Freedom Does Matter (Mercenaries Book 2) by Tony Lavely Read Free Book Online

and forth. We’re worried the assassins will try again if their goal is to disrupt the negotiations.”
    “I have to say I’m not surprised, but I hope we get done before whoever notices.”

 

     
    Chapter Seven
    Day Eight - Cairo
     
    FRIDAY MORNING, THE THIRD MEETING began early. They had agreed to meet before prayers and break off at eleven. During the nine o’clock relief break—no food due to Ramadan—Hassan took Beckie’s arm and pulled her aside. She had found him reasonable to work with since the session with Willie in the head chair, but this was still a surprise. He’d never ever in the four days done anything like this.
    “Miss Beckie, the sheikhs agree that, because you have… escorted, I think, escorted them well, they are close to an agreement.”
    “That’s a nice sentiment, Amun effendi, but, really, Ian did the heavy lifting. With your help and… everyone’s.”
    “Hmm. ‘Heavy lifting?’ I believe that’s a phrase I am—”
    “Sorry. Means hard work. All that work he and you did… I only distracted them long enough for them to see they weren’t that far apart.” She watched his pleasure grow as her words registered. Guess he doesn’t expect to be acknowledged.
    “Thank you,” he said very quietly. Whoa! He doesn’t want that heard across the room. In a more normal voice, he said, “As they believe they are close, they request your indulgence while they have discussions with their individual tribal elders.”
    “Oh.” Sure her surprise showed beyond her exclamation, she said, “I thought the elders were part of their negotiating team.” When he shook his head, she continued, “Sure. I have no problem with them getting consensus. Even if it’s just to explain their thinking.”
    He smiled and nodded as Kevin approached. “Everything okay?”
    “Yes.” Hassan echoed Beckie’s quick answer, then said, “With that agreement, Sheikh Al Hosni has an offer to make you. I believe you should see him…”
    The sheikh must have heard his name; he walked up to them. Beckie acknowledged his approach with a smile that turned quizzical as Kevin and Hassan greeted him.
    “You and Hassan have talked?” the Sheikh said.
    “We have,” she said. “I am pleased to hear that both you and Sheikh al-Kassis wish to… confer with your elders about the state of the negotiations. How long will you require?”
    “The meetings will need some travel, so we plan to return following the Revolution Day holiday. I believe this leaves you, how do you say? Loose?”
    She nodded with a laugh. “Close enough.” She tipped her head. “When is… Revolution Day?”
    The sheikh smiled with a slight tinge of apology. “Of course. July 23, as you say. Next Wednesday. To fill your free time, then, I invite you to an ocean resort.”
    “That’s a surprise! Thank you.” She turned toward Kevin. “What do you think? Can we do that?”
    “I think Willie, Sue and Dan should—”
    “I apologize,” Al Hosni said, wringing his hands and looking from from one to another of them. “I can only provide two rooms. I will have my grandson, Haleef, go with you, and I anticipated either Mr. deVeel or Mr. Llorens would accompany you.” He took a deep breath, as if the next statement would be particularly unwelcome. “The resort is otherwise filled, I am told.”
    “No, Sheikh, don’t apologize,” Kevin said. An unfamiliar blush colored his cheeks. “I was about to say that three of us would have to remain here, so two rooms would be fine. We will talk together, but if Beckie wishes…”
    “I do, Kev. And I’d be happy with either you or Willie as… chaperone, is it?” Her smile should have felled him before she returned her gaze to Al Hosni. “Haleef? If I recall… He is making a survey of his own across the land under discussion. I know Ian drove over it, with Derek, Mr. Hamilton, and I’d like to see it also. Could he give me a quick tour?” She paused. “Is that the reason he can be