The Lost Testament

44

Abdul had spent the day in the souk and the neighbouring streets, his rationalization for choosing that area of the city for his search being that Husani might well go to ground in the part of Cairo that he knew best. He’d stopped briefly for lunch in a small café, choosing a seat outside so that he would have a clear view of all the passers-by.

He paid the bill and started walking away from the café, but he’d only moved a few metres when his phone rang. Immediately, he stepped to one side, away from the press of humanity, and answered the call.

‘Yes?’

‘He’s left Egypt,’ Khusad stated, without preamble.

‘What? When? And where has he gone?’

‘There is no need for you to know. Suffice to say, he’s gone, and others will take it from here.’