“You know nothing of my country,” said Awad. “We have been in existence since the beginning of time, likely the first country to have humans. Did you know that? Never mind, of course, you didn’t. I have known war and famine my entire life. So did my father, and his father, and his father before him. You have not known such struggles.
“You drive your sports car to a market down the street and buy fresh meat and produce. My wife prays that she will find food at the market for our children or that what she plants will grow. My men? My men hope to have one meal a day. You appear to eat many meals a day. I feel certain that you have never lived a day with concern for where your next meal will come from.
“You do not understand Somalians, and you do not understand that our people are not afraid. They fear nothing, not even death. They do not worry about charging forward against an enemy. They worry about providing food for their families. They worry that they cannot afford the small amount of money to send their children to school. They worry that they will not live to see their children grow.
“No, Mr. Hausman, they are not afraid. They are worried. There is a difference. My men do not need to be fearless. They need sustenance and peace.”
Hausman stared at the other man, wondering how someone with such great eloquence sat in a dustbowl of a country going nowhere. He should be leading their nation. Maybe that was his intent.
“Am I to understand that you won’t even allow me to test it on your men?” asked Hausman.
“I’m afraid not,” said Awad. Hausman nodded. Standing, he packed the syringes in their case and turned to leave the room. “Mr. Hausman? You think I didn’t recognize you, but I did. Perhaps you should have injected yourself.”
Hausman froze, staring at the man wide-eyed. No, it wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be him. Shaking his head, he raced down the stairs and out into the streets, finding his way to the small vehicle he’d rented. He had to leave. He had to leave this country and this place. Someone else would buy this from him. Someone else would be interested.
Awad watched as the man ran away toward his car. He remembered those eyes, and he remembered how he left his friends to die. Coward. He was a coward trying to prevent cowardice. It seemed ironic.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned to see the German walking toward him. He set the briefcase on the desk, opening it to reveal enough money to feed his men for a year.
“Your cooperation is greatly appreciated,” said the German soldier.
“I would have not taken his offer either way,” said Awad. “This will serve my men and their families, and that I was unable to turn from. Thank you.”
“Thank you, sir.” From his phone, he texted one simple message to Reinhardt.
All is well in Somalia.
“Tomas? Is everything alright?” asked Max.
“It’s fine, old friend. My young aide has followed your man all the way to Somalia. We were able to get Awad to turn him away. He’s angry and frustrated, but he’s headed to a place neither of us wants him to go. Malaysia.”
“Damn,” muttered Max. “Our team is already in the air. We’ll have them switch directions and cut him off. Thanks again, Tomas. We’ll have to sit down for drinks soon.”
“I would like that, Max. Give my love to your beautiful wife. I can’t believe she’s still putting up with you.”
“Olga has been your wife for almost forty years, Tomas. That woman deserves a medal.” Tomas laughed.
“Indeed. Maybe I should buy her something shiny to show her how much I love her.”
“Or just retire, old friend, and spend your days by the lake. You deserve it,” said Max. “Thanks again, Tomas.”
“Thank you, Max.”
