Golden Bird

"Kleenex." said Sara.

"Excuse me?"

"Kleenex," she repeated. "You know, Kleenex tissues. At home there's always a box of Kleenex around." The thought of home sobered her again. "What will happen now? I mean about your uncle?" she asked, quietly.

"You mean because I killed him?"

She nodded.

"Well, to tell the truth, his death will not cause any great upset. It was well known that he enjoyed, shall we say, different, sexual tastes. It will become known that one of his orgies just got carried away and Abdulah was accidentally killed. You will not have to be involved. The official story will be that he died of some accident, a fall from a horse, perhaps ... I do not know. It is not important, I will discuss this with my father in the morning."

"Won't your father be upset that you killed his brother?"

Rashid laughed. "Oh no, my father will not mourn for long. In fact this gives him one less thing to worry about. When I was just a child, Abdulah tried to have my father killed. That would have put control into his hands until I became of age, which I am sure he would have never let happen. You see, Abdulah always resented being the younger brother. He felt he would have made the better ruler. Unfortunately that jealousy twisted his mind. The world is much better now that he is gone." And almost to himself, he added, "Of course his death does create one problem."

"What's that?" asked Sara.

"The casino. Someone will have to take over the casino in Atlantic City. But never mind about that." He took her hand. "Will you be able to sleep now?"

She nodded.

"Good. I have put extra guards at your door, not that they will be necessary any longer. The danger is over. But I thought you may feel safer."

"Thank you." came her quiet reply. Then she looked up at him and asked, "Rashid, what about me? Now that Abdulah is dead, couldn't something be worked out with the U.S. authorities for my return without any scandal?"

Rashid's blood ran cold at the thought of losing her, for she was correct: he could say that the culprit had been apprehended and dealt with accordingly, especially now that the American government had agreed to his terms. But, ... he could not bear the thought of her leaving, so he lied.

"Yes, little bird, I will have my people in Washington speak to the State Department to arrange for your return."