followed making mental noted on who had what room and what luggage. Abbas and Labid were the only ones carrying briefcases that no doubt had laptops inside. But it was only Labid that brought along his own security guard who stood outside his door. The others were relying on the Sheik’s security. They all agreed to meet in fifteen minutes then go out and look at Ahmy’s new bikes and do some motocross first so Frank and Marisca got back in their room so he could change.
“Could that jumpsuit be any tighter?” asked Marisca amused as she watched her husband put his gray riding suit on.
“It’s aerodynamics baby” he replied still in his British accent. “But I know you like it. It shows off my most important parts,” he said looking down at his very hard bulge.
“Your most important part is your brain” she retorted seriously. “That’s what makes you who you are. That’s what I fell in love with.”
“You found out the surveillance is off in here?” he asked as she was being herself.
“Uh ha” she replied nodding. “He told me plus he ordered his security chief to make sure his assistant complied with them. If he doesn’t the security officers have orders to shoot him. Ahmy doesn’t know I speak Arabic.”
“It didn’t take long for him to fall under your spell” he muttered then he asked more clearly. “You like this guy, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do. He’s not lying to me because he likes me a lot and I’m going to use that fact,” she stated succinctly as he zipped up his suit.
“I don’t see any reason to seduce him if he’s not the one we’re looking for” Donovan exclaimed as a professional evaluation.
“You’re not a woman. You’re looking at this like a man would. I know he knows exactly what his so-called friends are up to. If I play sweet with him he’ll get sloppy and give us a clue” she stated then she jumped up from her chair. “If he were gay you’d go after him and play that advantage. God! Why am I explaining this all too you? You know how it works.”
“Yeah, I guess I do all too well. And this is going to be your last job” he said heading for the door. “Are you coming?”
“No, I’m going to stay here and look around. You get out there and ingratiate yourself with all your motorcycle knowledge. Sports and sex that’s what all you guys like” Marisca stated glibly as she went over to the bed and plopped down. “Besides I have to get ready to meet the harem at one.”
This was going to be her last job Marisca decided that already. She did not like working with her husband in this situation when emotions between them were too high and interfered too much. She lay on the bed enjoying the heat that was coming through a vent in the ceiling above them. It was cold outside and she was chilled from standing, waiting for the other’s to arrive. Frank had already checked the vent to see if its acoustics would carry their voices but he thought not. It was also too small to traverse to other parts of the building. The schematics they had of the estate were basic but both knew that for security purposes most rooms were equipped with an escape exit other than the door. After a few minutes Marisca got up and did a check of all the walls going inch by inch around trying to find any thing that would open a hatch, secret door, anything. Half way through examining the wall her eyes glanced over to the Persian rug under one of the chairs in the room. It beckoned her to have a look so she went over, moved the chair to the side and lifted the rug.
“Viola” she said under her breath as a trap door was looking up at her.
After it was opened Marisca looked down, saw a light switch and flipped it on then saw a small set of steps. It was chancy but when she went down and saw there were no cameras she decided to see where it took her. There could have been motion devices but the odds were against it as most secret passages were indeed secret even to security people. But she and Frank were in a guest room so finding the hatch so easily did not trouble her. If she were in the Sheik’s personal quarters it would have been tougher to find.
“Where’s Marisca?” asked Ahmy when Frank joined the group downstairs.
“She’s resting and she’s got that luncheon with your wives. It takes her forever to get ready,” replied Donovan and Ahmy nodded.
“She’s beautiful but how could you marry an American?” questioned the one Iraq frankly.
“I’m wondering that myself” Frank responded as they started for the outside again. “She’s a lot of trouble.”
“Trouble in a pretty package” retorted the one from Egypt. “I like American women. The few I’ve had were very energetic in bed. But they all had mouths on them which I couldn’t take after awhile.”
“Women should be silent,” said the one from Iraq. “Let’s get off the subject. Mr. Aakre, Ahmy’s told us you’re the most popular racer around now. Especially in Britain. You know Hussein enjoys the sport. You should come to Iraq and race.”
“I’d love to visit Iraq. I haven’t told my wife yet but I’m looking around for a second home in one of the Emirates” Frank stated.
“The day I would tell any of my wives anything will be the day after I die,” said the man from Jordan.
“I don’t tell her that much. She doesn’t really know why we were arrested in Israel” Donovan added trying to bait them.
“What do you mean?” questioned Ahmy not sure where his new acquaintance was going with the comment.
“I mean I have a lot of friends. And a few of them are connected to anti-Israeli organizations.”
“I take it you’re not against them?” asked the one from Cairo and Frank shook his head.
“No, I’m not and I’ve wanted to support them financially but I don’t know how without getting caught” he replied and at that the Sheik laughed and slapped his back.
“Enough politics for the day! Let’s talk about my bikes,” he stated as they came to the garage he had them in while the guard opened its door.
“Ahmy! You have all new bikes!” exclaimed the one from Iraq.
“Honda and Suzuki” stated the one from Jordan.
“I know you’re familiar with all these, Turk. Why don’t you tell my friends about them?” said Ahmy for some reason wanting to trip him up.
Actually he knew the reason very well. Ahmy did not like the fact Turk Aakre was pro terrorist and was putting the word out at the estate that he wanted help to contribute money. Nor did he like the fact he obviously had kept this opinion and desire from Marisca. But to the Sheik it was also a way he could get closer to the woman he wanted. The only question: was he going to use this information for his own desire for the woman? Or because he truly liked her and thought she should know before continuing her marriage to a man that was duping her?
“You have the latest and some of them won’t be available to the public until next year” reported Frank as he went up to the first bike. “I’m impressed you acquired them. Anyway, this one is a Honda RC51, 999 cc, and 90 degree with a v twin engine. This one is not on the market yet” he went up to the next. “Honda CBR1100XX, 1137cc, in line 4 cylinder and this one’s a Honda Superhawk, 996 cc and this a CBR954RR, 954 cc in line with a 4 cylinder engine.”
“You know your bikes,” said Ahmy very impressed. “Please continue.”
Frank continued to the other five bikes, which were all Suzuki and gave them the stats on those. Then they all chose bikes and went out for a ride. The estate was on the Persian Gulf so they motocrossed on the western side, which was desert, filled with dunes and other obstacles to make it fun. The four other guests were becoming fast friends with Frank except for the Sheik who was his rival. Donovan was going to go along with wife’s plans so he purposely put out the “tidbit” about having trouble with her. He knew the Sheik would take that as an okay to go after her.
In the meantime Marisca was still wandering around the labyrinth of passageways not able to get in to any of the other hatch door that led up to the other rooms. She tried opening a couple but decided to forego any others and just see where she was being led too. Then all of a sudden she heard light footsteps like a woman’s and the scent of heavy, heavy perfume. There was no where to hide so she just kept on going until she was face to face with a lovely Arab woman dressed in a blue caftan and decked all over with gold.
“You’re the American?” the woman asked shocked when she happened on Marisca. “Please don’t tell anyone I’m here!”
“What? Oh! No! I won’t tell if you don’t tell I’m here. I found the door that led here and I was curious,” Marisca said. “My husband and I have an old home in England and there’s all kinds of secret passageways. Anyway, I’m Marisca Aakre. Who are you?”
“I’m the Sheik’s first wife. Karima. My name’s Karima.”
“Generous” Marisca said and the woman smiled.
“That’s what my name means. You know Arabic,” she stated. “I use this hallway to go to other rooms in secret. Please! I must beg you not to tell my husband. He would definitely not understand.”
“That you’re having an affair?” Marisca asked the obvious and the woman blushed and looked down at the ground.
“Is it that apparent?”
“That’s why you’re sneaking around. What other reason? But you don’t love your husband? He seems to be kind and he’s great looking and rich!” retorted Marisca and the woman giggled.
“My marriage was arranged. I don’t love the Sheik but it’s an obligation I have to keep. My father’s name must remain in good standing in Saudi. I hate this country! I wish I could leave!” she said angry now. “I must get back. You should also! There are cameras all over.”
“Do the other women know you’re not happy?” Marisca inquired before they parted.
“Yes. We all feel the same except Nayda. She has her lovers but she likes being Ahmy’s wife. You must be careful of her though. He doesn’t like her that much and we’ve heard you’re being considered as her replacement. She’ll kill you before that happens.”
“You’re kidding? I’m married already,” said Marisca trying to act surprised.
“The Sheik acquires what he wants. If he wants you he will do anything. He did not have to do anything for any of his wives. We were all handed over gladly. But now that I see you. Well, he has never been in love. I must go.”
“Ok” Marisca said as the woman took off passed her not even waiting as she had to return in that direction also.
A possible ally Marisca said to herself as she finally got back to the suite and began to get ready for lunch. She took a shower and put on a new black two-piece knit with a skirt that went down to her ankles and long sleeves. It was a conservative look except for the diamonds she donned: a simple diamond strand necklace, three tennis bracelets on her right wrist, and a four-carat ring and Piaget watch. And with some pretty black low-heeled slip-on shoes she looked charming. By quarter to one Marisca ventured outside her door and strolled passed the guard that stood outside the man from Cairo’s room to the elevator. He paid no attention to her but she knew he was dying to take a look especially after she walked by and he could smell her Opium perfume. It was a musky scent and it drove men wild. And lunch was very nice and very interesting as none of the women held back their feelings about the Sheik and the marriages they were sold in to. Ahmy treated them like queens but they were still prisoners with nowhere to go. In Saudi a woman could not go anywhere or leave the country without her father’s or her husband’s permission. They were there with his children day after day inside the estate only leaving when he traveled and were taken along. Then they would remain in the hotel with the children day after day. It was a situation Marisca would not tolerate and she wanted to help them in some way but she was not sure how.
Frank and other men motocrossed the entire afternoon stopping only for a formal lunch that had been set up nearby. Then they continued until dusk bidding each other farewell until eight when they would assemble for dinner, formal of course. Donovan found Marisca taking a nap so he went in to the bathroom and took a long, hot shower to get the dust and dirt off. He had to admit he was exhausted from riding, as he had not done it in a long time so he lay down next to her. A half an hour later a knock came at the door, which woke them, up. It was a servant with a chilled bottle of champagne, one flute for Marisca and a glass of mint tea for Frank. They said nothing to each other as they enjoyed their drinks and got dressed: Donovan in his Tux and Marisca in an enchanting white strapless gown in silk with a heavily beaded jacket and more diamonds.
“The dinner was superb, Ahmy” Marisca said after when he made an excuse to finish the tour of his home.
“I don’t like the French but I do like their cuisine” he replied taking her arm to wrap around his. “How was your luncheon with my wives?”
“Very nice. And interesting” she answered as they walked. “You don’t love any of them do you?”
Ahmy stopped in his tracks and looked down in to her blue eyes. They were so beautiful he thought and she was so appealing he wanted to kiss her them but he did not.
“No, I don’t. Does that surprise you, Marisca?”
“Not really. They’re arranged marriages and I don’t believe in those,” she answered truthfully.
“Why do you ask such a question? It’s very personal and I should take offense.”
“I just was making an observation. I’m sorry you have no love in your life. You have wives and children but not a love a man has for a woman,” Marisca stated as they continued to stroll.
“Perhaps I have finally found that love,” Ahmy said as he took from his robe a black velvet jewelry box and handed it to her. “This is for you.”
They stopped again but this time they were just near an open door that led to a patio with a wonderful breeze coming off the gulf. Marisca broke away from the Sheik’s arm and went outside and over to the wall and opened the box that contained the most exquisite pair of sapphire earrings she had ever seen. They were well worth half a million American dollars she estimated.
“Do you like them?” he asked coming up behind her.
“They’re beautiful, Ahmy. But you know I’m married. I just got married,” she said shaking her head. “Why didn’t I meet you instead of Turk?”
“You’ve met me now” he said taking that statement as an invitation to at least put his hands on her waist. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Marisca. I honestly never thought this would happen to me.”
“I can’t do this right now” Marisca stated grabbing the jewelry box. “Please excuse me.”
He watched as she took off like a scared rabbit, which made him want her even more.
This was a scene she had played a few times with other men that were desperately seeking love in someone other than their wife. Or in this case wives. But the Sheik’s wives did not love him so Marisca felt pity. He was a nice man and she had met so few of them during her life.
The next few days went the same. They would all assemble for breakfast early then the men would go out for their sport while Marisca found herself visiting the women when she was not looking around. Then they would have dinner, talk for an hour or two then go their separate ways until the next morning. At night either Marisca or Frank would supposedly phone home to the housekeeper in Oxford to find out what as happening. The call would be re-routed from Oxford to Jerusalem using satellite technology no one but the CIA and the Israeli were aware of. The conversation consisted of basic code words. Not many of them during the course of the call but enough to relay Frank and Marisca progress.
“Ok, Mrs. Forsythe. Cheers!” said Marisca at the end of a conversation she did not like.
“Anything happening at home?” asked Frank still using his Brit accent.
“No nothing. Everything’s ok” she replied putting their cell away.
She went over to a Frank who had changed in to his pj bottoms and went in to his arms. Marisca hugged him harder than normal and he knew at once something had transpired during the call. He said nothing but took her for a long, hard kiss then too bed where they made love and made love and made love until the morning came.
“I forgot something,” Ahmy said as he walked with his friends out to the garage.
The Sheik went back to the estate and looked for Marisca. He watched her through breakfast and it was obvious she was paying more attention to him. There were things he needed to talk to her about. There were things he needed to decide that day. Finally he came upon her in the large library on the first floor having a drink.
“A bit early for whiskey isn’t it?” Ahmy asked with a wide smile as he sat down across from her.
“I guess. But as Hemingway said it’s always cocktail hour somewhere in the world. Or was it five o’clock somewhere in the world?” Marisca retorted smiling back.
“I believe he said five o’clock. I know who you and your husband are,” the Sheik stated as she took another sip of alcohol.
“Who do you think we are?” she asked back.
“You’re a cool one all right. I never saw it coming. A double agent with a bounty on her head and a CIA Director” he exclaimed still smiling.
“Who told you that?” Marisca questioned not committing to anything.
“A man named Ivan. Fortunately he spoke to me and no one else so you’re safe for the moment.”
The conversation Marisca had the night before with Israel headquarters forewarned her that Ivan had discovered their whereabouts. He was demanding money but instead the Mossad had him shot. But apparently not before he contacted the Sheik in Saudi.
“Don’t deny it Marisca. All I had to do was phone CIA headquarters and ask for Frank Donovan. And his wife Marisca Vanius. And I’m supposing what you want is the name of my friend who’s been supporting the Jihad? Or are you here to kill him? You’re an assassin after all.”
“You’ve got a lot of information, Ahmy. So what exactly do you want? Why don’t you just shoot us if you think all this is true?” questioned the still cool Marisca.
The Sheik rose from his chair laughing.
“I told you I’m a non-violent man and I also told you last night what I want. I guess I wasn’t clear enough for you” he stated walking up to her, touching her knees as she sat with his legs.
“Then enlighten me,” she said looking up at him.
“I told you I love you. I want you as my wife and I don’t care if you’re a spy or whatever you call yourselves now. But I’m not going to go up against the CIA with one of its Directors so I’ll get him out of the country safely if you stay here with me.”
“I will if you give him the name of the man that’s financing the Jihad and some proof to take with him.”
“I’ll give you the name and a gun. I can’t give you any proof and you’ll never find any. He’s too smart but he’s stupid enough to trust me. I’ve never compromised his trust but now that I see he’ll get me you. I will!”
“I want one other thing. I want you to release your wives with enough money for them to live outside of Saudi” Marisca added and he got angry.
“So they have gotten to you?” he muttered walking away slightly and thinking. “No. Not all of them. Only Karima. She has given me no children so she’s free to go. Do we have a deal? Will you seal it with a kiss?”
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Mossad: Donovan - Road To Saudi - Part 3