Jamal walked back to Sodeeq's house but was surprised not to find the man in the room. He sat down and waited for him, thinking that he might have gone to make arrangements for the plan. The man came in about thirty minutes later, looking surprised to find Jamal in his house.

"Sultan," Sodeeq said in greeting.

"Where did you go?" Jamal asked.

"I went to make arrangements. By the way, I think it is almost time," Sodeeq said.

They went over the plans again. When Jamal ...