without the investigators and staff officers. We can talk, exchange views, hell, even question the suspects, but all decisions will be in the hands of the regional chief of staff.’ Not wanting to wait for someone to come and interrupt their conversation, Bleist began to get ready to leave.
‘Do you think the lieutenant won’t cause any trouble?’ Rex looked at his superior with curiosity.
‘Certainly less than the governor.’ There was no doubt about that. Al-Satar didn’t seem like a confrontational person, and above all, he gave the impression of a competent and conscientious officer. ‘Let’s get this over with, Rex. We’ll have to go through it all again with the investigators from Alexandria, but we have no choice. Until they’re here, we’ll have to sort it out ourselves.’
It wasn’t difficult to find the prisoners who had been brought in and the local officers. In fact, there was no need to look for them at all, as they were standing in the citadel’s main square, whilst Badu and Al-Satar were engaged in a heated discussion. As soon as Darius approached them, the lieutenant came over to him with a grim expression. He didn’t get a chance to ask the reason for the whole incident before Darius beat him to it.
‘During the search of the northern outpost at the entrance to the enclave, amongst the belongings of those stationed there...’ He pointed to the ragged men standing in two rows. The pair who had been somewhat dazed during the commotion at the checkpoint were leaning against a rickety cart. ‘We found pure Aphalis on them.’
Al-Satar’s expression darkened instantly. He must have known exactly what that meant, especially for everyone present at the outpost. Whereas a second ago the officer had seemed ready for a fierce argument, now he was genuinely frightened.
‘We need to notify headquarters…’ He began to speak to himself, casting uncertain glances at the entire group of twelve detainees.
‘I’ve already sent the report. I expect a designated investigator to arrive here with backup within three days at the latest.’ Darius interrupted him. ‘Until
