56Diego Monastario sat at a table near the pool. He wore silk boxer shorts, a thin robe and his host’s sunglasses while enjoying a freshly baked croissant with strawberry marmalade.
“You’re up early.” Al-Malmasi pulled up a chair. He had showered and changed into cotton slacks and a linen shirt. A servant placed a cup of tea in front of him, together with the New York Times and Le Monde. He folded the Times into quarter panels and slid it to Monastario.
“I will need a ride to the airport this morning,” the Spaniard said.
Al-Malmasi did not look up from Le Monde on his lap. “Why are you in such a rush to leave?” He sipped tea from a Waterford cup.
“If you want my help,” the young man said, “I have to meet some people, face to face.” He placed Monastario’s sunglasses on the table. “I’m g
