“You look exhausted,” he said. “What’s wrong? Are you ill?”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” answered Yeghen. “I’m just tired. I haven’t slept in a bed for I don’t know how long.”
“You left your hotel?”
“Yes, Master! It was too dangerous; the police knew my address. And I didn’t have money to go elsewhere. No hotel will give me credit.”
“Can I do something for you? My room is at your disposal.”
“Thank you, Master! Tonight I have money. I intend to give myself a royal bed.”
“You think they won’t find you?”
“I need them to leave me alone for a few days, long enough to take care of some business that affects us both. Once that business is in order, I don’t care what they do to me. They have nothing on me.”
“Why don’t you let destiny follow its course?” said Gohar. “What are you afraid of?”
“What am I afraid of, Master! I am afraid of losing you! I’m sorry to be so selfish. I know you make light of what may happen to you. But think of me: I cannot bear the idea of losing you.”
“But if I leave for Syria, you’ll lose me just as much, my son!”
“No, Master! I only need to know that you are alive, though far from me, to not lose you.”
How could he tell him clearly that he feared the worst sentence for him: death. Gohar’s spirit would doubtless survive through the years; his memory would certainly remain, as durable as thousand-year-old rocks. But where would be the joy? What memory could render the sweetness of a word, the treasures of humanity contained in a fraternal gesture? No, Yeghen needed a living Gohar — even a Gohar who was far away; and all he would have to do to be eternally happy would be to picture him with certainty existing somewhere in the world.
El Kordi shook his head and seemed to thrust his imaginary torments far away. He looked at his two companions as if he had only just noticed them. A feverish light burned in his eyes.
“What are you talking about?” he asked anxiously. “Are you really going to Syria, Master? So you’re leaving us on our own! I beg you, take me with you. Yes, I want to go too. Let’s go right away. I have my coach; the horses are chafing at the bit. What are you waiting for, Master?”
“What’s wrong with him?” asked Yeghen. “I swear, he’s delirious!”
“I think he had a fight with his mistress,” said Gohar. “It will pass in a moment. Don’t worry.”
“I know how to calm him down,” said Yeghen. “My dear El Kordi, listen to me. On my way I noticed a little cigarette-butt scavenger who is a real marvel. She can’t be far away.”
Yeghen leaned toward El Kordi and began to converse with him in a low voice. But suddenly he was struck dumb; he had just recognized someone in the crowd.
“Watch out!” he said. “Here comes the inspector who’s investigating the murder. Be especially discreet; don’t say anything.”
“I’ll say what I please,” said El Kordi. “I’m not afraid of anyone.”
Gohar looked as if he didn’t understand; he tranquilly took his glass and drank a mouthful of tea. El Kordi sat up in his chair and struck a very dignified pose. He looked as though he were preparing to enter a decisive battle.
Nour El Dine was near their table; he seemed not to have seen them.
“Peace be with you, Inspector,” said Yeghen with a sarcastic smile. “Please honor us with your company.”
Nour El Dine frowned; his features hardened. Assuredly, this encounter was catching him unawares. He was not alone: Samir accompanied him. For several seconds he seemed to hesitate, then he smiled affably.
“What a pleasant surprise,” he said. “I would be delighted to meet your friends. But it seems I have already had the pleasure of meeting this young man. Haven’t we already met?” he added, addressing El Kordi.
“In a way,” answered El Kordi with haughty stiffness. “I am truly flattered that you remember me, Excellency!”
“How could I forget you! I never forget an intelligent man. Our conversation the other day left me with a high opinion of you. I’ve often thought about that day. But we’ll talk about it later. Let me first present my young nephew. He’s a law student with a great future.”
Samir nodded his head slightly, but he didn’t hold out his hand to shake. He seemed to be making an enormous effort to control his nerves. He was ashamed because he suspected that these men were well aware of Nour El Dine’s inversion. He was struggling between his desire to leave right away and to stay to show them his contempt.
“And this is Gohar Effendi,” said Yeghen. “Excellency, how is it that you don’t know Gohar Effendi already! That is a serious gap in your life!”
“I would be happy to fill that gap,” said Nour El Dine, shaking his hand.
“Well, please sit down,” said Yeghen, who seemed strangely happy about this meeting. He fussed around the table offering chairs.
Nour El Dine sat down; Samir hesitated for a moment, then sat down in turn, crossed his legs, and gave the inspector a look of pure hatred. With what joy he would have killed him!
“May I offer you something?” asked Nour El Dine. Without waiting for an answer, he called the waiter and ordered tea for everyone. His intention was to appear magnanimous.
“It’s such an honor. Really, Excellency, you spoil us!”
“It’s nothing,” said Nour El Dine. “I’m only doing my duty.” Then, in another tone, he added unexpectedly, “I’ve learned you have changed hotels. Is that so?”
“Yes,” answered Yeghen. “I’ve found a better one. Do you know, Excellency, the hotel I was at didn’t have bathrooms? It was impossible for me to stay there any longer. I hope you will understand.”
“May I know where your new residence is located?”
“But of course. I’ve nothing to hide. I’m now staying at the Semiramis. It’s a first-class hotel! I think I will be happy there. Have you ever stayed at the Semiramis? I highly recommend it. It is really an extraordinary place. They say that life begins to have meaning the moment you enter there. Pardon me, Excellency, but I was made for luxury.”
“I see you are as cynical as ever,” said Nour El Dine with a forced smile. “It doesn’t matter. I enjoy listening to you more and more.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Excellency!”
Only Yeghen saw what was truly droll about the situation. This police inspector seated at the same table with the killer he was after, offering him tea and behaving in such a courteous manner, was such a phenomenal thing that he even forgot the danger Gohar was facing. He could not stop grinning, thinking only of enjoying a good joke.
He could not resist the pleasure of provoking Nour El Dine.
“Well, Inspector, how is the investigation progressing?”
“I’m not dissatisfied,” said Nour El Dine. “The end may be near. Don’t forget, patience is the indispensable virtue of our profession. By the way, have you thought about what I asked you the other day? I feel kindly toward you. I’d be sorry if you had problems.”
“I’ve thought about it. I would love to help you, believe me. But really, this affair is beyond my scope.”
“Oh well, too bad. Forget it. Besides, this isn’t the place to discuss these things. I plan to talk with you very soon in a more appropriate place. Tonight I’ve been out walking with my young nephew. One must relax from time to time, right? We’re among friends here; let’s enjoy ourselves. Save serious things for later.”
“Careful, Inspector,” said El Kordi, coming out of his silence. “You did say we are among friends? Then we can say everything?”
“Of course,” said Nour El Dine. “But I wonder what more you have to say. Haven’t you already said everything? A disturbing story came to my attention. It seems that you boasted before witnesses of being Arnaba’s murderer. Is that true?”