“Okay, enough,” the ramsad said. “This is interesting and certainly concerning. If it’s true, it changes the nuclear game and ups our timetable for finding a long-term solution to Iran’s nuclear program. I can’t, however, take one analyst’s algorithm to the prime minister.” He leaned toward Nir. “I need definitive proof that they’re prepping militias for receiving and deploying suitcase nuclear weapons. Can you find it for me?”

“I can, Ha’mefaked. And I know right where to look. About three kilometers southeast of El Sharayah.”

Efraim shook his head. “Achi, I knew you were going to say that.”

“Okay, Tavor, approved. Liaise with the military through Efraim for any equipment or transport you need. Good work. Now get out of here and apologize to Malka on your way out, not that it will do me any good.”

“Thank you, Ha’mefaked,” Nir said as he stood.

Once through the door, he found Malka sitting behind her desk. She glared at him. Putting on his best smile, he said, “I’m very sorry, Malka. I promise to make an appointment next time. By the way, has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful eyes?”

But what had worked so well with the Houston bartender had probably just made the situation with Malka exponentially worse. She didn’t move a muscle, not even to speak.

Nir hurried away, Efraim close behind.

Chapter 45

CHAPTER 45

FOUR DAYS LATER

CAFALA BAHR, INDIAN OCEAN, OFF MAHÉ ISLAND, SEYCHELLES—JUNE 28, 2021—14:15 / 2:15 P.M. SCT

The pain radiating from Saad’s right shoulder blade down his arm was exquisite. Then, as the fists slid across his scapula, he felt the sensation all the way down to his toes. The hands lifted, then began their journey down his shoulder one more time. He wondered if his guest was enjoying this as much as he was.

A low groan came from the next table. Apparently, the answer to that question was yes.

At times, he felt that keeping two highly qualified masseuses on the boat was excessive. But he consoled himself with the truth that being a billionaire meant indulging in extravagant luxuries. It’s not like it made any difference at all to his fiscal bottom line. And moments like this made it worth every riyal he spent.

“It’s good?” he asked. His diction was a little distorted from his face being lodged into the massage table’s cradle.

“It is heaven, habibi,” answered Ali Kamal. “I may have to buy one of these for myself.”

“The massage table?”

“The masseuse.”

Saad laughed. He disliked so much about this man, but at times he was almost tolerable. This morning had actually been quite enjoyable as they rode WaveRunners around Saint Anne Marine National Park. While personal watercraft were forbidden in the wildlife preserve, money has its privileges. Whenever they would pause and drift, the crystal clear water gave them perfect views of coral reefs, tropical fish, and the occasional reef shark.