“Killing or kidnapping an American ambassador on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks would be a major coup for extreme Islamist group or militia. Reducing an American diplomatic outpost to a charred ruin would be a bonus.”
“I was carelessly unwrapped like a gift no one wanted and forced to sit, my arms clasped about my knees. My captors then ignored me. They hadn’t any reason to worry about my escaping. There was no place to go.”
“There he lay for the remainder of the weary night, nursing his wrath and wounded pride. He could not understand what it all meant. What did they want with him, these strange men? Why were they keeping him pent up in this narrow crate?”
Franz was too far off to hear what they said; but, without doubt, nothing hostile passed, for he saw Albert disappear arm-in-arm with the peasant girl.