Page 88 of Afraid to Hope

Natasha mouthed, “Emmet” as she handed Bane the phone.

“Hey.”

“I won’t repeat myself. Your wife will fill you in. Rafiq’s people are in place and ours will arrive within the hour. I want to remind you of how deadly the American can be and wish you great success. I’ll see the two of you soon.”

“Thanks, Emmet.”

Natasha and Bane spent the rest of the afternoon going over details. Their room phone rang late.

Bane answered. “Rua.”

The man spoke in rapid Arabic.

“English,” Bane demanded, then put him on speaker.

“I am Gwafa. I hear that you and your wife represent buyers who might be interested in items I have for sale. That they are willing to pay for unique relics.”

“Where did you hear this?”

“A mutual contact in Tinghir,” Gwafa said. “I and other sellers will be available at the airport after evening prayer.”

“Our clients are extremely discerning. We’re looking for one-of-a-kind artifacts, not crap or reproductions. If that’s what you’re offering, forget it. My wife will know immediately.”

Natasha sat on the edge of the bed, listening intently, admiring how Bane dangled the hook.

“The items are one of a kind. They have been acquired carefully and are untraceable.”

“I’ve heard that before. Whet my appetite, Gwafa, or I’m hanging up.”

“I have a beautiful Benin bronze.”

“Aw, fuck that,” Bane snapped at the man. “Do you think I’m an idiot? Benin bronzes are a dime a dozen. You’re wasting my time.”

Natasha’s mouth rounded.

“It is very special. There is nothing like it in any museum,” Gwafa said.

“No shit. Call me if you have something exceptional.”

Gwafa grew more urgent, and he began listing off other items, waiting a beat before naming the next in line, eager to hook Bane.

Bane didn’t respond until Gwafa said it.Homo sapiens.“That might be of interest,” he said slowly.

Gwafa grew more animated, explaining the remains were exceptional and very old.

“How old?”

“Very.”

“I’m gonna pass. ‘Very old’ isn’t going to satisfy my wife’s client.”

“Wait, Rua.” Gwafa came back quickly. “Over three hundred thousand years old.”

Bane waited a beat before answering. “Hmm. That sounds intriguing. My wife will be able to confirm the age.”

“We have an understanding of her skills.”

The American had checked them out. “Do you?”

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