The only explanation is a coup.
Barzani has made his move.
His brain worked rapidly.
The pistol was at his back, but two armed guards were two meters away.
There's an emergency alert button under the desk, but it would require bending over to activate.
The window is made of bullet-proof glass, impossible to break.
Not much possibility.
"I need to contact my family."
Tariq said, trying to buy time.
"Your family is already under our protection. Rest assured."
Already under control.
Tariq felt a pang in his stomach.
Laila, Kareem, Rami...
If they use the family as leverage...
"I'll go with you," he said, slowly raising both hands, "but let me grab a coat. The air conditioning is too cold."
This was probing.
If they allowed him back to his desk, there might still be a chance to trigger the alert.
Faruk hesitated for a second, then nodded.
"Okay. Please be quick."
Tariq turned to walk to the coat rack.
His peripheral vision scanned the edge of the desk.
