"Hmph, I almost forgot," Ava said, "the police are still looking for me."

"Ah, with all the crap going on in Aden I doubt Inspector Guma will be concerned about that," Adam said. "He didn't believe you were guilty in the first place." Adam thought a moment, took hold of Ava's arm, stopped her. He said, "But, um, speaking of guilty concerns. What kinda details will you feel necessary to include in your telling and writing?"

"No worries, Sailor. I have professional discretion. Badaki and Dostov will be the only bad guys in my story."

"That works for me, Slim. But, I vote we just jump on Vendetta and get outta here."

"Is that an official invitation, Mr. East?"

Adam took Ava's shoulders, resolutely held her eyes. He said, "That's exactly what it is, Ava." He dropped his eyes, blew out his lungs, re-filled them, and looked at her again, stated, "I'm no good at talking about relationship stuff. In my book there are certain things you don't discuss, you just do 'em. But here goes." He took another deep breath. "We've sailed some rough waters, Slim. Undoubtedly, we'll face more. But I believe if you have the will and the desire, you can smooth over anything, with a little help from compromise. With you, I've got both; hell, I've got it all. Bottom line is: I wanna get outta here, with you. And I want us together, however you wish, and for as long as you wish. I, um..."

"I accept." She kissed him quickly. "That's exactly what I want, too." She slipped the fingers of her hand into the thick silky hair at the back of Adam's head. Her other hand cradled his neck, just below the ear. She kissed him deeply and fully. She said, "Besides, we'll have the absolute bestest, cute-meet story to tell, huh?"  

Then Ava rested her hands flat on his chest and it was her turn for deep breaths of resolve before she said, "But, Adam. I have an opportunity to leave with a clear conscience, and record. So, before we 'get outta here', I want to thank Aaron. And I must surrender myself to the Inspector."

"Oh, sweet geezus." Adam inspected the toes of his boots, shook his head. "Okay, okay. I suppose I expected as much." He took her hand and began walking towards the causeway. "At least the timing's good. In all likelihood that siren we heard was Guma on his way to gather up Badaki."

"Huh? Really? Where is Badaki?"

"You know that building with the big new window, where you crossed the street this morning?"

"Yes."

"That's Badaki's office. That's where he was killed, sometime early this morning."

"What!" Now it was Ava's turn to stop and confront Adam. "You found Badaki dead, didn't you? You went there this morning to shoot him and found him already dead. Hah, no wonder you're in such a big hurry to get outta here."

"Listen, Ava. Let's go see whether Inspector Guma is there. We'll have plenty of time to discuss the details later, okay?"

"Oh, you can bet your sweet bippy we'll be discussing the details, buster."

Inspector Guma and a couple of uniformed cops were waiting on the sidewalk in front of Badaki's building by the time Adam and Ava made it into Old Town. Aaron Abel was there also, taking notes and pics.

As Adam and Ava crossed the street, men with a stretcher carried a body out of the building. It was covered with a grey blanket.

Guma stepped away to greet Adam and Ava, "Oh-ho, the wandering American tourists, enjoying a pleasant walkabout in Aden's historic Old Town. So nice to see you again, Miss Blair... and in good health." He took her hand and offered a slight bow to kiss it. "Beautiful day, is it not?"

"Yeah, sure is," Adam broke in. "So, what's going on here, Inspector?"

"It appears our old acquaintance, Badaki, has had a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. Zalmay's brothers came to Aden searching for his killer and they found him. Mr. Abel was compelled to give Badaki up. A pity the man ever existed at all, I say. But at least now justice has been served. 'Honi soit qui mal y pense,' wot?"

Aaron had heard his name and had joined them. He said, "Yes, but I'll wager his brother, Ali Khan, has perhaps slipped away?" He glanced Adam's way.

"Get a few shekels down on that one, Aaron," Adam said with an almost imperceptible wink of his eye.

Ava made no comment. But she did exclaim, "Good gawd, Aaron! What happened to your face?"

"Oh, do not trouble yourself, Ava. Frick and Frack were most anxious to gain information regarding Zalmay. It hurts only when I smile."

"I am so sorry I got you mixed up in this mess."

"No, not at all. Not a mess, Ava... a story! And is that not what we seek?"

Ava fiddled with the shoulder strap of her satchel as she said, "Well, yes. But a good journalist is supposed to report the story, not become part of it." And to Guma, "Inspector, I must ask: are you certain Badaki murdered Zalmay?"

"Yes, my dear. I am pleased to declare you are exonerated. The bartender and desk clerk came forward and confessed they were coerced into becoming accomplices in the frame-up. Circumstances in Yemen are sending rats scurrying... in all directions. In any case, Miss Blair, did anyone think for a moment you were guilty?"

"Oh thank you, Inspector, this is the best news." Ava shook his hand with both of hers and then kissed him on the corner of his mouth. Guma's face grew three shades darker as he self-consciously re-groomed his mustache. He covered with an officious question directed at Adam, "And, Mister East. I trust your adventures with the... vendetta here in Aden have now come to an end?"

"Uh, yeah, Inspector, I suppose they have." Adam eyed Guma curiously, then tilted his head respectfully and said, "Your hospitality, and indulgence, have been extraordinary, sir. I will sail at the earliest opportunity."

"Concerning the subject of news, Ava," Aaron Abel said as he moved close and took Ava's hands in his. Adam was standing behind her; he folded his arms across his chest, listening. "I have extra news. Though I am afraid it will require a gracious favor on your part."

Now Adam was listening intently.

Ava said, "Of course, Aaron. Anything. What is it?"

Adam rolled his eyes impatiently but nobody was paying any attention to him.

Aaron explained, "I have received calls from several international news agencies. With all the turmoil in Yemen, the world has become especially interested in events unfolding here and in the region. I took the liberty of informing them I have an experienced reporter on contract who has a stop-the-presses scoop and is willing to follow-up with an in-depth series... for the correct fee, naturally."

"Yes, yes, yes! Of course I'll do it, Aaron. Thank you, so much!" Ava was practically jiggling in her boots. She kissed Aaron and was still holding his hands when she turned to Adam. "Isn't this perfect, Adam?"

"Uh-huh, terrific news, Ava. I'm happy that you're happy," Adam replied without a shred of happiness while thinking, Pfft, so much for sailing off together.