She turned to them all and said, “You should not discuss this with anyone, and it would only create more questions and problems for you. But I repeat my open invitation to you to visit Khatamori in the future as our guests. It is very beautiful and we have a fragrance in the air that is warm and peaceful, you would like it.”
“Goodbye to all of you and thank you for allowing me to meet you. I must now be with my husband.”
As she headed for the front door, Bob stopped in her way and said, “Would you care for a cup of tea or coffee and stay a while longer before you head back to Boston?”
CHAPTER 28
Françoise stayed and chatted for another hour before she left for Boston in her limousine. She sensed so much relief at what had just transpired that she cried the entire trip back. Bob had not rejected her and a bridge had been built to further the relationship. As she entered Ahmad’s hospital room and found him awake, he also could sense the relief in her eyes. The calmness in the room lasted for quite some time before Ahmad finally spoke.
“It went well with your son?”
“Yes, my love, it was much more than I expected or deserved.”
“You are not an evil woman, Françoise, there is only so much suffering that anyone can bear. It will get better now.”
Ahmad’s treatment in Boston continued to improve his health and he would be allowed to leave for home on Friday as originally planned. In Khatamori, a specialist had been hired by Ahmad to attend to him over the next month while also bringing his expertise to the hospital in Banra.
Father Dick called Jim Howard and thanked him for all of his help in the events of the previous week. He mentioned that Jack Bumpus obviously knew his men well and Jim had certainly been the right choice to assist him.
In Medway, the doorbell rang at Bob Elliott’s home and Julie answered. Standing in the doorway was a very distinguished Arab with a package for her and Robert. As Julie quickly opened the package, she uncovered a mahogany box adorned with jewels. Inside the box, there lay a large gold-plated bottle with a note attached. Julie clumsily opened the note which read:
Smell the fragrance of Khatamori, the Flower of Heaven.
Françoise and Ahmad
Flower of Heaven Page 19