39The setting sun cast a golden hue on canopies of grapevines that extended toward the horizon. The vineyard, one of the oldest in France, was boastful not only of its history but the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region and grapes that were synonymous with its coveted wine. Ahmed Al-Malmasi thought of the location, not far from the Rhône River, as home, although he rarely spent more than four months each year. Sitting on a veranda facing the setting sun, he poured from a bottle of the vineyard’s premier vintage and smiled at his companion, Diego Monastario.
Monastario was twenty five, with the looks of a matinee idol.
Al-Malmasi grinned. “I keep a home not far from here, but I did not choose this meeting place for my convenience.” He put his glass on the linen covered table and pushed it forward
