JM glanced at the woman and then back.  "Either the niqab or the burqa would be inappropriate for my sister."  He stepped over to Cynthia.  "If you pardon me, I must provide guidance for my sister."

Pulling Cynthia to the side he spoke softly in English. "They know something but claim ignorance. I think there is something behind the curtain."

Cynthia brings over a few items, and points at a few more on the shelves as she talks, casually and in English. "I agree, but unless you want me to play the bathroom card, I don't imagine we will have access. Perhaps if you mentioned why we have business? That we wish to rent some of his time for his valuable knowledge? We could even speak via letters, given what we are looking for. He is well-justified in hiding. If we are leaving, be sure to pick something. I especially like blue."

JM looks casually at the items as Cynthia speaks.  "Go ahead and pick out what you want while we're at it.  If nothing else when we leave it will look like we were here for something other than information.  I'll see if the more direct approach can work as you suggest."

He turned back to the shopkeeper. "There are several items we would like to purchase from you if the price is right of course.  But first perhaps we might engage your services in a more direct way.  You are a prosperous, well regarded man of the community and have great knowledge I am sure of the comings and goings of the community.  We would like to reimburse you for your time to help us understand where we might find our friend the Frenchman or perhaps where he might be."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 19):

"Again, I know nothing of this Frenchman. Now, this cloth. A fine Persian weave..."

He turned and held out a bolt for examination.


Keeper's Note: Psychology tests to detect lying.

The Count having stepped into the shop looked at the stack wares the man and his wife sold. He strolled down the isles looking at the goods.

At his explanation of his knowledge of the Frenchman the Count was skeptical, though the man so showed no outward signs of a lie.

JM didn't believe the man but had no firm reason to doubt him other than a hunch.  He reached over and ran his hand over the bolt of cloth.  "Sister, come here and look at this fine material.  It would be quite nice to bring a few bolts home." He turned to the Count and on a whim spoke in French;  "I think there is something going on behind the curtain in the back."

The Count nodded at Mr Falcon's suggestion as he looked the shop keepers wares over. He moved towards the bead curtain, taking his time and strolling with his hands clasped behind his back. When the opportunity presented itself he would pull back the curtain.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 23):

The man must have had fantastically sharp ears, for he hears the rustle of beads from across the room while in conversation. His head jerked towards the back and he spouted more Arab gibberish, sounding excited.  However, he didn't move from where he was located. His wife, so far silent in her black chador and niqab looked up from her sewing but uttered no sound.

Behind the curtain was a small kitchen, hot and dingy. There was a partially opened doorway to a storeroom, and another closed door, likely to a stairs up or down.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 24):

With not so much as a look behind at the store keeper the Count walked to wards the storeroom and pushed the door open. His hand on the revolver in his pocket he looked to see if anyone had been spying on the party.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 25):

The store-room was empty of people. There was a fragrant smell of tea and spices, and other dried goods. This was obviously where the shopkeep's wife had gone to get tea and coffee.

"Oh, don't mind him. He's just looking for a restroom." Cynthia didn't expect the man to understand a word, but it wasn't the message as much as the tone of voice that was important. She hefts up a niqab and steps close to the shop keeper. "I would like to try this on? Where can I change?"

JM gives a slight nod to the Count as he takes the initiative.  When the shop keeper began spouting off in Arabic he pretended not to understand.  Seeking to add a bit to the confusion he spoke up.  "The bathroom I think he seeks."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 28):

Looking a little annoyed, man babbled something back in Arabic, nodding towards the back and then to Cynthia.

Cynthia points to herself, then to the doorway. "You want me to go with him? You're saying I should go with him? Yes?"

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 30):

Still yammering, the man shook his head and waggled his finger in a clear "no" fashion. He motioned for her to stay away from the doorway. However, he stayed where he was. For some reason he seemed more excited by Cynthia's actions rather than JM or Bathony's.

From where he was Bathony could hear the man's voice gain in pitch and volume.

The Count stuck his head in the kitchen and then through the door where he thought the stairs would be. If he saw no one he would make his way back towards the shop front having another look in the store room as he passed checking behind the door.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 32):

The door to what he assumed were stairs was locked. There was nothing of interest in the storeroom-cum-pantry.

Bathony emerged back into the front of the shop from the rear room.

Shrugging as he returned the Count looked at the others then made his way to the front door of the shop and took a look outside.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 34):

The shopkeep sat in silence, wondering what was going on with these foreigners.

Outside, the marketplace bustled as the early afternoon heat grew.

"It occurs to me there is a very real possibility he put down a false address with the police. Maybe we should go."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 36):

The Count nodded; "That is of course entirely possible and without storming through this mans house there is no way to find this French man. If he is even here."

Back at the cars, those waiting and watching tried to keep alert despite the early afternoon's blast-furnace heat. Still, nothing occurred that was too out of the ordinary.

As he rustled through his pocket looking for a light the Counts hand brushes his wallet. He pulls it out and takes out several notes which he offers to the shop keeper. "The French man where is he ? Captain would you mind translate?"

It was probably a futile gesture on his part but perhaps they would know for sure if they were in the wrong place.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 39):

The man's eyes light up at the sight of the banknotes. He reached out a hand, then stopped, unsure what Bathony was asking for.

JM spoke up in Arabic as the Count took action.  "This Frenchman, can you help us find him.  We seek only our friend and perhaps some samples of your fine wares such as my sister has selected."