Read The Repentant Demon Trilogy Book 1: The Demon Calumnius for Free Online Page B

home.  But I have a few other tricks.
    “I know some families in several of the villages, from my days when I served there as a soldier back in the second Gulf War.  The Arab people are very friendly and hospitable, once you earn their trust.  They graciously welcome me into their homes, feed me, and bend over backwards to make me feel welcome.  So I plan my expeditions based on the places where I have friends.
    “Your being female might present some obstacles, but the people I know were polite to the female soldiers, although you could see they didn't really approve or accept it.  I know you would be safe with me, with this particular family—as long as you don't wander off.”
    “So you just go there—on your own,” Abigail thoughtfully reviewed the situation. “You find the expedition, join them unofficially, and return at the end of the day to your friends' homes.  I suppose your main expense is the air fare.”
    “Actually, it's the armored vehicle from the airport to the city.  It costs $500, run by the British, but it's worth every penny if you value your life—and it doesn't matter how many are going.  That's the price for the trip; the passengers split it up however they want.  And there is the cost of getting to D.C. to hitch up with my ride via the U.S. Marines.  I base all my plans according to their departure schedules.  If you don't mind sitting on duffel bags in a cargo carrier and not having movies and peanuts for a thirty-hour ride to Baghdad International, you could go free as my guest.  That's pretty much it,” he stated simply.  “Want to go with me to the Middle East, Miss Fitzgerald?” he added, in a flirting manner.
    “More than you could know, but this is so sudden,” she said with excitement.  “When are you leaving, and how?  I will need to make plane reservations for D.C.”
    “Actually, you don't,” said Doug, smiling, knowing she was going to love what he said next. “I'm flying there myself.  Did I forget to tell you that I was a pilot in the service?  I have a plane sitting at Spirit of Saint Louis Airport with flight plans already filed and approved with all the authorities.  If you have your visa, we're good to go.  I'd like to leave in a few days, if that's all right with you.”
    Abigail jumped from her seat, lunged across the table, and hugged Mr. Douglas Anderson, squeezing his neck and squealing with delight.  Several late-night customers getting their coffee smiled, assuming he had probably just popped the question and got an affirmative answer.
    She noticed several people gaping in amusement at them when she returned to her seat.  Answering their smiles, Abigail gave them a thumbs-up and said, “I'm going to Iraq!”
    Most of the onlookers smiled patronizingly at her burst of excitement.  It was as if they were thinking, “Right.  Well, each to his own.”  Few would consider it a very desirable destination.
    “Before you commit to this adventure,” Doug warned, “I'd better give you some details.  You might change your mind.”
    Abigail knew she would want to go, no matter what he had to say, as long as it didn't mean spending more than the money she had already saved.  Doug explained that he did not want anything toward his plane's fuel cost—since he planned to go anyway.  As far as food, the family considered them guests and would refuse any money offered them.
    However, she would be staying in rooms with the unmarried female family members and would probably be expected to help with food preparations when she was able.  He also discussed buying presents as it was an old Arab custom for visiting friends to bring appropriate gifts for the family.  Abigail would need to go shopping with him to make sure she bought acceptable items.  She already understood the mode of dress that would not offend Arab sensitivity, which was not really a problem for her because Abigail did not own or wear tank tops, short shorts or halters.  She had