by Lynda Filler
“Did you ever meet a guy named Abdul? An Iranian living in Saudi Arabia.” Why didn’t Firestorm know this stuff about Fatimah? He and the Turk were working together. And each had a team member who went to school with each other, and neither of us knew it. Not good intel at all.
“Yeh, sure. Abdul never talked about Iran. I think he was embarrassed by his homeland’s supposed support of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian groups such as Hamas and the military insurgency group Houthi in Yemen. We tried to stay away from political discussions when he was in our midst. I think he was pleased to be living in Saudi Arabia and going to school in Istanbul, although his ultimate goal was to live in the USA.”
“Well, it turns out he has shown up in Istanbul. And he’s here for the foreseeable future.”
“Interesting. Let me see what I can kind find out about that! I will forward any intel with the video in the next hour or so.”
“Okay, thanks, Fatimah. Then take a break!”
“Don’t worry about me. Just find out what’s going on before it’s too late. It’s my homeland too.”
37
Taksim Square, Hafiz Mustafa Restaurant
While Cruz waited for Yunus to make his selection, she dug into her assortment of baklava and Turkish tea.
“This patisserie takes me back to my childhood. My grandmother came from a big city on the Sea of Marmara. She was more adventurous than my own mother. But she was religious and went to the Greek Orthodox Church every day.”
Cruz put a whole piece of baklava into her mouth. She moaned in orgasmic pleasure.
“Grandma’s home was always filled with crosses.” She traced her latest tattoo with honey covered fingertips.
“When I was young, Grandma would meet me here in Taksim Square, and we would first attend Church. Then we would ride the trolley on Istiklal Street and get off to shop in the quaint antique stores. Grandma’s home was filled with antiques from the Greek Orthodox churches. After we tired of shopping, we would stop here at Hafiz Mustafa for baklava and tea.”
While Cruz reminisced, the Turk dug into Cruz’s baklava.
She motioned to the waiter to bring another round of sweets. And more tea.
“Did you eat today, Yunus?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Well, I don’t think this will be enough, but it’s better than nothing.” Yunus moved from baklava to the ice cream.
“I feel like a guilty child substituting real food for this delicious treat. My mother’s family came from Izmir; that’s the Ephesus of old, an ancient trading route on the Silk Road. I used to visit grandma and hang out in the ancient Roman ruins. Then we’d go for tea and baklava.”
Yunus thanked the waiter for the new baklava. Both munched on the heavenly dessert until reality brought them back to earth.
“Do you think you were followed, Cruz?”
“No. I didn’t notice anyone after the drink I had with Abdul. But, I’m not certain that meeting Abdul was an accident.”
“It’s hard, I know. After a while, you begin to second guess everything when you’re in this business. You asked me today if Sude knew about my work. Yes, and no. She’s used to secrets because of her Dad’s political work. She never asked too many questions. Dj’ing was so much a part of our lives that she may have assumed that was my only work. For obvious reasons, I could never tell her.”
“And now? What have you told her about your friends?”
“Nothing. I haven’t discussed anything with Sude about the event, or my concerns about her family. I did introduce Sude to my friends from America, who are helping me get to the bottom of what happened. She’s still recovering, so she didn’t ask many questions.”
“She smart, Yunus. She will put it together herself. Be ready. This is a critical time in your life and your relationship. You’re going to have to tell her something.”
“Yes. Before I say more, take a quick look around the room.”
“I’ve been doing that ever since I arrived. You weren’t followed inside unless someone is downstairs. And I doubled back and covered my tracks very well.”
“And the team in Karaköy? They’re out, and all is good?”
“Yes. I checked in. The team didn’t see anything unusual. All safe.”
“What do you think about your tail, Cruz?”
Yunus motioned for the check.
“I’ve been trying to find a motive. Could it be my association with Sude?”
“Why, how?”
“If someone has been watching her father, her family, they might have figured out I was one of her friends. Facebook? Instagram? That’s the only thing I can think of…Unless.”
“What? Share what you’re thinking. Even a silly simple thing can have meaning.”
“Well, Abdul. How can he suddenly show up in Istanbul in Karaköy and accidentally run into me? I mean, this is a city of over 17 million people. And secondly, what if he has a tail, and somehow, I got caught in the middle. I felt the eyes on me before I identified them.”
“Did Abdul tell you what he was doing here, specifically? His timing complicates things.”
“No, but he did say he’s looking for office and living space. He’s working for Americans. But.”
“What Cruz? Tell me.”
“It’s not anything he did or said. I don’t think he knows anything about my work. I told him I was in marketing and advertising. But it could be as simple as what he claims, Karaköy is a hip area where we hung out in our college days. The trendy action is only in a few key blocks. Maybe the area just has good memories for him. Starbucks had a reserved table for our group!”
“Really?”
“No, I’m kidding. But we did frequent the store daily. We were like the Starbuck’s tabby cat! A fixture. And the shops and the area club scene were legendary for small entertainment groups. Nothing like the big clubs and venues where you play DJ Turk!”
“I bet you didn’t know I started at the Zulu Hookah Lounge in Karaköy.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I was underage if there is such a thing. The manager let me practice my mixes. I was a hit with the tourist girls.” They both laughed. They needed a good distraction at this time. Nothing was making any sense.
“Abdul is really upset about Sude’s death.”
“Wait. How did Abdul find out?”
“It’s on social media, Yunus. There are condolences on her Instagram page. The photo of you holding her body—it’s been distributed.”
“You didn’t say anything, did you?”
“No. Of course not. The whole situation is too dangerous to confide in anyone outside of you and me. I’d never do that.”
“This is like the Russian nesting dolls. We open one and think we’ve found the answer and a direction, and instead, we find another question.”
“So, what do we do now, Yunus?”
“First, I’m ordering more tea and baklava. Yes, when I’m stressed, I like sugar, or honey, or Pringles. Don’t say anything! That’s why I work out.” They sat in silence until the waiter had taken their order.
“Tell me one thing, Cruz. Do you feel safe? Or do you think you’re compromised?”
“I don’t believe I was followed here. My advertising agency job will hold up. Even though the office is closed, I’m listed on the payroll. And everyone on the team got out okay. There wasn’t someone lurking in the area or acting weird from what the team has reported to me. Maybe I over-reacted at the waterfront. We’re safe. But I will send a text to the team and change where we meet tomorrow.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m going to the Asian side where the Raven Group is staying. We’re waiting for some video of a very active crypto-currency center in Iran that may somehow be connected. By the way, did you get any shots of the men that followed you?”
Cruz pulled out her phone and checked the photos.
“Here’s what I took. Let me share the photos with your cellphone.”
The Turk waited. “No one
looks familiar to me.”
“I took some in the restaurant as well. I made them look casual, like a tourist who would want memories. Oh, look at this one. In case you’ve forgotten what Abdul looked like, I will send this one to you.”
“Good, thanks. Here’s what I want you to do. Pick up a change of clothes at one of the stores, then check into a hotel in the area. Make sure you’re not followed. I trust your instincts, but I don’t want your home to be compromised. And most of all, I want you to be safe.”
“I can do that. I have my computer and my phone. What else does a girl need? I know how to mask my identity. I’ll stay in touch.”
“Perfect. By the way, I chose this place for a good reason. When you go to the washrooms, take a right and go down the stairs. You can exit at the service entrance in case someone is watching out front. I’ll give you five minutes and do the same.” Cruz nodded.
“Text when you’re settled.”
38
Sultanahmet
“I think we should head back home. Are you ready, Alice?”
“Yes, but first, let me ask Eren where the restrooms are located.” Alice walked towards the waiter and started a conversation. Eren grinned and pulled out his phone and began typing quickly.
This girl was too sharp for her age. She probably gave him her Instagram page as well. Then Eren pointed towards the back of the restaurant down the alley by a gift shop and a carpet store. David could make out signs for WC from where he was sitting.
His phone vibrated.
A short message from Luke requested their return to the compound, a car would be waiting by the Obelisk. David shouldn’t be surprised. Maybe something came up or Luke wasn’t in favor of their exposure at such a public place. He called for the bill.
A Turkish mosaic lamp caught Alice’s attention. “Oh, I love this! It would be a perfect wedding gift for my mom’s room.”
A kindly older man dressed in the Ottoman style clothing delighted in her youthful exuberance.
“Oh, young lady, you have great taste. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire had many artisans creating these intricate lamps. Candle, wax, candelabras, and old lamps were the only source of light. Lights were an important symbol of wealth. The skills for making these lamps have been passed down through generations. All of our lamps are meticulous copies of this era.”
“How much is this one?” The salesman mentioned a price that was far too much money.
“I’ll give you half that amount! I saw this very same lamp at the Grand Bazaar for less money!”
“Fine, because you are a young lady buying this as a gift for your mother, I will give you ten percent off.” He grinned.
Alice laughed. “No, 60% off! That’s amazing!”
“What? You said fifty?”
“Okay, fifty it is!” She put her hand out to shake, while the old vendor smiled, shook his head, and nodded to the woman at the cash who looked like she might be his wife. “I will lose money with you today, but you will take with you a lovely memory of Istanbul, yes?”
“Yes.”
They smiled at each other. The shopkeeper offered tea, but Alice declined. “My mom is waiting for me. Can you please pack it well for travel?”
“Not a problem. We get that request all the time.”
“Where are you from?”
“The United States.”
“Really, I detect an accent.”
“My mother is from France.”
She took more photos for her Instagram account—not to be posted until she returned to France.
“Ah, yes. Well, here is your lamp. Send us more customers from your country.”
“I will, teşekkür ederim.”
“Ah, you speak Turkish! You are very welcome, young lady.”
Alice left, proud of her negotiating skills, and continued towards the washroom. It was out of the way, next to a service entrance, and no one was in there, so she’d make a quick stop and return to David at the restaurant. Alice placed her package at her feet to wash her hands when an arm seized her from behind. She tried to scream but couldn’t breathe. Alice kicked him in the balls while she bit down on the hand that covered her mouth. His arm dropped, and she screamed as loud as she could. Then her martial arts training took over. A body twist, a knee to the groin, a chop to the neck, and a secret jiu-jitsu attack move left her assailant passed out cold on the cement floor. Then she kicked him in the head just to be sure. Maybe the kick to the head was overkill, but he deserved it.
She grabbed her parcel and rushed out the door. Two men came running towards her. She was so scared and confused, she stopped and turned to go in the other direction. Then she heard it.
“Alice, Alice, this way.” David was running behind them.
“What happened to you?”
Her body shook involuntarily. She tried not to cry.
“There was a man. He tried to kidnap me.”
The two security guards entered the washroom and came out with their prisoner. He looked dazed and confused.
“Sir, Miss, we are so sorry. I hope you are okay. Please forgive us. We should have been watching more closely. Your own security is here now.” Two men stood by the entrance to the alley.
David got a quick shot of the assailant’s bruised face on his phone and kept his arm wrapped around Alice.
“Come on, Alice, the car is waiting. Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes.”
Then she whispered, “David. I want my mother.”
“We’re going to see her now.” David kept his arm around her. “She’s back at the house. Try to relax. Do you hurt?”
“No. My attacker surprised and scared me, but then all my martial arts training took over.”
“Ah, Alice. You did really well. Come. Everything will be fine now.”
They took a short cut past the Egyptian Obelisk towards the main street where the tram ran. A limousine waited with two more security men hovering, scanning the crowds for trouble. One stayed by the car, the other came towards David.
“Do you need help, sir? We just got the message from your detail. They should have been watching every move Alice made. Mr. Raven will fire them for sure.”
“I have a photo of the attacker. Find out who he is and what he wanted with Alice.”
Alice looked strange, the shock was setting in. She seemed distracted, numb, and sad.
“Here, Alice, drink this water.” They slid into the back of the armored Mercedes limousine. Alice leaned back, confused, anxious.
“David?”
“Yes, Alice?”
“Next time I leave the house, I’m going to carry a knife.”
“Alice. Try to rest.”
He pulled her closer. She put her head on his shoulder and nodded off. The package, undamaged, sat on the floor beside her feet.
39
The cosmopolitan Middle Eastern man took in the view while he awaited his guest at the rooftop restaurant in the Adamar hotel. Istanbul at dusk rivaled the romance of Paris and the intrigue of Moscow. The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia were highlighted to the West as the sun began its descent behind Sultanahmet. He didn’t realize how much he’d missed this country until he returned.
The brash reds blended with romantic pinks and bold slashes of navy, evoking the passion and power of its Byzantine and Ottoman past. He thought back to the history classes at University. An Ottoman sultan was the absolute ruler of his territory. He was head of both the state and government. Even though he was Iranian by birth, Abdul admired the history of the proud and fearless Ottomans. He was intrigued by Atatürk, who founded the Republic of Turkey from the ruins of the once-great Ottoman Empire in 1922.
“Chivas, on the rocks. Make it a double.”
He admired the magnificent architecture, the old mixed with the bold designs of a new modern Istanbul. He had fallen in love with this great country and its predominately secular yet Muslim community during his college years. Ten minutes later, his thoughts were interrupted.
“Abdul, welcome back to Istanbul.” A tall, robust middle-aged gentleman, with a President Reagan folksiness, reached out to shake hands.
“You have an advantage.”
“Yes, you’re correct. I have your photo from our associates in the United States.” He sat down beside Abdul and motioned to the waiter to take his drink order.
“I can’t quite place your accent. Are you from Turkey?”
“Yes, but I moved the US when we were young. So, I speak Turkish with a Texas accent now.” Abdul knocked back his second double in two minutes and ordered another.
“How is everything going? I hope you are pleased with the Four Seasons.”
“Yes, it’s very nice. I have a lead on a space that might be perfect. There’s a business/apartment complex by the Grand Bazaar that I think could be an excellent set-up for my office.”
“Great. We know that property very well. It’s unique. I will call to advise the property managers that we will look after all the expenses should you decide to take it. That would be one less thing to be concerned about. The area is classy and discreet and has good security. Also, the Turks you will meet with will appreciate your choice of the historic nature of that location.”
“I’m still uncertain what my role will be. Do you have a better idea of what is required of me?”
“Don’t concern yourself with the details just yet. Think of it in terms of public relations. Get settled, and we can meet then. Now, is this your first time at this restaurant?”