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him. She did have another question, though, and hoped someone had an answer. “What about my father’s death. Do you know who set the fire?”
    Farouk answered, “All roads lead to the generals and their agents. If you help us the killers will be brought to justice.”
    Having the arsonist convicted was a priority for Narice, but did she really want to get involved in all this? The sane parts of herself said no, but Simon Jordan had been an honorable man and would have wanted the Eye returned to its rightful owners. As his daughter she had a familial responsibility to pick up where he left off so that that his pledge to The Majesty’s family could be kept. She knew in her heart that he would want her to help these people and to find his killers.
    Farouk asked, “Will you help?”
    Narice nodded. “If finding the Eye will help put the people who murdered my father behind bars, I’m all yours.”
    The Majesty smiled. “Good. Now, we have less than two weeks.”
    â€œThis has a timetable, too?”
    â€œYes, in about thirty days, your state department will be proposing a treaty that will give your government access to a very strategic strip of land in my country that is on the Red Sea. With all the turmoil in the Middle East, they’ve been after the port for years. The U.S. wants the generals to hold an open election, but the generals know that without the Eye the people will not vote for their candidate. Without the Eye the generals are nothing more than armed squatters on my family’s throne.”
    â€œWhy did you wait so long to return to your country?” Narice asked
    â€œThe political climate was not right, and the rebels were not strong enough. Until now. If I can return home with the Eye, the country will vote for the monarchy and throw the generals out.”
    â€œWhat’s to keep the generals from taking power anyway?”
    Saint answered, “The U.S. wants that port, but not if world opinion says they are supporting an illegitimate regime. If the generals don’t have the Eye, the U.S. won’t back them.”
    â€œAnd if the generals do get their hands on it, then what?”
    â€œIt’s a toss up. Some in our government and a few fat-cat corporations want to run their own candidate.”
    Narice was almost afraid to ask, “So are they looking for the Eye, too?”
    â€œProbably.”
    She shook her head. There were an awful lot of dogs in this hunt, but she’d made up her mind. She wanted in.
    The Majesty took a sip of her tea. After setting the cup down, she declared, “It is decided then. Mr. St. Martin and Ms. Jordan will begin the search with the Keeper’s Toledo friend. From there we will see where it leads.”
    She stood. “I will see you both soon. May the Eye shine on your quest.”
    Then she exited with her hand on Farouk’s arm.

Three
    After the audience, Fulani escorted Narice back to the bedroom where Narice removed the cha and replaced it with her own clothing. As she positioned her gold hoops in her ears, she thanked Fulani for her help.
    Fulani bowed. “You are very welcome.” She handed Narice her purse. “Are you truly going to help The Majesty retrieve the Eye?”
    Narice saw no harm in responding. “Yes. I’m hoping it will lead the police to my father’s killers.”
    Fulani nodded as if she understood. “Well, my countrymen will be pleased to have the Eye home, and I hope the killers get what they deserve, too. Good luck, Ms. Jordan. May the Eye shine on you.”
    Narice smiled, and said again, “Thank you.”
    Saint was waiting when Narice was escorted back to the main room.
    â€œYou ready?” he asked.
    â€œYep.” Suddenly Narice noticed the silence in the room. Unlike earlier, there was no one moving about. No servants. No old men in sandals. No gilded chairs. “Where’d everybody go?” she asked, looking