that one-third of the world’s oil from southern Arabia passes through the system. To interfere with that, Yemen would have to invade Rubat, a sovereign state. Any interference with oil supplies would cause chaos on an international scale. If the UN didn’t put a stop to it, the Americans would, backed by powerful Arab interests. Yemen would be ground into the dust.”
“I like it when you’re this way, Owen, full of enthusiasm.” She smiled. “You certainly make a good case. I’ll speak to Gregory again.”
As they started the return run, he realized with some surprise that she was absolutely right. The idea as put forward by his Al Qaeda masters was totally misconceived.
They crossed Park Lane and he said, “Tell Gregory there will be a Saudi delegation arriving Thursday to be here for the President’s visit on Friday. Powerful sheikhs involved in the oil business, but also a general or two, possibly looking for interesting arms deals. I’d be happy to help with introductions.” He frowned. “But what am I thinking of? There’s the reception on the terrace at Parliament.”
“I heard,” she said. “It’s the social event of the year.”
“Well, I’ve been invited and partners are allowed. Why not come with me?”
She was actually quite thrilled at the idea, but said, “Good heavens, Owen, are you sure?”
“Talbot International supplies military hardware to half the countries on earth and has an excellent reputation for integrity in the Arab world. Who better to represent it at such an affair than the chairman?”
“I admit I’m tempted.”
“Dinner tonight at San Lorenzo. We’ll discuss it then. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.”
He half ran along the pavement. She watched him enter his apartment block, then turned and walked away, suddenly absurdly happy.
A s Owen crossed the sitting room, making for the bedroom suite, pulling his sweater over his head, a phone sounded. He hurried into his office and took a mobile from the top drawer. It was his sole link with Al Qaeda through an individual he’d come to know only as Abu. The man spoke the perfect dry and precise English of an academic, with no clue as to age or nationality.
“Good morning, Owen,” Abu said. “Did you enjoy your run in Hyde Park with Jean?”
Owen had got past being surprised at how up-to-date Abu’s information was, particularly about Rubat. He had gotten used to the idea that he was under some sort of surveillance.
“She’s excellent company!”
“What’s the feedback regarding the extension to the Bacu?”
Owen gave him chapter and verse. “Frankly, it’s exactly what I expected the company to say. Yemen makes everyone nervous these days, including my own people in Rubat.”
“Our orders demand that we persist.”
“I’m doing the best I can. As you know, I’m a guest at the terrace reception for the President. I’ve invited her to join me, with a promise to introduce her to various Saudi dignitaries.”
“I like that,” Abu said. “It’s good for business from a Talbot International point of view. It could possibly have an effect on their attitude to the Bacu extension. You’ve done well.”
“We aim to please.”
“Kelly has filled me in on the Murphy business in New York.”
“Yes, I suggested he speak to you personally,” Owen said.
“You were quite right. We need to do something about Ferguson and his Holland Park setup. The wretched people he employs have been a thorn in our sides for years. Now we have Ferguson’s latest recruit, this Sara Gideon. Jewish, I understand. She probably has ties to Mossad.”
“I wouldn’t blame her. That bus bombing that killed her parents in Jerusalem saw off fourteen Palestinians as well. It was rather careless of Hamas.”
“Take care,” Abu said. “Or we may start to wonder whose side you’re on.”
“That’s easy. I’m on
“I like it when you’re this way, Owen, full of enthusiasm.” She smiled. “You certainly make a good case. I’ll speak to Gregory again.”
As they started the return run, he realized with some surprise that she was absolutely right. The idea as put forward by his Al Qaeda masters was totally misconceived.
They crossed Park Lane and he said, “Tell Gregory there will be a Saudi delegation arriving Thursday to be here for the President’s visit on Friday. Powerful sheikhs involved in the oil business, but also a general or two, possibly looking for interesting arms deals. I’d be happy to help with introductions.” He frowned. “But what am I thinking of? There’s the reception on the terrace at Parliament.”
“I heard,” she said. “It’s the social event of the year.”
“Well, I’ve been invited and partners are allowed. Why not come with me?”
She was actually quite thrilled at the idea, but said, “Good heavens, Owen, are you sure?”
“Talbot International supplies military hardware to half the countries on earth and has an excellent reputation for integrity in the Arab world. Who better to represent it at such an affair than the chairman?”
“I admit I’m tempted.”
“Dinner tonight at San Lorenzo. We’ll discuss it then. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.”
He half ran along the pavement. She watched him enter his apartment block, then turned and walked away, suddenly absurdly happy.
A s Owen crossed the sitting room, making for the bedroom suite, pulling his sweater over his head, a phone sounded. He hurried into his office and took a mobile from the top drawer. It was his sole link with Al Qaeda through an individual he’d come to know only as Abu. The man spoke the perfect dry and precise English of an academic, with no clue as to age or nationality.
“Good morning, Owen,” Abu said. “Did you enjoy your run in Hyde Park with Jean?”
Owen had got past being surprised at how up-to-date Abu’s information was, particularly about Rubat. He had gotten used to the idea that he was under some sort of surveillance.
“She’s excellent company!”
“What’s the feedback regarding the extension to the Bacu?”
Owen gave him chapter and verse. “Frankly, it’s exactly what I expected the company to say. Yemen makes everyone nervous these days, including my own people in Rubat.”
“Our orders demand that we persist.”
“I’m doing the best I can. As you know, I’m a guest at the terrace reception for the President. I’ve invited her to join me, with a promise to introduce her to various Saudi dignitaries.”
“I like that,” Abu said. “It’s good for business from a Talbot International point of view. It could possibly have an effect on their attitude to the Bacu extension. You’ve done well.”
“We aim to please.”
“Kelly has filled me in on the Murphy business in New York.”
“Yes, I suggested he speak to you personally,” Owen said.
“You were quite right. We need to do something about Ferguson and his Holland Park setup. The wretched people he employs have been a thorn in our sides for years. Now we have Ferguson’s latest recruit, this Sara Gideon. Jewish, I understand. She probably has ties to Mossad.”
“I wouldn’t blame her. That bus bombing that killed her parents in Jerusalem saw off fourteen Palestinians as well. It was rather careless of Hamas.”
“Take care,” Abu said. “Or we may start to wonder whose side you’re on.”
“That’s easy. I’m on
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