Blair continued to ask to see his daughter. Yassin was unwilling to let that happen. So for the next few days he stopped working, stopped eating, stopped getting out of bed.
Now it was Yassin who opened the door and stepped inside. “I hear you’ve been misbehaving,” he said.
Blair glared at him. “I want to see Sandra.”
“I already told you. That’s not going to happen.”
“Why not? What harm could it do?”
“No harm. The simple fact is, your daughter is doing well. There is no need to add confusion to her life.”
“Confusion?” Blair came to a sitting position. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Don’t raise your voice, Mr. Mulligan.”
“What confusion can there be?” he asked more quietly. “I am her father, for God’s sake.”
“And don’t take the name of your lord in vain.” Yassin stepped closer, and took a seat on the edge of the bed. “You would think you’d have learned your lesson by now,” he said, the voice of reason. “You will do as I ask without any more of your demands. You can starve yourself to death, as far as I am concerned. But only after my operation has been completed. If you dare try something else, no matter how insignificant, you will be made to pay, in a way you will always remember. Have I made myself clear, Blair Mulligan?”
He was fed up with the way the man continued to use both his surname and given name. But he kept his silence.
“Well?” Yassin pushed.
More than ever, Blair resented his own shortcomings.
Yassin rose to his feet. “Do not try my patience,” he said.
“At least let me speak to Sandra by phone,” Blair pleaded.
Yassin went to the door, opened it and stepped out. He did not bother to look back, let alone offer a reply.