Klein forced himself to reveal the trademark crooked smile of the "Shepherd," the gold teeth sparkling in the sunlight.
"And may Allah bless you, Chief Hakeem."
He responded in a deliberately raspy voice, mimicking the tone of the arms dealer from the interrogation recording.
"The desert wind has finally blown us to the same oasis."
Hakeem suddenly asked in English, "How are the cherry blossoms in Washington this year?"
This was the first trap.
Klein's heart skipped a beat but he remained expressionless.
Song Heping's briefing mentioned that the real "Shepherd" did spend two weeks in Washington last spring.
"I prefer the oak trees in autumn."
Klein responded calmly, "Especially those behind the Lincoln Memorial."
Then he added, "I brought a gift from there, would you like to see it?"
This was the opening line of the rendezvous.
"Let's see what gift you have."
Hakeem said coldly.
Klein took out the dagger and raised his hands to show he meant no harm.
Hakeem also raised his right hand to signal his men not to act rashly.
"May the Lord bless your peace."
Klein handed over the dagger.
Hakeem took it and examined the silver handle in the moonlight.
"Hahaha!"
A hint of surprise flashed in Hakeem's eyes, then he burst into laughter.
He stepped forward and suddenly grabbed Klein's fake beard—this movement was so quick that all the surrounding mercenaries tensed up.
All the mercenaries behind Klein immediately raised their guns, aiming at Hakeem.
"It's okay! I'm okay!"
Klein felt a sting where the adhesive was but merely raised his eyebrows, immediately gesturing his subordinates not to panic.
"Lower your guns."
Song Heping also issued the order.
The mercenaries lowered their gun barrels.
Everyone's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
"Habits die hard." Hakeem let go of his hand, implying, "These days, even my uncle might come to see me wearing a fake beard."
He pointed to inside the sentry post and said, "Please follow me."
After speaking, he led the way ahead.
Song Heping exchanged a glance with Klein.
Both secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that the local warlord had finally opened the first door to trust.
The interior of the sentry post had been converted into a makeshift meeting room.
A long table covered with green velvet occupied the center, surrounded by twelve armed guards.
Klein noticed their fingers never left the trigger guards.
Song Heping pretended to check safety, using the movement of patting Klein's shoulder to quietly remind him, "Don't touch the water cup."
A barely audible reminder came from Song Heping through the earpiece.
"There might be something in the water."
In Africa, drugging often involves hallucinogens refined from drugs.
The warlords have a habit of using drugs.
Song Heping had to guard against it.
If Klein got poisoned, he could be exposed.
Hakeem sat at the head seat, signaling Klein to sit on the right.
"I heard you have a beautiful Moroccan lover in Tripoli?"
He asked seemingly casually, while gesturing for the attendant to serve mint tea.
The second trap.
"The Shepherd" has a chaotic private life but never keeps mistresses in North Africa.