“The American secretary of state will be making an unannounced visit to the Baglihar dam in five days,” said Archer. “I can think of no better time to attack. You will destroy not only this accursed dam which threatens to render feeble the Chenab River, but you will strike a blow against the American regime that will be felt all over the world. The secretary of state is well known—she is a household name in all nations. Her death will make certain the whole world understands the risks of taking India’s side as it tries to steal Muslim land.”

Sanam nodded. “There can be no better time. I agree with that.”

“Even if the secretary of state were not to be there,” Archer said, “the time would be upon us. Soon the Baglihar’s secret heavy-water production facilities will be online. We cannot allow that to happen. We must strike soon and if we can strike and humiliate the American regime, I think it would be inexcusable not to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Sanam nodded again. “You can get us what we need? What your father promised?”

“The explosives, yes.”

“I shall consider everything you have said,” Sanam announced, now rising from his table. “I will discuss it with my men and we shall let you know.”

“Don’t take too long,” said Archer, rising himself. “We have much to do and little time to prepare.”

“You shall have our answer within 12 hours.”

In the car as he drove toward his border crossing, Archer listened to the men discuss their options. They had commandeered the house at random and once they were done, they would never return to it. They believed that made it safe. It certainly made it safe for Archer to bug the house. The listening device that Archer had left under the table would never be discovered because they had no reason now to sweep the room.

“We must do it,” said Umer. “To finally be rid of the dam and to kill that vile woman at the same time. It will glorify Allah’s name.”

“So you are more trusting now?” asked Sanam.

Archer heard Umer snort. “I trust no one, you know that. But the American has arguments that are hard to refute. Who would send him to act against us? And what have we to lose? Let us agree with his plan and if the explosives appear where he says they will, we will use them. If not, we will not and we have sacrificed nothing. We cannot be any more hunted than we are right now. We cannot take more precautions than we already do. We exist to act and now is our opportunity to do so.”

“I think so too,” said Sanam. “And, if the truth be told, I like this American. He may be a white man with light hair, but he is one of us. I feel it.”