The Imam
Copyright© 2018 by Harvey Havel
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.’”
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