Random Story To Tell

Salahadin and Fuad got back home before ten o’clock.
Leila was pleased to see them. She started to make some food, but Salahadin was in a hurry.

“Can you phone Beirut airport?” he asked. “Find out the time of the first plane to Athens. I want to get there as soon as possible.”

Fuad phoned the airport. Leila brought in some coffee and they sat down. Salahadin told her about Borkman’s death. He spoke about the Black Cat.

“But what is the Black Cat ?” asked Leila.
Salahadin told her about the pharaoh Ankuten and about the tomb in the Valley of Zar.

“I know that Pearson found the tomb,” said Salahadin. “He found the cat in the tomb and brought it to Cairo. Pearson told Borkman about the cat. Borkman was a member of the Ba’albek Gang. Pearson didn’t know that. Borkman murdered Pearson and took the cat.”

“And where is the cat now ?” asked Leila.
“Borkman had a plan,” replied Salahadin. “He was not taking the cat to Beirut. He gave the cat to another man on the docks at Alexandria. This other man is called Peterson. Peterson has taken the Black Cat with him to Athens.”

While Salahadin was talking, he was making some notes in his book. This is what he wrote:

The Black Cat

Peterson
has Black Cat
is on a boat going to Athens
boat is called “The Syria”

Pearson
found Black Cat
took it to Cairo
told Borkman
Pearson murdered by Borkman

Borkman
took Black Cat to Alexandria
gave it to Peterson
came to Beirut
killed on road to Ba’albek

The Red Hand Gang
heard about Black Cat
tried to stop Borkman
killed on road to Ba’albek

Jusef
in cafe at Ba’albek
? leader of Ba’albek Gang

Fuad came back from the telephone.
“There’s a plane in four hour’s time,” he said. “It leaves Beirut at one o’clock in the morning and arrives in Athens at five.”

“How long does the boat take from Alexandria to Athens?” asked Salahadin.

“Almost two days,” replied Leila. “I once went by boat on holiday to Athens.”

“The Syria left Alexandria on Monday evening,” said Salahadin. “It’s Tuesday today. It won’t arrive in Athens until tomorrow. I’ll be in Athens before the boat.”

“We must leave soon,” said Fuad. “It’s a long way to the airport.”

Salahadin said goodbye to Leila and drove off with Fuad. They arrived at the airport just after midnight. It was already Wednesday. But Salahadin was only a few hours away from Athens by air.

Salahadin thanked Fuad.

“Take care,” said Fuad. “Five people have already died because of this Black Cat. Send us a telegram from Athens.”

“I’ll send you a telegram from Athens tomorrow,” said Salahadin. Then he smiled, “I mean today. It’s Wednesday already.

You go to the police in the morning. Tell them about Jusef’s cafe.”

Salahadin said goodbye to Fuad and went to catch the place for Athens.

10. Salahadin finds Peterson

Related Posts

• April 19, 2009 -- 8. Borkman’s Story (3)
• April 28, 2009 -- 14. Return to Cairo (0)
• April 26, 2009 -- 12. Death on “The Syria” (0)
• April 16, 2009 -- 4. Boat to Beirut (10)
• April 29, 2009 -- 15. The End (1)