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Preview from chapter one
Chapter 1
I had been waiting for the sound of his arrival for almost two hours, growing increasingly tense. Every time a car went by I all but sprang to the window, peeking nervously round the side of the curtains. And every time I resumed my seat, fingers drumming impatiently on the armchair.
I went upstairs several times to check the room I had prepared, though it was unlikely I would spot a problem at this stage. Then I would be struck by the thought that if I spent too long up there I might not hear him ring the doorbell, and would flee downstairs again. It was becoming absurd.
I was checking my watch every minute or so. He wasn’t even late, yet I was convinced that something was wrong. He had been caught. The next knock on my door would be the police, asking me if I knew this gentleman, and would I care to accompany them to the station. That, or the whole thing had been some massive practical joke at my expense.
I poured myself a drink – unwise, really, since tonight of all nights I should keep a clear head. But it gave me something to do with my hands other than fidget, at least.
Just before ten I heard a car pull up outside, right in the driveway. I stood up. My mouth was dry, my heart hammering so hard and fast in my chest that I thought I might actually be about to faint. The car fell silent, the engine switched off. I heard a door open and slam shut as someone got out.
This is it, I told myself.
The doorbell rang, the sound cutting through the still air like a siren. I jumped, even though I had been expecting it. I stepped into the hall; I could see a silhouette behind the frosted glass of the front door. I took a deep breath: stay calm, for fuck’s sake! Then I opened it.
The Sheik was standing on the front step, immaculately dressed as usual in an expensive suit, his greying beard neatly trimmed. He smiled broadly on seeing me, and spread his arms in a delighted greeting. We embraced.
“My dear friend! I do apologise for keeping you waiting!”
It was nothing, I assured him. Was he late? I’d barely noticed. He grinned at this; I imagine my flushed face rather gave me away. Nevertheless, he followed me into the house, removing his black, silken gloves.