The Istanbul Conspiracy

by Lynda Filler

  “Rachel and I were bugged at the border. Do you suppose my connection to the Raven Group has been exposed? Or is that the norm? Turk, what do you think?”

  “We’re on high alert along the Syrian border. The U.S. approval of the safe zone buffer hasn’t been well received in the Middle East. Your passport might be correct, but you do look Semitic, and your military bearing would put you under observation. MIT—Turkish security is on high alert, especially after…”

  Tears formed in the Turk’s eyes.

  Luke took over. “What do all these things have in common? Look at the big picture.”

  Firestorm was the first to respond, “It was the Turk’s wedding, and he’s still alive, so it wasn’t a personal attack on the Turk. Either it’s a brutal terrorist attack—random, or it’s politically motivated.”

  “Right. I want a list compiled of everyone in top government positions who were invited but didn’t attend the wedding. Let’s see exactly where they were. Who’s got the security tapes from shore?”

  “My team. Let me check with Cruz.”

  Yunus looked around at the support in the room. He was no longer alone.

  26

  The Raven Group flew the helicopter back to the secure estate on the other side of the Bosphorus Strait. The wealth of the extraordinary compounds along the Bosphorus and on the Asian continent rivaled properties Luke had seen in some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world. Luke heard the pilot repeat a series of codes as they approached the landing site. His brilliant memory recalled that these were not the codes used when they arrived last night.

  “Where’s Alice?” Samaar spoke to Maggs while looking around for the love of her life.

  “She’s on her iPad. She might be face-timing. I heard her speaking about fifteen minutes ago.”

  Maggs nodded towards the games room to the right of the kitchen area.

  “Mommy! Come play pool with me.”

  “Where did you learn to play pool?”

  “RB taught me when we were in Seattle last year. I play with Amir at school sometimes.”

  “You have pool tables at school?”

  “Sure. The kids in tech say it helps them have creative breakthroughs. The rich kids’ parents paid for them.”

  Samaar picked up a pool cue. The diversion would distract her.

  “I think you’re spending way too much time playing games at school.”

  “Mom. You said as long as my marks are good, I can use the internet and hang out. My marks are good, right?”

  Too good, Samaar kept that thought to herself.

  They played in silence until Alice won again.

  “Mom, I’m really sorry about your wedding. Has Luke forgiven me?”

  “Did I hear my name?” Luke had changed into jeans and a t-shirt, his ‘hacker outfit,’ he said.

  Alice blushed.

  “Everyone makes mistakes, Alice. Some are more serious than others. So far, this one hasn’t hurt us.”

  Alice looked at her parents. Then she ran to Luke.

  “But you’re still going to marry my mommy, right, Luke?” She held him tight.

  “Hmm, what do you think, Samaar?”

  “We will see. In the meantime, did you get your homework done?”

  The pre-teen eye-rolling had already begun. “Yes, Mom.”

  “I’ll have to let the school know you won’t be back for a while.”

  “It’s okay, Mom. I asked Amir to tell them we had a family emergency.”

  Luke looked at Samaar. His eyes said it all. He felt it might be time to leave the room.

  “Alice. When did you speak with Amir?”

  “We Face-timed a while ago.”

  “Didn’t we discuss security with you, Alice?”

  “Sure, Mom. He asked me where we were, and I told him we were at an undisclosed location for your honeymoon!”

  “How long were you online, Alice?”

  This conversation was definitely not one Alice wanted to have. She answered reluctantly.

  “Only twenty minutes or so.”

  “I don’t suppose you heard the call to prayer from the mosque while you were online?”

  Silence.

  Neither spoke.

  Samaar took out her phone and tapped in a message. Minutes later, Luke appeared.

  “Let’s talk, just the three of us.” Alice sat completely still. Her mother’s attitude made her very nervous. Memories from way back surfaced. The air was tension-filled.

  “You remember when you used to have nightmares? After you left Mexico and we moved to Paris?”

  “Yes.” Alice wouldn’t look at her Mom, nor Luke, who chose this moment to keep quiet.

  “I think you’re old enough to understand a few things. Can I trust you to keep completely silent on everything I’m about to tell you?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Luke, have all the listening devices been neutralized?”

  Luke nodded. Samaar continued.

  “While I was still a teenager, I was orphaned. I won’t go into detail about that time. But I got into a lot of trouble. I think Luke told you a secret intelligence organization decided to recruit me for risky missions. My past history is why we had to go on the run. I met your father during a security operation in Israel, and as I’ve already told you, he disappeared. I was told he was murdered. I never had the opportunity to tell him about you because I didn’t know you existed.”

  Alice couldn’t look at her mother. She was afraid she would cry.

  “Many bad things happened around that time. You and I had to disappear. My employers thought I was dead also. Your memories make you feel anxious because we were running from the drug cartels in South America. They wanted to kill us both. And they still do, Alice.”

  Now Alice looked up in fear.

  “I think the only way you can understand how important our security is to understand the past. There are people in this world that would do anything to capture and kill me and anyone I love.”

  Luke moved to put an arm around Alice. She was shaking.

  “I met your mother when she was in training with her organization. I had lost my wife and daughter to an insane female megalomaniac. We have since neutralized her. Do you understand what that word means?”

  Alice hesitated, then whispered, “Yes.”

  Samaar continued, “I told you about ‘Luci’, but I didn’t mention that in the world of espionage I’m known for being a deadly agent. I prefer to leave the past behind us and use my given name, which is Samaar. But sometimes the past catches up to you. And when that does, bad things happen.”

  “That’s where I come in.” Luke hugged Alice closer. “I fell in love with your mother before you were born. Over time she became the most precious person in my life. And you too. I will do anything in my power to protect the lives of both of you.”

  “I’m sorry, Luke and Momma.”

  “I need you to understand, Alice. We live in perilous times. Do you study politics at school?”

  “Yes. The teacher explained why the Yellow Vest guys were burning monuments in Paris. Amir has been telling me what is going on with Iran. The oil, nuclear weapons, the USA, and the terrorists. I read everything I can online, too, Mom.”

  This was far from the birds-and-the-bees conversation she expected to be having with her daughter, but it is the facts of their existence, and nothing can change who they are and where they came from.

  “Mommy. I promise I will be careful. I understand more now. I will think about security and be much more careful.”

  Samaar held Alice closer.

  “I think maybe Amir’s family has secrets too. His grandfather lost his only son. And Amir is all he has. Sometimes when I’m at the restaurant, old men come in and talk to his grandfather. They always keep their voices very low and speak in Persian. Amir says his grandfather is lonely for Persia. But he can never return.”

  Luke looked over at Samaar. She acknowledged that they were both on the same page.


  “And his mother also had to escape her controlling family. She explained to me that in Iran, women cannot go outside without a male protector. I told her I have the same problem, but it’s because my Mom worries about my safety, kidnapping and stuff like that. Don’t worry, Mom, I didn’t reveal any secrets.”

  Samaar chose silence.

  “Amir’s Mom has no father also. He disowned her when she left the country. But she has a brother she never speaks with. I think it’s also for security reasons. I hope one day he will come to Paris and meet Amir. It’s lonely for Amir not to have family.”

  Luke looked to Samaar. She nodded. There-in lies the connection. Two young people who don’t really know who they are or where they came from.

  “I think you two have a lot to talk about. I have some work to do, so I will leave you alone.” There was no doubt in Samaar’s mind that Luke would now be digging deeper into Amir’s family history. He had the resources, and he would use them. Samaar took Luke’s position beside Alice.

  “Here’s the thing, Alice. Facetime is not secure. There was a major hack this year. Luke has all our devices outfitted with the latest in technology that he has personally developed. But we have no idea if Amir’s end of the conversation is secure or being monitored. As long as you use your own devices and no one else touches them, we are good. Our end is secure. Still, if there was any kind of slip as to our whereabouts, it can be dangerous for you and me and those who protect us.”

  Alice turned towards her.

  “I got it, Mom.” She hesitated, then added. “Thank you for trusting me. I promise you I will be careful from now on. Even with Amir.” The steely look in Alice’s eyes reflected that she was her mother’s daughter.

  Enough said.

  27

  The Four Seasons Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  The handsome Middle Eastern entrepreneur drove his Porsche up to the entrance of the Four Seasons, Olaya St. The valet held the door, nodded in recognition of one of Saudi Arabia’s up and coming players, and welcomed him back to the hotel.

  He passed through the lobby, comfortable amidst the international crowd that frequented the elegant hotel known for its excellent rooftop Grill. The high-speed elevator opened soundlessly and swiftly delivered its sole occupant to the top floor. A magnificent view of the Riyadh skyline lay before Abdul. He found his friend waiting at the bar with his girlfriend from the USA.

  “Abdul! It’s great to see you again. Let me introduce you to Selby.”

  “Wow, you certainly didn’t do justice when you told me about the beautiful Ms. Selby!”

  “Hah, darling, are all your friends this charming?” She leaned in for a cheek-to-cheek kiss—not common in the Arab world between men and women, but the international welcome greeting of the socially elite.

  “Should I be jealous?”

  “Maybe, sweetheart.” She wiggled her left ring-finger, signaling she was not prepared to wait much longer for his marriage proposal.

  “Wow, if you don’t move on this Khalid, I may have to step in and rescue this lovely creature.”

  “Back off, my friend. Don’t you have a business meeting to attend? There are three men over there. Let me make the introductions. Selby, I will be right back.”

  Abdul followed his friend Khalid through the after-work crowd to a secluded table overlooking the skyscrapers. He caught the scent of his favorite rock shrimp tempura with creamy chili sauce, and his stomach growled. But business first. In spite of the sophisticated, wealthy life he led, he was nervous.

  The introductions were made, and Khalid left. Abdul discreetly enabled a device that blocked any listening devices within a three-meter radius. He loved his adopted country, but he didn’t trust the Saudi security services any more than he believed in the Government of Iran.

  They made small talk about Riyadh, the architecture, the food, and the extravagant displays of wealth. The boys seemed impressed. Then the conversation turned to business.

  “Well, let me first say that your education and references are impressive. You have connections with the royal family in Saudi Arabia?”

  “Yes. Even though I’m Iranian, our families have had a relationship in Saudi Arabia since the Shah was deposed. We decided to use those connections and settle in Riyadh. Other members of my family are scattered. I went to Stanford business school with one of the Saudi Princes, but you already know this, if I’m not mistaken.” One of the three repressed a smile.

  “Yes.” The leader of the group did all the talking. The others observed Abdul closely. They continued their conversation for twenty minutes before getting down to business.

  “We would like to make you an offer. Right now, with the current administration, it’s a red flag to get the paperwork in the U.S. for an Iranian citizen even with Saudi residency and citizenship. We expect all this will settle down once the 2020 elections have been decided.”

  Abdul hid his disappointment. His face remained impassive.

  “But here’s what we would like to do. We need a presence in Turkey. We noticed you speak the language and spent your college years in Istanbul. Correct?”

  “Yes.” Istanbul was synonymous with Sude, his first love. His heart had been severely damaged by this stunning Turkish girl, but he always knew she was never his to keep. Her family and life in Turkey could never be replicated in Saudi Arabia or Iran. The hardliners in his own country would want to control a free-spirited modern Muslim girl, and that was never going to happen with Sude.

  “I’m not sure what I can do for you in Istanbul. What exactly do you have in mind?” Istanbul was not Washington, DC, but it was better than Iran, or even Riyadh, where his controlling father lived. And once he began working for a Washington DC think tank, he would be one step closer to the freedom he craved. And he had other friends in Istanbul, it’s not like it would be a hardship post. Except his feelings for Sude might be a challenge. He’d invited her to his cousin’s wedding last month and was surprised she accepted. Even her father, the Minister of Defense for Turkey, attended. Abdul was happy to see Sude again, but the engagement ring on her finger put a damper on his joy. She had returned the invitation by asking him to come to her own wedding, but he felt his feelings for her were too raw to attend. He made a note to send something. He hoped he hadn’t missed the date.

  “Unless we are completely incompetent, you have passed our security clearance checks. If there’s anything we missed, tell us now.”

  Three pairs of eyes scrutinized the young man in front of them. Abdul remembered the intensive training he’d received at the hands of the secret service agency in Iran. His father had insisted. What a waste of time, he’d thought. And now, his future hung in the balance. He kept his face neutral, and his features soft. If they knew he was helping the Republic of Iran hide their money, they wouldn’t be sitting in front of him.

  “You’ve done your background checks. And as far as I know, besides Russia and Britain, you have the best intelligence agencies in the world. I’m sure there’s a reason you’ve chosen me for whatever it is you want to be done, so let’s hear it.”

  “We want you to use the connections you made while you attended University in Istanbul and at Stanford, to find out what’s really going on in Turkey. It’s of the utmost importance to the USA. Especially now. So, we will set you up as a branch of our Washington group and you will meet with the political elite of Turkey.”

  “And how will I get that done?”

  “Social events. ‘Hobnobbing’ as the Brits say. Talking less and listening more.”

  Abdul thought about the cryptocurrencies and the cash being funneled into Turkish bank accounts. Iran was preparing for a future war, or at the very least, further sanctions against them. That’s why Abdul needed to ease himself out of his connection with the Iranian Government.

  “When do you want me to start.”

  “Now. Can you be on a plane this evening?”

  The Friday-night-party atmosphere was in full swing. Abdul l
eaned over and whispered.

  “You want me to become a spy?”

  The three suits remained silent.

  Abdul forgot about his friends visiting from the U.S. and took the elevator to the lobby. He needed to clear his head and think this through. The implications of the meeting put a whole new spin on ‘smoke and mirrors.’

  He had already accepted the offer. Still, his analytical mind worked the positives. They would pay him the equivalent of $200k net a year in cryptocurrency, and they would cover all his office and personal expenses. He already had crypto accounts set up for Iran’s interests, and of course, his own also. He would be hired as a contractor working offshore for the USA. That wasn’t unusual and could be fantastic to add to his resume. He negotiated a six-month trial period, and after that he would receive a U.S. passport for himself and any future members of his family. He could travel back and forth to Saudi Arabia and Iran at will as he had business interests to look after. That should keep his father happy. Abdul would work under the authority of the newly formed United States Foreign Trade Initiative for Turkey. The U.S. was interested in increasing its trade with Turkey from 20 Billion USD to 100BN. This alone would get him into meetings with the Development Bank, the Minister of the Interior, Trade, Finance, and the ultimate prize, the Minister of Defense.

  And then there was Sude. Even though he couldn’t have her as a lover, he would happily renew their friendship. He contacted her immediately. “Hey girl, how about drinks and dinner at the rooftop restaurant at Adamar tomorrow at 7? Tell your man, your old friend Abdul is in town!” When he tried to save the message to voice mail, it was full. He shot off a text to her cell. It sat undelivered.

  His Porsche arrived before he had the opportunity to request it. He would pack his bags and go to the airport. The company had assumed his compliance and explained there would be an open reservation for Abdul to stay at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet until a place to live was procured. Sude would certainly know where he should set up his apartment. Appearances would be crucial in his new position. He was expected to wine-and-dine business executives from the USA and introduce them to their counterparts in Turkey. Probably, Sultanahmet or the Grand Bazaar area would be the perfect atmosphere to impress foreigners of the history, culture, and economic opportunities that Turkey had to offer.