Kamal was not a quality person, which was glaringly evident. He could, however, be Saad’s link into the inner circle of the Saudi rebel movement. Not only could this make him a significant amount of money in weapons purchases should an actual rebellion take place but also leave him in a strong position if the ruling family was overthrown. And as long as he stayed in the background, he needn’t be afraid of repercussions should Kamal and his unhappy friends never get their movement off the ground.

A knock on his door pulled his thoughts back to the present.

“Come in,” he called.

His secretary walked in carrying an oversized white envelope. She was followed by a young man he didn’t recognize. In his hands was a large wooden box.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Salim.” She then whispered something to the young man, who put the box on the long conference table that ran along the far side of the window wall. After he completed his task, he looked to the woman, who with her hand indicated he could leave. He hustled out the door.

“What have you brought to me, Noora?” Saad asked, stepping toward the box.

“It just came in, and I knew you would want to see it right away.”

He recognized the Japanese character meaning “harmony” painted on the side even before he read the words Hibiki Suntory Whisky stenciled next to it.

“Ha! Takeshi, how did you know I was out?” When Saad had found it necessary to upgrade the technology in his pumps, he’d turned to SEKEI Inc., a Japanese company owned by Takeshi Kitamura. The two quickly bonded over their love for their yachts and had since been each other’s guest on the seas. Kitamura had been the one to arrange for the Hibiki distiller to hand deliver Saad’s previous store of Japanese whisky.

“Mr. Kitamura also asked that this be given to you with his compliments.” Noora held the envelope out toward Saad.

“Just put it on my desk. Then find me a crowbar or something to leverage this open,” he said, putting his hand on the lid of the box. It shifted under his weight, causing him to momentarily lose his balance.

“I took the liberty of having the nails removed from the top of the crate.”

Saad smiled. “Noora, have I told you lately that I love you?”

“I’m sure my husband will be happy to hear that,” she said, raising her eyebrows. She walked out, closing the door behind her.