Like a small mountain shifted by an earthquake, Sheik Ahmed rolled himself onto his back. Raising himself up on his elbows, glowering fiercely, he bellowed, Away? What do you mean, he sent her away? Explain yourself!
Alima sat with her legs tucked under her, head high and eyes downcast. Her heart was beating rapidly and her hands, clasped tightly together in her lap, were cold. She was desperately afraid, though not of her husbandshe could never be afraid of Ahmed! This was another kind of fear entirelythe fear of a mother for her beloved child. Her youngest daughters future happiness was at stake.
Yes, she said on a soft exhalation, I fear it was not the American who behaved badly this evening, but our daughter. And I Her voice brokeshe had not planned it. I must say that I am not surprised. I have been afraid something like this might happen. Oh, Ahmed She rose and turned quickly from him to hide the tears that had sprung unexpectedly to her eyes. Leila is so impatient and impulsiveshe has always been so.
Yes. Ahmed actually chuckled.
Whirling back to him, Alima was just in time to see him rearrange his face in its customary glower. Ahmed, she is a woman. She has the feelings, the needs, the impulses of a woman. Every day I have watched her grow more impatient, waiting her turn, waiting for her sisters to choose husbands
Yes, and impatient for other things, for other reasons, too, about which Alima knew she could never tell her husband. Ahmed was a good man and a progressive leader in many ways, but he would never understand how bright, intelligent women like his daughters might feel frustrated at being patronized, overlooked, discounted and ignored. Particularly Leila, whom everyone considered silly and shallow, and whom possibly only her mother knew was anything but.
And there was another thing Leilas mother knew. She had noticed the way her youngest child looked at the tall oilman from Texas. Tonight she had seen the soft shine in her eyes, the pink flush in her cheeks.
Humph, said Ahmed. I have been more than patient with Nadia, it is true He scratched his bearded chin thoughtfully. Butrus wishes to marry her, and she seems willing enough. He shrugged and gave a regal wave of his hand. PahI see no real value in this tradition of marrying off daughters in order of their birth. Soif you are certain that Leila is eager to marry, and impetuous enough to do something foolish, then the answer is simple enough. I must find her a suitable husband. And now, my beloved, if that is all that is troubling you He smiled, and his eyes gleamed wickedly.
Alima hesitated. This was the tricky part. She must be extremely careful not to give herself away. Breathing a relieved sigh, she bowed her head and said, Yes, my husband. You are wise, as always. Only
Still smiling, he caught her hand and drew her closer to him. Only? What is it now, my love?
Bracing her hands firmly on her husbands shoulders, Alima looked gravely into his eyes. Only, I fear that it may prove difficult to find a man willing to overlook tonights escapade. Perhaps we should consider
Not the American! bellowed Ahmed, rearing back in outrage. A nonbeliever? Never. Of course not, said Alima, laughing. What an idea! No, I was going to say, perhaps we should consider someone older, someone who will give Leila the firm guidance she needs. She paused, then continued demurely, I hear the Emir of Batar is looking for a fourth wife.
The Emir of Batar! The man is older than I am, fumed Ahmed, looking horrified. And I have it on good authority that he treats his wives shamefully. No, nowe must do better for Leila. He gave his wife an absentminded squeeze and turned away from her. Let me think about it.
Of course, my husband, murmured Alima, beginning to knead his shoulder muscles. Perhaps this will help.
After several minutes, Ahmed spoke, slurring his words slightly. I have ordered the American to leave tomorrow, as early as possible. Alima said nothing, but continued massaging his neck and shoulders. Perhaps, muttered Ahmed, that was a bithasty. And somewhat unfair, under the circumstances. What do you think, dearest one? He turned to encircle her with his arms. She saw that his eyes were twinkling.
She lowered her lashes so he would not see the gleam in hers. You know best, my husband.
I believe I will speak to the man, first thing in the morning.
Whatever you say, beloved, crooned Alima.
Chapter 5
Cade dropped his toiletry kit into his carry-on bag, added a half-empty pack of cheroots and the zippable daily planner in which he kept his business notes and appointments, then straightened for one last look around. Not that he was afraid hed overlooked something; rather, his gaze was one of wonderment, reflecting his frame of mind. He was still having a hard time accepting what had happened to him. He tried to remember whether hed ever suffered such a demoralizing tail-between-the-legs disaster before in his life. He couldnt.
Ah, the car, he thought when he heard the discreet knock on his door. He called, Be right there, and grabbed up his big suitcase and moved it over beside the door. A little early, he thought, glancing at his watch, but so much the better. Hed have time to grab a bite of breakfast at the airport before his flight. He sure as hell wasnt about to eat anything here at the palace, or for that matter, impose on the Kamal familys hospitality in any way, for one minute longer than absolutely necessary. Hed seen enough of these royals to last him a lifetime. With the exception of Elena, of course. Though he sure wouldnt care to run into her, right now, either. He couldnt even begin to think how he was going to explain this to her.
He zipped up his overnighter, picked it up and placed it beside its bigger twin, then opened the door. The man who stood there, waiting at patient and respectful attention, wasnt wearing the white-and-gold uniform of the household servants, but a western-style suit, dark gray with an immaculate white shirt and blue-and-gray striped tie. He looked familiardark, swarthy, probably handsome, in an austere, arrogant sort of way. Undoubtedly Cade had been introduced to the man during the course of the weekend, which meant he was a member of the royal family or somebody high on the bureaucratic totem pole.
Probably a lawyer, Cade thought cynically. For the defense, he wondered, or the prosecution?
The sheik wishes to speak with you, the man said, in clipped English. If you will come with me, please.
What now? Maybe hes changed his mind about having me executed, Cade thought sourly as he gave his room one last look and with a fatalistic shrug, pulled the door shut behind him.
His escort didnt say another word as he led the way along the corridor, following virtually the same path by which the sheik had made his dramatic departure the night before. Cade made a conscious effort to relax, and tried not to think about the confrontation to come. Instead he made a point of noticing the arched passageways, the apparently ancient tiles beneath his feet and mosaics on the walls, and the lamps which, set into niches along the walls, added to the medieval look of it all. He half expected to see armored guards with swords and crossed pikestaffs barring entry through the massive carved double doors at the end of the hallway.
His escort didnt say another word as he led the way along the corridor, following virtually the same path by which the sheik had made his dramatic departure the night before. Cade made a conscious effort to relax, and tried not to think about the confrontation to come. Instead he made a point of noticing the arched passageways, the apparently ancient tiles beneath his feet and mosaics on the walls, and the lamps which, set into niches along the walls, added to the medieval look of it all. He half expected to see armored guards with swords and crossed pikestaffs barring entry through the massive carved double doors at the end of the hallway.
Instead, his escort merely knocked twice, paused, then pushed the doors open and gestured for Cade to enter ahead of him. Cade gave the man a nod and a sardonic, Thank you, which went unacknowledged.
The sheiks office was huge, but was saved from seeming cavernous by the warm opulence of mahogany, leather and Persian carpets. Arched windows along one side of the room looked out on the sea; on the other, Sheik Ahmed waited behind a long mahogany desk. He wore an ordinary business suit this morning, but that didnt make him seem any the less imposing. He still looked positively biblical, Cade thought. Moses in a suit and tie.
The sheik had risen at Cades approach. Now he nodded at the escort and said, Thank you, Butrus. You may leave us.
As the man muttered and made his exit, the name came to Cade. Butrus Dabir. The sheiks most trusted advisor,and according to Elena, one with designs on his daughter,Nadia.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Gallagher. Please sit down. The sheik indicated one of several leather chairs in front of the desk, waited until Cade was seated, then returned to his own chair. Like a genial host, Cade thought, except without the smile. In fact, he seemed almostin anyone else Cade would have sworn he was.No way around it. The reigning monarch of Tamir gave every indication of being embarrassed.
Sheik Ahmed picked up a pen and put it down. He leaned back in his chair and scowled at the pen with lowered eyebrows. At last, following an introductory rumbling sound, he spoke.
Mr. Gallagher, I have asked you here so that I may offer you an apology. It seems that, in the heat of the, uh, moment last night, I have made a too-hasty judgment. I believe I accused you of being a man without honor, whereas it seems that you behaved with more honor than most men would have under the sameahemthe circumstances. I hope that you will forgive my behavior, and that of my daughter. And with that, half rising, the sheik leaned across his desk to offer his hand to Cade.
Who was momentarily speechless, with his mouth hanging open like a schoolboy caught red-handed at mischief. Whatever he might have expected, it sure as hell wasnt this. Finally, though, there was only one thing to do, and that was shake the sheiks hand and say thank you. So he did it.
He was settling back in his chair, feeling dazed as a poleaxed steer, when the sheik gave another rumble and continued. Regarding your proposal of marriage to my daughter There was a pause while the sheik stared intently at Cade, eyes glittering from beneath lowered eyebrows. Much against his will, Cades heart began to beat faster. Mr. Gallagher, I am fully aware of the circumstances under which it was made, and Ithat is to say, your gallant attempt to salvage my daughters honor is not unappreciated. There was another pause. Again the sheiks eyes pinioned Cade with the intent stare of a hawk zeroing in on a cornered gopher.
Cades mind was racing. What was going on here? The old sheik had an agenda, that was clear enough. What wasnt clear at all was exactly how Cade was supposed to fit into it. Okay, hed been cleared of dishonoring the princess, apologies had been made, hed been let off the hook. On the other hand, his banishment hadnt been lifted, not in so many words. He had a very strong feeling that if he said thank you now, shook hands and left this room, hed be taking that early flight home, no hard feelings, but no business deal, either.
What was it the old fox wanted from him? Hed made his feelings on the marriage issue plain enough. So, what?
His heart was pounding, his mind in chaos. However, only his narrowed eyes betrayed the turmoil he was feeling as he calmly said, Sir, I assure youI didnt propose marriage to your daughter merely to save her reputation. My desire to marry Leila wasissincere.
God, what had he just said? Marry Leila? He felt a bright stab of panic before he remembered that he was safe. Her royal papa was never going to go for it anyway.
At the moment, though, the way the old sheik was staring at him was making him decidedly uneasy. Still intent as a hawk about to pounce, but nowthere it was again, that odd little shift of embarrassment.
Hmm, yesI see. Sheik Ahmed tapped his fingers on the desktop. Mr. Gallagher, you must understand that in our culture, such an alliance would be impossible
I understand, Cade murmured, gravely nodding.
Unless the sheik pounced you were to convert.
Cades heart leaped into overdrive. Convert?
To our ways, our culture. The sheik spread his hands and in the white nest of beard his lips curved in a smile. Then there would be no objection to a marriage between you and my youngest daughterfrom me, of course. Naturally, Leila would have to consent to such a match. He actually chuckled.
Naturally Cade breathed. His head was whirling again. What the hell was happening? He gave his head a little shake and tried to smile. Wow. Convert, huh? Thats aninteresting idea. Illdefinitely have to
Of course, Sheik Ahmed said smoothly, I understand such a decision should not be made lightly. And I would fully understand if you wished to leave us, Mr. Gallagher, after the treatment you have recently been subjected to, from me and, uhmembers of my family. However, if you should decide to stay another of those strategic pauses, another shrewd glare it is my understanding that my son, Hassan, and daughter-in-law, Elena, had scheduled a visit to the oil-producing regions of our country, and a tour of our facilities, before their departure on theiruh He frowned, searching for the word.
Honeymoon? Cade supplied.
Yes, honeymoon. The sheik waved a hand and muttered something about western traditions, then harrumphed and went on. It is also my understanding that the three of you wished to discuss a possible business arrangement between your own company, Elenas and Tamir.
Cade, who was pretty much in shock at this point, could only nod and mutter, Yes, sir, I had been looking forward to meeting with you on that subject
Sheik Ahmed gave another hand wave and leaned dismissively back in his chair. I have decided to leave that aspect of my countrys business dealings to my son. And his new wife, who, as the head of her own company, seems very knowledgeable on the subject. You may consider them my representatives. Any agreement you might enter into with them, especially as a member of the family, if you should chose that course the sheik smiled, showing strong white teeth would be honored fully by the government of Tamir.
Cade let out a gust of breath. He felt absolutely calm, now, clear through to his insides. The cards were on the table; he was pretty sure he knew both the game and the stakes. He also knew hed been seriously outmaneuvered.