Free The Arab Fall (A James Acton Thriller, Book #6) (James Acton Thrillers) by J. Robert Kennedy Page A

them. The banks of the river were
now lit with torches, as the commerce never ceased, hundreds of craft
continuing their voyages up and down the Nile, the only evidence of their
existence tiny lights on their bows and sterns, and the occasional shout from
one of the crew.
    Fadil!
How could you have done such a thing?
    Tarik
had sent a messenger to have his brother and his wife join them for dinner, but
no dinner would be served tonight. Though Tarik’s stomach growled on occasion
for attention, he feared he would immediately reject anything he ate, and throw
it up.
    Instead
he nursed a glass of wine, a Roman vintage he had grown to love over the years,
acquiring it whenever he could manage, all his contacts having standing orders
to notify him immediately when new stock arrived on the shores of Egypt. But
tonight it was merely a beverage, and brought no joy or pleasure, other than to
dull the nerves slightly at what must be done.
    Sounds
from within, then voices, announced the arrival of his youngest brother and his
wife who Tarik was certain had forced him into this. He looked at Jabari, who
looked as pale as he felt, then rose with his brother to face their duty. Fadil
rounded the corner, Dalila on his arm, both draped in the latest fashions,
Dalila adorned with remarkable jewelry of which Tarik had to question how they
could afford such luxury, the youngest brother’s position affording him only a
small portion of the family fortune.
    “What’s
wrong, brothers?” asked Fadil as he saw their faces. “You both look as if
you’ve seen Apep himself!”
    Tarik
pointed to two chairs, specially arranged for the two of them.
    “Sit.”
    Fadil
chuckled, looking at Dalila. “Okay, but we are not beasts to be ordered around,
brother.”
    They
both sat, and Tarik motioned for Jabari to bring the necklace. Jabari retrieved
it from the table, and held it out for their two thieves to see as Tarik
scrutinized them both.
    Dalila
gasped, immediately turning pale, her guilt obvious, but Fadil’s reaction had
Tarik confused. His jaw dropped, and he paled in what Tarik could only describe
as horror. He looked up at Jabari, then at Tarik.
    “What
are you doing with that?” he whispered. “Isn’t that the necklace you made for
our beloved Pharaoh?”
    Tarik
nodded. “Indeed it is.”
    “Then I
ask again, what are you doing with it? This is sacrilege!”
    Tarik
glanced at Jabari, who appeared equally confused.
    “You
claim you don’t know how we have come into possession of this?”
    “Of
course not, only you can know how.”
    “And
your wife?”
    “How
could she possible know?” He looked at his wife who had turned away, gripping
the back of her chair for support. “Dear, what is it?”
    Dalila
shook her head, it having dropped to her chest as she began to shake with sobs.
Fadil was confused, looking between her and his brothers, then kneeling in
front of her, taking her hands.
    “What is
it, my love, please tell me.”
    “I-I’m
so sorry,” she whispered.
    “For
what? What could you possibly have to do with this?”
    “It was
me. I took it.”
    Fadil
gasped and fell backward, landing on his backside. Tarik’s eyes shot up as his
jaw dropped, this turn of events completely unexpected, but at once welcome and
unwelcome. It meant his beloved younger brother was innocent, but his wife,
whom he loved as well, was guilty, with only one sentence permissible.
    Tarik
looked at Jabari and saw the conflicting emotions he too was experiencing
written all over his face. Tears filled his eyes as a smile kept invading the
expression of horror, and when realized, was wiped away just as quickly. Though
they both were clearly elated their brother was innocent, the situation was
still horrifying. A woman they both knew and loved, who was loved desperately
by their young brother, had betrayed their most sacred laws.
    “How did
you come into possession of the necklace?” asked Tarik, his voice slightly
gentler. “Did you buy it from