eyes. "No concussion. You were right sir; it looks like just a bit of shock. Let him rest here for a few minutes. Then perhaps a few hours rest at home might be better for him. He is young and strong as a bull. He should be fine. Everyone else clear out of here and give him some air. Just you and I will stay Mr. Muhammad. Please raise his feet and someone bring him a warm blanket." About a half hour later Joseph was beginning to feel more like his old self, his color had even returned."

Joseph told the doctor that he was feeling better and that he thought he would like to go home. "We are keeping the Imam out of his study. Please apologize to him for me. It was just the shock. I'll be okay. I just need time to adjust to it. I did not even know he was serving in Iraq."

"Yes, I do think he would be better resting at home Mr. Muhammad. He still appears to be a bit disoriented, but that should clear up with rest. I have a sedative he can take, but only when you get him into bed. It is quite strong and should help with the shock. I'll give you four tablets; have him take one when you get him home and put him to bed, then one every four hours, but only if he needs it. He is not to drive or operate machinery. I think he will be fine by morning. I can stop by tomorrow, if you like, but in any event give me a call in the morning and let me know how he is doing." The doctor instructed and gave Fazzi the pills and his card.

"Thank you doctor. Please send me the bill. It was most kind of you and we will be in touch." Fazzi helped Joseph to his feet and he and the doctor put him into the car. Again Fazzi thanked every one and after making sure that Joseph was covered up he got behind the wheel and drove home.

"I'm going to have to call his mother--what I can say to her. That poor woman, she must be out of her mind. Maybe I should check to find out if they have notified her yet." Joseph rambled on and on with his eyes closed to prevent the sunlight from aggravating his throbbing head.

"They would not have released his name and photo to the American press if the Pentagon had not done that first. Do you know her number? When we get you home and in bed I will get her for you. However let's wait until I first check and see if I can get any information from Allie at the embassy. He has all kinds of connections and informants. I'm sure he will help."

Arriving home and helping Joseph up to his room and making him sit on the bed, he said, "Let me help you undress and get comfortable. You heard what the doctor said. You have to lie down and rest. I'll have cook make you something warm to drink and you will take the pill the doctor prescribed. You relax and I will call the embassy and get Allie to work on this right away. I also have some other people that I know who may be helpful. I promise you, habibi, everything is going to be okay. I have a lot of friends who owe me favors and I intend to call every one