At their rear, one of the men – stouter than the rest – carried a hard suitcase. Alex could tell by its size and shape that it was recording and satellite equipment. It seems there was to be a show.

“They make them run to their execution,” Adira said.

“Enemy fighters?” Alex asked.

“Maybe the wrong religion, maybe a petty crime.” She shrugged. “Who knows? Everything is punishable by death in this city.” She watched them from the corner of her eye. “And the one big prize – a captured western pilot – him they will undoubtedly burn alive.”

Alex was still staring at the lines of men as they jogged down the street and around a corner. “I’ve seen it before. They’ll take them to a killing field, set up their cameras and film it for consumption by their fan boys around the world.”

“And fan girls.” Adira snorted. “Weekly, hundreds of young women flock to this land, even from comfortable homes in the west. They seek to become jihadi brides, or even frontline fighters.”

“A madness,” Alex said, but then shook his head. “No, more an infection that is contaminating the Middle East.”

“It is a madness and an infection. But like all severe infections, it will burn itself out.” Adira shrugged. “We have been dealing with the terrorist mind for decades, you have not. You need to be patient. Guns alone will not solve this problem.”

“Guns will do for now,” Alex said, as he continued to watch the now empty street. “We are the sword and shield.” His words were whispered. “They want a show? We’ll give them one to remember.”

“No, you will not intervene.” Adira came and stood in front of him. “We can call in their position for a strike. But if we intervene, we may put our mission at risk.”

Alex looked down at her. She was right, but logic didn’t matter now. The coiling hate inside him was demanding something more. “Where will they take them?”

She stared, perhaps wanting to argue more, but she saw something in his face that changed her mind. Perhaps she remembered what he could be like. She sighed loudly. “A field, a vacant lot.” She looked up at the sky. “They will want to be away from the city crowds, and will need good light for the filming.”

“So, they’ll be away from their main command, isolated?” Alex smiled grimly, pulling the shawl further down over his face. “Let’s go and enjoy the show.” He spoke quickly into his throat mic. “Sam, on my position, now.”

CHAPTER 6

Tel Aviv, Israel – Satellite Command