“David, that’s just unsubstantiated speculation on your part,” he said. “What else leads you to this—this unwarranted conclusion?”
David was prepared.
“I found myself wondering about a few other things lately, such as why Karim was so adamant that those killings in Cairo couldn’t have been related to us. As you recall, he became downright vehement on the subject. Inexplicably so, in my opinion. Almost like he was trying to convince himself as much as us that a determined murderer wasn’t tailing us. All pure coincidence he insisted. Not the least bit relevant.”
Omar hesitated, his expression still dubious.
“And what else?” he asked.
“It’s a question only you can answer, Omar—something that probably ties everything I’ve said together.”
“Go on . . .”
“When Karim chose to leave the Alexander site, what were the circumstances that brought him here to El Quseir? I suspect his request arose just shortly after Alexander’s necklace came to light. You told me you and Rashidi recommended him to fill the open position here, right?”
“We did. So?”
“Well, since you two thought so highly of him, wouldn’t you likewise have recommended him for other positions, as well? Archaeological sites, let’s say, that were potentially far more prestigious? I mean, in all of Egypt were there no other postings available?”
Omar thought for a moment.
“There were several, actually. I even suggested a few better options for his consideration. But he wanted—”
“So what you’re saying is the decision to come here to this relatively obscure back-water site was his alone. Looking at it from today’s perspective—and the scenario I’ve been outlining vis-à-vis the pearl necklace—we’re now confronted by one huge coincidence, wouldn’t you say? Isn’t it more probable he’d a good reason to ignore your suggestions? Myself, I think he wished to return to the vicinity of where he and his partner came into possession of Shadid’s artifact some forty years earlier. If the long dead Shadid acquired it in El Quseir, then the revelation of what came out of Alexander’s tomb would’ve raised the possibility that perhaps even more might eventually be unearthed—and who better positioned to make such a discovery than the top archaeologist working in the area?”
David turned once again to the shaken Karim.
“Was that your reasoning? Not that it makes any difference at this point, but was it entirely your idea—or were you pressured to do so by your far-thinking and opportunistic partner?”
Karim now appeared on the verge of a complete breakdown.
“It—it’s not as you believe,” he said in a barely audible voice. His eyes flicked briefly to Omar. “Some of what you say is true, but not all.”
“Then tell me where I’m wrong.”
“Your reference to my having a partner in all this is grossly inaccurate, the implications not anywhere near what you seem to think. It’s true I was there the night Shadid died—but it’s also true that killing him was never our intention. Understand, we were just poor street kids, struggling to survive one day to the next. He came at us from behind, wielding a knife like a man possessed. If—if it hadn’t been for my friend, badly wounded though he was, I wouldn’t have gotten out alive. He saved my life that night at risk to his own, something I’ve never forgotten.”
“His name?”
Karim swallowed hard before saying it.
“Tazir Rahal. And my indebtedness to him only increased in the coming days and months. The money we made selling the necklace to old Sharif after fleeing to Cairo was the beginning of a new life for me—and, as it turned out, for Tazir, as well.”
“You were at the Khafaghi home when the sale was made?”
Karim nodded.
“Standing nearby in the shadows. Tazir was then deathly sick from the knife wound to his face, yet determined to make the deal. Later, once he eventually recovered, we soon took separate paths, him and I, but he always managed to somehow stay in touch over the years. I often thought it was because of the shared bond between us from our childhood. You see, everything I subsequently attained in life I owed to his selfless act on that night in Shadid’s house.”
Omar appeared unsympathetic.
“So this shared bond was enough for you to betray all of us?”
Karim gave an adamant shake of his head.
“No, that’s not what happened! I admit it was most foolish of me to inform my old friend of your impending visit to El Quseir—and your reason—but it never once crossed my mind it would ultimately lead to this! It wasn’t until we found out about those killings in Cairo that I began to seriously wonder if perhaps I never really knew Tazir at all! Was it even possible I’d been wrong about him all these many years? It was at this point I broke off all further contact—only to have my worst fears confirmed tonight. I was used, deceived, and when he determined I stood between him and the treasure, I was deemed expendable. And not just me. My beloved Lana, as well.”
As fascinating as all this was, David felt compelled to now push Karim even further. He’d no choice, for the proverbial clock was ticking, time fast running out on any chance of ever recovering the treasure.
He went straight to the crux of the matter.
“Karim, the chest we unearthed was taken away by jeep about an hour ago. Apparently heading north. Do you have any idea as to where in hell it might be headed?”
After a painfully long pause, Karim suddenly lifted his head.
“Yes. I know of one definite possibility.”
“Where?”
“It’s a remote, abandoned military airfield about eighty-five miles northwest of here.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
David drove north into the night, conscious to maintain the SUV just over the highway’s posted speed limit, his eyes sporadically noting the passing time on the illuminated dash. The jeep bearing the chest was roughly one hour ahead of him, perhaps not an insurmountable advantage if all went well.
He recognized that his decision to bring only Omar and Karim with him wasn’t entirely practical considering the potential danger they were about to face. Yet no other option was practicable under the circumstances. Karim was necessary to show him the way—and a determined Omar simply wasn’t to be denied. Having Ammar along would’ve greatly bolstered his confidence, for the value of the man’s training as Rashidi’s security chief had already proven itself.
But this wasn’t in the cards.
Instead, David needed him to accomplish two tasks of equal important back in El Quseir. First and foremost, he knew Ammar was the best suited to protect Elizabeth and Lana at the Nazari home—and, too, he’d likewise been charged with reaching Rashidi in Alexandria by phone, informing him of everything that had so far transpired. Once fully brought up to speed, Rashidi was instructed to then grab a notepad and immediately contact David via Omar’s cell number.
Twenty-eight long minutes passed before the call finally came in. When it did, Omar answered on the first ring and quickly passed it over. David was as prepared as he could be. While waiting, he’d gleaned considerable more information from Karim—all of it now critical to their eventual success or failure in retrieving the chest.
He wasted little time transmitting his needs.
“Ahmed, sorry to throw this on you. Got a pad and pen?”
“I’m ready. Go.”
“The mastermind behind all of this is a high ranking officer in the Egyptian military by the name of Lt. General Tazir Rahal. He’s currently the top man stationed at Shubra outside Cairo, a warehousing and distribution depot. ”
“Did you say he’s a Lt. General—?”
“I did—which I know is going to make your job a lot more complicated.” He paused. “A serious problem?”
“Could be. It means I may have to pull out all the stops regarding whom I contact. You’re absolutely certain of his identity?”
“As I can be, yes.” David glanced over at Karim. “My source
has no reason to lie. Omar and I both believe he’s telling the truth.”
“Then I’ll have to go with it. What else you got on him? Anything I can use to make my case?”
“Just that he’s made a business of black-market trading in whatever he can lay his hands on for the past several decades. Everything from ancient antiquities to God knows what else. Tonight he’s hit the proverbial jackpot, acquiring what amounts to one of Egypt’s national treasures. If my estimates are correct, that jeep should’ve arrived within the past several minutes. He’s a pro, Ahmed—so he’s likely to start moving it through established channels very rapidly. I’m guessing the only thing working in our favor is his false belief that we’ve all been eliminated. How much that may buy us is debatable.”
“Meaning I don’t have much time to put the wheels in motion. Ammar said your destination was an abandoned airfield. I’m going to need whatever specifics you can give me.”
“Won’t be a lot, I’m afraid. If the airfield had an identifying designation, it’s definitely not posted anymore. All I have is that it’s about sixty-five miles southeast of Hurghada and approximately thirty odd miles straight inland from the Red Sea coast. According to our map, that places it at the end of an old military road I’m told hasn’t been much used since the late sixties.”
“Making it a smart choice on his part. If memory serves, that’s deep into rugged desert country.”
“That’s how I see it.”
“How close to your turnoff?”
“Not far. Another ten miles, or so. That’s the best I can give you.”
“That will have to do. Be damn careful and let’s see what I can accomplish on my end. Take note of the time. If I’m not making any progress whatsoever, I’ll phone back in exactly thirty minutes to give you ample warning. If you don’t hear from me that means one way or another I’ve got help coming. Are we clear?”
“Got it.”
As Rashidi clicked off, David glanced at the dashboard.
It showed 3:19am.
If they had any chance to recover the chest, he needed the cover of complete darkness to pull it off—and dawn was now less than two hours away.
* * * *
Tazir lit one of his rare cigarettes as he stood back from the heavy wooden table, his eyes no longer focused on the array of ancient artifacts, but instead on the unmistakable intense pleasure now playing across the normally expressionless features of his long-time business associate, Paul Muller. The Belgian’s unguarded moments of shear wonder as he carefully examined each piece confirmed everything Tazir wished to know, for the younger man appeared close to salivating. No question remained in his mind that once a deal was struck, both of them were going to leave this building very rich men.
And rightly so.
Placed separately along the table’s entire length, all illuminated by three overhead florescent fixtures, were the dazzling contents of the chest—by their earlier count one hundred and ninety-two natural pearls of incredible size, each held in suspension by exquisitely fashioned chains of fine gold.
“Take as long as you require,” said a patient Tazir. “Their antiquity and provenance aren’t in question.” He smiled at the shorter man, and then added, “But not too long, my friend. I feel I must again advise you that I want to finalize a deal before the night slips away.”
“Is that why you had me on brought me in on such short notice, perhaps hoping to rush through a quick deal not to our mutual benefit? Come now, Tazir, after all our years doing business together, you must know I don’t like being rushed into—”
“No, not at all. I fully understand. I could’ve gone elsewhere with this, but chose you because of our long-standing association. More than anyone, I appreciate your expertise and influence within the European black-market—not to mention, of course, what I believe is the financial wherewithal you possess to move decisively when such a magnificent acquisition as this presents itself. Thus you’ll find I’m now prepared to make you a very lucrative and generous offer.”
The Belgian hesitated, but only briefly.
“How generous are we talking?”
“Extremely,” said a smiling Tazir. “It’s a non-negotiable proposal, but one I really can’t imagine you’ll refuse. Let me be specific. What you see here can be yours for a mere eighty million euros, all of which must be transferred straightaway into my numbered Swiss bank account. Nothing less will suffice.”
“Eighty million—!”
“Oh, please, Muller! Don’t give me that familiar look of shock. We’re both old hands at this game, are we not? I said ‘mere’ for good reason. Considering that you most assuredly can—and no doubt will—reap a return of at least several times this amount, I feel I’m offering you an extraordinary bargain. Even as we speak, I’m sure you’re already compiling a mental list from your extensive clientele of rich private collectors, buyers that you know for a certainty will happily pay through their teeth to acquire even one of these pieces.”
It took a long moment, but the man finally responded, visibly retreating from his standard negotiating tactic. Perhaps it was the unyielding expression on Tazir’s face that convinced him any continuance wasn’t to his advantage.”
“So how do you wish to finalize this?”
“Quite simple. Take the laptop from your briefcase and make the transfer to my account. I’ll give you what privacy you desire. After I confirm the transaction on mine, you and I can replace all this into the chest. At that point I’ll bring my men back inside so they can load it into the helicopter. All under your supervision, of course.”
* * * *
Forty yards due east of the old hanger, David crouched with Oman and Karim to get their first close-up view of the single building. Sheathed in corrugated metal, it was roughly eighty feet in length by fifty wide, a faint light emanating from deep inside.
Since the thirty minutes specified by Rashidi had now long since elapsed with no return call, David had to assume some form of help was on its way. Just what shape it would take, he’d no way of knowing. Nor was there time to waste on conjecture.
Off to their left, a small military helicopter was partially visible halfway down the building’s length, positioned roughly adjacent to what was likely a side entry door. Directly ahead of them by the front entrance stood two figures leaning casually against the hood of a parked jeep. Not only did David recognize the vehicle as the same one that had carried away the chest—but the larger of the two men was unquestionably the bearded man who’d been in charge of the operation.
And it now appeared David’s arrival had come not a moment too soon!
Something was beginning to happen.
As they watched, the bearded man answered his cell phone, then abruptly tossed his cigarette and gestured his companion to follow him inside. Doubtless they’d been summoned by a higher authority, which now left the jeep unguarded—and the chance timing of this couldn’t have been better if David’s hastily formulated plan was to work. With assistance forthcoming, he knew their sole mission at this point was purely one of containment. No matter what it took, no one could be allowed to exit the building.
“Omar, how quickly can you slip over to the jeep and rip off its ignition wires?”
“Dark as it is, I’d say two minutes, tops. Should be no problem.”
“I’ll give you four,” said David. “Once done, hurry back so you and Karim can lay down cover fire on that front door if and when it becomes necessary. It’s critical we keep them pinned inside.” He checked to see Ammar’s machine pistol contained a full magazine, putting another full one into his pocket. “While you do that, I’ll work around and do whatever it takes to immobilize the chopper. So far I haven’t seen any evidence of a pilot sitting in there. Either way, I expect it’s going to get damn noisy.”
“Don’t worry,” said Karim in a quiet voice. “There’s no pilot in it.”
“How do you—”
“Because I’ve seen that helicopter before. Tazir alway
s prefers to pilot his own craft, entrusting no one else with his personal safety. In a way, it’s kind of ironic how his phobia may now help contribute to his demise. I’ve no doubt my old childhood friend is one of the people inside the building. I think you hope to take him alive—but I know his determined nature. That’s just not going to happen.” He sighed, mumbling something inaudible as his troubled eyes shifting back to the front entrance. “I—I only wish I could’ve somehow learned his reason for—for—”
Karim was actually starting to babble, yet David had no choice but to set aside his concerns for the man’s deteriorating mental stability. This would have to be addressed at a far less pressing time.
Instead, he glanced at his wrist and looked again at Omar.
“Four minutes, my friend. Ready?”
“Let’s do it.”
Still crouching, David carefully moved around to his left, making his approach on the parked helicopter from the desert side. Once there, he silently opened the cockpit door and leveled Ammar’s machine pistol at the myriad of controls. A check of his watch told him to wait, for he still owed his friend another two full minutes to perform his task with the jeep. Timing was critical. To act too soon would alert everyone inside and place Omar in grave jeopardy, perhaps giving him no chance to get back into position beside Karim.
Then the plan quickly fell apart.
Not twenty feet away, the building’s side entry door was suddenly unlatched and pushed open, throwing light from the interior directly onto the chopper. The bearded man and his companion were in the process of emerging, already part way out and carrying the chest between them before either spotted David—who now had no option but to unleash a burst of bullets into the controls and dive for cover beneath the craft.
Though taken by complete surprise, the men proved themselves trained professionals. After dropping the chest, they reached for their weapons, the bearded man a split second quicker to react—thus David instinctively made him his prime target. He rolled to his right, putting the two directly within his line of sight—then used both hands to sprayed both with a concentrated hail of bullets, emptying his magazine before they had any opportunity to return fire.
The Porus Legacy Page 16