Excerpt
Rashid took the stairs two at a time. Identifying
The source of the problem did not take long...the
verbal tirade echoing through the lounge came from
his private compartment at the rear of the plane.

“Let me out of here! I’m an American citizen and
this is kidnapping. I’ll have you all arrested and
executed for this! I’m warning you, Califar. You tell
that unscrupulous, deceitful, desert creep to get back
here and let me go!”

Rashid took a step forward and then paused.
The sudden cessation of verbal ranting was more
unnerving than the previous clamor. The pregnant
silence made the hairs on his arms stand erect. With
this woman, he was certain the calm was a precursor
to worse atrocities. He hoped he was wrong and she
had exhausted her vile temper instead. The thud of a
solid object slamming against the other side of the
door ridiculed his supposed control.

He yanked off his robe and headdress. Slinging
them toward the back of a chair, he barked a
command to his two bodyguards.

“Give the pilot orders to depart...NOW!”

Both went forward to deliver the message,
almost jamming the small doorway in their attempt
to pass through at the same time. Consumed with
his own anger, he could not find any humor in the
speed with which they fled one loud, but small
woman. He wondered about the quality of his
personal security.

Spearing Califar with a glacial look, he
motioned him forward. “You will ignore any sound
you hear from the other side of that door.
Understood?”

“May I speak frankly?”

Rashid stiffened. “If you must.”

“This woman you’ve made your wife is a
stranger to you and to our customs. These are
extreme circumstances for her. Despite her less than
respectful manner, she is still deserving of the gentle
persuasion you always accord the women in your
life.”

“Are you telling me how to treat my wife?”
Rashid lashed in reply.

“As your servant...never,” replied Califar. “As
your friend...I offer a reminder. Guard well your
actions this night and remember with what care you
have always protected what is yours.”

“I will deal with the princess in whatever
manner suits me,” growled Rashid.

Lynda Coker
www.lyndacoker.com