by Lilya Myers
Overhearing the conversation, Dan’s mom, Aida, came running in and grabbed the phone from Les to congratulate Dan. His mother veered off into news about family and friends and remodeling updates they were having done to the villa in Capri. Capri. The melodic drone of his mother’s voice and the mention of Capri was the trigger that lapsed Dan into a time capsule of stored memories, as she talked on and on.
***
Shortly after Dan had married Marie, they were told that they couldn’t have children. They had known each other since they were teenagers so by the time they were married, they were ready to start a family right away. It was a severe blow to their relationship. Even more so to Marie’s health. Things were very rocky for a while and Dan was afraid that Marie would go so far as to divorce him, to free him to find someone else that could give him babies.
“No, no, no! I can’t do this to you Daniel.”
“You haven’t done anything to me, Marie. I love you and I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife. A child doesn’t complete us. We can always adopt when…if we’re ready to take that step.
“That’s what I’m talking about Daniel.” Marie looked up at him through her tears. “I don’t know if I could ever be ready to take that step. But you may be ready sometime. You could also have one of your own flesh and blood. Don’t you see? The only thing that could stop you from any of that is me.”
Dan folded his arms around the love of his life and prayed that God would someday bless them with a child to love. He didn’t see how that could be possible, but he longed to believe it to the bottom of his very soul. “With God, all things are possible.”
From the moment they met, Marie knew Dan was the one, and she dreamed of the day that she would bear him a child. All these thoughts came flooding over and over her like a tidal wave as Dan showered her with patience, love, and kindness. He hadn’t known that Marie had secretly picked out a name and decided that the baby would be a boy. She wanted to name him James, after Dan’s great-grandfather of whom she had heard so many endearing stories. She’d imagine that he’d look like Dan, those same strong, good looks. He’d be tall like his daddy and a real head turner. She cried endlessly. But Dan wasn’t a quitter and he loved Marie. He made it more than evident that she was the center of his world until she realized that the love they shared was the glue that held them together.
Dan had a buddy whose wife worked in social services. She called Dan one day and suggested that Marie’s involvement in the child advocacy program might just be that final push she needed to make her world seem normal again. Although it was a slightly devious plan, and it took some doing, they were able to get Marie involved as a child advocate. This became her passion as her open wounds began to close.
As Aida was talking to her son, she suddenly uttered a shrill cry. She congratulated him again and didn’t wait for an answer before dropping the handset onto the counter. “Les, pick up the phone – my cake is burning – can’t you smell it?” Her distressed voice faded into the corners of Dan’s trance.
Dan’s mind had drifted so far into the clouds that receiving signals from earth were almost impossible. His father’s voice pushed through. “Dan…Dan?…hello? Are you still there? Is everything all right?”
“Yeah, oh…yeah, yeah…sorry, Dad. Uh, I got distracted…um, this fax…” Truth be told, he was having a flashback, some of which he prayed to God was all behind them now. “Sorry, Dad. What were you asking again?”
“How about Marie coming to spend the summer with us in Capri? Of course, that’s entirely up to her. It wouldn’t do for her to be there at your home by herself while you’re away.”
“I appreciate that, Dad, but we’ve already worked out that part. When I found out that I’d have to be in DC all summer, I got on the horn to a friend of ours in the court system. Leave it to Janis to make things happen! She was able to line up something for Marie with a child advocacy program in D.C. for the summer. She’ll take a leave of absence from her position with the program here while we’re in Washington. She’ll still be working with the kids and we’ll see each other every night.”
“That’s excellen! What about your house? I hate that you’ll be leaving it closed up for several months.” Details, details. Like father, like son. Dan would have all his bases covered, but Les still had to ask. It was one of the many reasons he was so good at his job.
“I contacted the University at Stony Brook and they had an adjunct professor coming in from the UK for the summer. Our place was ideal for him and his family. Perfect timing, a reputable tenant, and I won’t have to do all the background checks. So yes, we’ve got the house covered, Dad. They will be here May sixteenth. The agency is providing us with a beautiful and spacious townhouse – it’s brand new and loaded – just a few miles from work for both of us. It couldn’t be a more perfect arrangement. We’re not even taking more than one suitcase of clothes. We can shop there. A gift to ourselves on my promotion.”
His thoughts went to Hashim. It was almost like Hashim was avoiding him on purpose, and avoiding the rest of his family. It just didn’t feel right. Dan tried to jog his memory. Hashim had seemed distant for a while, not showing up in Capri, not answering phone calls. This was unlike him but Dan knew that they were men now with different priorities having stepped off the bus into the real world.
This became unusually evident when Hashim’s beautiful wife, Hasne, got pregnant. At first, he thought that Hashim and Hasne made themselves scarce for Marie’s sake. Then when Hasne died during childbirth, Hashim made himself nearly invisible.
“Hey, so has Sharif said much about Hashim lately?” Dan asked. “I can count on one hand in the past two years, since Hasne died, that we’ve heard from him. I call and if he answers, he says he can’t talk and he’ll call me back. When he finally gets around to calling back, he gives me the rush act. He’s too busy, he says, and I’m lucky to get in thirty seconds of an abbreviated phone call. Hooking up with him live time is impossible. Worse than getting an audience with the Pope. I don’t get what’s up with him anymore. Haven’t you noticed?”
Les had noticed and voiced his concern to Sharif when Nadia wasn’t in the room, to avoid upsetting her. Other than an occasional phone call, they hadn’t seen him or Sarai since Hasne died. They made excuses for Hashim’s behavior, saying it was a combination of grief and the fact that Hashim traveled extensively for his business. He was pouring his energy into establishing international clients who would buy the private jets he built. He wanted to accumulate wealth and position for Sarai’s future, Sharif told Les. He couldn’t bring Hasne back but he would try to give Sarai the world. And after all, even with all of his father’s business contacts, Hashim had a full plate when it came to finding his way through all the dignitaries, political figures, and CEO’s in order to become a valuable competitor and businessman in building private custom jets.
“Dan, could it be he felt that you needed to lavish your attention on Marie? And maybe he thought all the focus on Sarai would be a distressing reminder for Marie. Hasne’s death and raising little Sarai makes it even harder for him to face you both. Guilt will do that. Unjustified. But guilt, nevertheless. A potion of guilt and death has the power to take someone to the tower of aloneness and hold them prisoner.”
“But it’s been nearly two years since Hasne…”
Les wouldn’t let him finish the thought. “You know his heart better than anyone. His nature has always been to protect, not to hurt. Maybe you’re taking it personally for the wrong reasons. I’m sure it would be different if you and Marie were able to have children. Continue to contact him and be thankful for what you get. Don’t read any more into it, son. When Sharif and I retire in September, I know he won’t miss our retirement party. Until then….”
“Wait! What did you just say? Retirement? Our retirement? You and Sharif are finally cutting the cord from World Wide Chemical? And this is the way you break the news?” His voice held that odd mixture of hurt and disbelie
f at his father’s casual off-handed mention of their retirement. As a matter of fact, this wasn’t going to be a quiet little retirement party with the proverbial hors d’oevres and bronze plaques. This was going to be one helluva huge bash at the Capri estate, with every bell, whistle, and who’s who on the guest list.
CHAPTER 8
LES THOUGHT HE had shrewdly changed the subject with his son or maybe Dan knew there really wasn’t any more to be said. Dan’s CIA training taught him to latch onto a thought and not let go – just like a pit bull. But everyone handled death differently. Hashim and his wife, Hasne, were awaiting the arrival of their first baby and got blindsided by tragedy.
“Look, Dan. Your mother and I weren’t trying to keep it a secret. It’s didn’t arise to the excitement of your news and I couldn’t steal your thunder. Anyway, I don’t feel old enough to retire but I think that’s why your mother and I decided that it was time. We’re both in excellent health and still young enough to simply spend our time enjoying each other and…” He didn’t finish the thought out loud, and if you and Marie ever decide to adopt someday…. “It’s a luxury that money can’t buy and we don’t want to pass up.”
“When did Sharif decide he was going to join you in retirement?” Dan asked.
“His first response was ‘not without me you won’t!’ Les chuckled. “He’s still worried that I’m going to catch that damn worm! You know, be first.” Yes, he knew. Les and Sharif must have told the story of how they met a thousand times. Dan and Hashim loved to imitate them and retell it, verbatim.
Les went on, “Sharif was actually contemplating it himself. So, one night the subject came up and…usually Nadia would give Sharif that look – you know, the one where if he made a rash decision without her there’d be hell to pay?” She had that mean eye down pat but Sharif seemed to be the only one afraid of it. Or pretended to be.
“Dan, I’ll tell you, she didn’t so much as flinch before she started squealing like a four year old in Disneyland.” He started to say that Sharif and Nadia, the doting grandparents, would be overjoyed to have Sarai to themselves for a few months but he caught himself before his lips uttered the words. That would sting.
Dan said, “I’m really happy for you and Mom, for all of you. Has Sharif told Hashim yet?”
Les didn’t realize, this time, Dan caught him off guard until his foot had already been in and back out of his mouth. “Actually, Hashim called them and asked if they could take Sarai to Capri with them for a few months. They’re supposed to pick her up in the next couple of days and leave for Switzerland to visit friends before heading over to Capri. According to Sharif, Hashim is finishing up some jets that need delivering. Besides, Sharif and Nadia haven’t seen her in almost two years. At least, that’s my understanding. Apparently, it was not a fruitful conversation otherwise; no small talk I mean. Your mom and I are going to meet Sharif and Nadia in Switzerland next week – she wants to do some shopping with Nadia; then we’ll fly together to Capri.” Les tried to change the subject but it was already too late.
“Hold on, Dad. So you were going to tell me all this when? How come you suddenly know so much about what Hashim is doing? I thought you just said…”
Les really didn’t want to get back on the subject of Hashim again.
“Hey son, gotta go. Your mom says she needs my help. You know how she is. Now that there’s a big shindig to plan, she’s in hog heaven and driving me nuts with the details and that ‘We can’t pull this together overnight’…stuff.” Les tried unsuccessfully to mimic Marie. He didn’t pause to take a breath or give Dan an opening. “Listen, I know you’ve got a lot to do yourself, so just call me when you get a free moment and let me know how it’s going.”
Les didn’t want to dupe his own son but he knew that Dan would find his way back to the subject of Hashim.
“Thanks, dad.” Dan was still a little taken back that the retirement news was a slip of the tongue and he wasn’t kept in the loop. Then again, he was a grown man and didn’t live in the loop any more. “Yeah, the next few weeks are going to be really hectic. I can’t imagine what it would be like if we had all those other details to worry about. Too bad you and mom won’t still be on Long Island after we get out to D.C. I was thinking maybe Marie and I could fly up for a weekend before you head out to the villa.”
“We can still do that. I know your mother mentioned something about wanting to come back home for a couple of weeks in July. Before the news of you going to Washington, she originally thought she’d get Marie’s help on the party details. If your mother doesn’t have me hogtied with party this and that, maybe us guys can sneak out to catch a couple of rounds of golf while the girls commiserate. Sound like a plan?”
“Good deal. I know Marie will love that…hey Dad, when did Hashim say he was…”
“Okay, we’ll talk soon…” Les could still hear Dan talking as he purposefully placed the phone gently in its cradle. Les gave his head a slow shake from side to side. Nothing like being interrogated by the CIA.
Les had hung up before Dan could finish his next question. He knew that Dan would give another go at it to press the issue further about Hashim. No career would have suited my son more than becoming an agent for the CIA. Les deliberately cut Dan off mid-sentence and he hated doing that.
After he hung up, Les realized that he really didn’t know anything more than he told Dan, and he couldn’t offer assurance he didn’t have himself. God, I hope Hashim’s not doing something illegal with those jet planes….don’t go there, Les. And I pray Dan doesn’t decide that he needs to do a little informal surveillance…
The abrupt end to their phone conversation left Dan flabbergasted. Talking to the phone out loud, he questioned, “You hung up, just like that? My father? Really?” Dan just shook his head. He wasn’t the only one getting older. Maybe Dad really is ready for retirement. His shrewd is slipping.
***
Saib tried to keep his face expressionless despite his father’s verbal assaults. “You’re an imbecile! An ox has more brains than you. It’s why I can’t count on you to do anything right.” This was a familiar assessment Aswad made to Saib all too often. Only Aswad didn’t know that it no longer had the desired effect. Instead, it was empowering to Saib.
Aswad turned to pour himself another healthy glass of bourbon, while Saib visually painted a target on his back, thinking to himself. Your coup. Your important things. And you treat me like the dung from a camel. Saib glared at the imaginary bullseye. Your money will be mine soon enough, when the time is right. Your precious Omar can have your coveted political kingdom if you ever have one on this earth. You’re not even worthy of one in hell. You should get to know your other bastard sons as well as you think you know me. They may hold a few surprises for you.
The corners of Saib’s mouth turned up into a contented snarl at his father’s ignorance. He thinks I’m too stupid to know where he hides the money he’s stolen all these years. He doesn’t know how easy it will be for me to get my hands on it before anyone else. Saib hated Aswad but he needed his father’s power and influence, and his minions, for just a little while longer. He only wished that Allah would… Careful what you wish for… just yet. You are his son. A bastard son. As if the other two are not your bastard son’s as well? You profess to Omar that you loved his mother but you treated her no different than if she were a whore, just as you did mine and Kafele’s mother. Your lust and your impatience dear father…they will be your demise. My patience will one day be my victory!
Aswad turned and crossed the room. He noticed that Saib still leaned back comfortably in his chair although he noted something unusual in his expression. But he dismissed it as his thoughts focused on the more pressing reason he had sent for Saib. “Now then, Hashim didn’t learn from his last lesson. He’s a very stubborn man.” Aswad took a cigarette from a leather case on his desk and lit it.
“Yes, father. Hashim.” Smile. Humble voice. Saib knew he must sound contrite as well as anticipate his
father’s next directives. He had things to do and one of them was a little side trip to Morocco before heading back to school at the university in California. He didn’t want to be sidetracked with his father’s agenda. “As you wish. Hashim is as good as dead, as you command.”
Aswad shot up out of his chair and threw an arm out, waving a pointed finger up and down at Saib. “No! No! You are not thinking! You are as stupid as that dumb whore!” Aswad was always quick to remind Saib that he may have his father’s blood but he had the brain of the trash who birthed him.
He paced as he bellowed the question. “After his wife, you idiot,” he paused “what is Hashim’s most priceless possession?” He counted on Saib’s delayed response and would use that against him. He stopped pacing long enough to draw on his cigarette. Aswad looked squarely at Saib, ready to interrupt the second before a word could cross the threshold of Saib’s lips. He had shoved his hand in his pocket to be comforted by the feel of the gun’s cool metal. Aswad never took chances even where Saib and Kafele were concerned. “Never mind. You are too stupid to figure it out for yourself,” he said with disgust.
Another reminder. Saib shifted in his seat to reign in his temper. He had intentionally led Aswad down that path. He wanted the hate and anger for his father to rise like flames from within his soul so he could store and unleash them on Aswad when it really mattered. I would kill you now if it …. His thoughts were interrupted as his father looked back up at him.
“Emshi,” he said in Arabic. Leave me. Aswad waved a hand at Saib in dismissal. Saib hesitated, then pushed himself up from the chair. As soon as the door closed behind him, Aswad put a call through to Omar. And then Omar would call Saib. Something neither would tell Aswad.