The Sign of the Scorpion Read online

  “They’re usually better behaved when Grandfather’s around. One day he heard them arguing and threatened to reduce their bequests if they didn’t make peace and get along with each other. Aunt Ghazzy often reminds them of this.”

  That’s why they were afraid of his anger.

  “Hala doesn’t seem to get along with her stepmother either,” said Zahra.

  Tariq sighed. “She’s been furious ever since Uncle Miftah and Suha got married.”

  “Suha seems so nice,” said Zahra. “And she’s not that old.”

  “Yes, she’s the youngest of Grandfather’s cousins. Her mother died when she was eight. Her father didn’t have much time for her so Grandfather brought her to live here. She and Uncle Rashid are the same age. They grew up together and went to study in England at the same time. After they returned, there was talk about a match between them. Uncle Rashid wasn’t in favor of it. He told me Suha was like a sister to him. After Miftah became widowed, she accepted his offer of marriage. Hala didn’t get along with her from the start and still doesn’t.”

  “Hala must find it hard to live here without friends of her own age,” said Zaid.

  “She didn’t really mind because they used to travel a lot. Uncle Miftah and Suha love going on trips. Aunt Ghazzy and Uncle Bilal went away often too and as for Faisal, he was more often away than here. But since Grandfather became ill, they haven’t gone anywhere except for short trips to Khaldun. That’s why Hala’s been acting up. She wants to go places and do things.”

  “Do the cousins do any kind of work?” said Adam.

  “Yes, they work from here. Grandfather doesn’t like idleness. Uncle Bilal is a freelance researcher and Aunt Ghazzy helps him. The others work for the Al-Khalili Corporation. Uncle Miftah and Suha are accountants and Faisal is an information technologist.”

  “Your grandfather mentioned an uncle when he visited our grandfather’s house in Midan last year,” said Layla. “The one who made a deathbed confession about the Moon of Masarrah.”

  “Na’am. Yes, that was Uncle Husam, Suha’s father. He actually died just a few weeks before my parents. He had always been the black sheep of the family. After he confessed about the Moon, he also revealed he had gotten married to a bedu woman when he was twenty-two but left her six months later for a wealthy widow. The bedu woman had been pregnant at the time he left. Before he died, he begged Grandfather to find her and the child. After Grandfather recovered from his first stroke, he started the search for them before he went looking for the Moon. But they couldn’t be found. More than forty years have gone by since then. Most of the bedu have become people of the cities now. Some have even migrated to other countries.”

  “So, Uncle Husam had a son or daughter he didn’t even know about?” asked Zahra.

  “I guess so. He or she would be half-brother or half-sister to Suha.”

  “What an age difference that would be,” said Adam. “Suha is in her twenties and her half-brother or half-sister would be in their forties.”

  “Was Suha’s mother the wealthy widow?” asked Layla.

  “Oh, no. That marriage lasted just a few years. Suha is from his third wife, who he married years later.”

  “How long were your grandparents married?” asked Zaid. “And how many children did they have?”

  “They were married for twenty-five years when Grandmother passed away. They had a son and a daughter, who have both passed away too. The son was my father, of course. Grandfather then remarried, and Uncle Rashid was born.”

  “So Rashid is really your half-uncle,” said Adam.

  “Yes. His mother passed away fifteen years after the marriage. And now, Uncle Rashid is gone too.”

  “Auntie Ghazala told us he died in the desert,” said Layla, curious to know about the “circumstances” Ghazala had spoken about.

  “Yes, he was on the Board of the Al-Khalili Corporation, but in his spare time, he was an honorary member of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Ghassan. He would often make trips to the Nawaf Desert to check that there was no illegal hunting of endangered species. One day he went and never came back. His horse returned alone in the evening. We knew then that something had happened. A search party went out at once to look for him. It was night and there was very little we could see. The next morning, we searched the desert but still couldn’t find him.”

  “Oh, that must have been awful,” said Zahra.

  “Yes, it was terrible not knowing what had happened to him. There was only one place left to search and that was in Gurian Ravine. It’s very deep and only rappellers, those who are experts at climbing down with ropes and special equipment, would be able to get down there. A rappelling team with a helicopter arrived that afternoon. They found Uncle Rashid’s bloodstained shirt, rifle, and cell phone on the rocks at the bottom. He had liked climbing up the plateau to look for mountain lizards. The police thought he must have missed his footing and fallen to his death. And the hyenas and wolves living in the ravine must have dragged his body to their underground lairs. They gave a verdict of accidental death by falling.”

  “Oh my God, that’s horrible,” said Layla. “So that’s what Auntie Ghazala meant when she said, ‘because of the circumstances, his death wasn’t publicized.’”

  “Yes, if the media had learned of how Uncle Rashid died, they would have come to the castle like a pack of wolves. The rappellers and the staff who work here are the only people who know. They were sworn to secrecy. The last thing Grandfather wanted was for the media to play up all the gory details of Uncle Rashid’s death. When he gets better and can deal with the sensation it will cause, he’ll make the announcement then.”

  “What a terrible way for your uncle to die,” said Adam. “One wrong move and that was the end.”

  “Yes, the police said he must have died instantly on the rocks below. The only problem is, I don’t believe it was an accident.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Zaid.

  “I think Uncle Rashid was murdered.”

  Chapter Four:

  The New Arrival

  They all gaped at Tariq.

  “Why do you think that?” asked Zahra after they had recovered from the surprise.

  “Because of what Uncle Rashid said to me a few days before he died. I was sick with bronchitis at the time. I had taken the medicine Dr. Hakam had prescribed when Uncle Rashid came to visit me. As he began telling me about the trip he had taken to Russia, I felt drowsy. My mind wandered as he spoke, and I don’t remember what he told me. When he got up to leave, I remembered what he said then.”

  “What did he say?” asked Layla.

  “He said, ‘Tariq, I don’t know who I can trust now but don’t tell anyone what I’ve told you, okay? I’m going to find out who’s behind it and put a stop to it, so don’t worry.’ When he died a few days later, his words took on a new meaning. That’s when I began to believe his death might not have been an accident. I’ve tried to remember what else he told me, but I just can’t.”

  “Maybe it will come back to you sometime,” said Adam.

  “I hope so.”

  “Did you tell anyone of your suspicion?” asked Zaid.

  “No, I didn’t. What could I have said? That I suspected Uncle Rashid had been murdered because of a conversation I don’t even remember? I just couldn’t add more to Grandfather’s grief. Hearing something like that might have killed him outright. You must promise not to say anything to anyone.”

  “We promise,” they all said.

  “Thank you.”

  At that moment, they heard the crackling of twigs.

  “Someone’s coming,” said Zahra.

  When no one appeared in sight, Tariq said, “It was probably a jerboa.”

  “What’s a jerboa?” asked Adam.

  “It’s a kangaroo rat,” said Tariq. “They’re quite common around deserts and oases.�
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  “It sounded like someone walking over the twigs,” said Zahra. “I guess I was wrong.”

  “Let’s go back to the castle,” said Tariq. “There’s a place I want to show you in the forecourt.”

  When they returned to the castle, they found Bilqis wandering in the hallway. She gave a loud meow when she saw them.

  “Is that an apology?” Tariq stooped and picked up the cat. “Are you in a better mood now?”

  “Why, was she in a bad mood earlier?” asked Zahra.

  “Yes, she was sulking under the bed and refused to come out when I called her.”

  Layla’s mouth tilted up at the corners. “Sulking? I didn’t know cats could sulk.”

  “Oh, this one does. She sits and glares and even tries to pout.”

  Zahra chuckled. “Why was she sulking?”

  “I scolded her for scratching Mrs. Haddad this morning.”

  “You naughty kitty.” Layla stroked the cat. “What sharp claws you have.”

  “All the better to scratch you with,” said Adam in a gruff voice.

  Zahra began stroking the cat too. Bilqis arched her back, purring in pleasure as she nuzzled against their fingers.

  Tariq smiled. “She really likes you all. Usually it takes her a while to warm up to people. She positively loathes Mrs. Haddad. Although I think the feeling is mutual.”

  “She must not like tutors,” said Layla.

  The smile left Tariq’s face. “No, she was fond of my previous tutor.” Changing the subject abruptly, he asked, “Can you all ride?”

  Zaid said, “Yes, Zahra and I learned when we were living in England.”

  “Adam and I have taken some lessons,” said Layla, “but we could do with a bit more practice.”

  “We sure can,” Adam agreed. “We haven’t had a lesson in months.”

  “You can have some while you’re here,” said Tariq. “I’ll take you over to the stables this evening to meet Hatem. He’s the head groom there and will help choose suitable horses for you. Since tomorrow is Friday and I’m free the entire day, I’ll give you a tour of the stables in the morning and we’ll begin riding lessons in the mid-afternoon when the sun’s not so fierce. Now, let’s go to the forecourt.”

  In the forecourt, Faisal’s Saab was still there as well as the blue Mercedes-Benz they had admired earlier.

  “Those are some cool wheels,” said Zaid. “Who does the Mercedes-Benz belong to?”

  “You like it?” asked Tariq. “It’s mine.”

  “Awesome,” said Adam. “You must take us for a ride in it one day.”

  Tariq smiled. “I will, insha Allah. Come, let me show you the caravanserai now.”

  “Caravanserai?” said Layla. “What’s that?”

  “It’s a part of the castle that was used in the old days to shelter travelers and their caravans of goods. It had baths and sleeping chambers and even pens for the animals.”

  The caravanserai was at the rightmost end of the castle and had its own courtyard. Like all relics from bygone eras, it had an empty, forlorn look. Layla could just imagine the flurry of activities that took place in the old days when a caravan pulled in.

  “You’ve now finished your tour of the renowned Dukhan Castle,” said Tariq. “Feel free to explore further if you wish.”

  “How did the castle and oasis get its name?” asked Zahra.

  “Ta’al. Come, I’ll show you,” said Tariq.

  They followed him across the forecourt and through the gate. It swung open automatically to let them through. They walked out to the road. Surrounding them were limestone hills strewn with small stones and sprouting hardy green shrubs. When they came to an elevation in the road, Tariq stopped.

  Turning towards the castle, he pointed and said, “Look behind the castle now. What do you see?”

  The castle was covered in afternoon sunlight. The teenagers shaded their eyes and squinted upwards. In the distance, they saw a dark range of hills, their jagged peaks seeming to disappear into the clouds.

  “I see hills,” said Zaid.

  “Yes, that’s the Dukhan Hills,” said Tariq. “The clouds make them appear as if they’re covered in smoke. That’s how the name came about.”

  Adam pointed to the tall, dark structure at the back of the castle. “Tariq, is that the lookout tower?”

  “Yes, it is. The castle is the only building for miles around. The nearest city is Khaldun. It’s an hour away.”

  “Is Khaldun as large as Ghassan City?” asked Zahra.

  “No. Neither is it as modern. Suha and Hala prefer to shop in Ghassan City. They like the malls there.”

  “Adam and I are hoping we can take a trip there when our parents come,” said Layla. “We’d love to see Ghassan City.”

  “It’s a special city,” said Tariq. “Of the three cities we have, it’s the only one next to the sea.”

  When they returned to the forecourt, Layla remembered the woman in white she had seen on the night of their arrival.

  “Tariq, on the night we came, I saw a woman wearing allover white, looking out from one of the windows. I’ve seen the maids wearing allover black, but I haven’t seen anyone wearing white like that. Who could it have been?”

  A startled look flashed across Tariq’s face and he stared up at the windows with an uneasy expression. As Layla wondered at Tariq’s odd reaction, they heard the soft purr of an engine. A gray Mitsubishi Outlander came gliding into the forecourt. At the wheel was a woman in hijab.

  Tariq’s face lit up. “It’s Jumana. She’s here at last.”

  The mysterious Jumana is finally here.

  “Who is she?” asked Layla.

  “Her father is the Governor of Tarub Province and is Grandfather’s dear friend. Jum-Jum was engaged to Uncle Rashid and their wedding was to have been at the end of June. She would have visited sooner but she became ill after Uncle Rashid’s death.”

  The Mitsubishi came to a stop in the parking lot. They watched as a petite woman stepped out and walked with short, graceful steps towards them. Clad in a plain black gown and a paisley-patterned gray scarf, she was simply dressed. But she was one of the most beautiful women Layla had ever seen. She was about twenty-four, with a delicate diamond-shaped face, wide amber eyes and a creamy complexion.

  After introductions were over, she said in a low, lilting voice, “I’m pleased to meet you. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”

  The teenagers joined the family in the domed hall to partake of the refreshments in honor of Jumana’s arrival. Two large trolleys piled with beverages, sandwiches, and confectionery had been brought in.

  “It’s hard to believe Rashid is gone.” Ghazala picked up a piece of pistachio cake. “It must be difficult coming back here, Jumana.”

  “It is, Ghazzy.” Jumana took a sip from a cup of tea.

  She’s still wearing a diamond engagement ring.

  “I think you’re very brave.” Suha spread hummus on a piece of bread with long, well-manicured fingers. “I don’t think I’d have been able to come back so soon.”

  “I’m glad you came, Jum-Jum,” said Hala. Her wide lips were turned up in a smile. It was a change from its usual petulant droop. “You can’t imagine how dull it’s been with Uncle Sulaiman ill and everyone walking around with long faces. If not for Tariq, I would have gone crazy.” She smiled at the youth, who gave her a smile in return.

  “Poor Sulaiman is devastated.” Miftah took a bite of his sandwich. “It was a great blow to lose his only remaining offspring.”

  “I’ve been so worried about him,” said Jumana. “Is he doing any better?”

  “A little,” said Tariq. “He’ll be very happy to see you.”

  Faisal was leaning back on the couch, staring up at the chandelier as if it held more interest than the conversation. After nearly running down Tariq
’s pet that morning, he must have gotten a good rest after lunch. He looked his suave self again, clean-shaven and not a hair out of place.

  Removing his eyes from the ceiling, he said, “Maybe Jumana can set Sulaiman’s mind at rest about that nasty bit of gossip going around the castle. He was very distressed when he heard it.”

  “Gossip?” asked Jumana, her eyes wide. “What do you mean?”

  Yes, what gossip?

  There was an awkward silence. Jumana looked from one cousin to the next, a frown puckering her brow.

  “It’s just idle servants wagging their tongues,” said Ghazala, glaring at Faisal. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

  Faisal shrugged. “Jumana will hear of it sooner or later. You can’t keep anything a secret around here.”

  “Why don’t you tell me what it is?” said Jumana, giving him a steely look.

  “Fine. The servants were saying that you and Rashid had an argument on your last visit here. A few days before he died.”

  Chapter Five:

  The Lookout Tower

  Color flared in Jumana’s face and then fled, leaving her ashen. Her slender fingers gripped the teacup tightly. The next moment, her chin rose. Setting the teacup carefully on the coffee table, she stood up. “I’ve never paid attention to gossip and rumors before and I won’t start now. If you’ll excuse me, I’m rather tired and would like to go to my room.”

  After she left, Ghazala turned angrily to Faisal. “Really, Faisal. You don’t have a considerate bone in your body. You didn’t even let Jumana finish her tea before you opened your mouth and upset her.”

  Faisal looked unrepentant. “She’s a big girl. She can handle it.”

  Suha said, “I agree that Faisal’s timing could have been better, Ghazzy, but he’s right. Jumana would have found out sooner or later.”

  “It should have been later,” said Miftah. “There was no need to tell her as soon as she arrived. It was ill-mannered.”

  “You’re all a bunch of cowards,” said Faisal, striding out of the domed hall in a huff.

  The rest of the family followed, leaving Tariq and the teenagers alone there.