by Uzi Eilam
Ja’afari had never stopped wondering why he had been so soundly dismissed by the Supreme Leader. In the course of his life, he had taken part in countless acts of subversion and intrigue, to which the Supreme Leader had consistently turned a blind eye. Was it the combination of the simultaneous deaths of both leaders, the president and General Jamshidi, and the Supreme Leader feeling threatened?
Ja’afari leafed through the material he had been given by his loyal aides, which included a plethora of information regarding history, geography, politics, and religion in Southeast Asia. He knew that, as an ambassador, he would have much time for reading and study. He intended to use the break that had been imposed on him to improve his knowledge of the countries in the region. Ja’afari had resolved to view this turning point in his life as no more than a phase, one from which he would be able to, once again, rise to prominence, perhaps after the selection of a new Supreme Leader.
***
Professor Bernard entered the minister’s office with the feeling that he had turned a page. There would be no more meetings with the full task force, no more scheduled consultations, and no more urgent meetings to contend with new threats. He knew that working alongside the minister required dealing with crises and withstanding pressure, and these were things with which he felt comfortable.
“Bonjour Monsieur Professeur!” The minister was pleased by the arrival of his aide. “It’s good to see that you’ve finally been freed up from the project.”
“I’m also glad that it’s behind me. It will be nice to get back to my normal routine of working with you which, I must say, is never normal and never routine.”
“Yes, Bernard. There are many issues we need to sink our teeth into. The most pressing is next month’s municipal elections.”
“Yes, sir. I’m starting to feel more at home already.”
“And one last thing about the project, Professor. I just wanted to tell you that you did an outstanding job and that I’m proud of you.”
***
Gideon and Dan sat in the lobby of Hotel Soleil Saint Germain drinking what would be their last cup of coffee before the car from the Interior Ministry picked them up to take them to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Dan was absorbed in writing a WhatsApp text message and neglected his coffee altogether.
“Your daughter sends her love,” Dan said, slipping the phone into his pocket.
“Thanks. It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I’ll call her soon.”
“Why don’t you come to California, Gideon? Noam’s there, and so is Amitai.” He dared not mention Suzy.
“Maybe I will, but later. First we have the debriefing, in Tel Aviv, with Nahari and his people. I think you’ll find it interesting. He’s an amazing man, and there will certainly be people there you know from your days in Unit 8200.”
“I’m certain it will be interesting, but I can’t wait to fly back to California. Noam’s my top priority now, and my team at work is also waiting for me.”
“Those are good priorities,” Gideon agreed. “If it’s okay with you, Dan, I’d like to say something about the project we just finished. I just wanted to make sure you know how happy I am that you joined us.”
“It’s because of you that I was asked to join in the first place, Gideon, and I’ll always be grateful for that,” said Dan warmly. “I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in my entire life, not even in Unit 8200.”
Although he did not say it aloud, Gideon was grateful to have had the opportunity to see firsthand how impressive and successful his future son-in-law actually was. Over the course of the project, he had begun regarding Dan as a son, and he promised himself that, after settling back in at work in Israel, he would find a good opportunity for a relaxed visit to California. Now that the task force was behind him, Gideon remembered just how many new projects he had left untended when he was called upon to serve his country in Paris. He thought particularly about the relationships he had started to develop in the Far East.
“Do you have any plans after the conclusion of your project at New Horizons?” Gideon asked.
“Well, I haven’t really had a chance to think about it,” said Dan, somewhat embarrassed. “In any case, when I do, it will be our plan—mine and Noam’s—and the first thing she needs to do is to finish her degree.”
“Of course,” said Gideon reassuringly. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my many years in the field of R and D, it’s to think ahead and decide on a direction. For example, my plan is to develop relationships in the Far East in general and China in particular. It’s something I started working on before we left for Paris.”
“China? It seems so far away.”
“The world’s shrinking, Dan, and China is positioned to play a key role in the future of technology and business.”
“Tell me, Gideon. Where do you find the energy to take on such demanding projects?” Dan asked with a smile. “You never rest, not even for a moment.”
“I suppose I don’t. There are simply too many interesting things to do in this world. The Far East has always appealed to me. I have a network of friendly contacts in Singapore whom I’ve worked with in the past.”
“You’ve never told me about that, Gideon. So, Singapore’s the link?”
“Precisely.”
“Sounds fascinating.”
Afterword
by Danny Yatom
The Paris Trap, by Brigadier General (Res.) Uzi Eilam, is a fascinating thriller that takes readers on a journey within the struggle against Iran’s efforts at nuclear armament and the war against Iranian terrorism. Perhaps most prominent is Eilam’s intimate knowledge of the complex world of espionage, shadow war, technology, and weapons development.
Eilam is a combination of “book and sword,” and the novel’s authenticity stems from the vast knowledge he has acquired through his rich military experience as a reserves paratroopers brigade commander, his academic education in the field of engineering, and his extensive experience in the fields of technology and weapons development in the IDF and the Israeli Defense Ministry.
Although the story Eilam weaves is, of course, fictional, he tells it as if it were an authentic chain of events that occurred in reality. The plot is vibrant and dynamic, incorporating events reminiscent of things that actually occurred, both in Iran and Europe, and using names of senior officials in the Iranian power structure.
This book is more than just a fictional thriller. It also conveys important messages, such as the need for the countries of the free world to cooperate and join forces—both in terms of intelligence and in the operational realm—in the war against terrorism and the proliferation of nonconventional weapons. The more trust that exists among the political echelon, the intelligence community, and operational elements in different countries, the more joint activity will ultimately take place. Such work plays an invaluable role in the effort to protect the free world and to enable its inhabitants to live normal and secure lives.
Major General (Res.) Danny Yatom
Former Mossad Director
Acknowledgements
The adventure titled The Paris Trap was born out of my first spy novel, The California Triangle, and can be read as its sequel.
It would never have been published without the direction, guidance, and creative, patient, and devoted editing of Asaf Oshri. Asaf led and navigated the writing process, chapter by chapter, with sensitivity and wisdom, and enabled me to write the novel with a distinct enjoyment combined with a constant curiosity to find out what would happen next. Asaf taught me the importance of maintaining a pace and focusing on the progress of the main characters. I am also grateful to Amnon Jackont, who edited The California Triangle and who was the first to open my eyes to the world of writing thrillers.
I would like to thank my friend Yoram Schweitzer of the Institute for National Security Studies for his insightful comments a
nd encouragement during the writing process. Thanks also to Uzi Rubin, a former colleague from the defense technology projects in which I participated in the past, for his intelligent and professional comments regarding the dark world of arms procurement, which were important for my writing, even though the book itself is a work of fiction.
I would also like to thank my friend Yoram Patrushka for his support and encouragement to keep writing. Thanks also to Ram Oren for his wise and strictly professional comments. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my friend Rami Tal, the editor of my first two books, Eilam’s Arc and Testimony from the Past, for his sensitive criticism, his support, and his encouragement to write The Paris Trap.
This book was patiently and meticulously translated into English from the original Hebrew by Geremy Forman, with whom working was a delightful experience. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with him on this project.
Finally, and most importantly, I would never have been able to write this book without the warm support of my family. My wife, Naomi, and my children, Osnat, Nimrod, and Noah, helped me through the writing process by reading different chapters as they were written. Their comments and suggestions served as a guiding light as I wrote. The quiet time I was given my wife, Naomi, when I sat down at my desk at home to write, whenever I had a free day, provided me with a wonderful tailwind, as did her support and encouragement to continue writing.
