Jihad

CHAPTER 135

When they were twenty miles away, Razaq Khan told Kenan to go and prepare. Kenan went to the small shower in the captain’s compartment and cleansed himself, scrubbing deliberately and praying that he would be worthy of the task ahead. When he was done, he pulled on a fresh white shirt, leaving its tails untucked. It was as close as his mission allowed to the pilgrim’s shroud one wore to Mecca.

Kenan took over at the wheel while the helmsman went to change. They were moving steadily now; he could see a supertanker just leaving the LOOP moorings far off to starboard. In fifteen minutes, he would be challenged; he could answer in his sleep. Just in case the monitors aboard LOOP became suspicious, Kenan would push a button that would broadcast the distress call of one of the work ships that operated out of Port Fourchon. The coast guard patrol craft would investigate, leaving the way to LOOP free for the Aztec Exact.

“I am ready,” said the helmsman, returning.

Kenan stepped to the radio. Khan took the key from his neck and placed it into the control panel.

“Do not leave the bridge for anything,” Khan told Kenan. “If I am gone, you are in charge. Complete our mission.”

Kenan, awed by the trust Khan showed in him, nodded.

“May God grant us our moment,” said Khan, going to check on the others.