Silently she eased away from Abdul Sa’ad and began to stand up. There was a whisper of silk and Abdul Sa’ad shifted position. Her heart pounded wildly and she wondered whether to strike after all. Her arm coiled above his dark form. A soft snore issued from him and she found herself breathing again. Sweat stung her eyes. She picked up her handbag and shoes, pulled her veil down over her head and padded quietly to the door.

She took a deep breath and tried to think of a prayer. The only line that came to mind was “The Lord is my shepherd.” She said it over to herself three times, then opened the door. The guard said nothing as she closed the door behind her. He looked carefully at her, as if wondering what to do. She felt his curious eyes on her as she glided like a ghost down the hall, her bare feet making no sound on the carpeted floors. Sweat prickled her spine as she went down the corridor, half expecting a sudden shout from the guard. But everything was still.

As she approached the corridor leading to the courtyard she took off her veil and unbuttoned her blouse so her breasts could be easily seen. If the guard was awake, the sight of an unveiled attractive woman, her breasts exposed, should distract him so much that she ought to be able to get close enough to strike, she thought. She wiped her palm on her skirt and clenched the opener tightly. Then she peeked around the corner.

The guard was asleep, his back against the doorpost. His legs were sprawled across the doorway, an automatic rifle cradled on his thighs. Kelly bit her lip to keep from crying with relief. Then carefully, one silent step at a time she inched her way to the door until she stood beside him, scarcely daring to breathe. She reached across to the big iron bolt securing the heavy wooden door. As she raised the knob an almost infinitesimal sound of scraping metal froze her blood. The guard slept as if drugged.

With painstaking care, millimeter by millimeter she eased the bolt open, sweat prickling out of every pore. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle, carefully swung the door open, gathered up her skirt and stepped cautiously over the guard.

Once out in the courtyard she sidestepped into the shadows, her back against the stone wall. She took deep gulps of night air. Her clothes were drenched with sweat. She had a terrible urge to run and fought it down somehow.