Inside the secret headquarters, bathed in a golden glow, the Signmaker leaned forward in an expensive leather seat, totally absorbed in a bank of screens and HoloSpaces. With money and resources virtually unlimited, the Signmaker was surrounded by ultra-modern, limited edition and, in some cases, one-of-a-kind computer and communications technologies. TV news, hacked satellites and surveillance cameras showed smoke billowing from the Great Pyramid and the jet’s wreckage burning out in the Egyptian desert. Social media and phone networks were going crazy. The Signmaker smiled. The world was watching, talking, wondering—even if they didn’t know why yet—and that was even before they learned that a second disaster was unfolding in another part of Egypt.

With laser-like focus, the Signmaker’s attention switched to real-time footage of Giza. Short, sharp voice commands brought up a clear image of Yasmin and her father and brother. Audio came via the family’s own smart phones.

‘Everyone, downstairs,’ Mr Adib barked. ‘Now!’

With another voice command, the Signmaker adjusted the satellite image. The Egyptian detective and his men were in place outside Yasmin’s family store.

The Signmaker was pleased. The Cairo cop had been paid to make sure the DARE Award winner was safe. It looked like he was doing his job.

The Signmaker nodded. Everything was going perfectly to plan.