Page 51 of Defenders of Jawhara

“That is what your sheikh was led to believe. These people were forced from their homes because of the way they practice their religion. We do not want them back in our country.”

Erin was starting to get the picture and grew more alarmed than ever. This war in Sumari was religious in nature, and holy wars had a history of ending badly—for everyone involved. “Has the sheikh been informed of the true reason behind the war in your country?”

Amir shook his head. “It would not matter. He has chosen to align himself with the enemies of Islam and, therefore, he is also our enemy. We will do everything in our power to ensure these refugees do not return to our country. Even if it means taking drastic measures.”

“But your mother? Is she your mother?” Erin turned her head to look at the woman who stood silently while Amir talked.

Standing, Amir wrapped his arm around the woman and kissed the top of her head. “My mother, Amena Bashai, is a proud woman, and she understands that sacrifices must be made in the name of Islam. She was happy to offer herself. If things go as planned, we will both return to Sumari as heroes. Alive or dead.”

Amir escorted his mother away, leaving Erin lost in her own thoughts. She had no idea if Amir and his mother were acting alone or if there were others in the camp. She worried about the children and said a silent prayer that her kidnapping was considered “drastic” enough. She didn’t want to think what else it might mean or how far Amir and his mother might go simply to keep people they disagreed with out of their country.

She struggled to find a comfortable position, wishing they had untied her. Her head hurt. Inching backward, she leaned up against a bag filled with what smelled like dirty laundry and tried to alleviate the strain on her shoulders. Panting at the exertion, she leaned back and closed her eyes to rest against the oncoming headache.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when she opened her eyes again. Had she fallen asleep? Looking wildly around in the dimly lit tent, she couldn’t tell the time of day. She listened, hoping to catch some voices nearby, but all was quiet. Sighing, she knew she would need to be patient and look for any opportunity to escape from her kidnappers. In the meantime, she would be kind and biddable and protect her unborn baby as best she could. Kamal would move heaven and earth to find her. She knew he would.

22

TALIB

Talib went directly to the refugee camp after a stop at the palace to drop off the Malones and speak briefly with Sheikh Kamal. In the camp, he was immediately confronted by a blonde woman who looked like a strong breeze could carry her off, compared to him and most of the hulking men on the security team. Standing in front of him with her hands on her hips, she demanded his credentials. The top of her head only came to the middle of his chest, but the fierce look in her eyes gave him confidence that she was the right person heading up the search team in his absence.

She must not have liked what she saw because she stepped closer to him, and he felt something hard pressing against his torso. Looking down, he could see she had a stun gun. He resisted the urge to smile, not wishing to be on the receiving end of four milliamps.

“Miss Williams?”

“And you are…?”

“My name is Talib. I am the head of security for Sheikh Kamal Mehalel El-Jawhara. I have just returned from retrieving Miss Malone’s parents and require an update on the situation. I don’t have to tell you that they were very alarmed to arrive at the palace and find out their daughter is missing.” As he spoke, the woman returned the stun gun to wherever she had it hidden, and he made a note not to ever underestimate her.

“Call me PJ. I wish I had better news for you. We’ve searched every tent in the camp, and there’s no sign of her anywhere.”

“Search again.”

PJ stared at him, and Talib was certain he saw smoke billow out her ears. “I just told you we searched each tent. I don’t think she’s still here. I think whoever took her managed to slip past us and has crossed the border.”

“You would be wrong. I have personally reviewed all of the satellite footage, and no one has crossed the border in the last twelve hours. No. One. That means that she is still in this camp, and I want her found.”

PJ crossed her arms and turned to look over the camp. “No one has crossed the border? You’re certain?”

“I am. And since no one has left the camp since she went missing—”

“Then she is still here in the camp,” she finished for him.

“Correct.”

“I don’t like that we missed her. Whoever has her planned for this.” She whistled, gaining the attention of those around them. “Tell everyone what you just told me. My Arabic is rusty, and they keep correcting me. Tell them that we will search each tent again, but this time, I also want all of the occupants of each tent outside while we search.”

Talib nodded. “Good idea. I would recommend teams of four. Do you have a map of the camp?”

“I do.” Leading him over to one of the tables, she pointed to a map.

Looking it over, Talib suggested that they break the camp up into search grids to keep anyone from possibly moving Erin to a different tent. PJ agreed, and Talib issued the instructions while PJ went to speak with the rest of the private contractors.

He spoke to the guards and workers present, telling them to divide themselves up into groups of four. Two would search the tent, and two would stand guard outside with the tent’s occupants. Additional guards would stand nearby to make sure no one tried to move to a different tent. At the first sign of resistance, or if they found Miss Malone, they would signal for help and hold their position until additional security arrived.

After everyone dispersed, PJ remained with Talib. “How is the sheikh doing?”

“He longs for something to destroy. Your boss arrived just as I was leaving the palace. I imagine he and the team he has brought with him will join us soon.”

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