“I don’t think he should. Not for a while, at any rate—perhaps a long while. Your brother is an impetuous man. He would never tell the secret, but his actions would give it away.”

“He would have to think that I was dead?”

“It’s cruel, I know, but it may be necessary. In any case, that can be decided later. What you must first decide is whether to take the course I suggest.”

“And you, Philippe? Would I ever see you?” There was a silence in the shadow.

“Ever is a long time,” he replied at last. “Who knows what will happen? Let’s get you safe first.”

The night was turning very cold. Amira shivered in her Egyptian night gown. “I can’t decide now. I need to think.”

“Of course. But the sooner the better. And there are some details to think about, too. Do you have any money?”

“There is some money in my name, but I can’t take it out of the bank without Ali’s permission.”

“Ah. And your jewelry?”

“That I can take anywhere. But it’s all I have.”

“And probably not salable for more than a third of what Ali paid for it,” commented Philippe. “Well, it’s something, anyway—plenty for a start. If you decide to go through with this, take all your jewelry when you and Ali go to Iran. And bring Western clothes for both you and Karim.”

“Tell me what you have in mind.”

“I don’t have it all worked out yet. But I know that it can’t be done here, or even in the Emirates. Certainly, not in New York or Paris or even Teheran. We need someplace out of the way, cut off a bit from the world. Of all the stops on your itinerary, Tabriz is the best choice.”

“This sounds dangerous.”

“It will be—a little. But not for Karim. Only for you and me.” “You? Why for you?”

“I’ll be there, of course. But we’ve talked enough. Go now, my dear. I see you’re cold. Think it over. If you decide to do it, let me know by saying some- thing, anything, about Tabriz. Even if you can’t make up your mind before I leave, you can still use that signal—in a postcard or something.”

“Oh, God. It’s just so hard to believe, Philippe. This life of mine.” “I’m sorry. You deserve better. Go, my dear. We have several days yet. Perhaps we can talk again. But the decision will still have to be made.” “I don’t know what I’ll do—it’s too much for me, just now. But I do know that I can’t thank you enough, Philippe.”

“It’s not necessary to thank me at all. We have an understanding, do we not? A friendship. Good night, my dear.”