'Have you seen the Sultan recently?'

'No, he's been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Wells.'

'The Holy Wells? That's a laugh. His only pilgrimage was to Dubai to meet with American and Russian government and businessmen. They've agreed on joint exploration rights in Hazar -without us.'

Paul said, 'But they couldn't possibly do it without Bedu cooperation. And they can't get that without us.'

'Paul,' Kate said, 'they can and they have. The Sultan's sold us out. You know how much the Americans and Russians have disliked dealing with us. Well, now they've cut us out. They're going to walk all over us – and walk all over the Bedu in the process. Without us, those damned oilmen are going to drill wherever they please, and the Arabs can go to hell.'

Paul said, 'Is this true, Michael?'

Michael nodded. 'They are going to rape the desert, Paul. And there's not a damned thing we can do about it.'

Paul nodded thoughtfully and stirred the fire. 'Do not speak in haste, Michael. There are always things that can be done – if one has the will.' 'What do you mean?' George asked. 'Not now,' said Paul. He turned to Kate. 'Do you have the Gulfstream at the air force base in Haman?' 'Yes,' Kate said.

He drew her up and kissed her on the forehead. 'Have a good night. Tomorrow we will speak.'

He nodded to his brothers, and they all rose.

Kate turned and began to walk away, and it was then that it happened. Beyond, from the shadows, a Bedu emerged screaming, a curved jambiya raised above his head, running straight at them, with Kate in his way. Paul's guards were caught momentarily unaware, their AK-47S at their feet, coffee cups in their hands, and it was Paul Rashid who flung himself forward, knocked his sister to the ground and pulled a Browning from his waistband. He fired four times quickly and the assassin was driven to the sand.