excerpt
He turns off his phone and realizes how quietly the days have flown by, and
he had promised Jennifer to go shopping for a few new things. He’d better do
something about that in the next few days.
He grabs the phone to dial Jennifer’s number when he feels the phone
buzzing again. It’s Bevan Longhorn.
“Good morning, Admiral.”
“Good morning, Hakim. I am fine; I want to know if you have any word from
Baghdad. How is my old friend? How is his health?”
“He’s very well, Bevan; I spoke to him yesterday and he’s fine.”
“When is your friend due back home?”
“Toward the end of next week, Admiral. Is there anything you’d like me to
do?”
There is silence for a few seconds, and then the Admiral says, “No, there is no
need for anything; when are you to move into your new place? Sometime this
month, isn’t it?”
“Yes, about the third week of this month. You’ll have to come to the
housewarming party.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure to remember that; thank you, Hakim. When you talk to
Ibrahim, give him my regards.”
“Of course, Admiral. Thank you.”
He stops by a bench and dials Jennifer’s number. They chatted for a minute
or two, and agree to go looking for a couple of things for the apartment later in
the afternoon. When he finishes the call he heads back to his apartment.
In Baghdad, Tuesday morning is very bright, the atmosphere is clear, and the
birds are particularly happy, as one can hear them throughout the grounds of the
villa. The sun has already been up for about an hour when Talal and Emily come
down for morning coffee with Ibrahim and Mara, who have been up for a while.
Today is the day they travel to the Persian Gulf. Ibrahim has made all necessary
preparations, and two limos are ready and loaded with supplies.
It’s a long car ride to the mouth of the Euphrates and Tigris. Then they have
to travel through various small places up to Basra, and from there they take the
yacht and cruise to the gulf. They take both cars as Emily, Talal, Ibrahim, and
Mara ride in one with Rassan driving, and the other car takes the maid, the
skipper of the yacht, and the cook, with Abdul driving. After having breakfast,
they get on their way for the long ride.
Emily is very excited about their outing and doesn’t hesitate to show her
appreciation to Ibrahim and Mara for taking them on such a dream-come-true trip.
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