it almost hurt him. "I would love to stay longer, but I have to get to work early tomorrow as I leave for home Sunday and I still have lots to do."

Saying good night he hugged Fazzi and then he took Joseph in his arms and kissed both his cheeks saying, "It was nice to get to know you better and I hope you will look on me as a friend. If I can do anything for you-just let me know."

"It was nice meeting you again and the same goes for me. I wish you a good and safe trip. May Allah go with you!" Joseph said.

After he left and later when Joseph and Fazzi were in bed, Fazzi said, "See that was not too hard was it?"

"No it was not hard at all. Now let's get to sleep as we have to go to Mosque tomorrow."

The next afternoon as the Imam gave his sermon Joseph spotted a lot of movement and whispering in the audience. This was very unusual and to add to the bizarre behavior many of the worshipers pointed at Joseph and shook their heads. Joseph could not figure out what was going on, but kept his attention on the Imam. When the Sermon was over a group of men took Fazzi to the side and as they spoke to him his face became ashen. His once olive colored skin became drained of all color as he walked over to Joseph took him by the arm and led him to a private alcove off the main prayer room.

With tears in his eyes he asked Joseph, "When was the last time that you heard from your friend Ibrahim?"

"What's wrong? I think it was about three weeks ago. What's happened?"

"It's on the news, Aljazeera, as well as the American news. He was captured in Iraq. Ibrahim Smith an American soldier, it is him they showed a photograph. People in the congregation remembered that he brought you to the Mosque. He is still alive but unless all Iraqi prisoners are released in 48 hours, they are going to cut off his head!!!