Midnight Runner - Jack Higgins [36]
The copper door opened as if by magic, the houseboy appeared, and she passed through, Rupert following.
"Remind me never to give you cause to become annoyed with me," he said.
"As if you would." She smiled. "You're perfectly safe, darling. After all, you are a Dauncey."
A bu went straight down to the bazaar, a neck cloth obscuring his face, and went to the cafe, which he knew the Scouts used regularly when in Hazar. They were seated at a table, drinking coffee, Achmed and his four comrades. There were people all around, some squatting against the wall. Abu pulled the neck cloth higher over his face, covering it almost completely, squatted there, head down, and listened to Achmed and his friends talk.
Achmed had not told them of Selim's death, had not even hinted at it. For the moment, he told them that Selim had received a message about some family trouble and had decided to go home.
At that moment, Villiers appeared and they all scrambled to their feet. Achmed told him, "Selim was upset. I think it was bad news from the family. He's not been around, Sahb. He must have gone."
"Then you are now Sergeant," Villiers told him. "We leave at dawn for El Hajiz. Get the Land Rovers ready and pick me up at the hotel."
"As the Sahb commands."
Villiers turned and went. Achmed and his comrades moved out. Only then did Abu get to his feet and walk away.
K nowing the Scouts' destination, Abu left the villa before dawn in a Land Rover. Kate Rashid and Rupert were driven by the houseboy to a small landing pad she had constructed on the outskirts of Hazar, where a Scorpion helicopter waited with room for eight passengers. The pilot was Ben Carver, who was crouched beside it in blue RAF flying overalls.
"Good morning, Ben," she said. "This is my cousin, Rupert Dauncey. How's the weather?"
"Well, it's going to be bloody hot, but there's nothing new in that. Shabwa's fine, but there's a chance of a sandstorm in the Fuad area."
"We'll just have to tough it out. Let's get moving."
T here was an airstrip at Shabwa, an enormous oasis with palm trees and a pool the size of a small lake, plus many, many tents, horses, camels, herds of goats, and several Land Rovers. The Scorpion landed, and as Kate Rashid got out, people surged forward, not only warriors with rifles but women and children. Several rifles were fired into the air, children cried out in delight, and the crowd milled around, trying to touch her.
The warriors pushed them away and formed two lines. Two young boys ran forward, each with a robe, and helped Kate and Rupert into them.
She raised an arm to the warriors, fist clenched. "My brothers."
They roared their approval and more rifles were fired into the air. She led the way to where a huge awning had been prepared, with a carpet and cushions to sit on. Two of the sub-chieftains squatted cross-legged beside her and engaged in a lively conversation in Arabic. Rupert lit a cigarette and was served thick sweet coffee in a metal cup, and seed cakes. The two old chieftains were also busy with coffee, and many people sat and watched.
"Unbelievable," Rupert said. "I've never seen anything like it."
"These are my people, Rupert."
"And yet this is only half of you. When you took me down to Dauncey the other month, the villagers were just the same, in a strange way. Dammit, when we went in the Dauncey Arms for a drink, everybody who was sitting down stood up."
"That's because they are also my people, and they're as dear to me as those here. Dauncey roots go deep, Rupert, and they're your roots, too."
"Something to live up to, all that," Rupert said, and somewhat to his own surprise, realized that he meant it.
Women appeared with various dishes: rice, lentils, plenty of unleavened bread, and a hot stew.
"What the hell is in that?" Rupert asked.
"Goat, darling, and don't say no or you'll give offense."
"Dear God," Rupert said.
"No knives and forks. We eat by hand here and make sure you use your left hand." She smiled. "Now eat it up like a good boy, then we'll carry on to Fuad."
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