| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part II The Warrior By CJ |
| Chapter 9 She looked outside the jet’s window and saw high rises and roads and nothing that hinted she was in a foreign land. Kumar was very modern as Rafee had once told her and she squinted against the glaring afternoon sun on the tarmac where the jet had halted. She wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be day or night. It felt like night to her body but the bright orange ball of fire in the sky stated otherwise. They had flown from San Francisco Sunday evening and landed in New York. Changing planes they had flown to Paris where they’d caught a private Lear for Kumar. Rafee had organized everything efficiently and there were even special security considerations at each airport where airport personnel escorted them from plane to plane. Devesh had traveled with them, but Omar had been left behind for security at Villa Serena. Old Edgar Reynolds, a local handyman, had agreed to remain on the estate as well to care for the horses. Everything had been put in order with perfect efficiency and the man on his cellular phone was the one to praise. Rafee had conducted business during much of the travel time, which Shawna thought was for the best. When they had first laid eyes upon one another they’d been almost unable to even stand by simply and be civil. So, they had opted through mutual silence, to sit far away from one another and not speak. Shawna had found company with Jenny and Rafee with his cell phone. “Are we here finally?” Jenny asked as she yawned and stretched her arms over her head. “Yes, finally,” Shawna returned. “Then why can’t we get off the plane yet?” she inquired. Nik sat down next to the girl and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We will in due time, Jenny. But you must understand that this is a different place than California and that here my role is that of a sheik. You might find some of your freedoms restricted.” “You mean, you have different rules here?” she asked. “Not too different. But right now, my family is having some worries. That is our only restriction. And as soon as Rafee solves them, you can venture out into the city and shop and sitesee and do everything you want.” Jenny nodded and just as Nik finished his explanation, an entourage of men filed onto the plane. Shawna glanced out her window again and saw three white SUVs with tinted windows waiting with a uniformed guard stationed at each. This was indeed a different place. Although, when she had studied it on the Internet, she had read that Kumar was the most modern of the eight emirates and that its population was made up mostly of foreigners who worked in the trade industry. With those credentials, she didn’t think it would be all that different than a western city. Yet there were armed guards and very serious looking men talking with Rafee at the front of the plane and that’s what made this place different. Shawna watched as a man in a navy suit and sporting a gutrah upon his head handed Rafee a handgun and holster. She gulped with fear as Rafee clipped the black holster onto this belt. He was all business now and she could see the stoic resolution set into his face. Now that Rafee was on his own turf, Shawna was certain she would see much more of the ancient warrior in him. The gun was certainly only the beginning. They were split up among the waiting vehicles and escorted out of the plane with men on either side of them. Because Rafee had made special arrangements with their embassy, no passport check-in was necessary and they simply boarded the Suburbans and began their drive. Shawna was in the lead vehicle with Rafee and Devesh. Nik, Tara and Jenny had been assigned the middle car and the last car held only security personnel. As they drove off airport grounds, Shawna asked, “Is this how you always arrive in town?” Rafee glared at her, a look he was getting very good at throwing her way and replied, “No. But these are special circumstances. We will take no chances.” She looked away from him for his eyes were unreadable. Since the night she had seen them filled with passion, she had been unable to read anything in them. And that, more than the harsh words, hurt her heart. They drove for a long while until the skyscrapers of Kumar City were only structures in the horizon. She could see the landscape change as they left behind the city streets and drove amongst the vast flat sands. An occasional palm or date tree showed along the way, but aside from that, the course was barren. The cars slowed and Rafee immediately looked outside his window. Shawna’s eyes followed his line of sight and she saw the palace. It was a grand structure with arches and carved stone. It was too large a compound to even begin to describe its grandeur and surrounded by an immense rock wall, but when they pulled through the high wrought-iron gates, she felt as if she had entered a paradise. There were palms, desert stones, fountains and even some grass among the landscaping of the compound and the tires of the trucks stopped upon the paved drive. They had halted in front of a shaded walkway and several children ranging in ages from toddler to teen gathered to meet the cars. Rafee smiled when his eyes landed on his home and he unclipped his sidearm and handed it forward to the driver speaking to him in their native tongue. Shawna was positive Rafee’s mood had changed in the instant they passed through the massive stone walls and when he stepped out and was greeted by the six squealing children he actually smiled broadly saying each of their names and providing a hug for all. Shawna balked at his enthusiasm for the children and when she turned to Devesh and inquired, he explained, “They are his nieces and nephews. His older sister Rana and his younger sister Aria are both married. The four eldest children are Rana’s and the two younger children are Aria’s.” Devesh smiled and added, “They are wonderful children. You will adore them.” And when Nik exited his vehicle, the children quickly rushed to him as well. He, like Rafee, expressed himself affectionately with the children and introduced each one to Tara and Jenny. The eldest girl of the group appeared to be near Jenny’s age and she immediately took Jenny by the hand as though they were fast friends and began conversing in near perfect English. Shawna exited the car behind Devesh just as a handful of adults made their way out of a pair of hand carved double doors from the palace. Two golden Salukis barked and trotted out in front of them, mingling with the children before they found interest in sniffing the newly arrived vehicle tires. Two beautiful women with long black hair walked at the front and talked to the children in their home language. It was obvious by the beautifully structured faces of the two women that they were Rafee and Nik’s sisters. They were dressed modernly in light slacks and silk shirts and both kissed their brothers and shook hands with their guests. The remaining three adults consisted of the family lawyer and Devesh’s uncle, Taj Badawi and the heads of the royal family, Sheik Aarif and his wife Sheika Kamila. Shawna had been instructed on no proper protocol so she feared the introductions to come. But both proved to be kind, humble people and Rafee’s mother simply shook Shawna’s hand after introductions and hugged her son fiercely before moving on to greet Tara, Nik and Jenny. There was a connection difficult to miss between Rafee and his mother. They both possessed those same light eyes and slightly dimpled chin. And there was an air of calmness and control in the atmosphere when the Sheika was nearby. Shawna was certain the woman possessed great reserves of inner strength and had passed that on to her son. As for the Sheik himself, he was much more like Nik. He was laughable and friendly with a kindly look in his brown eyes. He wore a white gutrah and thoub, a bit more traditional in his dress than anyone else at the palace, but his manner was very modern and outgoing. He immediately took Shawna’s hand in his and patted her hand as he smiled. “Who is this lovely lady you have brought to us, my son?” he inquired of Rafee. “Father, this is Ms. Shawna Patrick, a friend of Ms. Malone and also an American investigator. She has offered us her services,” Rafee answered. “We are grateful, Ms. Patrick, for your help. And I hear you were responsible for solving Ms. Malone’s predicament in California as well,” Sheik Aarif said. “Yes, sir,” Shawna replied, hoping the title was appropriate. “But I did have much assistance from Rafee.” She would not take full responsibility for solving Tara’s case. Rafee had done as much as she had and he deserved the credit regardless of the fact that they were barely speaking. Sheik Aarif smiled mischievously and said, “Then if you have already worked with my son, you are familiar with his ways. A warning for you is not necessary.” “No, Sheik Aarif. No warning is necessary at this point,” Shawna answered with a smile. Rafee frowned down at them and his father laughed before moving on to greet Nik, Tara and Jenny. He was especially affectionate with Tara and Jenny and though they were foreigners and Nik was marrying outside the circle of his region, his parents appeared very accepting of his choice. “Come,” Sheik Aarif finally instructed, “let us go inside. I know our guests must be hungry and tired.” And hot, Shawna wanted to add. The heat was dry and engulfing and she felt as if she had stepped into an oven. Though she wore light white cotton pants and a simple blue button-up shirt, she was certain she was wearing too much. But the feel of the house erased all the heat. It was open and airy with cool air running the course of its halls. It was too large to describe in detail, but each room was decorated either in cool marble or plush carpeting with simple, stylish taste. There was nothing overly ornate or gaudy in the décor and Shawna fell in love with what little she saw that first day. They were taken to a sitting parlor where butlers and maids served cold drinks and food. Nik and Tara immediately sat down with the sheik and his wife, while the young girl occupied Jenny. The two girls sat on pillows in the corner eating and talking like old friends. Teenagers were the same all over the world, Shawna reasoned, and she was glad for Jenny’s immediate acceptance into the Armanjani family, but it meant she was left without a companion. She looked around for Rafee and saw him in the corner of the room, talking earnestly with one of the men who had delivered them from the airport. Though the ardor of the trip had taken its toll on his face lining it with exhaustion, he still appeared handsome and fresh dressed in his beige T-shirt, olive drab cargo pants and brown utility boots. She could have stood there and gazed upon him all day if the younger sister, Aria, hadn’t approached. Aria held a precious four-year old boy in her arms along with a glass of iced tea. She handed the glass off to Shawna and said, “You look as if you could use something to drink.” “Thank you,” Shawna replied. “I could. I could also use a very long nap.” The woman smiled and set the child down on his feet. She pushed her long black hair over her shoulder and straightened. “Did my brother have you travel non-stop from San Francisco?” Aria inquired. “Just about. Our longest layover was only two hours in France. Aside from that, we’ve been in the air.” Aria shook her head and said, “Rafee is relentless. You have to have a mountain of energy to keep pace with him.” “I won’t argue with that,” Shawna agreed. “He flies from one country to the next for our business and then back and forth from Kumar to California to keep tabs on Nikash. I do not know how he does it,” she continued. “But he trusts the family business to no one. My husband, Aasim, has been offering to assist with the countless security measures in our corporation and here at the palace, but Rafee insists he needs no help. I am afraid my brother will work himself into an early grave with his schedule.” Shawna was going to comment that she agreed, but the small boy was tugging on her pant leg with his arms raised. Unable to resist such a beautiful child, Shawna lifted him in her arms and asked, “Who’s this?” “This is my son, Kareem,” Aria said. “He is much like his Uncle Rafee in that he demands his way always. See, he has even gotten his way with you.” “What lies are you spreading about me, Aria?” Rafee asked as he joined them. “No lies, Rafee, only truth. I was warning Shawna about your incessant need to always have your way,” Aria explained. Rafee’s eyes flashed with a taunt as he looked at Shawna and said, “She already knows that, Aria, and that is why she denies me my way at every turn.” “Then she is a stronger and smarter woman than most,” Aria declared. “Indeed, she is that,” Rafee agreed then took little Kareem away and handed him off to Aria. “But right now, she is needed for business and I will have my way with that.” Rafee grabbed Shawna’s hand and dragged her away before Shawna could even utter a farewell to Aria. ** The study was paneled with a dark mahogany, with forest green carpet and built-in bookcases. It was a stately room. The kind of room one would expect to see in Washington D.C., not in a desert palace in Kumar. A group of men filtered into the room as Shawna looked over the printed email threats that had been received at the palace during the past month. The threats were ambiguous, but they were most decidedly directed at Sheik Aarif and the royal family. “Did you trace the sender’s email address?” Shawna inquired of Rafee before all the men were seated. She noticed that as long as she and Rafee were focused on working, there was little tension. But when they stopped talking of mysteries, a strange shift in the air took place and they again could barely look one another in the eye. “Yes. But it was sent from a public library in Kumar City. They allow anyone access to the Internet there. We do not restrict that use, nor do we require people to register to use it just like in your country. The email address is just a generic address for the library. Anyone could have sent that,” he told her. “But it originated from here in Kumar,” she replied. “It did. But we have over a million people in this city. Impossible to trace.” Shawna agreed, but at least seeing the email threats gave her some clues as to what was happening. The threats stated no real action, but they did insinuate that harm would arrive if demands were not settled. The authors made note that they wanted to right the wrongs of the past and would contact them when the time was right to discuss demands. In the meantime, they wanted a reply via the email address provided with a promise of cooperation. “And I take it you have not replied to the email address with a promise of cooperation,” Shawna surmised. “Of course not,” Rafee said with determination. “Does your country negotiate with terrorists? No, so why would we?” “I would never suggest that you should,” she replied, “but I was just trying to find out. So after the first two messages were sent and your camp made no reply this third one was sent indicating that proof would arrive of their intentions. Obviously the fires.” He nodded. “Then how did Gabe Bryant know about all of this and if Jamaal was involved, why would he tell Gabe?” Shawna asked the same question that had been burning in her mind since she’d talked to Gabe on Sunday. “I would assume it was a mutual benefit for both Jamaal and Bryant to help one another.” Rafee put the INS lists in front of him that Shawna had provided and again scanned the names of people who had recently entered the United States with Middle Eastern passports. None were familiar, none were known terrorists. “With Mr. Bryant’s contacts in America and with forgers, he may have made it simple for Jamaal and Jamaal’s associates to enter and exit the U.S.” “So in exchange for Gabe’s help, Jamaal told him everything that was happening around Villa Serena,” Shawna finished. “That explanation works for me.” She wondered if Gabe would have provided all those details if there had been a deal for him pending. But it was for the best that they had not remained in America and tried to wheel and deal with Gabe. Just the fact that he had mentioned Jamaal’s name had been enough of a clue for Shawna and Rafee to piece together a possible scenario of events. The room was full now, and Shawna suddenly felt all eyes on her as the men sat around the large conference table. She knew several of the men; Sheik Aarif, Nik, Taj and Devesh, but there were a handful of men she had never seen before. Some were dressed like westerners, others were in a more traditional garb with the long thoub and gutrahs. Introductions were conducted and she met the sheik’s brother Laxman, and the sheik’s two sons-in-law, Aasim and Hassan. Then there were two other coordinators of security that worked directly underneath Rafee. Shawna saw the startling reality that she was the only woman in the group. She wondered that if in a more traditional country and culture such as this her gender would prove to be an issue. Rafee had never made any assumptions about her abilities based upon her gender, merely upon her culture. So she doubted these men in this room would question her abilities either. At least, that’s what she hoped. They spoke in English to accommodate her and she was allowed to introduce the lists of names generated by the U.S. INS authorities. They seemed impressed with this information and her ability to retrieve it and the fact that she promised more names to be emailed to her within the week of departures out of the U.S. also brought many smiles. “But please remember that the American authorities will not own up to having provided this information. It is not official and was not retrieve through the legal means of a search warrant. So this is for our eyes only and cannot be presented as proof in an American court of law should it ever come down to that,” Shawn relayed. No one seemed to have a problem with that and they spent a large portion of the meeting surveying the names and deciding how background checks should be run to try and link these names with known terrorist organizations and criminals. Shawna also added that her brother was having the San Francisco Police Department’s anti-terrorist task force run a check on the names in the U.S. as a special favor. “If anything turns up in their files,” she added, “he’ll contact me immediately.” “Would you personally thank your brother for me, Ms. Patrick?” Sheik Aarif requested. “I realize this is nothing that concerns him and his police force, but it means a great deal to us.” “Yes, sir, I will,” she returned. The meeting adjourned with the several prospective leads in the horizon. Checks would be run on the names to see if any of them could be linked to the happenings in Kumar and there seemed to be a mood of optimism with this new information. As the room cleared and Rafee walked to the far end of the room to speak with his two security men, Shawna sat down at her laptop computer and checked her email. Her brother had not yet sent information and she figured it would be at least another day or two. Omar had sent her an email saying he was still keeping his eyes open at Villa Serena and there had been no sighting of Jamaal in the area. But Shawna was certain Jamaal had fled the country already and as soon as they received some more names from INS, they would be able to confirm that. She was going to start an Internet search on Kumar’s history, because the nature and wording of the threats gave her the impression that some clue may lie in the history of the municipality, when Rafee’s men left the room. He looked at her then and insisted, “Turn off the computer. We have done all we can for now. You should rest.” “I have an idea I want to explore,” Shawna said, ignoring his words and refusing to look up at him as she answered. Rafee moved next to her and turned her computer off. “I will show you to your room.” She pushed back in her chair and glared at him. “So now you’re just going to tell me what to do?” “Yes, this is my country you are in now, Ms. Patrick,” he replied with forced calmness. “I am calling the shots.” Shawna continued to glare at his handsome face. If only he hadn’t insisted she had played cruel games and had remained to listen to her explanation the other night they wouldn’t be in this state! But he had walked out and he had said some horrible things to her and her heart still ached each time she looked into his golden eyes. Seeing the most saddened look cross her path, and unable to continue the act he had started with his demands, Rafee softened and said, “You are tired. Get some rest. We’ll continue tomorrow.” Shawna nodded, hearing the concern in his voice and exited the study. Rafee led her down a long hall, then turned into a second hall. It was several yards in length with at least eight doors coming off it and a large window with gauzy white curtains at either end. He turned right and took her to the end room. “You are in here,” he said. “Tara and Jenny are across the hall. Nikash and myself are at the end.” They entered the room and Shawna was certain it was the most elegant room she had ever stayed in. It was decorated in rattan and pastel florals. A set of French doors, covered by sheer white curtains opened to a small balcony that overlooked the rectangular swimming pool below. She had her own vanity, bathroom and canopied queen-size bed. Light beige marble completed the elegance. “Wow,” she breathed as she looked around. “You approve?” Rafee asked. “Yes, this is gorgeous.” She smiled at him for the first time in two days and declared, “I feel like a queen.” Rafee almost commented pleasantly. But he remembered that he was supposed to be keeping his emotional distance from her and that his brother was positive he was caring for Shawna. Rafee felt as if he were caught in a limbo of emotions he could not quite comprehend and he would have tried to settle it right there and then with Shawna as she gazed so appreciatively at her room, had it not been for his immense pride. Moving to the closet, Rafee opened the doors and saw her things were in order. “The servants should have put all your belongings away,” he said. “If you are in need of anything or if your accommodations are not adequate, do not hesitate to speak to Samar. She will be the equivalent of your lady in waiting for the duration of your stay for you, Tara and Jenny. Her room is right next to yours.” “I’ve never had any need for my own personal assistant,” Shawna drawled. Rafee assumed the same and could not picture Shawna asking to be waited on hand and foot by Samar. “No, but you may find yourself in need here for the palace is a very large place. And you cannot come and go freely into the city without escort until things are settled. In fact, I would appreciate it if you went nowhere without me.” “Why? I’m not a target,” she said. “Perhaps not. But Jamaal does know you are involved. That could be reason enough to place you in harms way,” he reasoned. Shawna agreed and had no desire to venture outside the palace walls on her own anyhow. She was independent and enjoyed adventure, but she was sensible. She would go nowhere unescorted until it was safe. However, she did not appreciate Rafee’s insistence that she go no place without him. He had been the one who had walked away the other night and now he expected her to just follow him around? Her ego would not stand for that. “I understand that, but why can’t you just assign me to one of your security people?” she asked. “After all, it would certainly be less painful for both of us. Especially for me.” “Painful for you?” he asked back. “You were not the one who was turned away.” “No, but I was also not the one who walked out the door,” she snapped. So, the inevitable had arrived? Rafee and Shawna stood in the middle of the room, their eyes fixated on one another, waiting for the next person to proceed. But what was there to say? Rafee could apologize, yet his pride stood in the way. And Shawna, she could easily start explaining about her fears and why she had halted their tryst, but she didn’t want to. So, they stood, staring and mute. A light rap sounded on the door and it opened slowly. Aria and little Kareem entered the room and the small boy immediately tottered over to Shawna and stood before her. He possessed those light eyes and the more she looked at the child, the more she found he resembled his uncle. “I did not mean to interrupt,” Aria said, “but I am taking a poll for supper. Will you two be dining tonight?” “No, I think I’m going to bed early,” Shawn declined. “Rafee?” Aria asked her brother. Briskly, Rafee moved toward the door. “No, I have much work to do,” he said with a sharp edge and left the room. Arai stared at the now closed bedroom door then turned back to Shawna. “I hope you do not mind my brother,” Aria said. “He tends to have streaks of stubbornness.” “I know,” Shawn told her. “I find I tend to be the cause of much of his stubbornness.” Arai laughed. “I find that amusing. Women do not usually affect my brother’s moods. He is always more focused on work.” “I suppose my personality just clashes with his,” she surmised. “We’ve been disagreeing off and on for a week now.” “And now, are you off or on?” Aria inquired with a finely raised eyebrow. “Off,” Shawna said. “Then, I will leave you to rest,” Aria said with a secretive smile. “Perhaps we can talk more tomorrow. I am very curious about America as I have only been there once myself. When you have time, please come find me.” “I’d like that,” Shawna said, finding that the easy way about Aria made her pleasant company. Much more pleasant than her brother. ** How long had she slept before the sounds of laughing outside the open balcony doors brought her from her slumber? Shawna opened her eyes and bright light filled the room. She closed them again, not ready for such a brilliant sight and heard a small giggle. Squinting, she looked to her right and saw four-year old Kareem lying on the bed, staring at her from only a foot away. Not expecting company, and still feeling like her body wasn’t sure what time it was supposed to be, Shawna groaned and rolled to her back. The child laughed again and moved closer. “Shouldn’t you be outside with the other kids?” Shawna asked. Obviously the child understood English for he shook his head and smiled. “Here,” he said. “Yes, I know you’re here, but I’m sleeping.” “Breakfast. Eat,” he insisted and jumped off the bed and trotted over to a low table near the balcony doors. It was filled with a tray of food and juices and the little boy sat upon a pillow on the floor in front of the table. Groaning again, Shawna pulled herself from bed and tugged on the white robe that hung in the bathroom. This palace was like a full service hotel. Everything she needed was already here, including company and breakfast before she even awoke. She sat at the table and the boy showed his budding gentlemanly manners and fixed her a plate of fruit and pastries. Of course, he used his fingers instead of the serving utensils and Shawna laughed at his attempts to try and pour juice. “Let me get that,” she offered and poured two glasses. She ate breakfast and Kareem drank his juice and watched her intently. He was certainly interested in her and she couldn’t fathom why. Perhaps it was just that she was a guest and a foreigner. But living in a royal palace, she was positive the boy had seen plenty of both. Why then, was he so intrigued with her? The door to her room opened and a woman wearing a long flowing teal tunic shirt and matching pants entered the room. Her black and graying hair was tied back in a bun and she spoke quickly to Kareem in his native language. The boy shook his head with resoluteness until the woman spoke to him again. Finally, he sulked out of the room. “I am Samar. I apologize for Kareem’s interruption, Ms. Patrick,” the woman said. “It was no interruption,” Shawna said. “And it’s a pleasure meeting you Samar.” The woman bowed her head and smiled. “Likewise. I hope Kareem did not wake you. He must have sneaked in when I set your breakfast in here.” “I was waking up anyhow. What time is it by the way?” “10:00. Everyone is already awake,” Samar answered. “Ms. Malone and her sister are with Sheik Nikash making plans for the wedding and Sheik Rafee left me with instructions to escort you to his study when you were awake and fed.” “Well, I’m awake and fed. Can he wait until I am showered and dressed?” Shawna asked. Samar nodded. “Of course. I will clear your dishes and return in half an hour.” Shawna wasn’t sure if she could get used to life in a palace. Breakfast was served before she awoke, servants were sent to escort her for meetings. She missed her life in San Francisco and she’d only been gone for a little over a day. What she needed was her Mustang and a nice long drive. But she didn’t have her Mustang and she was in Kumar. So she showered and dressed in a pink boat-neck sleeveless top and khaki pants with sandals. She had been told by Devesh before coming to Kumar that almost everyone dressed like westerners. He assured her pants, shorts and tank tops were okay and even bikinis were seen on their beeches. At the palace, he said it was always a casual atmosphere unless a formal event was underway. In that instance, such as for Tara’s and Nik’s wedding, formal attire would be a must. Otherwise, she should feel free to dress as she would at home. Samar returned just as Shawna finished drying her hair. She tucked her hair behind her ears, fluffed her bangs and then followed the woman down the hall and back to the study they had met in the day before. Rafee was sitting at a desk, a computer screen on in front of him and little Kareem on his lap. “Ms. Patrick is here, Sheik Rafee” Samar announced as they entered. Rafee looked up at Shawna and a very relaxed expression was showing on his face. It was no doubt the child’s presence that was making him appear so and as soon as the child left, Shawna was certain his mood would change. Rafee said something to the small boy in Arabic and reluctantly the child left with Samar. His eyes followed the child then returned to Shawna. “Kareem tells me he dined with you this morning,” Rafee spoke up. “He now insists you are going to be his wife.” Shawna laughed and asked, “Is that how engagements are made around here?” “Apparently so. I suppose that is why I enjoy eating alone,” he said with a surly tone. Shawna frowned and insisted, “Yes, but we needn’t worry about you ever getting engaged for you can’t even stay around long enough for a simple explanation.” “Are you here to start a quarrel or to work?” he asked. “I don’t know, you summoned me.” “I summoned you for work,” he insisted. “Not for arguing. I wanted you to check your email and then we have some places to go.” “Go?” she asked looking down at herself. “Am I dressed all right to leave the palace?” “We are not Saudi Arabia, Shawna, your clothes are perfectly acceptable,” he commented. Then she noticed that Rafee was dressed in nothing more than jeans and a white ribbed T-shirt. “All right then. Let me boot up and see if Joseph has received anything,” she said. There was no word yet and she was disappointed. After relaying that to Rafee, he shrugged as if to say they could only wait and then led her through the palace. After much turning and walking, they were at the front gates where a vehicle and driver awaited them. They boarded the SUV and as they drove out of the palace the driver handed Rafee his holster and gun. “You’re allowed to carry that?” she asked. “I am allowed to carry anything I want in this country,” he replied. “And, do you?” “No, only during times of crisis would I dare arm myself,” he said. “It is not part of our culture. We have little crime in this country and few people feel the need to own weapons. But for now, it is a necessary precaution.” “Where are we going?” she asked. “To the stables to look at the fire and then to our offices at the Kumar Business Center,” he said. The stables were outside the palace in an area that resembled an oasis. There was grass and trees and some of the most beautiful horses Shawna had seen. The horses could be compared only to those of Tara’s back at Villa Serena. The stables building was white stucco with stall doors that opened out onto a veranda. The fire had been set in a far empty stall and Shawna studied the charred and blackened walls. “As you can see, it was put out quickly before it spread. We had a government inspector out to look at the fire and its cause. He said it was electrical.” Rafee nodded to the overhead light. “He also said it could have been made to look like an accidental electrical fire, but that he couldn’t be sure. I’m afraid our inspectors are not quiet as practiced with arson as your fire marshals are. Here in Kumar, we tend not burn down our own buildings for sport.” Shawna agreed, though Rafee was obviously only finding a subtle way to pick on both her and America again. “I won’t argue, Rafee,” she said, “but if you’re trying to start an argument over my country, it’s not going to work.” “I was not trying,” he insisted. “I was merely making a comparison and trying to say that I was impressed with the abilities of your authorities out there.” Shawna grinned at him with a taunt on her lips and asked, “Rafee, are you giving America a compliment?” “I am,” he said. “I rather enjoyed my stay there. Perhaps I have judged some of your country too harshly.” “Perhaps you have. Do you think you’ll ever go back?” she inquired. He looked at her and felt the urge to touch her. He almost did but halted his hand on its quest. He was better off without her and she was better off without him. “I will, to visit Nikash of course. And, to try and steal your Mustang,” he added. They left the stables and Shawna felt some of the tension disappearing between them. When the mood was right, they could get along so wonderfully. They could joke, they could talk and she knew they could create more passion than anyone should be allowed to create. What then, was keeping them apart? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Warrior - Chapter 10 |