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door closed again. One of the robed men picked up the phone and carried it to Kaseem. A minute later it rang. “This is Kaseem. We have explosives and we will kill the hostages unless we are paid ten million U.S. dollars. We also want safe passage to any destination of our choosing in South America. We will take several of the hostages as insurance; they will be released after we have escaped unharmed. You have one hour. Have I made myself clear?”
    Captain Ortiz replied, “Yes, I understand. But you must also understand that I do not have the authority to agree to your demands. I must report to my superior.”
    â€œThen contact your superior. I expect your answer within 60 minutes, or the first hostage will be shot.” Kaseem did not wait for a reply; he simply closed the phone and smiled wickedly.

    Barely 30 minutes had passed since the robed men burst into the room. A paramilitary team arrived and barricaded the circular driveway in front of the hotel, posting two guards with machine guns at the lobby entrance. A man wearing the insignia of an army major emerged from the command vehicle. Above his breast pocket was a patch that bore his name—Muriel. He strode confidently through the lobby and was met by Captain Ortiz.
    â€œMajor, I am Captain Ortiz. I have spoken with the terrorists. They are demanding ten million U.S. dollars plus safe passage. They say they will begin to kill the hostages in…,” Ortiz glanced at his watch, “sixteen minutes, unless we agree to their demands.”
    The major stared, devoid of expression, at Ortiz. He appeared to be deep in thought. Ortiz saw cunning and purpose in the major’s eyes.
    â€œTake me to these terrorists,” Major Muriel ordered. They turned and marched up the staircase to the door of the meeting room. Captain Ortiz gave a cell phone to Muriel. “We have spoken to the terrorists by phone. Just press #1 and the connect button.”
    As they reached the top of the stairs, the major opened the phone and speed-dialed the terrorists. Kaseem answered. “You are almost out of time. Are you prepared to meet my demands?”
    â€œThis is Major Muriel of the Venezuelan Army. I have spoken with Captain Ortiz; you are asking for a lot. I am not sure we can agree to your demands.”
    â€œThat is too bad, Major, for you and me. We are prepared to die today. Are you prepared to have these hostages die as well? That is what will happen, I assure you. A security guard is already dead. You will have the next body in precisely seven minutes unless I have assurances that my demands will be met.”
    â€œHow do I know that the hostages are still alive and well? Allow me to enter the room and speak with you face-to-face.”
    Kaseem paused for a minute, then, “Very well. But I warn you, no tricks. If you bring a weapon in here, you will be executed. Is that clear?”
    â€œYes, very clear.”
    Major Muriel gave the cell phone to Ortiz. “I’m going in to check the condition of the hostages and buy us some time. I need to know how many terrorists we have in there and what weapons they have.” Then he unbuckled his pistol belt and gave it to Ortiz.
    Muriel slowly cracked the door open. “I am coming in, alone and unarmed.”
    He walked in slowly and deliberately, hands above his head, fingers interlaced. The door closed behind him. Muriel stood inside the door, slowly looking around the room. The hostages were clustered in the center while the terrorists were stationed so that each had control of a quadrant. All brandished AK-47 rifles with either short or sawn-off butt stocks.
    The terrorist nearest to his left approached with his rifle casually aimed at Muriel’s torso. The terrorist leader walked swiftly to Muriel from the front of the room.
    He spoke softly to avoid being overheard by the hostages. “Praise be to Allah.”
    And the major replied, “Blessed are his children and all