by Cara Albany
That was it.
She took her phone and opened up the map application and started to type the name into the search bar. The application completed the name for her and the little pin symbol showed her exactly where the town was located.
She squinted thoughtfully at the name. It was indeed quite a distance to the north of the city, but not too far that it was completely off the beaten track.
She clicked on the town's name and was immediately shown images, probably taken by visitors in the past.
Ahmed had been right. It was a tiny little village, with one main thoroughfare and simple dwellings that stretched outwards on the flat plain of a narrow valley.
It looked incredibly basic. Isolated and completely cut off. She guessed there would be little or no modern amenities there. She saw no indication of modern conveniences. In fact, the place looked like something out of another century.
She sighed and a thought drifted into her mind.
Just what she needed.
She guessed a place like that would give a person all the anonymity they needed and plenty of time to think. Plenty of time to regain a sense of what was the right thing to do.
But much more than that. It was somewhere she would not be recognized. There would be no cameras; no connection to the outside world.
Hadn't Ahmed told her that it was a place guaranteed to bring peace into a persons life. Just by being there.
Would it hurt to go there for a day or two? Even as she asked herself that question, she already knew the answer.
Of course, it wouldn't. No-one would even know she had gone there. And, in any case, it would only be for a few days at most.
And then she could return and perhaps things would have settled down. And, then she would have a clearer idea of what she should do.
It all made sense.
Her mind made up, she started to get ready.
CHAPTER FIVE
Ahmed was leaving his apartment building in the morning when he was saw a limo draw up next to his.
The door opened and out stepped Rashid. The early morning air was fresh and cool. But there was nothing cool about the expression on Rashid's face. He came striding up to Ahmed. Rashid's face was red and his steady gaze was boring a hole in Ahmed's head as he approached.
Rashid halted right in front of Ahmed. "Are you happy?" he exclaimed.
Ahmed stared at Rashid and smiled. He gazed up at the sky. "It's a beautiful morning. Why wouldn't I be happy?"
Rashid clenched his fists. "You know what I'm talking about. Don't pretend you're ignorant of what you did last night."
Ahmed grinned. "I was just trying to be friendly."
Rashid drew in a deep breath. "Is that all? Friendly?"
"Of course,"Ahmed said. "I presume you're referring to the lovely Miss Ellon."
"Of course, I am. Who else would I be talking about? Haven't you seen the news?"
"No."
Rashid took out his cell phone and thrust it in front of Ahmed's face. "Look at this," Rashid ordered.
Ahmed squinted at the screen. In the early morning light he could see an image of himself and Gemma getting into Ahmed's limo. Rashid swiped the screen with his thumb. "And this."
Ahmed saw a photo of himself kissing Gemma's hand. Ahmed smiled at Rashid. "I think I look pretty happy in that one," he joked.
"This is no laughing matter, Ahmed," Rashid exclaimed.
"I don't see any problem," Ahmed replied.
"Why was she getting into your limo?" Rashid asked.
"Because I offered her a ride," Ahmed explained. This time, he made sure his voice was more emphatic. He could see how worked up Rashid was about this. Maybe the time for joking was over. Apart from that, Ahmed could sense that there was something more to this. Rashid hadn't finished explaining, yet.
"Who gave you permission to do that?" Rashid asked sharply.
Ahmed lowered his chin and peered directly into Rashid's eyes. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to do anything, Rashid," he stated firmly.
Rashid's features were fixed into an unmoving mask as he tried to match Ahmed's defiant gaze. There was a long pause and then Rashid continued. "Have you seen what happened as a result of this innocent little encounter of yours?"
Ahmed shook his head. Rashid handed him his phone. "Read that," he ordered.
Ahmed read what was on the screen and finally understood the reason for Rashid's fury.
There were the photos and right next to them was the beginning of what looked like a very long scroll of messages prompted by the photos. One in particular caught his eye.
The Hot Sheikh and the American Virgin?
Ahmed glanced up at Rashid. "Is this for real?"
Rashid nodded emphatically and said nothing. Because no explanation was necessary as Ahmed scrolled through some of the messages.
They mostly split into two categories. One group of people expressed amazement at Gemma for being with a wealthy sheikh.
The other type of message was far less approving. In fact, some of the comments were downright mean, Ahmed told himself. They accused Gemma of being cold and calculating and getting her hooks into one of the richest, unmarried men in Qazhar.
Ahmed glanced at Rashid. "How did this happen?"
"I'll tell you how it happened. You decided to interfere in a perfectly legitimate business arrangement because you can't stand the idea that I would have something you want."
Ahmed shrugged. "So what if you're right, Rashid? How does that affect me?"
"It isn't how it affects you, that matters, right now," Rashid exclaimed. "It's the problem you've given me as a result of your dishonorable actions."
Ahmed stiffened and took a step toward Rashid. But Rashid held his ground, staring defiantly at Ahmed.
Ahmed glared at Rashid. "You can say what you like to me about business, Rashid. But, do not try to suggest that I am not a man of honor."
Rashid stood rigid, obviously determined not to back down in any way.
Ahmed continued. "We might have our differences when it comes to business, but in matters of our personal integrity, you will not speak to me like that. Do you understand?"
For a few, long moments, both men's eyes were locked in silent challenge. Ahmed felt his heart pounding, sensed the tension in his body as he faced Rashid down.
Ahmed would tolerate a great deal from Rashid, but he would not accept any attempt to call into question his honor. That was something which was sacred and something upon which no man would be allowed to doubt.
"In any case, the damage has been done," Rashid said evenly. He took a few steps away from Ahmed and ran hand though his dark hair.
"What do you mean?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid peered at Ahmed and smiled sardonically. "As a result of your little escapade last night, it seems Miss Ellon has taken matters into her own, very capable hands."
Ahmed felt an involuntary chill creep up his spine. Ahmed squinted at Rashid, wondering what the man was talking about. "Has something happened to her?"
Rashid sighed. "That isn't perhaps how I would put it."
Anger flared instantly in Ahmed. He didn't like Rashid's casual tone. Didn't he realize that this was a precious woman he was talking about? Not just another employee of his organization.
Ahmed moved even closer to Rashid. He felt a sudden impulse to grab the lapels of Rashid's expensive jacket and force the truth out of him.
But, before he had a chance to do that, Rashid spoke. "Miss Ellon has gone."
"What!" Ahmed exclaimed. He felt his body stiffen.
"I called on her this morning to ask her about this, and discovered she has left her apartment," Rashid explained.
"Where is she?" Ahmed asked urgently.
Rashid shrugged. "I don't know. The concierge at the apartment said she left this morning, early and told him she would return in a couple of days. That was all she said. She also left a message on her social media channels. All of them."
Rashid looked
down at his cell phone and read out Gemma's written words from the screen. "Dear everyone. I will be taking a break for a day or two. But, I'll be back. I love you all. Bye."
Rashid looked up at Ahmed and shook his head. "This is not acceptable. Going off like that, without asking me."
Ahmed ignored that typical expression of Rashid's usual self-interest. "And she didn't say where she was going?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid shook his head. "I didn't think you would be this interested, Ahmed," Rashid said. There was a sly look on his face.
Ahmed frowned. "I am merely concerned for the safety of a young woman who has just arrived here and has obviously been the victim of an unfortunate misunderstanding."
Rashid scowled. "That is what you call it? A misunderstanding? I think I understand quite well what you were doing last night when you invited her into your limo."
"What are you suggesting, Rashid?" Ahmed demanded.
"Merely that your reputation is well known."
Ahmed nodded. "Yes. She told me you had been telling her some things about me that weren't exactly flattering."
Rashid leaned his head to one side and twisted his mouth. He seemed indifferent to the accusation. But, then again, this wasn't the first time Rashid had tried to damage Ahmed's reputation. And, no doubt it wouldn't be the last, he reflected.
"Have you done anything to find out where she is?" Ahmed asked. "After all, she is your responsibility."
"Really?" Rashid responded. "And you weren't responsible for this mess last night?"
"That's not the problem, right now. And you know it. All that matters is we find out where she's gone."
Rashid sighed. "I've made some inquiries, but to no avail. No-one knows where she may have disappeared to. For all we know, she might have run off into the desert."
Rashid's words made Ahmed freeze instantly.
The desert.
Ahmed recalled his conversation with Gemma in the garden. He remembered how curious she'd been when he'd told her about Qabiyah and his own private encampment near to the town.
She had seemed more than just curious about the isolation of the town, and how it might provide a much needed respite from her busy life. And it would guarantee anonymity, too.
Now that he thought of it, she'd seemed more than just casually interested. Perhaps this temporary disappearance was something she'd been wanting for a long time.
Maybe there was more to Miss Ellon than met the eye, Ahmed reflected. He was seized by a sudden desire to know more about the intriguing American.
Rashid was watching Ahmed closely. "What are you thinking, Ahmed?" Rashid asked. "Do you have an idea where she might have gone?"
Ahmed dragged his attention back to the present. "What? No," he muttered vaguely. "I was just thinking that I could ask a few people who might be able to look into it."
Rashid scoffed and shook his head. "I'd appreciate it of you would leave that to me. I think you've already done enough."
Ahmed squinted at Rashid. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
Rashid frowned. "Why would I? This is entirely your fault." He narrowed his eyes. "If I didn't know better, I might think you arranged for her disappearance, yourself."
"Me? Do something like that? What are you talking about?" Ahmed exclaimed. "I might enjoy interfering in your business," he said and smiled at Rashid. "And I do enjoy that, Rashid. Ahmed ignored Rashid's customary frown at being taunted. "But, I would never be involved in making a beautiful, young woman disappear," Ahmed continued. "What do you take me for?"
"Beautiful, eh?" Rashid said sarcastically. "So you admit you find her attractive."
Ahmed shrugged and sighed heavily. Right now wasn't the time to tell Rashid just how attracted he was to Gemma. It would be better to keep that well and truly private. The man would merely take such an admission and use it against Ahmed.
And, right now, Ahmed was enjoying having the upper hand. The fact that he was almost sure he knew where Gemma had gone provided an enjoyable, private moment of victory over Rashid.
"I suppose she has a certain appeal," Ahmed said casually. "But you know how American women can be, Rashid," he said. Rashid's brows lifted with curiosity and ashamed continued. "They can be so unpredictable," Ahmed added with a sly grin.
Rashid knew when he was being played with. He ignored that last remark."Last night, it looked like she had more than just a certain appeal, as you put it," Rashid responded.
"Haven't you got better things to do than stand here arguing with me and making false accusations?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid looked at his watch. "You're right. I have some calls to make." He peered at Ahmed. "If you find out anything, you will let me know, won't you."
Ahmed smiled generously. Too generously he realized when he saw Rashid's reaction. "Of course. You can rely on me."
With one last disbelieving look, Rashid turned and headed back to his limo. Ahmed watched it drive off and then headed back toward his apartment.
As he rode up in the elevator, he thought about the situation. He was certain that Gemma must have decided the only place she could find absolute privacy would be somewhere like Qabiyah. Only there would she be anonymous. No-one would recognize her there.
The place had no connection to the outside world. She wouldn't be able to use a cell phone and there was no internet. It was the perfect place for her, right now. If she had gone there for a few days, to gather her thoughts, to let this whole crazy situation blow over, then there was only one way he was going to know for sure.
And that was by going there himself. It was worth a try. The town was a short drive to the north of the city.
And, of course, if he did find her there, then he would be able to offer her even greater anonymity.
Something to which only he had access.
His private encampment just a short horse ride west of Qabiyah.
I might take considerable persuasion on his part. But, he already knew he was more than capable of persuading her.
The prospect of taking her there triggered instant anticipation in him. His mind filled with images of her in the small encampment; of her in his tent; of her in his bed.
Ahmed drew in a deep breath.
Yes.
He would go there, and perhaps he would find her.
And if he did, he would offer her the ultimate sanctuary. The last place anyone would expect to find the beautiful American.
In his bed.
CHAPTER SIX
It had been the right decision, after all, Gemma told herself as she sat at the outside table of one of the two small coffee shops in Qabiyah. She leaned back against the low wooden seat and gazed down the length of the main street in the town.
The sun beat down upon the town, but Gemma was protected from it by the awning which hung over the group of tables. The air was cooler beneath the awning. Gemma sipped her coffee. It was black and extremely bitter, but she felt she needed something to keep her awake. It was late afternoon and the drive had been longer than she'd anticipated.
But she was here. That was all that mattered.
And she was already beginning to feel the peace of mind which came with total anonymity.
She watched the dozens of people making there way to and fro along the dusty street. They were all dressed in loose robes, perfect for desert life.
The buildings were very basic, consisting of two level structures made of light brown stone. There were some shops on the street, but they were small stores selling food and the basic goods required for the simple life which people lived out here.
Gemma drew in a deep, satisfied breath. It had been the right choice, she reflected. Since she had driven along the dusty street and parked her car close by, she had felt completely at home in this strange, alien place.
Ahmed had been right. This was really off the beaten track, even as far as Qazhar was concerned.
Back in the city, once she'd made her mind up what to do, Gemma had hastily arranged a rental car. D
irections had been provided, at first by her, cell phone.
But, as she'd headed out into the desert north of the city, she'd lost the signal, but she'd taken note of the distances to the main junction which split off from the main northbound highway.
Then, she'd driven for miles along a dusty single-lane road, heading northwest. She'd known it had been the right direction, because there was simply no other road in this part of the desert.
Then she had arrived. From the top of a desert hilltop, she'd looked down upon the little town and known instantly that she'd come to the right place.
In many ways, it looked like a town which had been frozen in time. It filled the hollow between two high ranges of desert hills.
As far as Gemma was concerned, right now, given what her life had become, Qabiyah was the most perfect place on earth.
Since arriving she had noticed that, being probably the only newcomer in town, she was the subject of the occasional glance. That was more to do with the fact that, although she was dressed in plain white desert robes, and her head was covered, she was sure it was still pretty obvious that she was an outsider. It was hard to completely hide her blonde hair and strikingly blue eyes.
She didn't mind so much that once in a while, a passing man would glance at her, and visibly take note of her different appearance. But, unlike the life she was used to, there was no recognition, no sudden demand for attention by a stranger.
Instead, anyone who noticed her quickly moved on. Perhaps they respected outsiders here, she reflected. Maybe there was nothing special about visitors. People seemed to just accept her presence, and then they went about their daily business.
Even that was refreshing, Gemma told herself as she sipped more of the coffee, feeling the sudden rush of the caffeine. She wanted to take in everything she could see, and the coffee was certainly making everything seem sharper and more vivid.
She thought about how people would be reacting to her sudden departure. She'd made sure to leave a message for Rashid with the concierge of the apartment house. Although she hadn't said where she was headed, she was sure that at least the reassurance that she had left on her own and that she planned to return within a day or two, might prevent Rashid from assuming the worst.
