The Mark Of The Black Widow

Chapter 1

"War is allowed for those on whom war is imposed because it is a tyranny."

"And why should you not fight for the cause of Allah, for the helpless old men, women, and children who say: Deliver us, Lord, from this city of oppressors; send forth to us a guardian from your presence; send to us one that will help us."

"Fight them on until there is no more persecution, and the religion becomes God's. But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression."

"The war fought for the above two conditions is called "War in the way of God"

Qital-Fi-Sabeellilah

Quran

Prologue

Mombasa, Kenya

Nineteen months ago

The man with neat sandy-coloured hair expertly scanned the room carefully checking both exits. In his line of work danger was never very far away.

There was one on the right, near to where he sat and one on the other side of the bar where his mate was outside monitoring it. In about half-an-hour they'd swap so he could see the match.

The place was busy, a noisy excitable atmosphere hanging in the air commonly associated with sport. African barmen dished out spirits and cold bottles of Tuskers to the mixed-cultured clientele keenly watching the progress on the large screen of the semi-final world football match in South Africa. Italy was up one-nil against England having scored from a penalty.

'Come on you soft tossers,' he said to the TV.

Dressed in smart casuals he sat at a wooden-panelled table next to an attractive brunette.

'They can't hear you, you know,' his wife said smirking.

'Oh yeah,' he came back. 'Your half-Italian side only comes out when they're winning, Miss Smugface.'

Leaning forwards she kissed his lips briefly, just long enough for it to not be inappropriate.

'I'm going to the loo,' he told her. 'And if anyone scores only tell me if it's England.'

'Certainly, Captain,' she replied giving a mock salute.

They exchanged smiles as he rose and they blew each other an air-kiss. He had the reassuring feel of the hidden shoulder-holstered handgun under his left arm. It was there ready and waiting for action in case of any trouble.

Carefully checking both ways out he went through his exit to the toilets outside, gun-hand at the ready. No one iffy could get past here without him seeing. There was a queue at the two urinals and someone had pissed on the seat in the cubicle and left it down.

Apart from a few problems this place was like paradise he thought as he relieved himself. Maybe one day I wouldn't mind retiring here with the white sand, green sea and arable land. Kenya was a beautiful country and that's why he and Christabel came back here to celebrate their fourteenth anniversary like a second honeymoon. He washed his hands and went to walk the long way back to the bar when he heard two very loud explosions quickly followed by shrieking and screaming. His heart began pumping harder and faster and he ran like he'd never run before.