After she went to the camp toilet, Maura came back to find a basin of warm water to freshen up. Sahnoun walked quietly around the tent, straightening items. "What would you like to wear, Mrs. Pine?"
A huge grin spread across her face, "I'll pick something out,bantu,Mr. Sahnoun." Maura felt ridiculously giddy at the freedom of selecting something for herself, finding a sleeveless white sundress and sturdy boots to keep out the broiling sand.
Looking through the underwear selection, Maura's brow rose. James must have bought out the entire stock at La Perla, because there were every kind and color of lingerie. Finally dressed, she brushed her hair and teeth, feeling happy to have such small luxuries.
The porter returned with a large tray. "We have some time before the evening meal, and you must eat, my dear."
"Did Pine tell you that?" Maura said, defensive again.
Sahnoun smiled, wrinkles crackling across his weathered face. "No. It is quite simple. You haven't eaten since yesterday. Come and have a little, won't you?"
Flushing, she smiled, "Yes, of course.Bantuagain."
To her surprise, Mr. Sahnoun sat with her as she ate, talking about the camp and little moments about the day. "I have known Mr. Pine for many years," he said, offering her a tray of dates. He watched shrewdly as her mouth tightened, looking down. "He seems... very hard and cold. He has done many dark things, it is true."
"Yes, he has," Maura managed to not hiss as she answered him.
"But sometimes dark things must be done to achieve the greater good," Sahnoun added, "this is something that is often hard to accept. Mr. Pine helped my region rid ourselves of an evil man. He used rape and torture as a method of war, took our children as soldiers."
"And the person in charge after, he was good to you all?" Maura asked in spite of herself.
His face fell into a thousand wrinkles again as Sahnoun laughed. "Yes. And, no. He built himself a fine palace, paid for by the very high taxes he placed on us. But there was no more death or torture. And he created many new jobs by improving the diamond mines.”
Maura's brow furrowed. "So, Pine simply exchanged one dictator for another?"
His face was kind as the elderly man looked at her angry, defensive expression. "So young, so sure that the world exists in black and white, good and evil." Sahnoun leaned over to take the tray off her lap. "Sometimes, my dear, the exchange for the very wicked for the sometimes good is a blessed one. Perhaps the only option possible. I know you are angry and terrified right now, but you know Mr. Pine did not intend to hurt you.” He took her hand, squeezing it gently. “It is clear to me that he cares for you. Deeply. I have known him for many years and never saw the softness on his face as he looks at you."
Hardening her heart, Maura looked away. "Bantu for your kindness and the wonderful meal, Mr. Sahnoun. If it's all right, I would like to walk outside."
"Of course."
Outside, Maura felt strange and exposed. She wasn't used to walking by herself, away from hovering security or the controlling hand of James. Hearing the roaring of her favorite Irishman in the distance, Maura turned in that direction. “RIGHT, SO BE SURE THE CHARGE IS EXACTLY ON THE TARGET MARKED TO THE LEFT, OR THE WHOLE BLOODY THING IS A COCKUP, D'YOU HEAR?"
"I hear, I hear, O'Connell," she laughed, walking up to the ruddy, sweating man.
"AH, YOU'RE UP AND ABOUT THEN, BELFAST? GOOD TIMING! LET'S BLOW SOME SHITE UP!" He took a minute to show Maura the wiring on the detonation box, explaining the sequence. "GOT IT, MISSY?"
Maura eagerly nodded, "Yes! First two to the right, then the red wires."
"CORRECT. HAVE AT IT."
The two put on their protective headwear and she carefully counted back, "Two right, now the reds- five! Four! Three! Two! One!" They shrieked with excitement at the massive explosion, dancing a mildly deranged jig around each other at the sand as rocks and sand rained down.
***
James stood in the distance, watching them as he listened to Kingston shout from the satellite phone he was gripping.
"You're going to have to handle it. Fassell is useless right now."
James rolled his eyes, "That's certain, Morgan. Are we still set for the incursion in forty-eight hours?"
"Yes, make sure you bring back O'Connell and the other contract men in case we need them. Do you have enough material yet to show the French and the Saudis?"
James rubbed the back of his neck. "We're finishing the detonation tonight; mining can begin in the morning. We've already located a huge vein, so it won't take long."
***
When the sun set, all the men gathered in the main tent to eat, and the noise halted for a moment as O'Connell and Maura walked in. She felt defiant, even with all the curious eyes on her.
