Midnight Runner - Jack Higgins [32]
Abdul told her everything, for he had an excellent memory and prided himself on it. When he was finished, she opened her purse and took out a fifty-dollar bill and handed it to him.
"You've done well."
He backed away and raised a hand. "No, Countess, this is for you, my gift."
"For which I thank you, but do not dishonor me by refusing mine." Abdul bowed and smiled, took the bill hurriedly, turned, and went out.
Rupert said, "So Villiers is pumping people for information?"
"On Ferguson's behalf, we can assume."
"Who ambushed him?"
"Who do you think?" She spoke to Abu. "You've done well. The one you killed, who was he, this Omar?" The answer was important. Since the Scouts were all Rashid Bedu, the family links with those in the Empty Quarter were immensely strong.
"My second cousin."
"I want no blood feud over this."
"There will be none, Countess."
"And Villiers Sahb will not be touched until I give the word."
"As you say, Countess, I would only kill him face-to-face. He is a great warrior."
"Good. My cousin here is a great warrior, too. He fought many battles with the American Marines and is precious to me. Guard him with your life."
"As you say, Countess." He went out.
She explained to Rupert what Abu had told her, and suddenly, darkness started to fall and the houseboy came in and switched on the lights. Moths fluttered instantly.
"So what now, cousin?" Rupert asked.
"I think a glass of champagne." She nodded to the houseboy, who was hovering, and gave the order. A moment later, Abu appeared.
"It grieves me to disturb you, Countess, but Selim asks to see you."
"Selim? Really? How interesting. Bring him in." She said to Rupert. "Another man has turned up--and this one is a Sergeant in the Scouts."
"And, of course, a Rashid. It still puzzles me how this all works, both sides made up of the same people."
"That's because you're a Yank and you don't understand the Arab mind."
The houseboy appeared with a bottle of Bollinger in an ice bucket and two glasses. He thumbed the cork off expertly and poured.
"I thought alcohol was forbidden in Arab countries," Rupert said.
"It varies. Hazar has always had a rather liberal attitude."
"And you go along with that? After all, you are a Muslim."
"I also don't wear a chador," she said, referring to the obligatory headscarf for Muslim women. "I'm also half-English, Rupert. I serve both sides of the coin."
As she sipped champagne, Abu ushered Selim in. The Sergeant looked very worried.
"You speak good English, Selim, so we'll speak English now. Does Villiers Sahb know you are here?"
"No, Countess." Selim was instantly alarmed. "I am here because I felt I must speak to you."
"Why?"
"We've been in the border country, the Scouts, with the Colonel. We no longer cross into the Empty Quarter."
"I know this."
"Villiers Sahb asked me many questions. He wanted to know if there was anything going on over the border."
"And what did you tell him?"
"That I knew nothing. But he made me feel uncomfortable. I don't think he believed me."
"Which shows his intelligence, for you were lying to him, weren't you?"
"Countess, please."
"Light me a cigarette, Rupert." He did so and passed it to her. "But you must not lie to me, Selim." She leaned forward. "So tell me what you have heard whispered."
"The camp, Countess, the camp at Fuad Oasis. Foreigners come and go, and there is sometimes much gunfire. Those who roam the desert, the Adoo bandits, have heard of such things."
"Many people talk mysteries, and loose tongues abound. But they can be cut out, Selim. Why have you come to me? You are the Colonel's man."
"But I am also Rashid." Selim was bewildered. "My loyalty is to you first, Countess, you are our leader, all Rashid agree."
"Even the Hazar Scouts?"
"Well, there are those who are old-fashioned in their ways, who look to the Colonel."
"Men who keep their oath, you mean, unlike you? You also swore the oath, you tasted salt with Colonel Villiers, and ate his bread. There is a matter of honor here, and loyalty.