David L. Robbins Quote

Why do you go like this? Are you a thief? I’m going to kill him. Shadows from the lamplight shifted on the old man’s features as he tilted his head. What did he do? He kidnapped my wife. How do you know this? He threatened it. And it has been done. The man stepped nearer the pickup, raising the lantern to see Arif better. Truly? Truly. Is it tha’r? A revenge killing. Yes. The old one kept the lantern high while he studied Arif from below. His tongue worked inside his cheeks, behind his gray beard. In the light, the man was not so old and blue-eyed. He pointed to the big house behind the wall. You know who he is? This family, the Bayt Ba-Jalal? I know very well. The old man squinted. You have killed before? A long time ago. So you understand? Yes. Slowly, the man inclined his head to Arif as if in the presence of someone exalted. Insha’Allah. If God wills. He turned to gesture the younger one forward. This man came leading the mule. The elder took the animal by the bridle while the younger man stepped onto the pickup truck bed. He was burly and the truck’s springs sagged under him. He bent, clasping his hands to make a step. The old man shook the lantern at Arif. Up you go, then.