Chapter 7Hakkari, Eastern TurkeyImmediately, the mood changed. Aggression oozed from the
crowd around us. Although the illumination was feeble, in a community where
everyone was known, it was all too easy to identify strangers.
“Quick, stand back to back, and keep turning. Stare
them in the eye!” I whispered.
But the circle pressed ever closer. The noise, a deep
rumbling growl, growing louder. I felt Leah’s hand reaching for mine.
“Any suggestions?” she murmured out the corner of
her mouth.
“Nothing that comes immediately to mind,” I
replied.
“OK… When the moment comes, I’ll play our last
card.”
Hands were now pulling at my clothing. Any minute now, I
thought.
“Get on the floor and roll – ” but as I was
mouthing the words, Leah halted our pirouette. She was facing the dais.
