Chapter 58_ Camel

Arya arrived at the office just moments before Al- Hakim entered through the door and she greeted the man with a polite smile, “Welcome, Mr. Al- Hakim.”

“Miss Arya, you are even more punctual than me. I can assure you it doesn't happen often.” He said, and Arya mused silently, ‘If only he knew I just got here too.’

“Would you like an overview of the technical features of our little jewel?” Arya asked, Al- Hakim nodded as Arya went through the drawings with him and he took his time, examining every detail.

“These look like very strange suspensions. Why are they so bulky?” He asked.

"Those suspensions are our latest innovation, they have a hydraulic system that allows the pilot to change the rigidity of the car.” Arya explained,

"Really?”

"Yes, we don't want our clients to be kicked by rigid racing suspension if they like to travel. You can have a 3,000 mile trip with this baby and feel like you are riding in the comfort of a station wagon.” Arya commented, and Al - Hakim nodded his head in approval.

“And this system can withstand the terrible forces of a race?” He asked curiously.

"That was one of the challenges our engineers worked very hard for years to solve.” Arya said.

"Let me tell you, I drive all kinds of vehicles, and this solution is one of the most brilliant innovations I have ever seen. Not even camels are so versatile.” Al- Hakim said, and Martina who was passing by with a stack of paper. Curious, she gets closer and stops right next to Al- Hakim.

“Camels?" She repeated.

“Yes, a very majestic creature. We call them the ships of the desert.” Al- Hakim said to her.

"I heard they're very dangerous. Have you ever been spat at by a camel?” Martina asked, curiously.

“As a matter of fact, I have.” Al- Hakim responded.

"And how was it?” Martina asked,

"Pretty unpleasant, actually.”

‘If I don't stop Martina, she will ruin the meeting.’ Arya mused, and then said to her, “Martina, please, since you're here, why don't you go to take last year's test of the older model?” Arya said, flashing her a sweet smile.

“But….. why would you need the —-” Martina trailed off when Arya interrupted her words.

“Thank you, Martina. I am sure it will be very interesting to compare the start of both models.” Arya said, and gently pushed away, down the corridor.

“All right, but I don't know how much time I will need to find —-”

"Take all the time you need. The only thing that counts is the result.” Arya said, smiling at her, and Martina walked away, still confused by the sudden change in the conversation.

Al- Hakim looked at her, shaking his head and turned to Arya, “I think you will make a great camel drive, Miss Arya.”

“I am sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Al- Hakim. Shall we continue our presentation?” Arya said.

“Of course, but– enough data and drawings. I think it's time to see what this car can actually do.” He said, and Arya nodded at him.

“I couldn't agree more." She said, and thought to herself, ‘I really hope the test drive goes without a hitch. Al- Hakim is very attentive to details.’

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Outside the buildings where cars are lined, Al- Hakim spends a good ten minutes looking at the car before he and Arya enter one of the cars they had been discussing about. “I have to say, If it drives as well as it looks, this might be the right car.” Al- Hakim said,

"I’m very happy to hear it. Why don't we take it for a spin? Arya remarked, and Al- Hakim nodded as he turned the engine on and started taking the laps around the circuit. He drives fast but on the careful side.

“I like how this engine sounds. But where is Kane? I think it would have been thrilling to have him behind the wheel.” Al- Hakim said, as he looked forward to seeing Kane again.

Without batting an eye, Arya told a white lie, “Unfortunately, he caught a cold and couldn't be here today. But I can fill in for him, no problem.”

"I see. That's a real pity." Al- Hakim said as he slowed down and stopped, turning to Arya, he remarked, "Why don't you take the wheel then? I really want to see what this car can do.” Arya nodded as she got out of the car and exchanged seats with Al- Hakim.

She got into the driver's seat and started pounding hard on the gas. Al- Hakim gets sucked in the seat as the car shreds the speed trap of the testing circuit.
“Whoa." He exclaimed.

“Hold tight." Arya said, as she got towards the end of the speeding ramp and pulled the hand-brake as she countersteer in a quite impressive drift around the sharp curve at the end. She kept going around the track, pushing all curves to the limit to show off the car's capabilities. After a full lap, she ended the test drive burning a doughnut in the asphalt.

“Woah! This car is absolutely amazing. And you…. You are an amazing driver as well.” Al- Hakim praised, and Arya beamed.

“I am very glad you enjoyed the test.”

"Yes, I really enjoyed it. Of course, I feel there are a few things that still need to be tuned, but for a concept car this is absolutely impressive.” Al- Hakim remarked.

Few minutes later, they were back in the office, and Al- Hakim said to Arya, “One more thing, Miss Arya.”

"Yes?”

"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I don't like eating alone, and we could talk about the car a little more.” He said, making Arya smile at him.

"Sure. It will be my pleasure.” Arya said, and thought to herself, ‘This might be the perfect occasion to seal this deal once and for all.’


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At the same restaurant they went to the other day, Al- Hakim was telling Arya about a deal of the past that turned sideways for him. “It was because of my business partners. They were trying to pull the wool over my eyes, screwing everything up. I had to turn down a very profitable deal, but I made sure they never worked again with cars. I don't like liars.”

“I agree. Trust between business partners is the most impor —--” Arya's words died off in her throat when Kane entered the restaurant. He’s the picture of health and Al- Hakim had seen him as well.

He turned to Arya with a frown and said, “Kane? Wasn't he supposed to be sick?”

‘Oh, shit. What am I supposed to tell him now?’