I am his middle man. I arrange the transport of over 500 kilos of hashish in eighteen-wheelers coming from Jordan to Antarah. The General makes sure these trucks cross the border without a hitch.
We have done many of these operations and I have made him a very rich man. This last time was supposed to be no different, but there was an accident. Another truck hit our truck on the back, and it overturned, breaking the lining carrying the drugs. There was hashish everywhere.
There were witnesses to the event so, a full report had to be filed by the book. This was a situation the General could not control.
The driver was questioned and a proper investigation took place. Everything was kept out of the media. Everyone involved was intimidated into never speaking about the incident.
Unfortunately, someone will have to take the fall and that will probably be me. I’d rather kill myself than go to prison and put my family through shame.
It is your duty to use this information wisely and make him pay for his betrayal. I know you will make me proud.
Your father,
Hussein Mustafa
I couldn’t believe what I had just read. A range of emotions, from anger to contempt, invaded my being. It was hard to believe that my father had set in motion this destructive chain of events. I finally understood what I overheard Fouad tell Esmaa about settling a score. I had only been a pawn in their game. I asked myself how my father could have sacrificed me, his only daughter, to save his skin. I was devastated by what I had just learned. Suddenly, I heard a car door close. Instinctively, I put the letter back in the journal and into his briefcase. I dried my tears and collected myself before anyone came in. I walked out of the study just in time.
“What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were headed out of town,” I said.
“Where’s my briefcase?” Fouad asked in a serious tone.
“I assumed it was with you,”
“Would I be here if that were the case?”
“Are you implying that I purposely hid it from you?”
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” he paused. “It must be in the study. Damn it, I can’t afford this kind of distractions before an exercise.”
“It’s a no win situation with you.”
“I need to go. I don’t have time for this.”
I walked him to the door and slammed it. He couldn’t leave soon enough. I was so angry I just wanted to scream. I hated Fouad; I loathed my father. This man had been the center of my universe all my life. He was my hero, my role model. Now, his image was crushed forever. I felt I never knew this man I called Baba.
I had to wonder if my mother was aware of my father’s other life, and if she would have supported his decision to marry me off to my tormenter. I thought of all the money he left me; drug money, dishonest money, money that resulted in pain, death, and misery for many people, including Fouad.
Maybe Fouad had the right to be angry and use me the way he did. After all, General Aziz had taken away his father and his chance at a normal life. Fouad was a product of his environment; of a hatred that ran so deep it had turned him into a monster. He was incapable of loving anyone, not even himself.
Rauf had probably been a target all along. Fouad was resentful of Rauf’s good fortune and hoped to slip into his life after eliminating him. When his plan backfired, he decided to go after the President, a man whom he also held responsible, on some level, for his father’s death.
I was so depressed. I needed Brahim so much. I went to the hospital hoping to talk to him. He was off, so I took a chance and went to the chalet. His car was there.
“Fatima, I can’t believe you’re here,” Brahim said as he hugged me tight.
“I know I told you we had to keep our distance, but I had to come. I needed to feel your arms around me. I needed someone to talk to. I don’t know where to begin…”
I told Brahim about the taped conversations and Fouad’s journal. He was shocked to learn all the sordid details.
“I’m so sorry, Fatima. I know how much you loved your father. But people make mistakes.”
“Not the kind of mistakes that destroy other people’s lives. Not the kind of mistakes that turn someone into a murderer.”
“Fouad made his own choices.”
“Still, if Fouad’s father were alive, he might have turned out differently.”
“We will never know. So, what now? Fatima, you are in a very delicate situation.”
“I know, but I still don’t have enough evidence to put Fouad away. These are some serious allegations. Without concrete proof, I am really digging my own grave. Fouad could always turn the tables and make it seem as if I am the mastermind of his plot.”
“How can I help you?”
“You are. Just listening to me and being here for me gives me the strength and courage I need to conquer my fears.”
“I don’t want you to be afraid. I just want you to be free of all your past, of all this pain that is eating up your soul.”
“Brahim, make love to me. Make love to me as if it’s the last time our bodies will become one. Make me forget all this ugliness in my life. Make me happy if only for one last time.”
Slowly and gently, he undressed me. He kissed every single corner of my body, caressed my skin with the tenderness of our first time. He stroked every part of me into deep relaxation and kissed me deeply and intensely. He licked my breasts with the tip of his tongue, giving my whole being a delightful sensation. I anticipated the moment that he had carefully built for my pleasure.
Finally, our bodies came together. It was a heavenly experience that fulfilled both of us, bringing smiles to our faces. At that point, I wanted to tell him about our baby. I knew this news would bring such joy to his life. But, I couldn’t. I had to follow through with my plans and make a clean cut with Fouad if I ever had a chance for happiness. I needed Brahim safe from Fouad’s poisonous claws.
“I’ve never felt closer to you than at this moment,” he said.
“You make me forget all my sadness with all your love. Brahim, I love you more than ever. I know we’ll be together soon, I feel it. Just a little longer…”
“I love you, habeebtee. My life is worthless without you. I will wait as long as it takes to be with you. I just need you to be careful and to know you can count on me for anything.”
It was getting close to nightfall. We both walked hand in hand towards our Mediterranean sunset, wondering if this would be our last.
“I have to go. Thanks for making me happy,” I said as I kissed him goodbye.
On my way home, I thought of Brahim. He was the calm before the storm; he gave me strength. He was the love of my life, my rock, my reason to live. Now I was carrying a child, our child, a ray of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
Lives In Jeopardy & Secrets Revealed
When I arrived to the house, reality set in. As I opened the door, Esmaa walked out.
“Since when do you make house calls?” I asked.
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
“For me? What do you want?”
“Some advice on men. On one man in particular, Brahim,” Esmaa said.
“Trouble in paradise already? Maybe you should forget about doctors and stick to military personnel. I think they suit your personality much better. Besides, I’m beat. We’ll have to catch up some other time,” I said as I walked up the stairs to my room.
I was actually glad to know Esmaa and Fouad were together. This meant that I might have some new, recorded conversations that would give me some needed ammunition to bring them down.
“Why didn’t you come see me in the study?” Fouad asked.
“You were busy with Esmaa,” I replied.
“Esmaa was bringing me some papers I left at the office.”
“That’s not what she told me.”
&nbs
p; “Can we stop talking about her and talk about this morning?”
“What about it?”
“I know I was a little harsh. I needed to be in the field conducting some weapons tests. I was already running late and then, I had to come back to get some important data I had left in my briefcase. It was just one of those days and I unfairly took it out on you.”
“And now you want to kiss and make up, and you want me to live up to the promises I made to you this morning. Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m tired and I want to go to bed. Next time treat me with respect.”
I was very firm. I couldn’t make love to him after everything I had uncovered and after being with Brahim. I hoped he would accept what I told him and let me be. He went back to his study. The next day, he woke up very early and left with his briefcase in hand. I saw him from the window. I looked forward to last night’s recorded conversation.
“Esmaa, What are you doing here? I told you not to come by the house anymore.”
“I had to know if tonight was the night.”
“I can’t do it. At least not tonight,” Fouad said.
“You’re in love with that bitch aren’t you? Are you ever going to kill her or will I have to do it myself?”
“Esmaa, I give the orders. She will die when I say it’s time.”
“Without her twenty million, we have no future.”
“You think I don’t know that? Soon, we’ll have it all. In a matter of days, Antarah will be ours. Together we will be indestructible.”
“So, what are you waiting for? Why haven’t you eliminated your sweet Fatima?”
“I know what I’m doing. Timing is everything. Have you planted the evidence?”
“Of course. There will be no doubt that the good doctor murdered his lover in a jealous rage. Have you gotten rid of the diazepam you used on Rauf?”
“This house is free of anything that could incriminate me. Thanks for thinking of everything. That’s why I love you.”
“With Fatima dead and the doctor in jail, you will have fulfilled your revenge.”
“The doctor will have to die for that to happen, but some jail time will do him good. Ultimately, he will be executed. When I become the President of Antarah, he will pay for the murder of my depated wife.”
I stopped the tape, shaking uncontrollably. I never imagined the extent of Fouad’s evil. I took a few deep breaths and tried to think before calling Brahim at the hospital.
“Our lives are in danger, we need to leave Antarah today,” I said in a panic.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I have the tape. It’s all here.”
“Calm down, baby. Pack a light bag and meet me at the airport.”
“I’m sure Fouad and Esmaa have thought of everything. Our names are probably in every checkpoint. We can’t tip them off. We have to hide. What are we going to do?”
“The man at the border, Lieutenant Janoudi.”
“That’s right. You saved his son. I’m sure he can help us.”
“I think we can trust him. Hurry Fatima, we don’t have much time.”
As I packed my things, I thought of everything I was leaving behind; Jamila and her unborn child, baby Ramee, Dalal, Samira, Brahim’s family. I wondered if I’d ever see them again. I needed to let them know somehow about Fouad’s plans to overthrow the government. They needed to be prepared for a possible civil war.
I called Jamila and briefly explained what the future might hold.
“Jamila, this might sound crazy but you have to swear by Allah that you will not call Fouad or repeat what I’m about to say.”
“You are scaring me Fatima.”
“Do you swear?” I asked in a sturdy voice.
“I swear by Allah.”
“Fouad is planning to overthrow the government. The next few days will be chaotic. Have Samira stay with you. Call Dalal and let her know to be prepared without giving too much information. Take whatever measures you need to be safe. I love you.”
“Fatima…”
I hung up.
I sensed Jamila was a bit leery of my words, and extremely concerned about my bizarre behavior. In Islam, it is forbidden to swear on anything but if you must swear you could only swear by Allah. I hated to put Jamila in that dilemma but I needed to guarantee she would keep her word and would protect the people that I loved.
As I finished packing, I came across the last camel statuette that my father had brought to me on his last trip to Antarah. On a whim, I snatched it, placing it with my clothes, passport and money. I put on my black garment that concealed my body and face.
Before meeting Brahim, I sent a letter to President Saeed by messenger explaining Fouad’s intentions. I enclosed the lab results and taped conversations between Fouad and Esmaa to confirm my allegations. I made it very clear that neither Brahim nor I were involved in this sinister plan.
From taxicabs to shops to restaurants, pictures of Rauf were plastered everywhere. His presence was felt as a reminder that I owed it to him and to the people of Antarah to expose my husband for what he was: a ruthless killer.
My only hope was that the letter would reach the Presidential Palace before it was too late. Despite my resentment, it was my duty to try to redeem my father from his past mistakes and to bring closure to Rauf’s family for his untimely death. I prayed for Allah to protect our country’s leader and his family and to guide them through some very challenging times.
When I arrived at the hospital, Brahim was waiting impatiently in his car.
“Fatima, get in. Thank God you’re all right. Fouad was here earlier looking for you,” Brahim said.
“We have to go.”
I wondered if Jamila had broken her promise.
We took off and drove for over two hours. Brahim reassured me that everything would be all right, but I was very nervous. I had set in motion a volatile chain reaction. Now, there was no turning back.
“What if Fouad manages to gain control of Antarah? What then? What’s going to happen to our friends and family? I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to any of them.”
“Fatima, your life is in eminent danger. If you stay and die, what would that accomplish? How would that help anyone?”
“I’m just so confused.”
“I’m confident Lieutenant Janoudi will help us.”
As we got close to the border, we noticed a lot of activity. I covered my face, afraid that someone might recognize me. Brahim went to the office to speak to the Lieutenant. Moments later, he came back.
“Are you ready? Get your things,” Brahim said.
“Is everything all right?”
“As you suspected, our names are on the most wanted list in every checkpoint throughout Antarah.”
“Will he help us?”
“He can only help one of us today. The office is swarming with military police. He’s going to hide you in his vehicle and take you across to a nearby village. In a few days, he will do the same for me. This will give me time to look after my family; make sure they’re safe. It’s for the best.”
“I can’t go without you,” I said clinging to him. “You are my life.”
“Here are your bracelets. When you look at them, think of me.” As he put them on my wrist he said, ”This one is to remember our Mediterranean sunsets, the most beautiful moments of our lives. This one is for us never to forget the difficult times we endured away from each other. This one is my promise of the future we will build together, where nothing, not even death, will come between us. We will be reunited, Fatme. I swear, habeebtee.”
At that point, I hugged him. I never wanted to let go. We kissed through the thin net that covered my face.
“I love you with all my being, ayunnee,” I said.
“I love you more,” he replied.
“Bra
him, I have something to tell you.”
At that moment, the lieutenant came up to us. He had created a distraction so I could sneak into his car unnoticed.
“We have to go now,” the lieutenant shouted. “Something is happening and this might be our last chance. Doctor, I created a distraction that should give you enough time to leave this area. Goodbye and good luck. ”
My heart was being shredded to pieces. I was distraught because I wasn’t able to tell him I was carrying his child, and that he was going to be a father. Everything happened so fast. As we began to cross the border, we heard gunfire. I looked back and a man in civilian clothes was lying on the ground. My gut told me it was Brahim. I screamed in anguish and tried to open the door to run towards him. The lieutenant held my arm. For a moment, I thought we had been set up.
“I need to go be with him,” I said sobbing. “Please let me go.”
“We can’t go back. You would be putting both of our lives in danger. I will take you to a safe place,” he said.
“I need to know what happened to Brahim,” I said in a trembling voice.
“Someone must have overheard his name and checked on the list. He probably didn’t make it to his car in time or tried to resist arrest. He loved you very much. I saw it in his eyes even the first time I met him. He was willing to sacrifice his life for yours.”
I wept inconsolably.
“I know he’d want you to be happy and follow your heart,” he said, resting his hand on my shoulder.
“Do you think he’s dead? What will happen to him?”
“I don’t have the answers. I just know that I owe him my son’s life. If he is alive, I’ll do anything I can to help him.”
“When you see him, tell him I’ll be waiting for him for as long as it takes. Tell him I love him,” I said nervously wiping my tears, trying to convince myself everything was going to be all right.
We finally got to the village. He dropped me off at a relative’s home that lived in Jordan, an hour away from the border.
“It’s not much, but you’ll be safe here for a while,” he said.
“Thank you. Please take care of Brahim and tell him that I love him and miss him. Tell him I’ll see him in a few days,” I said.
Mediteranean Sunset Page 20
