A Visit from the Al-Assafs

The elder of the Al-Assaf clan, Ibrahim, spent part of his time in Texas and part of it in the Middle East. He arrived at the Barre home with his aides and nephews, all of them suspiciously regarding this white picket fence neighborhood. But then they saw them. Mothers and daughters in their hijab. Black Muslim men, walking as if they owned the place. Because they did.

"Thank you, Yusuuf," Ibrahim said as Yusuuf placed a cup of coffee. "Remarkable what you've done here. Both for us and otherwise."

"Thank you," Yusuuf said, bowing his head. "It was not easy. But it was necessary."

"Indeed. So I've been told you wish to move your household and your people to Dubai, to supervise our African interests. Is that true?"

"It is," Yusuuf agreed. "It is an amazing economic opportunity of course. But it is also an opportunity to immerse my wife into a culture she has long admired. And for our children as well, of course."

"Of course," Ibrahim agreed drily. "Speaking of which, I've heard she is quite the beauty. May I see her before we depart?" Yusuuf whistled, and Elizabeth came into the room, conservatively clad with her hijab. Ibrahim walked over to the raven-haired, alabaster skinned beauty. He looked into her vivid blue eyes.

"Absolutely stunning. You'll keep her close, of course, Yusuuf. But it is a credit to you, and a credit to Allah. We will be glad for you to join us in the Middle East, Elizabeth."