by Andres Mann
Amir looked at Tess with sincerity. “What will it take for you to consider me a man worthy of respect, a man that you would want in your life? You know I am not a monster.”
No longer sure of herself, Tess tried to overcome her hesitancy. “You know what I want, Amir.”
“Even if it does not make sense?”
“Even so.”
“Very well. I will agree to let you have the girl, but there is a price. I want you. I crave you. I must have you, not as a conquest, but as a cherished part of my life. I will do anything for you.”
“I … I can’t Amir. I am in a relationship.”
“I know about it. Is it really serious? Has he offered marriage? He is not even here with you.”
“I just cannot consider the arrangement you suggest. You and I are from different worlds.”
Amir looked at her with longing. “Tess, if you are not sure about my proposal, I offer a compromise. Spend a month with me. We will go away from here, to France, Italy, and England, whatever you prefer. Visit beautiful places. Spend some time with the girl. I will not touch you unless you want me to. I will only consider you as an honored guest. At the end of that, you decide what you want to do.”
“That’s a lot to digest, Amir. I am not ready make a commitment of that magnitude.”
“All I ask is for you to consider it. I will wait for your decision for one week.”
Tess, unsure and confused, clearly showed her vulnerability. Amir gently put his hands around her waist and gently kissed her. Tess did not resist.
Amir let her go and rang a bell on the table. The butler appeared. “Please tell the driver to take Miss Turner to her hotel.” He left the room. Tess stood still, a whirlwind of emotions overwhelming her.
***
Tess placed a call to Jake from the hotel phone, but just got a message. Their cell phones did not work very well internationally, and she desperately wanted to talk with him. The confusion in her mind was overwhelming. Her sense of honor still demanded that she fulfill her promise to Kejal, but now the situation was no longer black and white. It was obvious that the little girl was happy and well taken care of. Amir seemed to be truly fond of the child.
“What could I offer the child?” she asked herself. Is it even possible to adopt her? If that could be done, it would be the end of her Army career. Other women in the service had families, but she wasn’t sure that she could reorient her uncompromising goals to act as a parent to a child that would be taken out of a familiar environment.
How about her relationship with Jake? She loved him; he was warm, considerate, funny and a foil against her impetuousness. Now he had resigned from the CIA. What did this mean? What would he do next? Would he support her decision to keep the child? This was a step that they had not even discussed. She knew that Jake had gone along with her quest to have Amir let go of the child, but without conviction. Being a realist, he was along for the ride only because he said he loved her.
She was also distressed by the simple fact that her hatred of Amir was dissipating. The man was complex. Due to his position in society, he was arrogant, and from her initial interaction with him, it was obvious that he was also ruthless and demanding. Could she believe that he had changed? His entreaties toward her seemed sincere.
Her own reaction to Amir particularly dismayed her. She started to see that he was very similar to her. He pursued what he wanted with determination and persistence. Even though she was fearful of him, she had started to appreciate his prodigious masculinity. There was an intensity to the man that attracted her.
Jake finally called her back at the hotel. He needed to stay for a little while longer because his mother was ill. Tess assured him that it was fine for him to stay there, even though she would miss him. She told him that Amir was still stonewalling her but was willing to talk.
For the first time in her life, Tess did not tell the truth. She knew that even a suggestion of her acceding to Amir’s desires would be devastating to Jake, yet her rigid sense of obligation was pushing her inexorably in that direction. By making a sacrifice, she would free the child and fulfill the promise she made to Kejal.
Amir had given her a card with his phone number. She stared at it for a while. She made herself a stiff drink. That was not enough to assuage the sense of dread in her heart. She had another drink and another until she collapsed in restless sleep.
Tess woke in the morning with a horrendous hangover. She dragged herself into the shower and tried to recoup a sense of equilibrium. It didn’t help much. Staying in the hotel room would only add to her sense of despair, so she went to the streets and started to walk. She did not use her trusty tourist map. It didn’t matter where to walk. She just needed to lose herself in the noise, traffic, multitudes and smells of the ancient city. She walked past hallowed sites, busy bazaars, and persistent street vendors. Inevitably, she had to dodge the occasional admirer. Finally, she needed to cool down. She bought a ticket to the Yerebatan Sarayi - or Basilica Cistern.
At the entrance, a guide was lecturing a group of tourists.
“Built to store water, the cistern dates back to Byzantine days when the city was called Constantinople. Built by Emperor Justinian in the mid-500s, this cavernous underground water-storage area has a vaulted brick ceiling supported by a forest of Corinthian marble columns.”
Tess walked through the threshold. Atmospheric music, rosy flood lighting and the lilting sound of water lapping on marble – entering the cistern revealed an eerie, magical place. She enjoyed the cool air and the air of mystery permeating the ancient marvel. In a strange way, her tortured soul received a small measure of respite from the agonizing decision she had to make. The more she thought about her choices, the more unsure she was about what to do. No matter; she had to decide.
She returned to the hotel and picked up the phone. Amir responded on the first ring.
Tess was brief. “I will do it.”
Chapter 18
Roots and Reflection
Jake arrived in New York after a 12-hour flight. He rented a car and drove to Sleepy Hollow, 25 miles North of the City, where his mother lived in a pretty small house that Jake had bought for her.
Growing up, Jake had a great Mom, yet something was missing – Dad. For Jake, it meant taking responsibility at an early age and having all those feelings of being responsible for everyone he loved be the driving factor in his life. He had a younger sister and a younger brother. His decision to join the military was to provide stability for them, to offer them choices in life.
Because his mother had instilled in him a profound belief in the benefits of education, he had excelled at school and got a scholarship to study at Harvard University. He taught himself three languages by the time he graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in International Relations.
He went to work for a couple of Wall Street firms, where he quickly learned insider techniques to manipulate markets, sell questionable financial products to gullible clients and make a lot of money for his employers. He soon became cynical about what he considered a financial house of cards, designed to enrich a few people at the expense of everyone else. He also learned how to make a lot of money for his investments, accumulating enough assets that enabled him to quit finance and pursue other goals.
Jake wanted to make a difference. He joined the Army, breezed through the Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in Army Intelligence. He worked his way to Lieutenant Colonel until he was invited to join the CIA as a Middle East operative. His ability to learn languages rapidly and his facility to develop lucid assessments of cultural and political forces in the area led to covert assignments behind the lines, doing stuff that he did not want to discuss with anyone outside the CIA.
Jake sometimes appeared to be a flying by your pants guy, but he always had a plan and at least two backups. He used to think that success was achieving the objectives of the assignment, but the sometimes murky nature of CIA operations made living through t
he mission the primary measure of success.
His mother hugged him, overcome with emotion. She had not seen her son for two years. They spent an hour catching up on things until dinner was ready.
Mom sensed that there was something different about her son, and she gently tried to draw him out. After his dad had died, Jake had retreated into himself for a while. He lost himself into schoolwork, and in his mind, he laid out plans to manage his life and take care of his family.
“Jake, I feel that there is something else that you aren’t telling me.” Mom was at the kitchen counter transferring food from the pan to a platter.
“You are right, Mom. I need to discuss something that has dogged my life for years. I had always felt that I missed out on many things when Dad died. You did your best, but I always felt it was not the same as having dad help me socialize properly or to get along in school and college.”
Mom put her fork down. “Tell me about it, Jake.”
“I failed to develop social skills at a young age. I became an introvert and was socially awkward. When kids were playing, going to the soda shop and doing stupid things, I was in the library. The only reason I had a date for the senior prom is because the girl invited me. I was shy most of my life, and I never hit on a girl or start a relationship first.
I think part of what kept me back was your insistence that a real man must respect and protect women. The problem is that when you are young, such respect does not always work to your advantage. While my classmates bragged about their conquests I could not bring myself to do the same; your dictate about respecting girls prevented me from making the proper moves to get a date. I always had trouble having a physical relationship with girls, because of the respect issue. I think I missed out on a lot of things.”
Mom looked Jake in the eyes. “Son, if I had to do it again, I would still tell you that respecting women is essential to being a real man. Seduction for its own sake rarely produces meaningful relationships; eventually it destroys them. Yes, your years in school may have been less than satisfactory in a social sense, but only because current social behaviors have morphed into a culture of exploitation and sometimes abuse.”
“Mom, I didn’t start this conversation to scold you about the values you drummed in me — I want to thank you. I have met an incredible, amazing woman that makes all of that worthwhile. Her name is Tess, and I am in love with her. She is someone that would never put up with assholes and idiots, who is her own person; she demands respect and respects me. I have never experienced such an overwhelming need to be with a woman in my life.”
Mom smiled. “What does Tess do and what does she look like?”
Jake’s face lit up. “She is smart, beautiful, confident and funny. On the other hand, she is a military helicopter pilot.”
“What does ‘on the other hand’ mean?”
“It means that she is in danger most of the time. I must find a way to safeguard her, but it is difficult because she loves her job and she can be stubborn as hell!”
Mom laughed. “I like this girl! When are you going to see her again?”
“She is in Turkey, trying to free a little girl from the clutches of a bastard.”
Mom raised her eyebrows. “Tell me more. Are you going to help her?”
“Yes, I will, but not because I think we have a chance in hell to make it happen. I just want to protect her from making a bad mistake.”
Mom looked at Jake seriously. “Jake, from what you tell me, Tess is not a shrinking violet. It would be wrong to just go along for a ride. If you don’t believe in her quest, if you don’t support her, you need to consider if you should be with her in the first place.”
“You are right, Mom. I am going back to Turkey as soon as possible.”
“You do that, Son. Follow your heart. You have met your soulmate. Now I can die happy.”
“What do you mean ‘die’?”
“Jake, I have an inoperable brain tumor. The doctors gave me a couple of months at most.”
Jake was unprepared. All he could say was “I will stay with you.”
“No, you will not, Jake. I have had a good life. Your father was the love of my life. Your brother and sister will be with me. You have more important things to do.”
“I can’t do that. You are my mother. How can I walk away?”
Mom looked at Jake sternly. “Jake, I am at peace. You need to safeguard your true love. I insist you go. Let’s say goodbye and be grateful that we have been a loving family.”
They talked into the night.
The next morning, Jake left for New York. He met with his financial advisors in the morning and took a night flight back to Istanbul.
Chapter 19
Villefranche
Amir sent a limousine to pick up Tess at the hotel in Istanbul. When she walked into the house, he was not there. She was directed to a large bedroom suite by a slender, elegant woman.
“Welcome, Miss Turner. The General asked me to select clothes for you.” The woman opened three massive armoires and pointed at the contents. “This is just a temporary collection of travel outfits, formal and casual dresses as well as accessories and shoes. Once you arrive in France, we have arranged for you to visit several couturiers that will make to order whatever you desire.”
Tess was stunned. Each one of the dresses and assorted clothes carried prestigious labels, and the quality was exquisite. Tess generally did not wear dresses; she preferred practical pants and blouse combinations, and she wasn’t interested in designer clothes. The value of the garments on display could have fed a whole village in Iraq. All she could think of saying was “Thank you, but I don’t need all of this.”
“The General gave specific instructions that all of you wishes are to be met. He has also arranged for a flight to Nice on his private airplane. We will leave in two hours. Please select the clothes you want to wear for the trip. Everything else will be loaded on the plane before you depart.”
Tess did not like to be told what to do. It was one thing to follow orders in the military; quite another to take directions from others in her private life.
“Where is the little girl, Aara?”
The woman looked annoyed that Tess was going off script. “The child has already departed with the General. You will see her when you arrive in Nice.” She started to exit the room. “I am sure you will want to freshen up and change. The limousine will be available to take you to the airport in one hour.”
The woman was courteous, but Tess was very sensitive to nuance. She sensed that the woman affected condescension, treating her like one of the General’s mistresses. Tess had to suppress a strong desire to slug the arrogant bitch. Only the thought of wanting to protect Aara enabled her to suppress her murderous urge.
“Fine, I will be ready,” she said coldly.
The woman bowed and left her alone.
Tess touched up what little makeup she was wearing and went through the incredible selection of clothes. She finally selected a lovely pants and jacket ensemble made with remarkably soft suede.
The car took her to the airport. The plane was an impressive Gulfstream Jet. Three crew members, the pilot, co-pilot and a female steward bowed upon her arrival and guided her inside the craft. The interior of the plane was beautifully decorated with leather seats and wood accents on the cabin surfaces. The plane took off promptly, gained cruising altitude and proceeded to its destination.
“May I offer a drink and some food, Miss Turner?” asked the cabin attendant, a beautiful and charming woman with a reserved smile.
Tess was starving and worried about what she was getting into, not to mention still angry at not being in control. “Yes, please.”
The stewardess brought a tray with Beluga caviar, crackers, and Vodka. Tess did not care much for Vodka but recognized that the delicacy practically demanded it. She took a taste and realized that the real stuff from the Caspian Sea was worlds away removed from the fish eggs she occasionally ate. She had a couple of bites, dow
ned a glass of excellent vodka and dozed off.
The plane arrived in Nice. A Mercedes drove to the tarmac and whisked Tess off to Amir’s villa. The drive was a 30 minute away.
The car arrived at a huge house surrounded by gardens, located on a beautiful high location with fantastic views. Tess left the car and marveled at the sight of the surrounding coast and the towns below. She asked the driver what was the name of the towns. “Villefranche across the bay and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat below, Miss.”
Several members of the household staff met her at the entrance of the house.
Tess was led inside. Amir and Aara were standing in the reception hall. He broke into a smile and let go of the child’s hand. Aara ran to Tess and jumped into her arms. “Welcome, Miss Tess.”
Tess was taken by surprise and hugged the child. “Thank you, Aara. I am glad to be here. I see that you can talk a little English!”
The child wrapped her arms around her neck, giggling.
Amir approached, stopping short of touching them. “Aara has an English tutor. She is learning very fast.”
Still holding the child in her arms, Tess realized that she had never seen Amir smile.
“Hello, Amir.” she said warily.
Amir attempted to take Aara away from Tess, but the child would not budge. “Its fine,” said Tess, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“It looks like you have acquired a new admirer, Tess.” Do you want to see the house?
Tess looked around. “It’s a beautiful house, Amir.”
“It’s my favorite. Let’s walk.
Aara still insisted on being carried by Tess, and now had her thumb in her mouth. Amir looked at the child with gentle disapproval, which as usual prompted her to hide her hand behind her.
Tess smiled and nuzzled the child.
“Let me be your guide,” Amir volunteered. “This Villa originally was built to house a massive collection of paintings, statuary, fixtures, and fittings. My father acquired it after the Second World War almost intact, with all its contents. My family changed it very little. This house allows us to enjoy wondrous things as they were intended to be seen.”
