by Mark Goodwin
“Tarsus? As in Paul of Tarsus?”
“Tarsus, yes. Have St. Paul’s well in the old city. But I don’t know about other Paul here. Do you not know where you are?” Ali looked surprised.
“Why would you say it’s dangerous for us here?”
“MOC.”
“Mock, who is Mock?” Everett quizzed.
Ali grew visibly impatient with the imposters. “MOC. Martyrs of the Caliphate. They have many skirmish with the GR in Tarsus and Mersin.”
Instantly, Everett understood how vulnerable his team was. He stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out the small velvet sack given to him by Tommy. He reached inside and took out a one-carat stone. He held it up so Ali could see it. “Take me to the person who can convert this into a local underground currency, gold, silver, whatever, and ten percent of it is yours.”
Ali protested. “Are you kidding me? You just ambush me like you are GR peacekeeper, and now you want me to take you to someone who operates in black market? GR punishment for this is death. You are not peacekeeper. How do I know this is not set up?”
“Who’d set you up, Ali? The GR? I thought you just said we’re not GR?”
Ali shook his head and waved his hands feverishly. “No, no. I don’t get involved with this.”
Everett lowered the stone, putting it back in his pocket. “We might not be real peacekeepers, but the guns are real.”
Ali looked at Courtney and Sarah who were standing back with weapons at low ready in case he tried something foolish. Ali turned back to Everett. “Twenty percent.”
Everett motioned for the girls to get onto the flatbed, then walked around to the passenger’s side. “Twenty percent.”
Ali swallowed hard and put the truck in gear. “I take you to Sadat. But if the diamond is not real, he will kill you.”
Everett watched cautiously out the window as Ali drove through town, and down a boulevard lined with three and four-story apartment buildings, stacked one against the other. Most of the buildings were in poor condition. Some were cracked, some were missing the front wall, or upper floors, and some were merely piles of rubble. Everett guessed most of the serious damage had occurred in the great quake. However, the majority of the buildings didn’t look like they’d been painted since the 1970s. Ali parked in front of a row of buildings, which were still standing.
“You must hurry. Don’t let anyone see you.” Ali got out of the truck and directed Everett and the girls to a run-down café.
The shabby eatery sat at the ground level of a four-story, faded-green apartment building. The man behind the counter looked as if he were counting the minutes. When he looked up and saw Everett and the girls, his mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened.
Ali spoke to the man in Turkish, and he calmed down. The man pointed to the store on the left.
“I’ll be right back.” Ali headed for the front door.
Everett watched as Ali exited. “Keep your heads on a swivel. I hope he’s not about to pull a fast one.”
“I don’t like it.” Sarah glanced at the man behind the counter, then at the front door.
Everett pressed his finger on the trigger guard of his rifle. “Me either, but we have to see how it plays out. We’re in a country where we don’t speak the language or know a soul. It’s not the best situation.”
Ten minutes later, Ali returned. “Follow me.”
Everett and the girls followed Ali out the back door, into the alley, and through another door, which came in the back of another shop, on the same strip of buildings. They climbed a flight of stairs, and Ali knocked on a door.
A thick, towering man with a black suit and a bald head opened the door. The smell of hashish wafted in Everett’s face. The man said, “Come in. Give me rifles.”
“No way,” Everett protested.
“Then get out!” The giant of a man drew his own large-frame, semi-automatic pistol and stepped forward, keeping Everett from entering.
Ali put his hand on Everett’s back. “It’s okay. Nothing will happen to you. Sadat is business man. But you must go by house rules.”
Everett looked back at Courtney and Sarah.
“We really don’t have much of a choice.” Courtney pursed her lips.
Everett reluctantly handed his rifle to the man at the door, who then let him pass. Everett and the girls held their duffles close to their bodies as they walked down the narrow, smoke-filled hallway. They passed some doors where music was playing very loudly, and finally came to a door at the end of the hall.
Ali knocked. A voice from inside spoke in English. “Come in.”
Ali led the way, and the team followed. Inside, was a large room that looked like it used to be an apartment but had been converted into something that looked like a VIP area from a night club. A giant, plush sectional couch wrapped around a coffee table. Speakers surrounded the room as well as video screens. What looked like stage lighting was mounted to the walls, and a disco ball hung in the center of the room. Two more bald giants wearing black suits with Uzis hanging from slings over their shoulders stood on either side of the door.
“Studio 54,” Courtney whispered.
Sarah replied softly, “More like Area 51.”
Ali led the way to a huge mahogany desk. Behind it sat yet another bald man. This one was less muscular than the others Everett had encountered but appeared to weigh about the same.
“This is Sadat,” Ali said.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Everett, thanks for seeing us.” Everett offered his hand.
Sadat looked at Everett’s hand but did not shake it. “I was having party. I need to get back to my guests. What is it you want? And please tell me this will be more interesting than one little diamond. I’m not small-time broker. For that, you go to guys on street.”
Everett felt uncomfortable. Sadat was higher up on the food chain than who he’d hoped to meet. “I need local currency. Whatever you’re using to get around the Mark.”
Sadat looked at the uniforms, then glanced at the back of Everett and the girls’ hands. “Most people using silver coins, gold coins, or just barter for goods. So, it depends, what do you need currency for?”
“For now, we need a secure place to sleep for the night, and we need transportation. But, I’m still going to need currency.”
“Why you don’t go to GR outpost at port in Mersin? It’s like 25 kilometer.”
Everett looked Sadat in the eye. He knew Ali had informed the man that the team wasn’t really GR peacekeepers, but obviously, the gangster was going to make him say it. “These are just uniforms.”
Sadat smiled and nodded his head slowly. “GR is looking for you?”
“Does it matter?”
“I want to know, in case somebody ask.”
“If anyone asks, you haven’t seen us.” Everett smiled.
“I can get for you car. All of this building, and building next door are mine. So, I’m sure we can work out some deal. How far do you need to go?”
“About 600 miles.”
“So about 1,000 kilometer.” Sadat crossed his hands and leaned back in his office chair. “1,000 kilometer. You’re going to Istanbul?” He stared silently into Everett’s eyes. “No. Jerusalem. Why are you going to Jerusalem? Particularly if you don’t want to be near GR?”
“What will you charge us for a car?” Everett ignored the interrogation.
“You need something fast, four-wheel drive, and something tough. The earthquake made the roads very bad. And on top of that, you have to go through Syria and Lebanon. Thanks to your old government, Martyrs of the Caliphate control that entire region. When you get to Syria, don’t stop until you cross over into Jerusalem.” Sadat laughed. “And don’t wear this silly uniform. You won’t even make it out of Turkey.”
Everett neither confirmed nor denied Sadat’s speculation about their intended journey. “How much?”
“Six carats for the car. Nothing smaller than quarter carat, and at least two one-carat stones in the mix.�
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“What makes you think I have five carats?”
Sadat lost his congenial demeanor. “Don’t play around. I don’t have time. Peacekeepers come from America all the time with bags of diamonds. You don’t walk in here and try to buy car with one-carat diamond.”
Everett didn’t want to give up the smaller stones. He needed them for smaller transactions. And he knew the larger stones were worth much more. He stuck his hand in his pocket and felt around for a big one. He pulled it out and glanced at it in the palm of his hand before showing it to Sadat. Two and a half, he thought. He held it up to the light for Sadat to see. “Will you take this for a good vehicle? Land Rover, Humvee, something hardy like that with clean tags?”
Sadat snapped his fingers and held out his hand. “Let’s see.”
Everett gave him the rock.
Sadat pulled out his loupe and inspected the diamond. He looked at one of the guards by the door and spoke in Turkish. The man nodded and left the room. Sadat pulled out a small cloth and wiped the stone down, inspecting it yet again, holding it to the light.
The man returned a few minutes later and handed Sadat a vehicle key, speaking to him in Turkish.
Sadat nodded and looked at Everett. “I give you 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan White. All-wheel-drive. Many of these vehicles on the roads.”
“And fuel?”
“No.” Sadat held up the stone. “This is for car only. One carat for full tank and extra thirty liters.”
“You’ll take four quarter-carat stones?”
“I’ll take two half-carat stones and give you place to sleep tonight.”
“Can we see the car?”
“Be my guest. Ali will show to you. But let’s settle up now. I need to get back to my guests.”
Everett looked at the stone in Sadat’s hand. “You’ve got my rifles, and roughly a two-and-a-half-carat stone. I’ve got nothing. If you don’t mind, I’d like to see the vehicle and get the keys before I give up anything else.”
Sadat spoke to Ali in Turkish and gave him a key. He opened his drawer and handed him another key. Ali took the keys and replied in Turkish.
Sadat stood up from his desk. “Ali will bring you to my party after you have seen Tiguan.” Sadat pointed to his bathroom. “If you have other clothes, I suggest you put them on before walking out in the street. And by no means come to my party dressed like this. You will ruin the ambiance.” He walked out of the room, but the guards stayed.
Ali held out his hand. “You promised me twenty percent. So, I should get at least half-carat stone for all of this.”
“You wanted twenty percent of the converted currency from a one-carat stone!” Everett protested.
“Oh no. I wanted to be left alone. But you insisted, and I agreed to twenty percent of whatever you did with Sadat!”
Everett pulled out a quarter-carat diamond and gave it to Ali.
Ali inspected it. “Too small. Give me one bigger. At least twice this size.”
“Will you get us something to eat tonight and tomorrow morning so we don’t have to go back out?” Everett took out another quarter-carat diamond.
“Okay. Dinner and breakfast. But give it now.” He snapped his fingers two times and held out his palm.
Everett handed him the second stone. “Girls, get changed.”
Courtney and Sarah went into the bathroom. They came out wearing jeans and flannel tops over tee shirts. They still wore their combat boots, but the legs of their jeans were pulled over the top.
Everett changed into cargo pants and a light jacket. The evening temperatures would get in the low fifties. He used an inside the waist holster to tuck his Sig in the back of his pants. His Glock 43 backup gun went in his front pocket. He hoisted his duffle over his shoulder.
Ali pointed at the floor. “You can leave bags here. No one will take them.”
Everett might have taken him up on the offer if the duffles had only contained a change of clothes and a clean pair of socks, but he had a feeling the M72 rockets might be useful crossing the territory held by MOC. “They’re no trouble. We’ll carry them.”
They made their way down the stairs, out of the alley, and to a parking lot where the Tiguan was parked. Everett quickly confirmed the vehicle was in good working order, then the team followed Ali to the top floor of the building. It was much more quiet and didn’t smell like hashish.
Ali opened the first door by the stairs and flipped on a light. “This is your room. Electricity might not stay on all night. So, if you need it for something, use it while it’s on.”
Everett walked in. The furnishings were old, like items that had been tossed out by a thrift store, but it was clean. The paint on the walls looked like it was the same ugly green that was on the outside of the building, and probably applied in the same year. “How does Sadat have parties when the electricity goes out?”
“Sadat have generator.” Ali walked back out the door. “I bring guns when I bring food.”
“Okay.” Everett closed the door behind him. He looked at the girls. “I’m going downstairs to settle up with Sadat. Keep the door locked.”
“Don’t get lost.” Courtney winked.
He chuckled. “I won’t.”
Everett took only the two stones he needed to pay his bill with Sadat.
CHAPTER 15
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Daniel 9:27
Everett awoke to the sound of a television in the other room Friday morning. He sat up. Dim light shone through the sullied bedroom window. Everett stuck his feet in his boots and walked out into the living area of the small rented apartment to see the girls watching TV.
“How did you sleep?” Courtney took another bite of the pastry she was eating.
“Not bad. After living in a cave for so long, I have rather humble standards when it comes to accommodations. What are you guys eating?”
“Baklava and some kind of sugary apricot rolled in pistachios. Have some.” Sarah passed the white bakery box to Everett.
“I see the electricity is back on. What are we watching?”
“Global Republic Broadcasting Network, what else?” Courtney said sarcastically.
Sarah passed a Styrofoam cup with a lid to Everett. “Luz has a big announcement in a little while.”
Everett sipped his coffee and nearly choked. He coughed and cleared his throat.
“You okay?” Courtney fought a smile.
“That’s like espresso! Why is it so big?” Everett looked at the cup as if it were intended for an entire family.
Sarah giggled. “You don’t have to drink the whole thing.”
A knock at the door startled Everett, and he grabbed his rifle. He checked the peephole. “It’s Ali.” He removed the chain and flipped the latch to the deadbolt.
“It’s good. No?” Ali pointed at the bakery box.
“Fantastic!” Courtney picked up another baklava.
“And how did you sleep, Everett?” Ali stepped past the doorway so Everett could close the door.
Everett replaced the chain. “Very good. The room was just what we needed.”
“What time will you be leaving?”
“Luz is supposed to be speaking soon, so it must be an important announcement. We were going to hang around for a little while to hear it and head out after that. Unless Sadat wants us gone right away. He didn’t specify a time for checkout.”
Ali waved his hands. “No, no. Sadat don’t care. I am asking because he said he would exchange some silver coins for more diamonds if you want. If you are not in a hurry, that is. He has some meeting on other side of town, but will be back around lunch.”
“Another chance to milk us dry, I’m sure.” Everett picked up his coffee.
“Why you say that?
Sadat like you. He is a business man, but he give the best exchange rate. Many people in this city would have killed you and robbed you.”
Everett looked at Ali. “You’re right. He didn’t rob us. And we are grateful. Although, I’m not so sure about him liking us. He wouldn’t even shake hands.”
“This is Turkey. People keep distance until they know you. But trust me, Sadat like you. He like anyone who is not GR. But, you are crazy American, traveling through dangerous part of world, and with two beautiful women.” Ali glanced at the girls and blushed as if he’d experienced a momentary lapse in discretion.
Everett chuckled. “Yeah, well, America ain’t what she used to be. Believe it or not, this place is paradise compared to what we left. And you can tell Sadat that we’ll stick around until lunch time.”
“I tell him.” Ali let himself out. “Bye-bye.”
Everett waved, then locked the door.
“It’s starting!” Courtney pointed at the television.
Everett sat beside her and popped one of the sugar soaked apricots into his mouth.
The television focused on an elaborate marble podium which was positioned on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. An elevated stage was erected between the Dome of the Rock and the new Jewish temple. Wide panels of white linen with bright red dragons facing each other flanked the stage.
Harrison Yates and Heather Smith provided the commentary from an on-site news booth situated above an ocean of people who filled the Temple Mount.
“From what we’ve been told, today’s announcement is going to be huge.” Yates turned to Smith.
“Yes, Harrison. His High and Most Prepotent Majesty hasn’t made a public appearance in a while. And neither has Pope Peter, so to have them both here, it’s a significant address.”
“I noticed the Dome of the Rock got a little makeover. It’s had Arabic calligraphy inscribed on the outside of the golden dome. In keeping with the tradition of the building, the calligraphy has been done in mosaic. You’ve researched what it says, would you like to share with us?”