laws, openly debated, not by simple petitioners but by learned men… You see the bad side, the evil side, and no doubt what you say has truth, but isn't there another truth? We've watched many impassioned men and women stand up for what they believe without fear of being shunned or silenced—’
'Shunned they can be, not silenced. Ever.'
'Still, they do take risks for their causes, often profound risks?'
'Hell, yes. They go public.'
'For their beliefs?'
'Yes…' Kendrick let the word evaporate into the air. Kashi Hassan's point was clear; it was also a warning to him in his moment of self-consuming fury.
'Then there are good people in what you called “a pretty damn good system”. Please remember that, Evan. Please do not diminish them.'
'Don't what?'
'I express myself poorly. Forgive me. I must go.' Kashi walked rapidly to the door, then turned. 'I beg you, ya sahbee, if in your anger you feel you must do something drastic, in the name of Allah, call my husband first, or if you wish, Emmanuel… However, without prejudice, for I love our Jewish brother as I love you, but my husband might be somewhat more composed.'
'You can count on it.'
Kashi went out the door and Kendrick literally pounced on the newspapers, turning each over on the bed, their front pages in succeeding rows, the headlines visible.
If a primal scream could have lessened the pain, his voice would have shattered the glass of the suffocating cabin's windows.
New York Times New York, Tuesday, 12 October
CONGRESSMAN EVAN KENDRICK OF COLORADO SAID TO HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN OMAN CRISIS
Outwitted Arab Terrorists, Secret Memorandum Indicates
Washington Post Washington, DC, Tuesday, 12 October
KENDRICK OF COLORADO REVEALED AS US SECRET WEAPON IN OMAN
Tracked Down Arab Terrorists $ Connection
Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, Tuesday, 12 October
DECLASSIFIED RECORDS SHOW KENDRICK, COLORADO REP, KEY TO OMAN SOLUTION
Palestinian Terrorists Had Arab Backing. Still Classified
Chicago Tribune Chicago, Tuesday, 12 October
CAPITALIST KENDRICK CUT SHACKLES OFF HOSTAGES HELD BY COMMUNIST TERRORISTS
Killer Arabs Everywhere in Disarray over Revelations
New York Post New York, Tuesday, 12 October
EVAN, THE MENSCH OF OMAN, STUCK IT TO THE ARABS!
Move in Jerusalem to Make Him Honorary Citizen of Israel! New York Demands a Parade!
USA Today Wednesday, 13 October
'COMMANDO' KENDRICK DID IT! Arab Terrorists Want His Head! We Want a Statue!
Kendrick stood over the bed, his downcast eyes shifting rapidly from one black-lettered headline to another, his mind drained of all thought but a single question. Why? And as the answer eluded him, another question gradually came into focus. Who?
The Icarus Agenda
Chapter 21
If there was an answer to either question, neither would be found in the newspapers. They were packed with 'authoritative' and 'highly placed' and even 'confidential' sources, most countered by
