blended lit flashes 2215

8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215

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BLENDED

LITFLASHES

HAIM KADMAN


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The anthology "Blended lit flashes" that includes short stories and excerpts of 15

different thrillers, novels and novelettes, is a work of fiction, and is a product of the

author's imagination. The protagonists and the additional characters' names, and the

plots' background descriptions are fictitious; there might be resemblance to actual

persons living or dead, while events and places are coincidental.

Copyright © Haim Kadman 2014. All rights reserved.

Table of contents:

1 The electronic source 3

2. Acclimatization 5 3 The Pink Villa 9

4. O'hare international 11

5 the winning card 16

6. Cairo 18

7 Café Pushkin 23

8. Erella 25

9. The exile 32

10. The operator 34

11. Weekends 37

12. A routine meeting 39

13 A trivial matter 41

14. A fit of jealousy 44

15. The Coptic church 48

16. Larnaca 52

17 Khamenei's puppet 56

18 The exciting ride 57

19 Escape plans 6220 An unexpected encounter 66

21 Bad news 72

22 The Louvre fugitive 75

23 Old Jerusalem 77

24 The Druze pilot 82

25 The supreme leader 87

26 The cocoon 89

27 Business & pleasure 9628 Harboring illusions 106

29 The exhibition's opening 116

30 Buyuk Hotel 118


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3

The electronic source

On the second day of the correlation stage the acting organization's head sat with the

person who is assigned to replace him in his office, and explained to him the details of

the organization's general procedures and related to him the characteristics and

qualities of each one of the organization's department heads, with which his guest will

have to work during the next five years of his term.

While they were in mid conversation a few knocks on the door were heard in a certain

order, and the organization's head secretary entered. He reached their desk and put a

sheet of paper between the two men.

The secretary that was introduced to the future boss already at the correlation's stage

first day nodded his head towards the two men politely, and went out closing the door

silently behind his back.

The acting organization head took the sheet of paper and studied it several seconds,

and turned to his future successor with a shade of a smile and said:

'This inconspicuous sheet of paper is a copy of a document that has been sent by an

ordinary email message, and it contains a top secret piece of info from one of our

most prominent secret agents.'

'Are you serious? Has it really arrived as an email message, and isn't it exposed thus

to our enemies' eyes?' His successor asked with a smile of wonder, as if it was some

kind of a gag or a test, which he has to pass.

'It's coded as an ordinary message between relatives, which the receiver that lives

abroad is trusted by the agent's side.''Then it means that the agent isn't one of ours, is he?' The successor that was not

skilled yet in the organization's mysteries and its peculiar procedures went on asking.

'Of course and we have formed a special code for him from the very beginning, and it

works smoothly and safely.

'Is he using several electronic addresses?'

'No he uses just one.' The acting organization head replied briskly.

'What about the NSA electronic monitoring, of which we've heard so much lately?'

'They're updated and if he sends an email to another receiver in the West they'll

inform us about it, while they aren't able to monitor his messages in the country where

he stays.

'I see and I start to understand the issue.' The successor remarked with a chuckle.'Who would have thought that classified material would be sent through an email, and

spend precious time to try to decode it except the NSA, or the Europeans?'

'That's the basic idea and the Europeans are on our side of course,' the active

organization head noted with satisfaction.

'But why not provide him with some electronic device a mini transponder for

instance? Even I with my basic knowledge happen to know that there are gadgets that

can send written message in a friction of a second, without being exposed to

electronic monitoring.'

'Well this certain senior agent is a most important person, and if he'll have to deal with

any gadget by pulling it out from its cache and hiding it back again, he'll endanger his

own safety.'


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'I see, so the idea is to prevent the danger of losing the source, despite it am I allowed

to know at this early stage the identity of this person?'

'Sure it's an integral part of the correlation procedure.'

'Okay I'm listening…'

'You surely remember the assassination attempt that failed at the end of the previous

century, with all its complications?''I can't believe it… Are you serious is it true…?'

'Yes it may seem incredible to you but it's the truth. The assassination attempt that

failed was the second stage, the first one was the agent's recruitment; and the second

stage was intended to create the credibility, which would pave his way to the top,

where he's now in these days.'

'Yeah and someone's head was chopped off a short time after he was assigned,

someone that you've replaced…'

'That's right and he was assigned just for this operation alone, and his dismissal was

intended to act by the way, as another indirect catalyst to promote our agent that was

at the beginning of his career at that time.'

'And what's going to be my fate?' The successor reacted with a nervous laugh.'You can be assured that nothing of the kind is going to take place during your five

years term. Such event don't happen on a daily basis, and not even once in a decade.'

The active organization head added laughing.

'I see but it isn't an easy tale to get used to…'

'Well that's right but you'll have to deal with enough uneasy tales, which you'll have to

get used to. But let's take a coffee break and discuss some ordinary matters, and thus

we'll learn each other better. I'll be ready to advise you after the correlation phase,

whenever you'll need advice.'


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'The Priels are the second Israeli family he works for; he is reliable, diligent, nearly as

good as the boy I've I would say.' Everon went on explaining that peculiar problem.

Shatz's long periods of silence did not bother him much, as long as Shatz didn't object

to his plans.

'They employed two boys last year, one of them took care of the children, and the

other one cooked and looked after the house. Well the one that was the baby-sitter became a nuisance, and they got rid of him. They raised the cook's pay with a couple

of thousand francs, and that solved their problem. This one of course is the one you'll

get. Now taking him on would be the right thing to do, because you already know

with whom you're dealing; and you won't have to hire someone neither you nor we

know, or have ever heard of. In any case we'll pay the Priels a visit soon enough and I

don’t have to tell you why. Apart from that urgent reason I've got to visit them, and

see what's going on over there. While this by the way would be your chance to see

the farm, the house and their boy; you’ll be able to consult the Priels’ about his pay,

and get other useful details that would interest you.'

Shatz nodded his head absent mindedly, watching the passers-by.

'Didn't you say you were thirsty, so am I, let’s go,' Everon added decisively, and heled the way to the Astro's wide entrance.

Just a few customers were present at that huge store at that hour of day, about two

dozen of them no more. A handful of them roamed in the long passages between the

loaded shelves, and a few more queued at one of the cash registers, busying a dark

skinned cashier; which was the only open post out of eight, the other posts were

closed and abandoned at that early morning hour.

Everon did not stop even for a quick glance at the loaded shelves. He was leading

Shatz through the nearest passage, whose shelves on both sides were loaded with

kitchen utensils, up to the low ceiling that covered the entire store.

'That's not exactly the right place to renew one's wardrobe, but the right place for

certain articles, such as various electronic devices, jewelry and it’s the only place in

town. You'll see it with your own eyes right away.'

A wide transparent wall separated the far quarter of the store with the rest of the

store’s interior, from wall to wall. It must have been made of Perspex or some other

hard transparent plastic, and was supported with aluminum framing. That transparent

wall divided the store's smaller part, from its rest, hermetically. The rows of

expensive and prestigious products could be seen, through the transparent partition;

and an office was seen at its far end, with its occupant at a desk was bent over some

documents.

With his hand on the door's knob that separated the air-conditioned haven from the

rest of the store, Everon turned to Shatz excitedly: 'The Astro's first class... Apresvous.' He added as he opened that door to let Shatz in. Having shut the door behind

him, he overtook Shatz, and led him straight to the open office.

The Astro's manager, rose to his feet smiling and leaving his desk, and went over to

his open door to welcome his guests.

‘Monsieur Arneaux cher ami!

We are right on time aren’t we?’ Everon exclaimed shaking his friend's hand war mly.

'Agronom Shatz,' he introduced Shatz to the Frenchman with much pride. 'He’s just

arrived yesterday to join our delegation for the next two years.' Everon added

adapting Shatz's title as his new visit card.

'Oh welcome, do come in and be seated please.' Arneaux added, as he led them to his

desk. 'You must be well treated, and very lucky to be under the commandant's care.'


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He remarked but did not seem to expect Shatz's answer. 'He stays at the Etoile I

understand?'

'That's right, but he suffers from "the adaptation syndrome", it’s not a serious case

though...' Everon explained tactfully the issue to their host.

Shatz fidgeted on his seat restlessly, these two were discussing him as if he was

Everon's next wristwatch.'Scotch Perrier,' the manager summed the matter up thoughtfully, supporting his chin

with his right hand's thumb.

'Scotch Perrier,' Everon agreed repeating him like an echo.

God almighty!!! Shatz groaned deeply within his tormented brain, his whole being

craved for a drop of water.

But when the drinks were served at last, and the greetings were exchanged he felt

much better having poured that certain drink down his throat. With the second drink,

which he himself asked for of his own accord, he was almost relieved.

A few more polite sentences were exchanged, and the manager turned his face to his

open door, and summoned one of his employees, that were waiting there ready for his

instructions.'Fetch me the samples if you please.' He ordered him. The latter entered the office,

and went to a low chest of drawers next to the wall, in front of the manager's desk. He

pulled open the upper most one.

Everon held his breath crashing the cigarette he had just lighted up in the ashtray. He

was watching every movement that man did.

'We have got five different samples this time.' Noted Arneaux, a hint of a smile was

sneaking to his lips. Shatz, who noticed it could not decide clearly, whether the

exhibition of the precious stock or Everon's excitement were behind Arneaux's

obvious satisfaction. The five watches were brought to the desk on a broad platter, in

their original elongated open boxes. Their covers were put beneath exposing the

transparent plastic sleeves that shielded each watch, but did not diminish the charms

of modern design, and the power of allurement that such articles were endowed with.

'The price ranges from eight to twelve thousand in local money, and these are not the

prices that the rest of the clientele would have to pay. I can assure you my friend.'

Arneaux remarked politely.

Everon, who was too busy checking the samples from every possible angle it seemed,

didn’t pay attention to that last remark.

'Reuven, say something for God's sake; how can you keep silent?' Everon asked him

sticking to the French language in a strange cheerful air mingled with a hint of

confusion; he couldn’t make up his mind yet.

‘I'm fearfully sorry to interfere, but if Monsieur Shatz wishes to purchase a watch too,a fact that renders me much pleasure in itself, he shall have to wait for the next

consignment.'

'I see', Everon answered him holding one of the samples, close to his eyes.

'Reuven, I asked you something didn't I?'

Each one of these five samples was a marvel; one sample had a golden face, two had a

white face and the other two had a black face; as each couple consisted of round and

square samples. The round ones seemed more sophisticated, and did include a time

stopper.

'Take the round golden one.' Shatz suggested.

'My dear friend,' Everon turned to the manager, pointing out to the round black watch.

'This is my choice.''That would be twelve thousand francs Mon commandant.'


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'Well you haven't said anything yet,' Everon turned to Shatz, with unhidden delight

and pulled out his wallet.

'It’s a real beauty,' Shatz greeted him at last.

'An excellent choice, my compliments,' Arneaux added his voice to the greetings.

The Pink Villa

The global threat

As soon as he landed at the Turkish air force Akinci airbase's airfield at nine pm,

Hakim Aidan and his small entourage of half dozen agency members, were driven to

the Pink Villa at the C'ankaya K'osku presidential compound to meet the current

president and dictator Ismat Erdogul; that took over the presidency and declared

himself sole ruler, after a successful coup d'etat in which he got rid of the opposition

leaders and the previous president, and that happened about six months after he

almost had to resign due to accusations and the crowds' fierce demonstrations on top

of it, which endangered his political career. The army and the police high ranking

officers that opposed him, or were suspected as such were mopped off; The previous

president Abdullah Gulash was forced to retire and was exiled to spend the rest of hislife in London, while Erdogul with the power and the financial resources, which he

had amassed ruled the country without the loathsome opposition that was totally

crushed. While Hakim Aidan the ex undersecretary of the governmental intelligence

agency the dictator's friend and most trusted man, was promoted to replace his boss as

Prime Minister and held the national defense ministry and the national intelligence

agency under his sole control.

The small convoy of two limousines escorted by five police motorcycles crossed the

presidential compound and the vast garden, up to the Pink Villa entrance where they

got off. They were ushered politely into the first ground waiting hall, where they were

served with small plates of kebab skewers plus mineral water and coffee; while Aidan

went upstairs to meet the president in private, to update him on his trip to Teheran. He

was watched by security cameras hanging all along the broad marble stairway,

plainclothes body guards roamed the corridors in pairs; but as soon as Aidan's image

appeared on the screens in the control room, the body guards abandoned the corridor

that led to the president's guests' room where Aidan was expected. The door of the

ante room was open and the president secretary led him up to the guest's room's door

and opened it up, to let him in; he announced Aidan's name and shut the door leaving

Aidan all alone with the president. This ceremony made Aidan smile whenever he

was ushered in that way to meet his president, but the president accepted it as an

expression of Aidan's joy each time he was meeting him. Erdogul left his seat and

went the few steps up to the approaching Aidan, to embrace him and kiss slightly bothhis trusted man's cheeks.

'You must have brought me good tidings; I can see it written all over your face

Hakim, alright let's sit down.' He added and led Aidan to his desk.

'Well how was it?' Erdogul asked as soon as they sat facing each other.

'Fine and fruitful and I've brought the alliance agreement's draft with me.' Aidan

answered and pulled a manila envelope out of his jacket's inner pocket, and handed it

to the president. Erdogul pulled the document out and read it, while Aidan waited

patiently to his boss comments.

'So they didn't object to our demand to annex a slice of the Northern part of Syria

from Aleppo up to Al Hasaka in the east, and they didn't haggle with you?'


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'No they didn't they're very eager to have us on their side and accomplish this certain

goal together; while Bashir has no other choice but to comply.' Aidan answered him

with a broad smile on his face.

'When do they expect us to start the invasion?' Erdogul wondered with knit brows. 'In

about a week or ten days maximum…'

'Is it feasible at such a short time, and do remember the American airbase in Incirlik,that's one more hurdle we'll have to overcome.' 'We've thought about it very carefully;

we'll organize a provocation and blow up a few charges south of Adana and not far

from Incirlik too at night time of course; as if Al Kaida groups of terrorists tried to

attack the Americans' base there, and it will cause some damages in Adana.

'Damages won't be enough Hakim, see that there'll be some casualties too.'

'Alright we'll see to it.' Aidan hastened to obey his president.

'Are the chief of staff high command aware to our plan?'

'No they'll be simply ordered to invade, and if they'll have doubts in the long run

they'll be updated.

'I see so the army's task won't be hard to accomplish, but we'll have quite a headache

ordering the Americans at the end to clear off; and we'll have to intern the terroristvolunteers left in the camps were they're trained near the Syrian border, before joining

the free Syrian army. But there're the volunteers American instructors, which we'll

have to order to leave the volunteers' camps first of all.'

'There're just a handful of them, we'll send them to Ankara, and somewhat later order

them to return to the US at end of our offensive.' Aidan assured his president, letting

him to understand indirectly that all the needed operations were already taken into

account.

'Very well Hakim let's go down and join your top men I want to shake their hands,

and we'll have a festive dinner with them.'


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O'hare InternationalThe remote control job

Almost four hours later they were sitting in a restaurant, at Sherbrook Av. having a

late dinner. They sat at a corner table facing each other rather secluded, away from the

rest of the guests that happened to be there at that hour.

They ate their food without a single word exchanged between them. Nicole seemed to

him a bit worried. He could not understand why, they have enjoyed such an incredible

bliss together just a short while ago, was she simply tired? Or did some professional

issue trouble her?

The carnal reminiscences blurred his thoughts. Thus, he was sipping his wine

absentmindedly, taking pains to keep his mouth shut. He did not dare to ask Nicolewhat the matter was. He knew he had better wait and learn directly or indirectly, out

of her next move what bothered her.

He had his share of experience down there, at the villa and although the circumstances

were drastically changed, incomparable to their past relationship; still she could fling

her fangs at him from time to time. She seemed to be in such a mood right at that

moment, and it started to get on his nerves.

'Listen Nick,' she said in a rather low voice. 'There's something I want you to do, a

small task.' She added keeping an eye on the waiters, who were some distance off, out

of earshot at that certain moment.

The restaurant was almost empty, as the time was ten forty five and most people were

having their fun in some other joints at that late hour.

'What is it now? We haven't done with our dinner yet.' He complained mildly.

'Yeah I know, won't you listen to me?' She retorted without the slightest change of

expression. 'I'm going to pass you a money belt at the other side, below the table's

surface, near the wall. Get hold of it and tuck it with care under your jacket wing, so

that nobody might see it.' That is what she did right away, bending forward and

handing him a folded linen belt on the other side below the table's surface.

'What? I didn't see you putting it on back home, why, what's all that secrecy for?'

'I’ll tell you later on Nickie, but right now keep it there with much care.' She went on

as he did tuck it neatly beneath his jacket. 'Go to the restroom, shut yourself in one of

the cabins, and tie it round your waist, make sure it won't protrude in any conspicuousway.

Getting to the restroom did not pose any special problems for it was quite close and

no one was in his way, and no one was in there while he entered it. Nick shut himself

in the nearest cabin and weighed curiously the folded belt in his hand.

It must be some damn exercise no doubt, but what is she checking for Christ's sake?

He wondered perplexed. If it ’ s an exercise that belt is stuffed with plain paper,

newspaper clips... He told himself opening one of the belt's pockets.

Good God, it's real money! Plenty of Green backs! What's that supposed to be? Is she

checking my reliability, or are they, whoever they might be checking me...? Better

leave it as it is! He warned himself excited, while he undressed and tied it round his

waist.


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As he was coming out of the restroom, walking toward their table, Nicole scrutinized

him all the way without a word.

'Well done Nick.' She said smiling as if she was just happy to see him back.

'What's on your mind now? Is that all?' He asked a bit disturbed with the whole

business.

'We have got to act real fast!' She said and kept on smiling as if they were discussingthe movie they have just seen together. 'We'll leave the place shortly in a cab to the

Queen Elizabeth Hotel, there's a dancing hall over there. That's our excuse but I'll

drop you at the ‘Gare Central’. You'll get there right in time to board the train to

Toronto, there you'll switch to the Chicago line and reach at the end its airport I forgot

its name.' She noted and waited for his reaction.

'It’s O'hare International. But what has happened... Aren’t you coming with me?'

'Shut up and listen, got it? Oh yes thanks, O'hare that's it. Okay when you'll get there

some fifteen hours from now; get yourself a seat in the best restaurant over there. I

don't know the place and I'll have to find you. That’s why I want you to wait for me in

the greatest and best restaurant, which that airport has and let’s hope there’s only one

restaurant over there.' She stopped abruptly as both of them could see their waiter

carrying their last dishes, approaching.

‘Do you know the place, have ever been there?’ She asked knitting her brows.

'No, I’ve never been there…’ Something must be wrong, something terribly bad must

have happened. He thought watching her a bit worried.

‘Okay but when would you be there on what time and how long do I've to wait?' He

hastened to ask as soon as the waiter left them, ignoring the tasty dish before him. The

whole plan seemed so utterly fantastic, or rather so out of place; he could not grasp

what it was all about. But again he knew he had better listen and obey and sooner or

later he would know what the real problem is.

'That’s the thing you should ask Nick. That's what I've expected to hear from you. Allright, be there from three pm, to five pm, I'll find you. Now then, eat up and let's go.'

The time was four seventeen when a redhead woman wearing a pair of dark

sunglasses reached Nick ’s table at the restaurant, amid the bustling everlasting come

and go of air travelers at Chicago's O’hare International. She pushed a handcart loaded

with two handbags and a suitcase, up to his table. Without any kind of preliminaries,

she pulled a chair back and joined him.

'Hello Nick', she said with that familiar sweet voice of hers, the voice he already

missed so much, though he could hardly identify her.

'It’s me, Nicole.' She added in a whisper almost. 'Now, do act naturally please!' She

said, as if she left him there just a few moments ago. 'Be calm as much as you can

dear one.' She added smiling sweetly. 'We're boarding a plane.' She went on in a low

voice, smiling still. 'So call the waiter and pay the bill, we have to leave in a few

moments.'

What is it all about for God's sake? He thought alarmed with quite an amount of

frustration already. The wild train ride night and day without knowing the ride ’s

purpose, the long wait and the fact he did not recognize her troubled him, he was on

edge again. 'Is that so, the game isn't over yet then?' He smiled back a forced smile

surprised,' trying his best, to get over his hurt feelings and frustration. 'Are we flying

back?'

'There's no time to waste, do as I say and no questions please – I'm serious!' She wenton in the same low voice as before, without changing her jovial expression.


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Reminding Nick with a sudden flashback the way she used to brief him down there, at

the villa's yard.

'There's your handbag, the bigger one on that cart.' She added without pointing or

looking in its direction. 'Our passports are there plus the flight tickets and as you can

guess, plus the boarding cards. I'll tell you when to rise and to what gate we're bound.

All you have to do is to listen and carry out. It’s a must, I'll tell you why later.''Okay.' He muttered raising an arm to summon the waiter.

Are we flying back then? Yes that ’ s what is seems to be. He thought on encouraging

himself. There’ s nothing wrong as far as I can think of … It must be some kind of a

test combined with an exercise... Everything is running smoothly it seems…

'Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary? I didn't, have you?’ She went on

smiling, as if they were discussing some trivial personal matters. 'I mean have you

seen on your ride down here, or while expecting me in that place anything that might

have looked suspicious to you?'

'No I haven't noticed a thing everything seemed okay.' He answered decisively.

'Well that's very encouraging indeed. It’s wonderful I’d say!' Nicole said, raising her

voice a bit, watching the approaching waiter – chuckling delightfully.

'What do you suppose we're doing? That's what I'd like to know first of all – we may

talk freely almost here. Yes, just what do you think it’s all about?' She asked Nick,

when they were seated in the first class cabin of the "PANAM" 747 jet; isolated

almost from a two more couples and a lone businessman, who shared the luxurious

first class cabin with them. But they sat quite apart and were surely out of earshot.

'Well, it’s some kind of a test, whether I'm reliable at all, and maybe to find out how I

will do in some extreme circumstances; that’s how it seemed earlier but right now… I

don’t have the slightest idea.' Nick answered clearing his throat, still perturbed.

Nicole was laughing quietly, and leaning on his broad shoulder she got closer to hisface kissed him on his cheek lovingly, and whispered in his ear: 'We're in deep trouble

nick! We are on the run. I'm serious, we must succeed, and we must make it. It ’s

either our survival, or our doom, we’ve no alternative between these two options.'

'What has happened all of a sudden, what's wrong, are we really on the run? Why,

why should we be?' He whispered back to her, in a frightened stammer.

'About a week ago I received a warning from a reliable source in my country that

things might turn drastically against me. Just about thirty six hours ago, at two thirty

am, I was summoned to Moscow! I was instructed to leave everything and get there

as fast as possible. Well, if I should have left for Moscow, it wouldn't have been just

the end of my career, but the end of my life as well.'

'But why, you were doing so well, weren't you? So how come, things have turned out

that bad?'

'It has nothing to do with professional capabilities. There has been a change of power

over there, and those who couldn't tolerate my existence; who couldn't agree with my

nomination as a net leader, in such an important part of the world. Those people are in

power now over there; and that’s without taking into account the fact that I’m a

woman and above it all a Eurasian! They are already after my hide right now I

believe, that must be the current situation. We mustn’t disillusion ourselves.'

'Jesus Christ...!'He muttered in utter despair. 'What are we going to do then? You're

not telling me some cover story, are you? Are we really stuck in such a Goddamn

mess?'


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'Yes we are! It’s our lives that are at stake. They would have bumped us off in a

matter of hours! They have Andrei right on the spot and I'm quite sure he'll lead the

hunt after us. So keep quiet, calm down and listen.' She warned him, leaning her head

on his shoulder. 'You haven’t read it on the ticket then, have you?’ She chuckled.

‘We're flying to Lima.' She kept on her lover ’s chat close to his ear, in that sweet

melodious voice of hers; '…the Peruvian Capital, and from there we'll fly to ourfreedom, to Hanoi, to my country where we first met. If you have any objection, now

that everything is lost, we may part at Lima.'

'I'll never leave you!' He declared interrupting her vehemently. 'But why not hide in

the states? I've got a brother in California he'll help us in finding a lone spot, where

we could stay till things will cool down. '

'No way Nickie, it won't work, they'll track us down quite easily there; you don't

know how good they are in those matters, do you? We'll never be safe not in the states

or in any other part of the world, except back home and it would jeopardize your

brother and his family. But it might prove quite an ordeal for you, as you'll have to lie

low for quite a while. But we’ll break off now or in a day or two if you ’ll wish it, you

may fly to your brother. If they’ll hunt me down, they won’t be looking for you.

They’ll let you be, you are not a risk for them, not yet. ’ She added making her best to

persuade him indirectly to stay on with her. She could do without him and his ‘huge

bulk ’ was too conspicuous. It was a certain disadvantage and he is not a trained pro

who could stop a hit man; and if it is a crew that would be put in their wake, he is

useless – as simple as all that.

But if she intends to get back home, she had better keep him at her side up to the last

moment, use him as a decoy. They can always split up and she’ll see to it, to turn the

blood hounds right after him.

‘I’m not going to desert you,’ he repeated his vow dramatically, and extended his arm

to embrace her shoulder.‘It isn’t my fault, is it? I mean my refusal to marry another woman, that certain Jewess

and the rest of it?

‘Absolutely not Nick, it isn’t your fault, I didn’t lie or invent some cover story. I’ve

told you the bare truth.’

They were both silent for a few moments. Nicole was composed and calm, while Nick

was still breathing hard with excitement.

‘There’s one more opening…’ He turned to her suddenly, as if he reached some

miraculous discovery. ‘We can always turn ourselves in. I mean ask for a political

asylum…’

‘It’s out of the question Nick! But I won’t stop you… If you’ll decide to join your brother, or hope over to the American Embassy in Lima, it’s up to you.’

‘I shouldn’t have brought it up, sorry. No, I’m staying with you!’

‘That’s real kind of you Nick.’ She replied feigning sincere gratitude, and added after

a short break: ‘Well, I don’t know how it will exactly turn out, it might be rather harsh

for you at the beginning, but I’ll do my best to help you out…’

'You mean I won't find my way, I won't fit in, even if I would learn your language and

customs?'

'It would be hard no doubt but it will work all right, you can count on me!'

He is going to be a real burden... She thought gloomily. What about me, what about

my future? They’ ll put me on the shelf for quite a while, if I ’ ll be that lucky…To get off

the plane at Hanoi airport with him at my tail, such an extra load might end up my

own career.


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5

But right now she needed him; she might though ditch him in Bangkok, leave him a

sum of money to get along on his own and promise him she will summon him a bit

later on, to join her. ‘I say, we’d better fly to Tokyo or Beijing.’ She whispered to him

with a sudden urgency.

‘You mean stay there, instead of …’

‘ No Nickie, not to stay there, goodness you come out sometimes with such…’ She cutherself short but kept on whimpering in his ear. ‘They’ll be waiting for us in

Singapore and Bangkok, if they wouldn’t catch up with us – don’t you see?’

‘Fly to Hanoi from there, but they aren ’t fools, they can simply make some inquiries

and get on our trail just the same.’

‘You’ve got a point there Nickie we might stay there for a while.’ She added

completely surprised by that simple assumption of his that shattered her theory.


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6

The winning card

The global threat

'I've come to learn what Your Holy Highness thoughts are on our next mutual stages,

and whether our Syrian ally has any notions on our agreement.'

'Thank you for your kind words our dear colleague. Well you can be sure that our

Syrian ally has consented to the agreement terms and conditions, as for our next

mutual stages we've to plan it yet after all we've completed successfully our first

goals.'

'I see,' Onder said after a short pause, 'with Your Holy Highness permission I'll leavenow; I've got to return to Ankara and supervise the American instructors'

deportation.'

'Oh what a pity we hoped you'll stay with us a few more hours up to dinner, but

alright let's return to the hall and you'll take your leave from my ministers.' His Holy

Highness said and stood up.

They haven't planned the next stages yet, which means that we aren't included in

their next stages as simple as all that. Onder thought while he and his entourage

were driven back to the airport. They were all very careful not to say anything of

importance during the ride, as they were instructed by Onder before they landed at

Teheran Imam Khomeini international airport several hours earlier. But when the

Gulfstream IV jet took off and reached normal flight height, Onder wondered aloud if

any one of them heard anything peculiar or if interest, while he was having the head

to head meeting with the Iranian supreme leader.

Apart from the jet engines muffled noise silence fell in the plane cabin, no one had

anything to say; except the foreign office general manager who cut off the short

silence, and said that the Iranian Prime Minister Deputy treated him with obvious

haughtiness.

That's the clue and the key to understand what are their plans concerning our

relationship… Onder thought worried. They plan to turn us in the long into a satellite

state just like Syria. He did not intend to express his thoughts orally of course, but he

noticed watching the faces of his men that they knew what he was thinking.

After landing at Ankara Esenboga International Airport, he took leave of his

entourage and while each of them was heading home in his car, and was driven in

his limousine to the Pink Villa, to meet the President.

'Well what are your impressions?' Erdogul asked right after having shook Onder's

hand and kissed both his cheeks.

'We've their assurance that the Syrians have consented to the new border line

between us and northern Syria, as for our future relationship with them it depend…'

'It depends on what?' Erdogul asked raising his voice nervously. 'But let's sit down

Hamid and discuss it.' He added getting over his slight nervousness, and led Fidan

towards his desk.


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7

While watching Erdogul's worried face Onder decided to resume their old friendly

relations, and not repeat the mistake of referring to his old friend as to his superior.

'I realize now Bulut how wise was your decision when you preferred the day before

yesterday not to attend the Majles with me…'

'Well thanks Hamid, but you haven't answered my question.'

'It depends as I've already said on how they'll accomplish their own goals.' He said

exhaling the air caught in his lungs, and hastened to explain his thoughts. 'I think that

they may betray us in the long run…'

'Are you sure Hamid, do you really believe that they will betray us?'

'Or they'll treat us as they treat the Syrians, as a satellite state, after all they believe

in the supremacy of their faith and we're Sunnis.'

'What are their current goals then?' The president was getting nervous again.

'Their main goal is getting rid of the American flotilla that is stuck in their throats.'

'I see they wish to expand their influence over the United Arab Emirates, yes that's

must be it, but did they consult it with you about and how?'

'No they didn't but I've heard something during our short stay in Teheran. They'vesent their two most experienced and wise diplomats, their prime minister and the

foreign affairs minister at the head of a delegation of experts, to the United States

through Europe; these two old foxes' task is to persuade the American to pull their

fifth fleet out of the Persian Gulf. They're supposed to stay there and have talks with

various government bodies and the White House several months, up to a full year if

necessary.'

'Is it an ultimatum delegation? How did they define their delegation's aim Hamid?'

'We heard just bits and fragments they were not eager to get down to earth on it,

but I can assume that they'll use concealed threats.'

'I see, so they're going to use again the old tactics of the liberals against theextremists, which means Qasem and his Revolutionary Guard, right? And what if the

Americans won't budge? Would they attack the American flotilla?'

'You think that they'll turn to us again?' Onder asked him smiling.

'Now it's my turn to say it depends Hamid, for it depends on what kind of hostilities

they'll use; and it's up to you to answer it, for you're my intelligence expert.'

'We know them too well and I believe that they'll stick to concealed threats, and thus

they won't lose face; because they won't dare to attack openly the American flotilla.'

'In that case they'll resort to terror activities, and they may ask us to give them a

hand… If we'll reach that stage I'd rather refuse them Hamid.'

'You're very right and I adore your wisdom Bulut… Your decision to abstain from theMajles session the other day was a brilliant move.'

'Thank you Hamid but what do you think we should do?

'We'll act according to your general line of thought, which means we'll not demand

the Americans to evacuate Incirlik, we'll keep the Americans' airbase at Incirlik as our

winning card; while the American instructors that were ordered to abandon the

Sunni volunteers and leave for Ankara, will be honored with medals or at least with

certificates of honor; and we'll give them a farewell ceremony at the airport, as

there's no need for their contribution anymore.'

'Yes that's exactly what you'll do Hamid, you know what I'll invite them to a banquet

in their honor, say the night before they'll fly back to the states; and our dear alliesthe Iranians will have to realize that we aren't in their pockets.'


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8

Cairo

The death sciences

‘Who in Allah's name just tell me who might trace you down here?’ Who might take

the slightest interest in you? Do you know how many millions are crowding the

streets of this huge metropolis?’ The stranger declared that was seated facing him

rather theatrically; raising his eye brows, opening wide a pair of round bulging eyes to

express his amazement. ‘What are you afraid of? You of all men, after having done so

much for the organization... Do me a favor, be reasonable!’ Added the stranger

extending forth excitedly both his hands; expressing with emphasize his highly-strung

emotions.They were seated at the Semiramis Hilton Hotel's lobby, next to a small rectangular

coffee table opposite each other; their torsos bent forward and leaning on their

elbows. Samir listened most of the time to that stranger who summoned him down

from his suite that morning about a quarter of an hour earlier, and that stranger was

already lecturing him enthusiastically

Just last night at about midnight, they had reached that immense edifice. That modern

and imperious hotel; and that was the end of Leila and his joy trip, of their so called

honey-moon…

Well Samir couldn't complain, but he couldn't detach himself from her either! He

lingered in the parked car while his luggage was unloaded, and carried to the hotel's

reception counter. Leila had not uttered a word, since they reached to the outskirts of

Cairo. They parted as a pair of strangers who had never laid eyes on each other. There

was no need of pretense or role-playing, not in front of their driver in particular. Or

was it rather the role she played, as the modest would-be spouse, on her way to her

fiancée, and that role of hers begun the moment they left Tabba, though she was ever

so nice and polite to him.

Well she is so prudent and so much more experienced than me; and that driver knew

too well his course, he had in fact to drive on and fetch her to the right address…He

must have known so well where she was expected... And that depressing change, took

place some nine hours earlier! Samir kept thinking gloomily.

It's so incredi ble; it’s so hard to get used to...

Why, we were supposed to pass sometime together, as much as a month at least – or was I that carried off that I wasn't

capable anymore to distinguish between chaff and grain?

So here he was at the start of his second phase, deeply hurt, distressed and longing for

Leila and wishing they wouldn't have parted yet. While she in complete contrast to

his behavior, did not show any emotions at all, the closer they were getting to their

destination; the more sealed and expressionless her countenance became; eager to

reach her waiting fiancée, Samir concluded with envy and sadness. It could not be

love despite his longing for her company. He could not have fallen in love with her,

could he?

But never before did he pass more than half an hour, in a woman's

company. As his short previous intimate experience, was based on relations with one

kind only – prostitutes. He visited them in their abodes, used them, paid them – andleft them right afterwards – without adding a single word to the one usual question:


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9

how much? Thus the seven exceptional days and nights, which they passed together,

left their mark deep within his soul, arousing neglected feelings, which for quite a

while he was not conscious of.

Some five minutes after nine o’clock this very morning, that bespectacled dwarf,

called up his suite and woke him up. Except his expensive summer suit, he had no

external advantages in which he could impress him with. Though he was no morethan thirty years of age, he was already completely bald. His smooth crown glistened,

and dazzled Samir almost with every movement of his head; and this was his contact

man with the organization's office in Cairo. Samir was not allowed to visit the office

openly, or more accurately he was forbidden to do so. That was the first thing which

Abu what's his name, bothered to tell him, his full ‘Nom de Guerre’ Samir has already

forgotten. It was not the man's poor impression, but the state of excitement in which

Samir himself was. Anyhow, after that scornful dwarf had identified himself,

brandishing his genuine I.D. card, which verified beyond any possible doubt his

legitimate membership in the organization; At the first chance he had Samir hastened

to bring forth all his fears and apprehensions. The Israelis’ long arm of vengeance

bothered him. That was his most urgent concern he declared; though in fact he wasgetting rid of completely different feelings. His disappointment and frustration,

caused by parting with Leila, the sudden encounter with that huge metropolis; but

above of all the sense of utter loneliness and alienation which beset him, since he

crossed the threshold of his suite.

The small stranger's effusive compliments that were bestowed on him did encourage

him at first but soon aroused his suspicions. ‘Abu-Razek’ was his alias, he suddenly

recalled; a Palestinian exile just as he himself is; and that’s just my ninth day in exile,

he recalled with a taste of bitterness.

Across the table Abu-Razek was fidgeting in his armchair, moving his right hand in

the air elaborately with clear unrest. Was he groping mentally for some lost thought or

was it some kind of a show off, to make Samir realize he was carrying a gun? Samir

wondered watching his risible fidgety contact man. Finally after a few hesitations,

Abu-Razek pushed his hand into his jacket's inner pocket, and pulled out a piece of

paper. ‘Here is your permit to exist!’ He said smiling cynically, enjoying his own

witticism. He handed it over to Samir. ‘I'll have any other document you still own!’

Reluctantly Samir emptied his pockets, and handed Abu-Razek his passport plus his

driving license and the Israeli ID card. Although the whole lot was nothing but bits of

paper, issued by some loathsome hated Jews it represented his own self, and he found

it rather hard to part with. His new document, ‘his permit to exist’, was a miserable

piece of paper. If he were to compare it with what he already had. A three months

temporary passage permit it was, issued by the Tunisian foreign ministry, on his veryreal name! ‘Samir Mashrawy’. As he was reading his real name on that poor

document, which he was just given he was utterly disappointment, an insult that is

what it was in his eyes. As he was certain of having to learn some new personal

details, to learn by heart his new identity.

I must be a wanted person by now back in my homeland…! I managed to escape the

"Shabac's" fangs and claws that's true; but that won't put an end to their inquiries; that

won’t stop their efforts to track me down. If I did keep those blood thirsty dogs off my

trail; well then, now I'll have to deal with much fiercer beasts eager to hunt me

down… ‘Mossad agents, skilled hit-men…! The front pages of the leading European

papers were full of stories of such and such various organizations’ senior members,

who were blown to pieces, shot to death, or put to death by endless means and tricksin the last couple of years! Why, that miserable passage permit isn't a document to


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21

rely upon! Shouldn't I too have an alias, to protect my real identity? Don't I merit one?

Why should this wretched joke, who sits opposite me have an alias, who is he? What

has he done to deserve it? What I need now is a good cover story supported by an

alias, and genuine and permanent papers. Such means would help me, would

guarantee my safety; and would be a sign of my new status, a moral support;

substantial means that would justify my exile, and help me to overcome itshardships…

‘Well, what bothers you now?’ Abu-Razek who had quite an amount of knowledge of

the human soul and its motives asked him.

‘It’s this passage permit and the name I've been given in it, which is not a typical

Tunisian name. What I need is a valid passport, with a solid convincing name; a name

that would fit that poor document... if one might call it a document!’

What an ambitious type that fellow is! Abu-Razek wondered He's the shortcuts type,

who aspires to reach the very top. I've seen some of his kind thrown away in deserted

ditches and gutters, with their throats cut from ear to ear…

‘As for a passport it takes time to prepare one and that piece of paper that you now

own is a genuine document mind you! What's wrong with your name? Don't you likeit, or do you find it hard to get used to? You're over doing it, don't you think? He

added emphatically, trying to persuade Samir, for he had no other option to offer him.

So there are some details, which are kept away from my efficient contact man, my

real name for instance! Samir concluded to himself proudly but kept on that

begrudged look on his face, which the exchange of documents and the first night

without Leila had caused.

‘Why can't I have an alias, such as you have?’ He asked the small man boldly, getting

right to the point that so bothered him.

‘Why should you? You're clean, nobody has the slightest notion who you are, in terms

of the organization's work, of course; as far as any outsider is apt to know, you have

nothing to do with us. In that case you don't need a name of such sort, you do agree

don't you?’

Samir cleared his throat and nodded in consent, although he was not satisfied at all.

’You haven't learned the basics of clandestine activity yet.’ His contact man remarked

haughtily. ‘As it isn't still the right time for it enjoy yourself man, have a good time.

Don't shut yourself up in your suite. But in any case, keep away from the office and

from foreign embassies. As for the other sex, there are no restrictions; local belles or

tourists are all fair game. Beware though of those who come from the occupied

territories; what I mean is keep away from Palestinians, females and males alike. You

might change your identity in a short while, so no friendships nor any sort of relations

with Palestinians... You don't wish to meet someone twice, each time under anotheridentity, do you? I don't have to mention the cursed Zionists whose enthusiastic flow

into this country, is dwindling at last. They won't dare to trouble you, if that what

worries you; they won't dare to jeopardize the delicate relationship, they have with

this country, the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with them.’ He concluded

smiling benevolently at Samir. ‘Listen aren't you thirsty?’ He asked. ‘Summon that

Sudanese waiter who loafs over there, it’s rather hot in Cairo, at this time of year.’

Without hesitations Samir raised his arm and summoned the waiter to their table. The

latter hurried up to them, having reached their table; he bent his tall frame obediently.

’At your service ‘ya sidi’ (sir). He declared raising his head expecting their order

patiently.

‘Coffee for the two of us, ordered him Abu-Razek, ‘ plus a bottle of mineral water anddon't go yet! An assortment of today's choice of cakes! He added with a chuckle.


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2

The waiter was making his way to carry out their order, and Abu-Razek resumed his

monologue without delay. He had no intention to waste his precious time or await the

coming refreshments in a gloomy silence.

’It’s rather a hasty meeting, out of necessity, the force of circumstances.’ He

philosophized in an elaborate prologue, as befits him, a man of the world, which was

of course his own opinion on himself. ‘Our future meetings shall take place at a more proper time, during let's say the late evening and night hours, and thus we would

have more time and space for our purpose. Having fun together is the most common

motive for two friends to spend their time together, it's the best cover one can think

of, for such activity.’

Quite right! Sure, the only question left to ask is what kind of activity? Samir thought

in bitter irony, it might be the best cover as Abu-Razek remarked. But the one, who

would cover the expenses, would be me alone! As Abu-Razek is my senior! As my

senior of course he deserves to be respected. Besides, he is my one and only link with

the real world, with the organization. Without that dwarf and his good services I’m

actually lost. Thus although in any other circumstances I wouldn’t have bothered to

bestow that ridiculous dwarf with a second look, I can’t ignore him or underestimatehis importance, under the current circumstances! For as much as I’m concerned, that

small man is the most important person in Cairo…!

‘How do I get in touch with you, in case of an emergency?’ Samir asked backing up

his contact man with trust, showing his faith in his senior, and at the same time

reminding Abu-Razek the grave situation, in which he's still is.

The waiter returned with a loaded platter, and nodding his head to Abu- Razek with a

smile, as if he was an old client of his laid the platter's contents humbly on their table;

he bowed to both of them and moved discreetly away.

‘That's a good question!’ remarked Abu-Razek, reaching for the cakes assortment,

leaving his hand to hang in midair, hesitantly – undecided yet, as to which one should

he choose. He made his choice at last and brought the selected cake rapidly towards

his speaking mouth, and devoured the cake with two bites.

‘I'll let you have a phone number.’ He said choosing himself a second one. ‘But

remember you'll use it only in clear emergency cases…’ He remarked emphat ically,

handing Samir a small piece of paper while munching laboriously all that while.

‘Learn that number by heart, and then destroy that piece of paper right afterwards.’

He ordered Samir gravely, and raised the tiny coffee cup to his lips, emptying its

contents in one gulp. As Abu-Razek laid his empty cup back on the table Samir

hastened to pour him another one, holding the coffee pot well above the tiny cup.

‘I don't think there'll be any need for emergency meetings or phone calls. Abu-Razek

added with a note of self-importance, helping himself to another piece of cake. ‘WhatI mean to say is... Your case is temporarily open; nothing has been decided yet. Well,

I wouldn't have complained if I were you. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy

yourself, to meet people, women. In short treat yourself to a holiday... When the call

would come, when those who have to decide, would have their say; I would let you

know their decision. There're no restrictions, as you have been told already. But the

relationships, that you might develop should be maintained superficially, as means to

satisfy your immediate needs; sexual needs, women of course, or if you men prefer...’

He broke off in a guffaw, glancing meanwhile at his handsome protégé. ‘Yeah, try the

foreigners that's the right direction to exploit. It might yield some useful results in the

future.


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22

‘I see,’ Samir answered him with a forced smile of understanding, he was getting

bored and a bit disgusted. But as an outcome of his shaky and obscure position, he

would have to treat Abu-Razek as his kin as if he is his own brother.

The lobby was coming to life gradually, filling with people, well-dressed people.

Some of the hotel guests were coming down, passing a few moments there before

going out for their various errands. But most of the newcomers were those whoescaped the day's heat, finding a refuge in that modern air conditioned oasis;

occupying tables next to theirs, getting closer to them with every passing minute.

By now only a few bits and crumbs were left on the plate that was put between them.

Abu-Razek pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and meticulously wiped his lips.

Having cleaned every trace of chocolate, cream and other fat substances, he folded it

neatly and put back in its fit place in his breast pocket.

‘Wallahy,’ he muttered aloud, touching with both his hands his breast and his side

pockets. ‘I haven't brought my pipe along.’

But before he managed to stir or add another word, Samir hastened to offer him his

cigarettes, holding the package open, under his guest's nose. With a satisfied and aloof

smile Abu-Razek pulled a cigarette and brought it in a close touch with his nostrils;sniffing its delicate aroma; taking a deep breath inhaling its aromatic flavor; he stuck

it with a final touch, between his exposed teeth – sending Samir a clear glance of

expectancy of a mute request.

Samir brought out a lighter and bent forward to his contact man, sending forth his

hand with the tiny flame up to Abu-Razek's lips almost; while watching Abu-Razek's

glistening bald crown, bowed over his lighter, he ventured to ask: ‘Am I to study at

‘Al-azhar’ or some other university? I'd like to complete my studies before I join the

organization as an active member.’

Abu-Razek straightened up a bit surprised, by the harsh interruption of the tranquil

ceremony, and settled back in his armchair thoughtfully exhaling smoke rings toward

the ceiling. Watching his puzzled expression, Samir understood he should not have

brought that matter up, neither now or in the future. In any case not in front of such a

powerless figure, as the one who was facing him; whose airs of egotism and self-

importance could not convince even a novice as he himself was. But having brought it

out already, he thought he'd better pursue it as far as he can; for although Abu-Razek

might be the last and least important link in the chain, with hardly any influence at all;

he might be able to pass Samir's demands, to a higher echelon, to his seniors. To all

those men that Samir is not allowed to meet yet.

‘I'm a graduate of international law, and my best contribution to our cause to my

understanding and belief, is in promoting the organization's interests in international

institutions and circles. I'm not endeavoring in the least to evade any risky or hard jobs of any kind.’ He added, perceiving the hint of a scornful smile flicker across the

content countenance of Abu-Razek.

’So you wish to continue your studies?’ Abu-Razek noted with interest, though both

of them knew, and were quite aware that Samir's future did not bother him at all. ‘I'll

bring it up before the proper authorities at the first opportunity; we’ll have a serious

discussion over the matter, no doubt.’ He promised Samir.

‘As for our future meetings in the days to come...’ He said, pointing out to Samir, he

had enough of Samir's problems for one meeting, and wished to leave. ‘You shall

have to spend your mornings at your suite up to ten o’clock at least. Let’s make it

easier for you, you are expected to be present at the hotel's premises up to ten o’clock,

be it the hotel’s restaurant or the hotel's swimming pool; in my own view it doesn'tmake any difference at all, as long as you're on the hotel's premises and we're able to


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reach you, there won't be any complaints. But you'll have to cling to that timetable as

long as you're here, in Cairo!’

He rose to his feet, buttoning his light jacket, and sent

his right hand forth for a parting handshake. Clutching the extended hand Samir rose

right after him, he had to, otherwise he would have offended him.

‘Have a good time meanwhile, don't you dare to hesitate, and don't you worry!’ The

small man stated proudly, as if Samir was an old crony of his. ‘We'll take a good careof you!’

It was an encouraging promise and at the same time, a well disguised threat. But

before Samir could decide what to make out of that boastful sentence, Abu-Razek

retracted his clutched hand and turned hurriedly to the hotel's wide entrance.

The coffee pot was already empty disappointed Samir put it back down and

summoned the same waiter a second time, sending him to get him some more fresh

coffee.

Though Abu-Razek was not what one on friendly circumstances would term a

‘brother’, – nor would Samir would have chosen him as his friend, if the choice was

his alone. Nevertheless, he felt quite at a loss, after Abu-Razek has left the lobby.


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24

Café Pushkin

A fateful opportunity

Boris Zinaiev was sitting at the side of the broad window of his hotel room behind the

closed curtains with a worried face; from time to time he moved slightly the side of

the heavy opaque curtain and threw furtive glances at the road and the hotel's entrance

below.

He has returned from the Café Pushkin at Tverskoy Bulevard, where he had lunch just

some forty five minutes earlier.

He had that nasty feeling of being watched. He knew well enough that as a foreigner

he is followed now and then, and he confirmed it whenever he checked surveillance;

but after almost two weeks in this cold and hostile capital, he believed that he

managed to convince them that he is clean.

He entered the country with a tourist visa and behaved as a tourist should behave by

enjoying sightseeing, amusement joints, bars, nightclubs and he even saw a strip show

that ended up with a two hours visit in a brothel. He was not too fond of such

establishments, but it suited his cover story of an innocent tourist.

But today at lunch time at the Café Pushkin it was not just an instinctive hunch, he

sensed it and was sure of it; two additional waiters arrived suddenly a few moments

after he sat next to his table.He had no doubt that they were sent to check him. They were well trained waiters of

course, but being a very experienced pro he noticed the minute differences in body

language and behavior between these two and the three other waiters, which were

present there several times already while he visited the place.

He did not lose his appetite and he did not pay unneeded attention to these two, except

a slow glance now and then as if he was bored or watched them out of curiosity. What

they would make out of it did not bother him.

During last week he had lunch several successive times at this same restaurant and

walked on foot to his hotel, the 'Ist Vest Hotel' that was some seven hundred yards

southward on the same street.

Walking back to his hotel on this certain occasion he checked very carefullysurveillance in vain, and now sitting in his hotel room he realized how foolish it was

to check surveillance on that short stretch, when they know exactly where he stays.

They could put a man or two on the roofs with binoculars, to verify that no passer-by

makes some suspicious contact with me; say passes some documents stealthily to me

under their noses, yes as simple as all that. He thought amused but moved away from

the window for he realized that he might be caught peeping if they have someone on

the opposite roof or behind one of the windows on the other side of the road.

He lighted up the small reading lamp as he sat next to the small desk in his room, and

spread the city's map on the desk before his eyes. He thought of going out for a walk

in the neighborhood, and to plan how to reach a certain famous bar; but he was

bothered and while he kept pondering he understood after a few seconds why heturned into a suspect, which had to be watched.


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During the first week of his stay he ate in different restaurants be it lunch or dinner,

and having visited Café Pushkin successively day after day during this week, has

aroused their suspicions.

In any case his two weeks nostalgic visit ends up next Saturday, the day after

tomorrow; he will fly back to New York and his mission would be over while he isn't

supposed to know its purpose, and those who are sitting on his tail now have nothingagainst him. Thus he won't be detained, questioned or arrested God forbid, but he will

fly back and that most important document or whatever it is, would be passed without

his knowledge to his possessions at the last moment at the airport in some hidden

way, or maybe his task in this mission is no more than to distract the other side

attention; or more accurately be a blind courier, which does not know whatever he is

supposed to carry, and when and how it would be in his possessions…

It was an ingenious method indeed, particularly when he himself knew nothing about

it.

He had enough time during his "vacation" to think things over and understand why he

was chosen to this enigmatic mission. He was born in Smolensk Russia after all, and

in 1982 he immigrated at the age of seven years with his parents to Canada, as his parents were supposed to become sleeper agents and serve the Soviet Union, when

they'll be ordered to. His parents defected and that's how his fate was decided even

before he reached maturity.

He lived with his parents in Montreal with a new identity of course, and there he was

brought up and educated, at primary school, college and McGill University, from

which he graduated Cum Laude. He was accosted by his country intelligence service

agents, and before anything was summed up, they recommended him to the CIA.

That's how it all began… He had a meeting with a stranger at the Café Victoria at

Victoria Avenue in Montreal.

The stranger a tall middle aged wasp introduced himself as James, and told the

astounded Boris that he is a CIA agent; he told Boris that he is offering him the best

opportunity he could ever get in his life time.

Boris hesitated and preferred to think things over before deciding whether to accept

the offer or not. He was twenty two yours old then, had a Master of Arts degree in

international relations and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, he could get a job

quite easily with the Canadian foreign office.

As a graduate of psychology and international relations, and a fluent speaker of

Russian and French he was a rare find for any western intelligence agency. They did

not reach him haphazardly; they received a full report on his background from the

Canadian foreign intelligence service, as part of the cooperation between the two

famous intelligence services.The CIA talent scout that introduced himself to Boris as James mentioned in a few

words the salaries and the conditions that a novice can get only in such a job, and

realizing how worried Boris was he suggested a second meeting in about a week's

time, to which Boris agreed willingly. He was already tempted not by the

incomparable conditions alone, but by the adventurous way of life that such a job

offers.


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Erella

Summer tempest'

Erella Zingman Abrahams arrived at Ben-Gurion airport, flying in from Chicago. Her

hometown is New York City since some three decades already, but as she had to

accompany her husband for a week of a business convention plus some dubious

entertainment shows, which associated with his business in that cold city next to the

big lakes, she boarded the plane bound for Israel at O'Hare international airport.

Her husband was supposed to board that plane with her, that’s why she accompanied

him to Chicago; but regretfully due to his urgent business's deals he could not join

her, and did not bother to see her to the airport.

Mike Abrahams brought her to Chicago just to send her off on her own, in two days

time. He had no intention to pass the convention in his wife’s comp any, and had nointention what’s so ever to join her in a nostalgic homeland visit; instead of falling

into confrontations and a quarrels with his pretentious wife, he decided to deceive her

and tell her the bare truth at the last moment. He claimed he was prepared to

accompany her on that relatives’ visit, but regretfully circumstances have changed and

he has to stay in Chicago, even beyond the convention ten days time.

This act of belittling her intelligence hurt her and infuriated her, but she did not lose

her temper. After two more days of distrust, hesitations and a hunch that's how things

will end up, she decided to travel alone and departed with her husband’s consent. His

driver accompanied her to the airport and assisted her in all the various arrangement

concerning her flight.

She took a TWA direct flight to Rome, and passed the flight with soulful

contemplation in the first class cabin of course.

Mike Abrahams who was seven years older than her was her second husband. He was

a Jewish American tycoon that had been invited to visit Israel to participate in a

business convention. He met the Fixlers’ during that business convention in the

Acadia Hotel in the town of Hertselia, which was organized by the Jewish Agency to

encourage investments of Jewish tycoons in the Israeli economy.

Eraella’s husband Amnon Fixler was at the early stages of his career in managing the

family real estate business. He met Abrahams during that certain convention, and the

friendly relationship and their business interests endured until Abrahams met Erella at

the Fixlers’ abode; or more accurately till Amnon Fixler realized that Abrahams iscourting his newlywed wife, and she does not reject him.

The flimsy friendship tie was cut off and Fixler demanded Abrahams to leave, after a

stormy scene in which he accused the latter in seducing his wife. Erella denied of

course her young husband’s accusations, as long as her own status was not clear yet.

But when Abrahams who stayed on in Israel a long spell of time after the end of the

economic convention promised to marry her, she left her young husband without the

slightest hesitation.

Amnon Fixler after all was a pitiful beggar compared with Mike Abrahams, thus in

such incomparable circumstances Erella had no second thoughts.

She mar ried Amnon Fixler after she rejected Yoske’, her admired youth movement

instructor. Yoske’ after all was a son of a bricklayer, all his aspirations were dedicatedto live in a Kibbutz, and work as a farmer ‘a glorious future’ indeed. Erella had no


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intentions to become a house wife, or a Kibbutz member and pass her life in feeding

hens or milking cows; and she had no intentions to serve a compulsory army service,

that’s why she married Amnon Fixler that courted her with his father’s American car.

Thirty years have elapsed already since she married Mike Abrahams, a widower

whose first wife died after several months of uncured illness. She died a short time

after their marriage, before having a chance to leave her husband with an heir to thefamily fortune.

Erella had no intention to experience such trials as pregnancy and birth. She did not

marry Mike out of love of course, Amnon her first husband was young and looked

much better than Mike; while Yoske was very sought and admired, and many of her

female friends envied her when they learned how fond Yoske was of her.

But Mike Abrahams did not love her just as well. He might have believed in it at the

very beginning she was quite a challenge, and after having won her, she was just

another feather in his cap to boast about. This man that has achieved almost all he

wished to get at a rather young age has changed from one end to another, particularly

after the death of his first wife. He became a womanizer, an easy task for a tycoon

with inexhaustible means. Erella was the big prize in a rivalry with Amnon Fixler herfirst husband, a man much younger than himself. It was the first time in which Mike

courted a married woman, and having won her roused in him the same stormy

feelings, as at the time when he had amassed his first million dollars.

His marriage with Erella did not change his boisterous behavior. He did his best to

hide it from her, even in Chicago, but Erella was well aware to it; and had no

intention to divorce him, or to give up her extravagant way of life abundant with

luxury, and give up the possibility to inherit him in the future.

In any case, she thought and decided during the flight, that she is going to settle the

score with him. During all these years beside her husband she turned a blind eye, and

kept her mouth shut, and that’s how he repays her?

Having landed at Rome she decided to spend several days there. Although the season

was in its height, she had no difficulty in booking a suite in the local Hilton, not every

ordinary human being after all can afford such expenses.

She toured a bit this fabulous city, sat long hours in the Via Veneto café bars, trying

in vain to hunt a local lover. If she would have responded to all the hints and

flirtations that hovered all around her, she would not have needed to do the hunting

herself; but she did not like the average Italian beau, the hyper romanticism, the

swanky feminine almost behavior of those who dared to make a pass at her it simply

rejected her. She missed the Israeli unceremonious touch, the uncompromised

approach of someone like Yoske.

At Ben-Gurion air port after having landed, she met her younger sister Aviva, her

brother in law and their off springs; which did not stop hanging on the arms of their

dear aunt, and kept nagging her: ‘what have you brought us?’ They repeated it time

and again, just like a Tibetan mantra.

‘You’ll see it at the hotel when we’ll get there.’ She replied briskly. 'Vivi is that the

way you bring them up? Do master them before they’ll get out of control.’ She turned

to her sister in English, with a sweet smile.

‘I thought we’re going to our place. Why don’t you stay with us, we’ve prepared a

room for you.’ Her young sister noted in Hebrew ignoring Erella’s remark, which

reminded Vivi their mutual childhood and Erella's overbearing at those times.

'I've booked a suite at Dan hotel some six weeks ago and I've no intention to…Children, I've said at the hotel so be patient please!' She turned to her sister's kids.


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For truth sake she hasn't brought them a thing, she has bought a present for her sister

and her brother in law, and brought along a few souvenirs for unexpected meetings

with old friends, which might prove as worthwhile unexpectedly.

Although Erella has not met her sister some two years, and that was when she hosted

her sister and her brother in law in her penthouse in New York, their meeting again

this time was rather cold.Her last visit in Israel was forgotten long ago, and thus during the ride she watched

and was quite impressed by the many changes in the passing sights on their way to

Tel Aviv, but with much effort though to conceal her feelings.

It was very hard to exchange a few sentences or even a few words inside the cab, the

kids did not stop to pester her and to intervene right after every word that the

grownups managed to utter.

As she did not wish to disturb the pleasant atmosphere, she did not scold her sister's

kids, and answered their questions from time to time. If the hearts of her sister and her

brother in law were flooded with pride due to the assertiveness of their offsprings,

was not clear at all to Erella at these certain moments. She was sitting next to cab

driver far as much as possible from her sister's kids that kept pestering her withquestions.

But Aviva after all was her closest kin after the death of their parents, the rest of her

relatives and there were quite a lot of them, she had no intention to visit or even to

see. Her ties with them were cut off long ago. Her luxurious and long exile was of

course the main reason for it, but her arrogant character too kept many of them away

from her.

Nevertheless, if any of them would come to visit her at the hotel, she won't reject

them, but she has more urgent matters to think of. The idea to visit her homeland for

truth sake popped up in her mind rather capriciously, without much thought; a kind of

a brilliant trick to force her husband to cut off temporarily his ties with his mistress,

and the rest of the girls that he did not stop courting behind her back… If he would

have joined her as he promised to.

It was a momentarily urge due to her lack of confidence, to her fear that he might get

rid of her and leave her penniless. With these thoughts while answering the

meaningless questions of her sister's offsprings, pestered her all along. the ride to her

hotel; a ride she deemed to be a nightmare almost, taking into consideration her

sensitivity for her privacy and her obsessive need to keep away from the vulgar

multitude.

Her puzzling longing for the Israeli supposedly roughness up to her landing in Ben

Gurion air port, was replaced with remorse; lest her bright idea that turned into a

fiasco in Chicago already would intensify; and she would count the days up to herflight back, or shorten that puzzling vacation of hers before its due time.

As soon as they arrived to her hotel front, Erella hastened to get out emitting a sigh of

relief. The cab driver was unloading Erella's luggage while Aviva and Itsik and their

kids, took their time to leave the rear seats. Itsik was ready to pick up her suitcase and

handbag, but Erella stopped him with a swift movement of her hand.

'Take my things to the reception!' She turned to the cab driver.

'Who me, but…?'

'Switch off the engine and take my things to the reception,' she repeated decisively

without raising her voice.

After a hesitation of a friction of a second the cab driver picked up Erella's luggage,

and led the way up on the broad stairs to the hotel's entrance, but he left his car'sengine running.


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While the lot of them mounted up rather slowly, the driver returned nimbly empty

handed.

'That's it. I've left it near the reception as you wanted.' He noted turning to Erella. 'I

must move I'm not allowed to park here.' He added, watching her face with a glance

full of reproof.

Erella pulled a twenty dollar bill from her travel pouch, which was fastened round herwaist and handed it to him. The feelings of distress that the driver's face expressed

turned into a smile of satisfaction; he took the note from her hand, thanked her and

hastened to his cab.

'Twenty dollars for such a trip he would have been thankful for a sum of fifty shekel

and a tip included!' Aviva turned stupefied to her sister.

'Leave it to me Vivi, big deal twenty bucks!' Erella answered her with a chuckle, as

they crossed the hotel entrance.

'Well do sit down and wait till I'll finish, you know what I've to...' Erella muttered

hastily to her sister and her brother in law, and moved towards the reception counter.

She did not have the slightest idea what she is going to do with her dear sister, her

brother in law and their offsprings. All she wished was to ascend to her suite, and passthe afternoon hours in a warm water bath.

What am I going to do with them? It's a pity I've phoned to my sister, I should have

come incognito. She thought while scribbling her personal details in the hotel

reception log.

'Listen I haven't had anything to eat during the flight since breakfast.' She turned to

her sister and her brother in law, even before reaching their table. 'You too had

nothing to eat no doubt, so let's enter the restaurant and talk there.'

It was not the ideal solution to sit next to the table in the hotel's restaurant right after

the flight without having a bath first and changing her cloths, but that was the only

way to get rid of them thus she thought and consoled herself.

But Aviva and Itsik accepted her offer delightedly, they were sure that she'll sit with

them over a cup of coffee in the lobby, and all of a sudden the opportunity to have

lunch at the Dan Hotel has fallen into their lap!

The two kids Neta and Ghily were sitting very quietly to Erella's surprise the huge

restaurant hall must have stunned them, and thus the meal progressed without any

disturbances.

I've let her understand from the beginning that there're no limits as far as lunch is

concerned, when I'll take my leave and mount to my suite they won't feel being

depraved. Etella thought quite at ease.

Right after the last dish while waiting for their coffee, Erella turned to her sister. 'Well

what's going on with all that mess in our country, what exactly is going on here?''What are you talking about, what mess? There're agreements and understanding and

it will take some time till everything will settle according to the peace agreement. It's

true there were a few terror attacks by those very few who are against the peace

process, but we're on the way to end the conflict with our neighbors.' Vivi explained

her while her husband sat watching her with eyes full of trust and solidarity.

'A peace process, it's a laughing stock! What am I saying; it's a serious matter how we

used to term such flops when we were in the youth movement: It's a lament for

generations…'

'Erella do me a favor, don't you trust the leaders of our country…?'

But meanwhile coffee was brought to their table, and Erella saw already in her mind's

eye the bath tub full of warm water.


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'Alright Vivi let's skip it, we'll talk about it some other time.' Erella muttered rather

briskly. Her dear sister was hurt a bit and her brother in law too no doubt. They may

console themselves with the cream cakes, but what am I doing with myself for God's

sake?!?

'Listen Vivi have you seen Nehama from time to time, or any of my friends from

those days? When you used to run after us?' She was quite sure that such a questionwould upset her young sister, but on the other hand it would induce her sister to bring

fourth all the information she wishes to hear. The relationship between them did not

change much since their years of adolescence, but became more sophisticated with the

passing years, and the basic principles have not changed. 'You know Nehama and

some more of them, which lived in our neighborhood.' She added as if to keep their

conversation alive and nothing else.

Itsik blushed and could hardly hide his annoyance. Vivi raised her face from her plate,

a cake crumb stuck at the corner of her mouth.

'Nehama, why does Nehama interest you? Oh I see you haven't forgotten him yet.' She

added sarcastically with a sweet smile of requital.

'I haven't forgotten whom, oh come on Vivi don't you grasp how much time hase

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