Page 80 of Doubts of the Egoist (Egoist #3)

“We can’t…” Yugo propped an elbow on the desk, massaging his temple with two fingers.

“Ahmad’s losing his mind. He’s waging a jihad against everything Western.

He recently banned his men from shaving, trimming their beards, and playing chess.

Last week, he burned several hectares [10] of opium fields to show the Emirates that he shares their beliefs and is worthy of their support and diplomatic recognition.

How could supporting such a person be beneficial? ”

“It’s just a PR move. Farmers are highly unlikely to stop growing poppies, even under the threat of the death penalty,” Gustavo reasoned.

“Afghanistan’s economy has been devastated by war, and its people survive primarily through opium poppy cultivation.

Every clan in every village is armed like a small army.

Poppies are their only source of income.

Try telling them to stop growing it. Without significant foreign investment, Afghanistan won’t rebuild its economy anytime soon.

Moreover, the president is still alive, and Ahmad remains a terrorist. Saudi Arabia might promise him anything, but they won’t openly support terrorists.

They sure as hell won’t buy agricultural tractors for them.

To burn more fields, Al-Amin has to offer farmers something in return—something that could feed hungry mouths. ”

They’ve already started,” Yugo scowled from beneath his brows.

“Lately, Al-Amin’s presence on the borders has increased.

They confiscate any weapons entering Afghanistan unless they’re on the approved list. They’ve also started an exchange program with the population—weapons for goods.

You can trade the cheapest automatic gun for a cow, and a handgun for a sheep.

They welcome everyone to join the militia and promise hot meals twice daily.

To me, this looks like disarming the population while building their army.

While I’m pleased with the profits Tobias makes from selling arms, we can’t allow Al-Amin to become too powerful.

The Minister of Defense has made that very clear.

He’s worried that whatever’s happening there will mess up his retirement plan and side business. We can’t disappoint him, can we?”

“Who told you things would run smoothly under Kais’ leadership?” Gustavo asked, long, sturdy fingers ruffling the chinchilla fur.

“We’ll make sure of it.” Yugo shrugged, continuing the verbal ping-pong match with his friend and lieutenant.

The other men turned their heads from one speaker to the other.

Eve n Diego listened, leisurely stirring his drink but not sipping.

“Tobias and I were directly advised to take matters into our own hands and restore the status quo in Afghanistan. People are losing money because Ahmad disregards the interests of his business partners.”

“Why so radical, Yugo?” Gustavo furrowed a brow, doubt etched on his face. “Why don’t we talk to Ahmad first? He might be reasonable. I’m sure we can convince him to reconsider.”

“I can’t take that risk. If he doesn’t listen and continues, the president will be eliminated, and the United Nations could be dragged into a bloody war, or even chased out entirely.

The UN can’t win. Afghans are born with guns in their hands; it’s their land.

No amount of training can compensate for growing up in the mountains.

” If he could convince the drug lord, the others most likely wouldn’t argue.

“Even if he doesn’t burn poppies now, he might in a few years.

By then, Afghans might see the changes he makes and support him wholeheartedly. So go ahead and assure me he won’t try.

“Afghanistan produces more than eighty percent of the world’s heroin.

If he burns the fields, there will be a global shortage.

Even if production shifts elsewhere in a few months, prices will double.

How soon will a similar, cheaper designer drug flood the streets, causing every addict to switch?

What will you do then? Build a lab and enter the niche? ”

“No one will let him burn the poppies. It’s big money.” Gustavo glanced at his protégé for backup, but Diego turned away nonchalantly, leaving his boss to fight his own battle.

“That’s exactly why there will always be someone who supports this. A few years of lost profit are nothing compared to the opportunity to gain power. I can’t see why I’d leave it to chance when I already have Kais. He’ll do exactly what we want.” Yugo pressed his point.

Greg cleared his throat. “According to recent information, the younger members of the group support Kais. He is modern yet cautious and wouldn’t drag them into an international war. They believe that with him, the money and women will keep coming.”

“Tobias has been working on Kais for quite some time. The change isn’t unwelcome, even if it’s a little earlier than planned,” Yugo concluded, leaning back in his chair.

“I see your point, but…” Gustavo murmured, making a circular motion with his hand while further ruffling the fur.

Yugo feared he’d soon leave a bald patch.

“…I think you hang out with Tobias too much. Conspiracy theories like this are his specialty. The stars would have to favor Ahmad if he’s going to pull this off.

It takes a young and strong leader to change history, and Ahmad is neither. ”

Tobias barked a laugh, raised a hand, and said, “Plus one for Ahmad.”

“Excuse me?” Yugo’s fingers sank into the soft armrests as he leaned forward. “You were whining about them implementing Sharia law constantly, and you were directly asked to stop the madness. Now, when you’ve actually made this coup happen, you vote for Ahmad?”

“Well, I guess I changed my mind…” Tobias shrugged and grinned. Had Yugo not recently “hung out” with Tobias too much for his liking, he would have missed the rigid angle of his shoulders and the slightly sharp smile.

Yugo opened his mouth to confront, but the creaking door stole everyone’s attention.

Under the hostile, dissecting glares of six men, Kuon lowered his chin.

The pink and brown scars on his pale face stood out sharply.

A scowl tugged at his short, deformed brows as he examined each man present.

His chin jerked to the side as instant regret and the need to retreat bled through his features.

Yugo’s chest tightened with suspicion. If he didn’t stop Kuon, he would turn on a dime and run away, leaving his office and mansion behind, along with Yugo.

The conversation they were about to have wasn’t meant for Kuon’s ears, and he didn’t trust the former detective to handle it well. However, if there was a chance to prevent Kuon from running away again, Yugo was willing to take the risk.

With little hope, he did the only thing he could, knowing all eyes were on them with prying curiosity. He flipped his palm up and moved it ever so slightly over the polished wood of the desk in a silent invitation.