MARRED

CHAPTER THIRTY -THE RESCUE

Ahmad

The phone rang and all the women came to their feet at once. Mom, Umm Sophia, Umm Ramlah, Sophia, Sumayyah and Ramlah.

"Wa'alaykumussalam. Yes?" I said into it.

"We found them Sir." Zayyad's voice came from the other end.

O, finally! AlhamduliLlaah! "Send me the address."

"No. We are on our way to pick you up. We will leave together."

"Zayyyaad!" I warned between gritted teeth.

"I will NOT listen to you on this one Boss. Wait for us or leave us to do this alone." It was as final as that.

Was my own staff dishing me orders in times like this?

"Do you know what's..."

"Yes Sir. And we cannot afford to lose you either. I only agreed to your coming, because I have no other choice." Then, in what he attempted to be a humor, he added. "You still haven't paid us for the month."

I clenched and unclenched my fist. Ya Allah. Grant us victory over our enemies. I prayed silently. Make my Amanah safe.

I turned around to break the news to the family, and the sight almost broke me.

Mom was staring at me, almost in tears. Sumayyah and Sophia stood opposite Dad and Abdur-Rahman. Umm Sophia who was earlier being consoled by Umm Ramlah at dining area, looked at me with expectations.

It was so devastating a sight that my heart broke. I closed my eyes for a moment I needed to be strong. For them all. For Amanah.

"They found the van. I am heading out with the team once they arrive, In shaa Allah."

"AlhamduliLlaah. I am going with you." Dad said, standing up.

"No way! It's too dangerous!" Abdur-Rahman and I chorused.

Abdur-Rahman stood. "I am going with you..." The emphasis on the 'I' did not go unnoticed.

"No..." I began to protest.

"You do NOT have a say!"

I do not have a say? Why everyone decided to order me around in my own affairs today was beyond me. I am Ahmad Amjad Yasir. I always have a say.

But before I could tell them that, Mom placed a hand in my shoulder, but instead of comforting, it burned. I shrugged her hand away.

"She will be fine Son. Do not worry about her." She was shivering with worry.

I nodded, fighting a bile in my throat. I strolled to the counter where my car key and phone laid.

"Mom. Umm Ahmad. Please console Dad and Umm Sophia. We will find Amanah, In Shaa Allah." Abdur-Rahman said and exchanged glances with Sophie.

She nodded and he followed me out the door.

Pa Pato sat in the van, handcuffed to the door. I stepped in after giving my tasleem.

"Well, hello to you too Son." The old man smirked. "The road ahead is rockier than the one you came through. Don't you want to at least, smile?"

I fought my itching hands, I really did, but it swung of it's own volition, and before anyone could stop me, it landed right on Pa Pato's nose.

"What the..."

"Gag him." I commanded and Sa'ad was only too glad to obey.

"What is he doing here?" I questioned both Sa'ad and Zayyad.