‘ALHAMDULILLAH,’ he said before ending the call. The bald man scanned the green grass and the cobblestone path that divided it before turning his attention back to his phone. Holding the phone with his left hand, he used his right hand to stick a paperclip-like tool into its side. A small black tray popped out. He lifted the SIM card from its cradle before dropping the phone onto the stone path. With a violent thrust of his hip, he jammed his foot onto the phone, then stomped on it over and over and over until the screen was smashed to shards.

Satisfied the phone was destroyed, he put the SIM card between his teeth and bit down. He had to wriggle and twist it to rip the toughened plastic. Once he’d finally torn it in two, he examined the metallic markings – the electronic chip that held all the information – to make sure they were severed, before putting the pieces back in his mouth. Then he swallowed…

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