I decided that, whatever came next, I would appreciate this place"s spirit and took a deep breath.
“So, you’re here to buy the codex,” Ahmed said. “I must admit, you’re not what I expect in spies.”
That deep breath sputtered out of my mouth in a gasp. “What?” I didn’t want to lie to a monk, but we did have cover to keep. I looked over at Beattie, who seemed as flabbergasted as I was.
“But then, neither do I, I suppose,” Ahmed continued. “Perhaps that’s why we’re so good at our jobs?” His face was serious now as he held my gaze. “My job is to be your eyes and ears here in Syria. I blend in and speak the language—two things that will serve us well.”
I nodded. “So you know who we are?” I was trying to get my brain up to speed, but fatigue was making that hard.
“I do. I’ve been keeping up
