Desert Man

by Barbara Faith

  Jenny took Mike’s hand. “And with this ring, with my heart and my soul, with everything that is in me, I, too, pledge my love,” she whispered.

  Clasping hands, the bride and groom looked into each other’s eyes. And Josie felt, mingled with her happiness for her friend, an emptiness within her own heart, and yes, a longing for someone to love her as Mike loved Jenny. Tears glistened in her eyes and she bowed her head so no one would see as the minister began to speak the solemn, yet joyful words uniting Mike and Jenny as man and wife.

  The organ pealed a triumphant chord. Mike kissed his new bride amid heartfelt applause, and when he released her they started back down the aisle.

  Instead of taking Josie’s arm, Kumar reached for her hand and clasped it in his as they followed Mike and Jenny.

  “You weep,” he said in a low voice. “May I ask why?”

  Josie took a deep breath to steady herself. “I...I always cry at weddings,” she managed to say.

  He tightened his hand on hers. She looked up at him and when he saw the tears still glistening on her eyelashes, he said, “Your eyes are the color of the waters of the Nile.”

  She tried to slip her hand from his, but he wouldn’t let her go.

  “Beautiful women should only weep for gladness, never for sadness,” he said.

  “I’m not sad,” Josie protested. “My tears were tears of happiness for Mike and Jenny.”

  “I see.” His smile was gentle, unbelieving.

  They reached the vestibule, but still he did not let her go. The others in the party were gathered around Mike and Jenny. Voices were raised, there was laughter and good cheer, embraces, congratulations.

  Kumar held Josie back, and in the same softly compelling voice, asked, “Is there someone special in your life, Miss McCall?”

  Josie looked at him, taken aback by the personal question. “We really must join the others,” she said.

  “Is there someone?” he persisted.

  She shook her head. “I’ve been far too busy for that. My job is important to me. I don’t have the time for anything else.”

  He took the hand he had been holding and brought it to his lips. Before Josie could protest he turned it so that he could kiss her palm. His lips were warm, soft. She felt the barest touch of his tongue against her skin.

  She stared at him, shocked at the intimacy of the gesture, and pulled her hand away. She went to embrace Jenny and to kiss Mike’s cheek. “Congratulations,” she said. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

  And tried not to see the speculative look in Kumar Ben Ari’s dark desert eyes when he, too, congratulated the bride and groom.

  * * *

  The wedding reception was held at the ranch. A tent big enough to accommodate all the guests had been erected on the lawn, along with tables and chairs, a buffet that would have satisfied the most profound gourmet and pink champagne that bubbled from a crystal fountain. Instead of an orchestra, a mariachi band played at one end of the rolling lawn.

  Kumar was seated next to Josie at the bridal table. Toasts were given amid laughter and a few tears. When Timmie asked his mother, “Why can’t I go with you and Mike to Tahooti?” only Kumar and Jenny were close enough to hear.

  “Tahiti,” Mike said, drawing the boy to him. “The next time your mom and I go somewhere you’ll come along, but this is a honeymoon trip, Tim. It’s a special time for a husband and wife to...well, to sorta get acquainted.”

  “But you and Mom are already acquainted.” Tim looked puzzled. “Aren’t you?”

  “Mike means getting acquainted as man and wife.” Jenny ruffled her son’s hair. “We’ll only be gone two weeks, Tim, and when we come back the three of us will move into our very own house.”

  “With Ralph,” Timmie said.

  “Hell of a name for a horse.” Mike grinned and nodded. “Yeah, partner, with Ralph.”

  As Josie watched the exchange, any fears she might have had about Jenny’s happiness vanished. Mike was a rare man, and Jenny was lucky to have found him. They would be, along with Timmie and the child they were to have, a loving family, and she rejoiced for them.

  When a few of the couples moved from the tent and wandered out onto the lawn where the mariachis played, Mike rose, and taking Jenny’s hand, led her to a smooth patch of lawn under the trees and drew her into his arms.

  He and Jenny were so perfect together, Josie thought as she watched them. He was tall, more rugged than handsome, even in his white tie and tails. The top of Jenny’s head just reached his shoulder. He held her gently, as if she were a fragile doll that might break at the slightest touch. And once again Josie felt reassured, for surely here was a man who would, unlike Aiden, love and protect her friend.

  A few of the other couples began to dance, and afraid that Kumar might ask her, Josie started to back away. But before she could, Kumar took her hand and said, “Come, let us walk a bit.”

  If she didn’t want to make a scene, she had no choice but to let him take her away from the others.

  In a conversational tone, he said, “You look very beautiful today, Josie.”

  Her name sounded as strange on his lips as it had last night. “Sho-zee,” softer somehow than Josie.

  “It was a nice wedding, yes? I’m happy for Mike. Jenny is a wonderful woman. She will make Mike a good wife, a good mother to his children.”

  “And her children.”

  He looked surprised. “Of course.”

  “Are you married, Prince Ben Ari?”

  “No.”

  “Have you ever been?”

  He shook his head. “But I am thirty-six. Soon I must think about it.” He glanced at her and his lips twitched in a smile. “According to our beliefs we are allowed four wives. If I am to have four I should begin collecting them soon.”

  Josie’s lips tightened. “And what will you do with four wives, Prince?” she asked, with a hard emphasis on the word prince.

  Kumar pretended to think. “Let me see,” he said, stroking his chin. “One will cook, one will take care of the many children I will have, another will manage the household. And the fourth wife...” He lifted his shoulders. “Ah, she will be special, for she will be the one who takes care of me.”

  Josie gave an unladylike snort, and when she did Kumar laughed. “I’m teasing,” he said. “One woman is enough for any man.” He tugged at her hand. “Come, let us walk toward the barn. I want to see Timmie’s colt.”

  And because she felt a little foolish at having been taken in by his joking, if indeed he had been joking, Josie didn’t protest.

  It was a beautiful day. The meadows were filled with clover, wild roses and lavender daisies. Trees bordered the property of the ranch, white oak, ponderosa pine, willows and pepper trees that dipped low over the stream that trickled down from the mountains.

  The music of the mariachis drifted down to them, but other than that there was only the occasional song of a bird.

  Kumar led Josie to a shady spot under one of the pepper trees. Leaning back against the gnarled trunk, he asked, “When do you return to Guatemala?”

  “Tomorrow evening.” She hesitated. “When is your flight?”

  “In the morning. Mike’s father is driving me to the airport.”

  “You go to New York, then Paris and home?”

  Kumar shook his head. “No, I’m flying to Washington.”

  “Washington?” She sounded surprised.

  He nodded. “I have diplomatic business there.”

  “I see.” She had almost forgotten that he was the acting head of his country, and she found it strange that she was standing here with him on this sunny afternoon in southern California, with the breeze gentle on her face and the sound of the mariachi music drifting on the autumn air.

  “I would like to see you again,” he said.

  Josie looked at him, startled. “That’s hardly possible. I mean...” She shrugged. “I live in Guatemala and you’re on the other side of the world.”

  “I cou
ld arrange for you to visit my home.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  He pushed himself away from the tree and moved closer. “Why did you run away from me last night?”

  She took a deep breath before she answered. “You shouldn’t have kissed me,” she said. “I shouldn’t have let you. It was the champagne. It was—”

  “No.” He took her face between his hands. “It wasn’t the champagne, Josie. It was you and me and a wonderful magic that happened between us when we kissed. That’s why I want to see you again.”

  “Please, let me go.”

  “Not until you tell me why you ran away from me last night.”

  His face was only inches from hers. Before she could free herself he kissed her. She tried not to respond, but his mouth roamed so hungrily, so knowingly over hers, and when he said, “Open your lips for me, kiss me as I am kissing you,” her lips parted under his.

  It was a little like being lost in a vast and empty space, where only his arms could protect her. With his thumbs he stroked her closed eyes, her cheeks, the corners of her mouth.

  The kiss deepened when he pressed past her lips to seek her tongue. He drew her closer and she heard the catch of his breath.

  “Don’t you feel it?” he whispered against her lips. “Don’t you feel the magic that happens when we kiss?”

  His mouth roamed over hers. She felt herself slipping over the edge of reality and knew that in another moment she would be lost.

  “Josie,” he said. “Sho-zee.”

  She pulled away from him. “No!” she said, breathing hard. “No!” She held her hands up in front of her and backed away.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t want to do this.” The words came half strangled from her throat. “I don’t!”

  “But what are you afraid of? Do you think that because you live in one country and I in another that we will never see each other again after today? That for me this is...what do you say? A flirtation? A romantic excitement because of our friends’ wedding?” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “I believe you know it is more than that.”

  “I don’t want it to be more.”

  “But why?”

  “Because I know about men like you,” she said.

  “Men like me? What do you mean?”

  “Middle Eastern men. I know what you’re like. I know what you think about women.”

  “I adore women.” He smiled and reached for her.

  She stepped back. “I know what happened to Jenny. I know how Aiden abused her.”

  “But I’m not Aiden.”

  “You’re like him.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I know.”

  His expression changed, hardened. “I see. Then there can be nothing between us. Is that what you’re saying?”

  “That’s it.” She felt stronger now, more in control. “I’m sorry, Kumar. I don’t mean to be rude. But no, there can be nothing between us.”

  “You have made up your mind. Yes?”

  She took a steadying breath. “Yes,” she said firmly.

  He shrugged, but there was a glint of danger in his eyes when he said, “Very well. Shall we go back to the others?”

  He didn’t touch her or take her hand. When they reached the tent he left her, and in a little while she went back to the house with Jenny to help her change into her traveling suit.

  When Jenny was ready, they came downstairs to find the wedding guests had gathered and were waiting for them.

  “Throw your bouquet, dear,” her mother said.

  “I will.” But first Jenny hugged Josie. “Thank you for coming,” she said. “Thank you for standing up with me.”

  Josie tightened her arms around her. “Happiness, Jen,” she whispered. “Now and always.” Then she ran quickly down the stairs and moved to the back of the single women who waited to catch the bridal bouquet.

  When it was tossed, she made no attempt to catch it. But it bounced off the raised arm of the woman next to her and when she tried to deflect it she somehow ended up holding it.

  She heard the cries of congratulations and turned to see Jenny laughing down at her. Josie shook her head, laughing with Jen. But the laughter died on her lips when she turned and saw Kumar. He wasn’t laughing.

  Jenny’s father drove Kumar to the airport the following morning.

  “Off to Washington?” the older man asked when he stopped in front of the terminal.

  “Yes, I have some business there.” Kumar got out of the car, and when he had taken his bags, shook Mr. Cooper’s hand. “Thank you for bringing me here,” he said. “It was very kind of you.”

  “You’re Mike’s best friend, Mr. Ben Ari. We all appreciate your coming so far to be in the wedding.”

  “It was my pleasure, I assure you.”

  The driver behind Cooper’s car blew his horn. “Goodbye,” Kumar said. “Thank you again.”

  He watched Jenny’s father drive off. Then he picked up his suitcase and headed into the terminal. Four days ago when he had come to California, it had not been his intention to go to Washington. But he had changed his plans; he had something very important to attend to in that city.

  Chapter 4

  “How good it is to see you again.” James T. Harwood, under secretary of foreign relations, motioned Kumar to a chair across from his desk. “How long has it been? A year?”

  “More like two.” Kumar grinned. “The dancing girls at the Palais Royale ask about you every time I go in.”

  “Which is often, I suppose,” Harwood said with a laugh.

  “Of course. There is one girl in particular who actually has tears in her eyes when she asks when you will return. Jemena? Yes, that’s the one. The last time I saw her she said, ‘When will your friend, the tall man with the gray eyes and the beautiful mouth return?’”

  “The beautiful mouth. Did she really say that?” Harwood sighed. “Jemena. God, what a beautiful girl. Voluptuous, creative, exciting...” The man shook his head. “Don’t tempt me, Kumar. The thought of her makes me want to get on the first plane to Abdu Resaba.”

  “Can’t you manage a trip?”

  “Not any time soon, but...” Harwood tapped long, slender fingers on the top of his desk. “Tell you what, I’ve got a trip scheduled for Saudi in four or five months. As soon as I’ve finished with my business there, I’ll come to Abdu Resaba.”

  “Good. Let me know and I’ll arrange a hunting trip into the desert. But first we will spend a few nights in the Palais Royale, yes?”

  “Yes! Tell Jemena I’m coming, will you? And be sure she has no other...uh, appointments that week.”

  “Of course. I’ll arrange it.”

  “Can you have dinner with me tonight? I know a couple of stunning young ladies who would be only too happy to have dinner with us.”

  “Dinner, yes. But perhaps this time we will dine alone if you don’t mine.”

  “Very well. Shall we say eight at your hotel?” Harwood reached for a cigar. “Anything I can do for you while you’re in Washington?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact there is. I’d like to meet the head of the International Health Organization here in Washington. If you could arrange an appointment, I’d be most appreciative.”

  “No problem. Fellow by the name of Ron Marshall is in charge. His office is in the other wing. If he’s not busy he can be here in a few minutes.”

  “Splendid,” Kumar said.

  Harwood picked up the phone and spoke to a secretary on the other end. “Prince Kumar Ben Ari of Abdu Resaba is in my office,” he said. “He’d like to see Mr. Marshall, right away if it’s possible.” He nodded. “Ten minutes? Yes, that’s fine.”

  Kumar leaned back in his chair, and with a satisfied smile, lighted a cigarette.

  Ten minutes later Harwood’s secretary ushered Ron Marshall in. He was several inches taller than Harwood, younger, perhaps in his early forties, with an Ichabod Crane thinness. He greeted Kumar effusi
vely, all but clicking his heels as he bowed and said, “Prince Kumar! What an honor. Is there anything, anything at all we can do for you?”

  “Yes,” Kumar said, “as a matter of fact there is. We in Abdu Resaba are badly in need of your help.”

  He motioned Marshall to a chair and the thin man sat, knees together, feet apart, an expectant and somewhat worried look on his face. “How can we be of assistance, Mr.... uh, Prince Ben Ari?”

  “As you know, my father, Rashid Ben Ari, is semiretired,” Kumar said. “He has turned a great deal of the business of running the country over to me. There are many changes I want to make, but I have discovered I cannot make them by myself. I need help, if I am to bring Abdu Resaba into the twenty-first century.”

  Ron Marshall steepled his bony fingers and waited.

  “Health is one of my main concerns,” Kumar went on. “There’s a hospital in the capital city of Bir Chagga, but the doctors as well as the nursing staff must be brought up-to-date on new techniques in medicine. I’d also like to open clinics in the smaller areas of the country, to educate people on health care and birth control.”

  As he spoke, Kumar warmed to his subject, for all that he said was true. There was need for change in Abdu Resaba.

  It was also true, of course, that he lusted after Josie McCall. If he could, as the Americans said, kill two birds with one stone, all the better.

  “To do all the things I want to do,” he continued, “I need the assistance of someone from your organization who has an administrative as well as a medical background.” He paused, and looking thoughtful, continued. “Of course I wouldn’t expect International Health to bear the expenses for such an endeavor. It isn’t money that we lack, you see. It’s technical know-how. Naturally I would make a donation to the organization.”

  Ron Marshall leaned forward in his chair.

  “I thought perhaps a small donation of...” Kumar paused to take another cigarette out of the gold case and tap it gently on the desk. Before he could light it, Ron Marshall leapt up and flicked the lighter he’d quickly pulled from his breast pocket.

  Kumar breathed in the smoke, murmured his thanks, and said, “Three million dollars? To begin with, I mean.”