by Andres Mann
The kept walking through a series of corridors and rooms, discovering diverse and unusual artifacts and objects of art. Surprisingly, looking up in the main entry, there was a collection of religious art, including paintings and marble statues.
Amir showed her unusual, ornate iron gates which were originally acquired by buying the churches where they were previously installed. Marble pillars in the main hall added to the grandeur of the place; beautiful artifacts provided a feast for the eyes.
“I was under the impression that imagery was not allowed in Islam,” Tess observed while lowering Aara from her arms.
“Amir smiled. “I believe I had told you before that I am very flexible. I enjoy beauty in all things.”
Holding the child by the hand, they went outside to the gardens. A disciplined riot of color delighted the senses, the gardens made even more interesting by divisions of various sections such as Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.
“There is much more to see.” Amir looked at his wristwatch. “Perhaps we should think about dinner. Would you like to dine here or in town?”
Tess felt somewhat overwhelmed and turned the decision over to Amir.
“Very well, then. We will go into town. The staff will show you to your suite. You may wish to rest for a couple of hours and change. Tomorrow, we will go to Paris so you can have proper clothes.”
“I have more clothes than I can use, Amir. We don’t need to do that. It’s a waste.”
“Let us talk about this later. Just get some rest. I will see you later for dinner.”
Amir grabbed Aara’s hand and started to walk. Looking sad, the child waved goodbye to Tess.
A servant showed as if on cue and walked Tess to her suite, a sumptuous apartment full of art and antiques. The bathroom was in pink marble, and practically demanded the use of its enormous bathtub.
Soaking in the bubbles, Tess could not relax. She struggled to reconcile the dichotomy of Amir’s previous behavior and the relaxed, elegant manners that he exhibited here. But what started to distress her was her own reaction to Aara. The child’s affection toward her was something that Tess had never experienced; the feeling of the child’s arms wrapped around her neck produced emotions that she didn’t recognize. She had decided early in life that being a mother was not in the cards for her. Childlessness was a prerequisite when she married Roger and he did not seem to mind.
She struggled to understand what was happening to her. Aara was a spectacularly beautiful child. Her huge, black eyes made Tess look into her own soul, and stirred something unknown in the depths of her womb. ‘This is insane,” she rebelled. I am not even remotely cut out to be a mother. I am just vulnerable and confused. I will get through this, and when it is over, I will work out what’s best for Aara.
Out of the bath, she dried up and put on a beautiful bathrobe. She would kill for a drink to help suppress her strange feelings, but she passed, knowing that she needed to deal with Amir in the evening. She did not trust him.
Tess lay down and drifted to sleep, dreaming of the huge black eyes of the child.
Chapter 20
Lost Trail
Jake landed in Istanbul and took a cab to the hotel, only to find out she had checked out. She had not left any information about where she was going next. Her cell phone just had an out of order message.
Thinking things through, he went through a process of elimination. Where could she possibly have gone? Did she return to Iraq? A call to one of his contacts confirmed that she had not returned to her unit. Did she go back to the U. S.? He did not think so, it made no sense. He even went to Amir al-Saadi’s house, only to be told by the caretaker that the General had departed and that he didn’t know where he went. Jake felt that the man was lying but was not in a position to use coercion to make him talk.
He managed to reach her father by phone, telling him that he was a colleague that needed to talk business. General Turner did not know where Tess was and asked him to let him know when he found her because she had not checked in with the usual updates.
Reluctantly, Jake concluded that there was only one explanation: Tess had gone to Amir.
Jake tried to think of ways to reach Tess, who might need his help. But what if she had gone with Amir on her own volition? She might hate the man, but she might also agree to the unthinkable to save the child. From the little time he had spent with her, he knew that she had an immense sense of duty and honor. She saw the fulfillment of her promise to Kejal as an absolute obligation.
He got back to his CIA contacts, but now they were aware of his resignation. They were no longer able to help him. All available resources evaporated. The search for Tess had reached an impasse.
Jake was not one to quit, but in his mind an awful possibility needed to be considered: Had Tess changed her mind and chose to be with Amir because she wanted to? What did it mean after the joyous times Jake and she had spent together? Had he mattered to her at all?
Jake needed to escape the chaos that was building in his head. His despair was mixed with an urge to hold Tess in his arms, to physically lose himself in her. He could not give up now. He needed to try something. Always in control, he now ran out of ideas on what the next move should be.
He could not get Tess out of mind. He changed into gym clothes and started to run into the teeming city of Istanbul, through the parks, up the ancient colossal defensive walls until he dropped exhausted on top of an old tower. He saw the city sprawl from the elevated battlements and tried to imagine what the inhabitants felt when they were besieged by the armies of Mehmet the Second. He had studied the battles, the heroism on both sides: the massacres, the ruthlessness of the leaders, the sacrifices they demanded of their respective peoples. He put his head on his hands, realizing that at that very moment, things hadn’t changed that much. Ambitious and cruel leaders had unleashed the hell of war again, not caring that brave soldiers and the ordinary people would pay the price in blood, pain, and devastation.
Chapter 21
Getting to Know You
Tess came down the staircase wearing a simple, revealing Missoni dress that probably cost a fortune.
Amir was waiting for her, and led her to the car waiting outside. The driver negotiated the winding lanes leading to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and dropped them off in front of a charming restaurant. They were led to a nice table next to a large window affording a look at the busy street full of people enjoying the evening.
Jacques, the owner, came to the table, and it was obvious that he knew Amir. Tess noticed a raspberry dessert delivered to other diners. Jacques noticed Tess’s interest and said he would save a serving of raspberries for them and serve them in the way they preferred after dinner. Tess chose dark raspberries and vanilla ice cream.
Jacques’ daughter came to serve them. Tess noted that she was beautiful, intelligent, and probably a past conquest of Amir’s. The waitress approached their table and greeted him with an affecting smile and a knowing, seductive look, confirming Tess’s suspicion. “I guess that Amir would expect nothing less than gorgeous,” she thought.
The waitress started speaking in flawless English, but Tess told her in French that it was not necessary. The woman smiled and proceeded to suggest several dishes that were particularly good tonight. She then brought a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Tess ordered an appetizer of scallops with pumpkin risotto for both of them. She had an entree of stuffed octopus and Amir had venison medallions in red wine sauce. Predictably, the food was delectable.
The ambiance along the bay overlooking the boats in the harbor and the hills in the background completed the picture of a perfect evening.
They kept the conversation light. Amir talked a bit about himself.
“I am proud of my heritage. My family originated in Turkey, that’s why my middle name is Alkan. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, my ancestors rose to prominence by serving the Sultans well. They held important government and military posts. They participated in the conquests of Constantinople,
Anatolia, and Greece. They were even present at the siege of Vienna in 1683. The Ottomans almost succeeded in taking the city. Had that happened, Europe today would be Muslim.”
Tess shuddered at the thought but forced herself to avoid unpleasant remarks. She was always a voracious reader and added her two cents’ worth to the topic.
“From what I know, the Ottoman Empire at one time consisted of an amazing amount of conquered lands. I believe they ruled Anatolia, Greece, the Balkans, and Hungary, not to mention most of North Africa, Egypt, the Middle East and coastal Arabia.”
Amir was impressed. “Well done, my dear. You have a brain behind that pretty face.”
“And you are patronizing, Amir. Anyway, my point is that it’s hard to determine what a Turk’s bloodline really is today.”
“We are not Arabs if that is what you are trying to say.”
“That’s my point. European lands significantly contributed to what we now call the gene pool of Turkey. This goes beyond the Sultan’s predilection for women that they imported for the imperial harems. Also, for years, as you know, the Sultans formed legions of crack troops called Janissaries. These were made up of Christian boys recruited specifically to become warriors. The Ottomans scoured their empire, especially the Balkans every five years for the strongest sons of the sultan’s Christian subjects. These boys usually were between the ages of 6 and 14. They were then taken from their parents and given to Turkish families to learn the Turkish language and customs, and the rules of Islam.”
“That’s true, added Amir. “The Sultanate indoctrinated the recruits into Islam and had eunuchs supervise them 24 hours a day. The boys were subjected to severe discipline, were prohibited from growing a beard, taking up a skill other than soldiering, and marrying. As a result, the Janissaries developed into extremely well-disciplined troops.
Tess continued. “I remember history classes that portrayed the Janissary troops as relentless and ferocious. They rarely gave up and became one of the first models of a professional army.”
Amir took a sip of wine. “They also became too big for their britches and were eventually dissolved as a military organization, but they remained as administrators and dignitaries.”
“My point, Amir, is the Turks today are for the most part of Aryan blood, closer to the European than the Arab peoples.”
“Tess, you are a treasure. I have never met a woman that could talk about such things as comfortably as you do. I was right…you are special.”
“Hold the flattery, Amir. I just like history.”
“Let’s talk about you, Tess. Tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do when you are not shooting people?”
Tess made an effort to control her temper. The patronizing bastard can’t resist pushing buttons. “I don’t have much time for frivolities. When I can, I like to ride horses and drive nice cars. My father bought me a convertible Mercedes that I like to drive in the country, admittedly too fast. I love the feel of power, and I enjoy controlling the machine.”
Amir now felt that he might have a bait to use. “I have personal contacts at Ferrari and Aston Martin. If you like fast cars, they can build one just for you, including beautiful interiors to suit your taste.”
“They do make great cars.”
“And what else do you like to do?”
“I like to read poetry and sometimes I play the piano.”
“Marvelous. I love music. Perhaps you can play for me sometime.”
After dinner, their driver picked them up and drove them to the house. Tess nostalgically reflected that Jake would have insisted on walking through the town, enjoying the people, sights, and smells. She also felt guilty.
Amir and Tess retired to a magnificent salon in the house. He offered her a brandy which she accepted. Tess asked him if he knew what was happening in Iraq. Amir shook his head. “Iraq is destroyed. The government and the Army are dissolved. I am no longer a General. Chaos has started, and I don’t know if it makes sense to go back.”
“Don’t you want to help rebuild the country?”
“I don’t know if I can. I am afraid that the invasion has unleashed Armageddon. The Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds are at each other’s throats. Iran is working on nuclear weapons. Assorted terrorists have been unleashed not only in Iraq but Syria. I have no ready answers.”
Amir’s mood had visibly darkened. “Perhaps we should retire for the night. Rest well, Tess.”
“Amir, may I see Aara?”
“I will have the nurse take you to her.”
Tess was led to the child’s room. Aara was sleeping, hugging a stuffed toy. Tess leaned over and softly kissed the child. A desire to nurture and love the innocent, helpless little creature overcame her.
Almost angry at herself for succumbing to feelings she never knew she was capable of having, she returned to her suite. She quickly changed into nightclothes and sat in the dark with a glass of Cognac.
Confusion started to possess her. She thought that she came here to fulfill a promise to a woman that had saved her life—nothing more. Now she confronted an unwanted redefinition of who she was. She had always controlled her emotions. She was a warrior. She was always in charge. She was not a mother.
Yet she could no longer curb her emerging maternal impulses. To her distress, her body was transforming. She could no longer control a pulsating feeling in her loins. She started to panic. She felt a longing in her body and soul. She felt completely lost. “Jake,” she cried.
Chapter 22
Paris
Breakfast was served in her room. Tess felt that she was not presentable enough to join Amir in the breakfast room overlooking the gardens. Her eyes were swollen and her face was pale.
She had to work more than usual to apply makeup. The plan was to fly to Paris for a couple of days. Amir wanted her to do some shopping.
They boarded the Gulfstream jet. Amir presented her with the plan.
“I have arranged for a private showing at Chanel, Dior and Balmain so you can get decent clothes. We will also visit a jewelry store.”
“Amir, I said before that I don’t want anything!”
“You agreed that during your time here, you will do as I please. I only associate with people that meet exacting standards and dress and demeanor. I want to display your beauty. It pleases me.”
Tess folded her arms, seething.
The jet landed in Paris, and a limo picked them up at the tarmac. “Certain people don’t want to waste any time at the terminal,” Tess observed.
They quickly sped off. Tess had been to Paris several times. During high school, she spent a year there studying French. As much as she loved the city, she was conscious that the grim, dilapidated surrounding suburbs were in stark contrast to the impressive downtown neighborhoods. The outlying areas were mainly populated by Muslim immigrants from Algeria, and the environment exuded decay and desperation. The limousine quickly passed through the wretched areas and sped through the glorious streets of the central city. Tess observed loudly: “Napoleon the Third did a good job, or perhaps the credit should go to his architects.”
“It is very beautiful,” responded Amir,” but I prefer London.”
‘I am sure he does,’ Tess thought, ‘the first time I talked to him in Iraq he was bragging about his splendid English mistresses.’
The limo stopped in front of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée. With its views of the chestnut trees lining the full length of the avenue Montaigne, panoramas of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the sweep of Paris rooftops, the hotel was the epitome of luxury. ‘Of course, nothing but the best’ thought Tess.
Some bellhops and attendants quickly brought them to their rooms. The baggage followed. Tess felt increasingly managed. There was virtually no room for spontaneity in the routine. Everything was defined in advance and executed flawlessly by Amir’s employees, working almost anonymously.
Amir came into Tess’s luxurious room and made sure everything was satisfactory to her. He then announced that t
hey were to meet his younger sister in the hotel’s famous restaurant. Tess instantly reacted. “Amir, I am not sure it is appropriate for me to see your family. It’s not that we are getting married.”
“Alas, true. But my sister wanted to see me, so it can’t hurt if we have lunch with her.”
“Here we go again. You are still controlling everything.”
“Not to worry, my dear. My sister is a lovely person.”
There was nothing to do but take the elevator to the dining room. Amir saw his sister and embraced her. Then he introduced her. “Tess, this is my sister Fadime.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Fadime; you have a beautiful name.”
“And you are Tess. Amir can’t stop talking about you. Now I see why.”
The women checked each other out. Fadime was gorgeous. Perfect round face, beautiful figure and eyes like Aara might have in the future when she grew up. She also had raven black hair, and deep pools of mysterious black pupils framed by enormous eyes; an exotic beauty, exuding class.
Fadime invited them to sit. A waiter poured glasses of Cristal Champagne.
“I have asked Fadime to make appointments for us at Chanel, Dior and Boucheron for jewels. We are good clients of theirs.”
Fadime raised her glass and looked at Tess. “Tess, you should be happy. Clothes and jewels make every woman happy.”
Tess took a sip of expensive champagne. “I have simple tastes, Fadime. In the Army, you do not get to indulge in such fine things.”
“How interesting; do tell me about your adventures. I can’t imagine a beautiful woman like you shooting people from a helicopter.”
