Chapter Two: Shadows of the Red Sea
The waters of the Red Sea shimmered beneath the glaring sun, casting an ethereal glow on the small, isolated island of Farasan, a cluster of islands off the southwestern coast of Saudi Arabia. It was a place known more for its fishing and pearl diving than for the undercurrents of illicit activities that took place behind closed doors. Few knew the island for what it had truly become—a quiet haven for the rich and powerful to conduct their unspeakable business.
Omar sat on the deck of a small yacht as it approached the island. The sea breeze did little to calm his nerves. He knew what this meeting meant. Farasan was far from the khat fields of Djibouti. Here, his dealings transcended mere plant trade. The man he was about to meet, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Qadir, was no simple businessman. He was one of Saudi Arabia's most influential figures—a man with wealth and power rooted in something far darker than khat: the global sex trade.
Omar had kept this part of his family's business hidden for years. To the outside world, his fortune came from khat, a trade that, while controversial, was accepted in many parts of the region. But those who followed the money more closely knew the truth. The khat business was merely a front. His family's wealth came from something far more sinister, and Abdulaziz was one of the key players. Together, they operated in the shadows, far from the prying eyes of law enforcement or anyone who might want to dig deeper.
As the boat docked on the island, Omar took a deep breath, steeling himself for the meeting. He stepped off the yacht and was greeted by a pair of guards dressed in crisp white thobes, their faces impassive as they escorted him toward a large villa that overlooked the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
The villa was grand, almost palatial, its walls lined with marble and gold accents, reflecting the immense wealth of its owner. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of incense. Omar followed the guards down a long hallway, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet beneath his feet. At the end of the hall, a pair of double doors opened, revealing a vast room with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the sea.
Sitting at the head of a low table was Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Qadir. He was a large man, his presence imposing, with a thick beard and piercing dark eyes that missed nothing. Dressed in traditional Saudi garb, he exuded power and authority, his wealth and influence apparent in every detail of the room around him.
"Omar," Abdulaziz said, his voice deep and resonant, "Welcome to Farasan. I trust your journey was comfortable?"
Omar bowed his head slightly in respect. "Thank you, Sheikh. The journey was smooth."
Abdulaziz gestured to the space beside him, inviting Omar to sit. As he did, servants quietly entered the room, placing an array of delicacies on the table—dates, lamb, and sweet teas. But the pleasantries were a mere formality. Omar knew that business came first with Abdulaziz.
"I have heard much about your recent operations," Abdulaziz began, his voice smooth but with an edge. "Your khat trade remains strong, but I am curious—are you prepared to expand? Our… other interests require more attention. The demand for girls is growing, especially in Europe and Asia."
Omar nodded, his face betraying no emotion. "The khat business is solid, but as always, I am ready to accommodate new opportunities."
The Sheikh leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Good. But I must remind you, Omar—this line of work is not for the faint of heart. If things go wrong, if we are exposed… the consequences would be far-reaching. We must tread carefully."
Omar understood the gravity of Abdulaziz's words. This wasn't simply about expanding his family's fortune. It was about navigating a world where power was the only currency that mattered—and where loyalty was always conditional.
"The shipments will continue as planned," Omar assured him. "Our routes are secure, and our contacts in the ports are well-compensated. No one asks questions."
Abdulaziz smiled slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Excellent. You have always been reliable, Omar. That is why I continue to work with you. But tell me, how is your family?"
The mention of his family made Omar pause for a moment. He thought of Amira, still recovering from the ordeal of her FGM, and Yusuf, who was growing more radical by the day. But these were not concerns he could share with Abdulaziz. To show weakness in front of a man like him would be dangerous.
"They are well," Omar replied, keeping his answer vague.
"Good, good," Abdulaziz said, reaching for a glass of tea. "Family is important. But so is discretion. I trust you will continue to handle things with the utmost care. The Chinese are becoming more involved in the region, as you know, and we don't need additional scrutiny."
Omar stiffened at the mention of the Chinese. The military base near Djibouti was growing in influence, and though their soldiers had kept to themselves for the most part, rumors of increased surveillance had spread among the local communities. Even his daughter had spoken of a Chinese soldier she had seen on occasion, though he dismissed it as childish curiosity.
"I understand," Omar said. "We will remain careful."
Abdulaziz nodded approvingly. "That is what I like to hear. Now, let us discuss the next shipment. There is a new route I want you to handle, through Yemen. It is more dangerous, but also more profitable."
As they spoke, Omar couldn't help but feel the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. His family's wealth had come at a cost—a cost he had long accepted, but that seemed to grow heavier with each passing year. The khat trade, once his primary focus, was now overshadowed by the darker dealings that had pulled him deeper into this world.
He had built an empire, but at what cost to his soul?
As the meeting concluded and Omar prepared to leave the island, he glanced out at the calm waters of the Red Sea. They looked so peaceful, so still. But beneath the surface, just like the business he was involved in, there were dangerous currents waiting to pull under anyone who ventured too deep.
Back on the boat, Omar's mind raced. Abdulaziz's words echoed in his ears, but it was the thought of his family that troubled him most. How long could he keep them safe? How long before the secrets they buried so deep came to light? He had built walls of wealth and power around them, but even the strongest walls could crumble if one wasn't careful.
As the boat sped back toward the mainland, Omar knew that things were changing. The world was watching. The Chinese, the Americans, the Saudis—they all had their eyes on this tiny strip of land where three countries met. And in this new landscape, survival meant more than just keeping one's business afloat. It meant navigating a world where power was everything, and loyalty was never guaranteed.