Chapter 13

THE CALL

20th of Jumaada al-awal 1417

(October 3, 1996)

“Hello?” answered Tariq.

“Yes, your holiness. So glad I got you at home.”

“Who is this?”

“This is Dr. Yamani calling from Al-Karim.”

“Ah, Dr. Yamani. How are you?”

“Fine, my blessedness.”

“I hope Khozem isn’t running circles around your intellect?”

“My holiness, I’m calling regarding Khozem.”

“A very smart boy, isn’t he?”

“Yes, indeed. He must take it from you.”

“He does.”

“Unfortunately, we have a problem here on campus.”

“What is it?”

Dr. Yamani swallowed and said: “Sir, your son is missing.”

“What? Come again.”

“Your son is missing.”

“Where did he go?”

“That’s the problem, your holiness. We don’t know where he went.”

“Are you telling me Khozem just disappeared?”

“Yes.”

“And you have no idea where he went?”

“No idea, sir.”

“You mean I left my son under your vigilance, and suddenly he’s gone?”

“Yes, sir, that is precise. Except that Dr. Farrukh is also responsible.”

“All of you are responsible! You will find Khozem immediately and bring him back. To think I left my son under the supervision of such imbeciles. Find him now!”

“We do have a general idea where he went.”

“Then go and get him, or I’ll have your heads!”

“We believe he ran off ... with a woman, your holiness...”

“Okay you fools. I’m on my way.”

“You’re holiness, I have a better plan.”

“Like what?”

“Khozem had mentioned the woman’s father was on the Council, the last name being ‘Pendi.’”

“So?”

“At the next Council meeting maybe you can find this whore’s father and persuade him to find Khozem.”

“I don’t need to persuade anyone.”

“His daughter’s name is ‘Rashida.’”

“You don’t have her phone number or address?”

“Apparently she now lives in Italy.”

“Oh great Allah, someone will pay for this. Someone will pay dearly”

“But your holiness, we have reason to believe they are still in the Middle East somewhere. At the next Council meeting you can ask her father for assistance.”

“I don’t remember there being a Pendi on the Council, but I will definitely find the rotten pimp.”

“An excellent idea, sir. This Pendi would supply the address. You may reach Khozem and stop it before it starts.”

“I’m a busy man, Yamani. I don’t have time to chase my son all over creation.”

“I understand, sir, but really, this is the only way. We have no idea where they went.”

“Don’t expect me to blame my son. Instead I blame you and that other dunce of yours.”

“Please, my holiness. Show mercy.”

“I am merciful, am I not?”

“Yes, my holiness, as Allah is our witness.”

“Then accept your punishment for letting my dear Khozem run off.”

“Have mercy on us.”

“You are both relieved of duty. I want you off the grounds. I shall notify the Director of Education. If I can’t find my son, you will be brought to a Meccan public square, the both of you.”

“Please, your holiness...”

“Enough. You better hope I find him,” and Tariq hung up the phone.