I could’ve walked to the address in ten minutes, but walking the streets of Baghdad at night wasn’t the healthiest choice I could make.

The address was that of a wholesale distributer according to the sign. Happy Times Supplies was a close translation. Next to the entry was an intercom and I pressed the button. I heard a click as the door was remotely unlocked. I opened it and entered. The hallway was dark as it led into an office area. I felt my way along the wall searching for a light switch.

Suddenly a beam of a powerful flashlight was shining into my eyes.

“Keep your hands where I can see them,” said a voice in English. “I have a gun pointed at your head. If you move suddenly, or give me any cause for concern I will not hesitate to kill you.”

“What do you want,” I asked.

“Sit down in the chair in front of you.”

I could barely see anything in front of me, but I grasped the back of the chair and found my way to sit down.

“Attached to the arms of the chair are two handcuffs. Put one on each wrist.”