33With work at a standstill, Masud occupied himself leading tours. He was a blessing in disguise since the team members avoided association with anyone asking too many questions about the stalled progress. Masud played his sense of innocence well, through feigned broken-English, deflecting much of the nagging curiosity of those waiting impatiently for a glimpse of the grand prize. He had a keen sense of what needed attention and just set about doing what he found to do.
Between tours, Masud approached Chione when she was alone and asked if he might speak about Dakarai. “I have bad feelings for this man. Too many times our people watch him.”
“You have suspicions about Dakarai?” Chione needed to be careful not to divulge past encounters with the man. “What kind?”
“Well, look now,” Masud s
