THIRTY-ONE
Anahita started to scream, startling Basit into releasing her. She didn't hesitate, thrusting her knife up to pierce his throat. Once, twice, then a third time. Basit jerked his head up, ripping the blade from her hand, before she could deliver a final blow.
Gasping for air he could no longer breathe, Basit fell heavily against her, nearly knocking her over. Anahita fought to stay on her feet, then to push him off her. He weighed so much, but she gave an almighty heave and she was free. He tumbled back onto his soiled cushions.
Beside a n***d man.
Philemon?
She opened his mouth to ask how, or perhaps why...
The guards chose that moment to charge into the tent.
Anahita thought fast.
"He killed him! He killed him!" she screamed, pointing at Philemon, as she backed into
