“That’s what the little man said who sold it to me, but I never use it that way.”

He held out his enormous hand. “Your telephone, please. I can assure you it will be well cared for.”

“I have work to do. I can’t be cut off from the world.”

“You’re more than welcome to use our shipboard satellite phone system.”

And you’ll be listening in, won’t you?

She dug her phone from her handbag, switched off the power, and surrendered it to him.

“Now your camera, please. Mr. al-Bakari does not like cameras around when he is trying to relax. It is against the rules to photograph him, his employees, or any of his guests.”

“Are there other guests besides me?”

He ignored her question. “Did you bring a BlackBerry or any other kind of PDA?”

She showed it to him. He held out his hand.

“If you read my e-mail, so help me—”

“We have no desire to read your e-mail. Please, Miss Sarah, the sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can settle in and relax.”

She handed him the BlackBerry.

“Did you bring an iPod or any other type of personal stereo?”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Mr. al-Bakari believes personal stereos are rude and inconsiderate. Your room contains a state-of-the-art audio and visual entertainment system. You won’t need your own.”

She gave him the iPod.

“Any other electronics?”

“A hair dryer.”

He held out his hand.

“You can’t take a girl’s hair dryer.”

“You have one in your bathroom that’s compatible with the ship’s electrical system. In the meantime, let me have yours, just so there’s no confusion.”

“I promise not to use it.”

“Your hair dryer, please, Miss Sarah.”

She pulled the hair dryer from her suitcase and gave it to him.

“Mr. al-Bakari has left a gift for you in the closet. I’m sure he would be flattered if you wore it to dinner. It’s scheduled for nine o’clock this evening. I suggest you try to sleep until then. You’ve had a long day—and then there’s the time difference, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Would you like to be awakened at eight o’clock?”

“I can manage on my own. I brought a travel alarm clock.”

He smiled humorlessly. “I’ll need that, too.”