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By Root 1858 0

opponent had a straight flush. Good information didn't always help. The only thing that could delay the proceedings was the turgid pace of the United Nations, and even that had limitations when diplomats had an attack of enthusiasm. Adler could have asked for a postponement of the vote to ensure Iraqi compliance with the long-standing UN demands, but Iran had already handled that by submitting a resolution that specified the temporary and conditional nature of the embargo suspension. They'd also made it very clear that they were going to ship food anyway-in fact already had, via truck, on the theory that doing something illegal in public made it acceptable. The SecState looked over at his ambassador-they'd been friends for years-and caught the ironic wink. The British ambassador was looking down at a pad of penciled doodles. The Russian one was reading dispatches. Nobody was listening, really. They didn't have to. In two hours, the Iranian resolution would pass. Well, it could have been worse. At least he'd have a chance to speak face-to-face with the Chinese ambassador and ask about their naval maneuvers. He knew the answer he'd get, but he wouldn't know if it was the truth or not. Of course. I'm the Secretary of State of the world's most powerful nation, Adler thought, but I'm just a spectator today.

* * *

27 - WEEDS

THERE WERE FEW THINGS sadder than a sick child. Sohaila, her name was, Dr. MacGregor remembered. A pretty name, for a pretty, elfin little girl. Her father carried her in his arms. He appeared to be a brutish man-that was MacGregor's first impression, and he'd learned to trust them-but if so, one transformed by concern for his child. His wife was in his wake, along with another Arabic-appearing man wearing a jacket, and behind him was an official-looking Sudanese, all of which the physician noted and ignored. They weren't sick. Sohaila was.

Well, hello again, young lady, he said, with a comforting smile. You are not feeling at all well, are you? We'll have to see about that, won't we? Come with me, he said to the father.

Clearly these people were important to someone, and they would be treated accordingly. MacGregor led them to an examining room. The father set the little girl down on the table and backed away, letting his wife hold Sohaila's hand. The bodyguards-that's what they had to be-remained outside. The physician touched his hand to the child's forehead. She was burning up-39 at least. Okay. He washed his hands thoroughly and donned gloves, again because this was Africa, and in Africa you took every precaution. His first considered action was to take her temperature via the ear: 39.4. Pulse was rapid but not worrisome for a child. A quick check with a stethoscope confirmed normal heart sounds and no particular problem with the lungs, though her breathing was rapid as well. So far she had a fever, something hardly uncommon with young children, especially those recently arrived into a new environment. He looked up.

What seems to be the problem with your daughter? The father answered this time.

She cannot eat, and her other end-

Vomiting and diarrhea? MacGregor asked, checking her eyes out next. They seemed unremarkable as well.

Yes, Doctor.

You've arrived here recently, I believe? He looked up when the answer was hesitation. I need to know.

Correct. From Iraq, just a few days.

And your daughter has a mild case of asthma, nothing else, no other health problems, correct?

That is true, yes. She's had all her shots and such. She's never been ill like this. The mother just nodded. The father clearly had taken over, probably to get the feeling of authority, to make things happen, the physician surmised. It was fine with him.

Since arriving here, any unusual things to eat? You see, MacGregor explained, travel can be very unsettling to some people, and children are unusually vulnerable. It could just be the local water.

I gave her the medicine, but it got worse, the mother said.

It is not the water, the father said positively. The house has its own well. The water is good.

As though