Nicole smiled and shook her head. “Not with this, Nir. One time Jesus sent His disciples out to tell people about Him. He gave them this whole list of instructions, and then He ended by saying, ‘Freely you’ve received; now freely give.’ That’s the order of things. It’s not a transaction. It’s not I’ve got to give something so I can receive something. You’re not buying anything. Salvation is a gift.”

“You see, that’s what doesn’t make sense to me. It’s a losing proposition for God. If I go down the street and give someone a thousand shekels, then tell him, ‘Now, go give that one thousand shekels to someone else,’ what do you think will happen? He’ll be sporting a new watch, and I’ll be out a thousand shekels. That’s human nature.”

Nicole laughed. “You’re exactly right. But it’s not God’s nature. I can give you money, but I can’t change you inside. Yet that’s the change God makes. He gives you salvation, but then He also changes who you are. Think about it. I’m here trying to convince you to take the thousand shekels God gave me.”

Nir leaned back in his chair, then took the now-lukewarm latte and downed it in one long draw. He chuckled and shook his head as he set the mug back down. “Girl, you have been studying.”

Nicole smiled proudly.

“I promised you I would listen. I’m listening.”

“That’s all I can ask.”

Nir stood. “But I’m done listening for now because I just heard two very interesting stories I would like to repeat to the ramsad. Maybe I’ll be able to convince him to hate me just a little bit less.”

December 2020: (Four Days Later)

DECEMBER 2020

(FOUR DAYS LATER)

Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

FOUR DAYS LATER

CAFALA BAHR, SINGAPORE STRAIT, OFF SENTOSA ISLAND, SINGAPORE—DECEMBER 4, 2020—16:15 / 4:15 P.M. SGT

As the copter descended toward the helipad, Saad leaned toward General Mousavi and shouted so he could be heard. “I want you to be on your best behavior. These are professional businesswomen.”

“Aren’t all the women you bring professionals?” Mousavi responded with a lecherous smile.

“Different kind of profession. Different kind of women. I just need you to determine if they are who they say they are.”

“With pleasure.”

“I appreciate it. This whole deal has moved fairly quickly, and I just want to make sure it’s all on the up-and-up.”

The black Sikorsky S-76C emblazoned with the name and logo of ASEnergy softly touched down on the yacht, and the doors remained closed as the rotor slowed to a stop. Saad’s anticipation was getting the best of him, and he chided himself for acting like a schoolboy with a crush. This was business, and he needed to treat it as such.