A Devil Is Waiting - Jack Higgins [75]
“Fascinating stuff,” Dillon put in. “But it still doesn’t tell us where Selim is at this precise moment in time and, even more important, what his intentions are.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Ferguson said. “I think the next thing we might hear is another of Ali Selim’s anti-West diatribes in the interest of self-advertisement for his glorious cause.”
“The newspapers will love that,” Holley said.
“Which is exactly why he says that kind of thing,” Sara put in. “It makes sense, doesn’t it? Just like Adolf Hitler, when you think of it. The villain who is so outrageous that you can laugh at him becomes tolerated by the public.”
“Which is when he becomes most dangerous,” Holley observed. “Because he takes himself seriously.”
“A fascinating theory,” Ferguson said to Sara, “but also a depressing one. The most important thing is that the Prime Minister is not a happy man. His orders are to find Ali Selim and to put everything to one side until we do. Let’s get going on that, shall we?”
Sara checked out Harry Miller, then sat down beside Holley again as her Codex sounded. It was Sadie. “Where are you?” the housekeeper demanded. “I tried the house last night. No one was home, and I got worried.”
“I’ve been on a training course,” Sara told her. “We’re on our way back. A night flight. How are things?”
“The baby is doing well, but my niece isn’t so good. I need to give her another week to see how things work out.” A smile crept into her voice. “Have you been seeing any more of that Mr. Holley?”
Sara rolled her eyes. “Yes, Sadie, I have.”
“Oh, well, at least you’re getting looked after.”
They talked for a minute more, then hung up.
“Sadie,” Sara said to Holley. “Her niece needs her for longer than she thought.”
“I’m surprised she hasn’t got in touch with you before this,” Holley said. “If only she knew what you’ve been up to, she’d have a fit. What about your granddad?”
“I haven’t exactly had time on my hands,” she said. “But you’re right to remind me. It’s a little early. I’ll have some coffee and call him in an hour.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Holley said, and left her there for a few moments, thinking about what had happened in an astonishingly short period of time and wondering how she would manage to appear normal and collected when she spoke to her grandfather. In fact, he took care of the situation for her.
He sounded very cheerful. “You must have wondered what happened to me. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. I’ve never been so busy. Where are you, by the way, not at home? I called you there.”
“In an airplane,” Sara told him. “London-bound. I’ve been away on a training trip for a couple of days. How are things going?”
“That’s what I’m calling you about. Such good news! St. Andrews University wants me to hold a seminar on comparative religion for doctoral students. It’s a great honor.”
“When do you start?”
“I’m already there! Two weeks, my love, I hope you don’t mind. I know Sadie is away.”
“Nonsense. Why should I mind?” She’d put her Codex on speaker.
He said, “Is Daniel with you?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Excellent. I’m not a fool, and I’m sure you’re up to all sorts of devious things which occasion danger now and then. I’m glad he’s around to keep an eye on you.”
“I’m sure he’ll be glad to hear that,” she said, deciding not to tell him he was on speaker.
“He’s almost biblical in a way, just like his name. A man who will always do the right thing, in spite of himself. That’s very rare. I must go now—I’ve got an early meeting. Stay in touch.”
Holley couldn’t think of a thing to say. She took his hand and held it tight. “There we are, then, a good girl I am. I always believe everything my granddad tells me.”
Every aspect of Rubat society was so touched by Al Qaeda that Colonel Abdul Khazid, the chief of police,