The symphony had just transitioned to the fourth movement when he heard a ding at the elevator. The doors opened, and Kamal and the general stepped out. They were arguing.

“Pause music,” Saad said with a sigh.

“I don’t think he knows,” said Mousavi. “I don’t even know that there will be an attack.”

Kamal shook his head. “There will be an attack, and he does know.”

“How do you know he knows?”

“Because that was the whole other purpose for him meeting with the chief of staff.” Kamal walked to the bar.

Saad stood. “Wait. What do you mean, the whole other purpose? What was the main purpose?”

Kamal paused as he poured. Saad resented the cost of the cognac the man chose.

“Tavor brought two pieces of information to pass on to the crown prince. First and foremost was the timing of the attack. They had to warn the Saudis about when they were going to fly over. Second, the Jews had heard rumors that someone might be plotting a coup against the royal family. Tavor was supposedly bringing the name of the conspirator.”

Saad couldn’t believe his ears. “Are you telling me your little plot has been uncovered? I said you were telling too many people.”

“I don’t even know that it was me. Do you know how many coups are plotted against the royal family every year?”

“No,” said the general, who looked like he might pounce on Kamal at any moment. “Enlighten us.”

Kamal looked trapped. “I don’t know either. But no doubt a lot. The chances that they’ve discovered mine are incredibly slim.”

“Yet, there is a chance. And you wanted me to go back to my government and ask them to enlist the Houthis into a plot that is probably already burned? Were you even going to tell us?”

“I didn’t think it was worth it. Like I said, it could have been about somebody else.”

Mousavi was in a rage. Saad knew he needed to calm this. It wasn’t just that these two men could come to personal blows. Twenty heavily-armed soldiers and bodyguards were also on board. If a gunfight started, not only would people be killed but millions of dollars in damage could occur. And even beyond that, the attention of Indian authorities and Interpol could very well have his whole operation shut down.

“I want this man off the boat immediately,” Mousavi yelled. “And you can forget any Houthi army. You’re lucky I don’t just shoot you myself.”

“Really? Try it. I’ve got eight men out there who say you will never get off this boat if you touch me.”