The Automobile Club of Egypt

44

As he did every night, once Alku had made sure that His Majesty was fast asleep, he went over the next day’s duties and just before dawn repaired to his own suite in Abdin Palace. This consisted of two large bedrooms, a reception room, a luxurious bathroom and a much plainer office. Alku was worn out and took a hot shower, then poured himself a whiskey, which he gulped down followed by two glasses of cold water before sinking down on his bed. He shut his eyes, rolled onto his right side and let sleep wash over him. Suddenly, he heard a noise in the room. He peered into the darkness and thought he could make out some shapes near the window.

“Who’s there?” he barked.

No one replied. He sprang out of bed and reached out for the light switch but felt a hand grab him by the throat.

“Don’t move!”

“Who are you, and how did you get in?” Alku shouted.

That was when he felt the first blow. Alku groaned loudly as if in protest, but the punches continued. They hit him on the head and punched and kicked him. He could just about make out their forms in the darkness. Two men pinned his arms apart while another stood behind and held his head up for more punches. The man in front of him, who seemed to be the leader, was holding a flashlight which gave out a small circle of light. The beating continued, violent and unabated, with Alku moaning and groaning loudly.

“Shame on you!” he managed to spit out.

The beating started anew, and the man in front kicked him in the shins. Alku started to plead, “I’m an old man and you’re young enough to be my children.”

The leader laughed, “So now you’ve become a gentle and caring father, you low-down bastard!”

“What do you want with me?” Alku managed to stutter out, terrified.

“We’ve come to settle the account.”

“What account?”

“The bill for all the bad things you’ve done.”

“If I’ve done something wrong, I apologize.”

“It’s too late for apologies now.”

“Let me go and I’ll do anything you want.”

“We want our due. You have robbed us and treated us like filth.”

“I’ll do whatever you want.”

“That’s your problem all over…you think we’re stupid.”

“I swear. I’ll do anything. Believe me.”

“You’re not going to trick us again.”

“Give me one last chance.”

“There isn’t room for all of us. It’s either us or you.”

Alku called out for God’s mercy. The flashlight went out, and the room was completely dark. Shots rang out followed by the sound of footsteps rushing away. There were shouts in the palace corridors and guards ran to Alku’s suite. They switched the light on and found Alku, Qasem Muhammad Qasem, chief royal chamberlain, in his blue silk pajamas, stretched out on the floor with a bullet through his forehead, his mouth wide open and his eyes fixedly staring into the distance with a surprised look that he would wear for all eternity.