a right to protect their investments, don’t you think?’ Yousef squatted in front of Makana.
‘You and Rocky?’
‘I came across him in my time in the Military Police. I was ordered to arrest him for beating a conscript half to death. I realised that someone like that could be very useful, if directed in the right way. Rocky was an animal. I made sure he got off the charges and he was very grateful. Of course in time he got out of hand. People like that always do. No control.’ Yousef bounced to his feet again and carried on splashing kerosene about. ‘To tell the truth, it’s a relief he’s gone. Rocky was a liability. And how do you get rid of someone like that?’
‘Meera found out what you were up to, moving money through the Blue Ibis accounts. Nobody noticed because the books were in such a mess, not even Faragalla.’
‘Faragalla’s an idiot. I mean, why take on a woman like that? Women who think they know something, they’re the worst. Like this one.’ He went over and stroked Rania’s thigh. She squealed and tried to turn away, which only seemed to increase Yousef’s enjoyment. ‘Women should know their place. In the kitchen . . . or in the bedroom.’ He caressed her again, taking his time now. ‘Think of how far that would go to solving the world’s problems.’
‘Let her go, Yousef. She’s no threat to you.’
‘There, you see, that’s where you’re wrong.’ Yousef came back over. ‘She is very much a threat, maybe even more than you. She has the facts. I thought we were finished with all that when Hikmet went out of that window, but no. She had to come along and find his other computer. Who would have that?’ Yousef kicked an object lying on the floor. ‘Well that’s all taken care of now. By the time we’ve finished here it won’t be any use to anyone.’
‘Why are you doing all this? For a group of army officers who are making themselves rich. You think they care about you?’
‘You see that’s where you’re wrong.’ Yousef had a distant look in his eye. ‘These people, Waheed, Serhan, all the other big fish up there, they know they would be nothing without me. Nothing. I make them and I can bring them down any time I want.’
‘They could find someone to replace you in an instant.’
‘No, you’re wrong. It’s about commitment. Just like in the military. You have to be prepared to make sacrifices. That’s what people respect. This country is made by people like me. No one can claim to love Egypt more than I do. These kids don’t understand. Can you imagine what would happen if we handed the place over to them?’
Yousef stood off to one side, looking out, his face in the shadows, lit only in part by the white glow from the buildings across the river.
‘The little men. Where do you think all those politicians and businessmen would be without us? Even the president. They all depend on people like me to make things happen.’
‘They use you because you are expendable,’ said Makana, suddenly weary of this raving lunatic. ‘Even the Zafrani brothers. They were already onto you. How much longer did you think it would last?’
Yousef snorted his derision. ‘I can’t expect someone like you to understand. Like I said, you and I could have made a great team. Maalish, you’ll have to excuse me now, I have work to do.’
With that he picked up the jerrycan and disappeared down the stairs. The awama was as dry as a tinderbox. It wouldn’t take much to set it alight. But Yousef obviously wasn’t taking any chances. Makana wrestled with his bindings but Yousef had done a good job. He thought about smashing the chair, but although it was old he had the feeling it would still take a lot of punishment before it gave way. He looked over at Rania, who was watching him with a look of terror in her eyes. Her hands were tied behind her back, but perhaps she could untie his knots.
‘Try to sit up,’ he said. Then he managed to lift himself and shuffle forwards. His feet were untied. He made it in about ten moves, sliding the chair across the deck, trying to make as little noise as possible. By now Rania had managed to turn over on the bed. She twisted until she had her back to him and was almost sitting up, her shoulder