by Uzi Eilam
Gideon smiled. “I’ll be fine. We just finished a warm-up rehearsal to tune the instruments,” he explained, “and we also went over a few of the passages that the conductor wanted to polish. I feel well prepared.”
He scanned the guests, his eyes lingering on the entrance. Nurit and Yudke were also meant to be there. Has something happened to Nurit? he thought anxiously. I don’t see Deutsch either. Maybe he’s here somewhere. No, one can’t help but notice Deutsch. He must have been held up at the institute. He’ll probably arrive at the last minute.
As Gideon was about to enter the hall, Yudke appeared, wrapped in a suit that had forgotten when it had last been dry-cleaned. Nurit came in a little after him, dressed in a short, tight black dress that revealed her thighs. Gideon snuck a look of admiration at her and hurried over to them.
“You look stunning,” he said, unable to restrain himself. “I’m so glad you came! And a special thank-you to you, Yudke, for deciding to join Nurit. Come meet my wife, Suzy, and her parents.”
He led them over, a hand on each of their shoulders. “Barbara, Michael, Suzy, meet Dr. Yudke Avni and wife, Nurit Avni.” He tried to sound nonchalant. “I met Dr. Avni through Dr. Deutsch, the institute’s director,” he said, then added in disappointment, “Dr. Deutsch promised to attend the concert. I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.”
They all shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Michael tried to get Nurit’s attention with stories about the history of San Francisco, Barbara’s hometown, and about the volunteer work he and his wife did on campus.
Barbara noticed Nurit’s discomfort and restrained her husband in a tone that left no doubt as to who was in charge of the family. “Michael, leave the girl alone. She came to listen to a concert, not to your stories.” She pulled Nurit to her side and left Michael to talk to Yudke.
“Dr. Avni,” Michael said to his next victim, “do you also work at the institute?”
“Please, call me Yudke. That’s what everyone calls me. I’m a partner in an American communication technology company here in the Silicon Valley, and we have ties to SRI. That’s where I met Gideon.”
“Sounds wonderful!” Michael said in awe. “So do you work together?”
Yudke began to feel uncomfortable. “Well, not exactly.” He hesitated. “Our fields are slightly different.”
“I have to join the musicians,” Gideon said. “See you later.”
“Good luck!” they all called out and watched as he strode briskly toward the hall entrance.
Nurit stood between Barbara, who had taken her under her wing, and Suzy, who had yet to say a word. She looked at Suzy out of the corner of her eye, studying the loud blend of colors that her lover’s legal wife was wearing. How American, she thought, how tasteless.
“How do you feel being home again?” she asked her in Hebrew.
“I prefer to speak English here,” Suzy smiled politely,“and to be honest, I feel at home here. I never felt at home in Israel. I just didn’t connect.”
“I can understand,” Nurit said in empathy. “For me, it doesn’t really matter where I live. I always feel like a stranger. Perhaps because I cut myself off from the kibbutz I grew up in.”
“You’re from a kibbutz?” Suzy said in surprise. “I would never have guessed. Gideon also grew up on a kibbutz, and he has fond memories of his childhood…”
Too true, Nurit thought gloomily. He remembers his childhood and his army service favorably, while his life with this American is lame.
Just as the gong sounded, Deutsch rushed in, almost running. He noticed Yudke immediately and walked over.
Yudke took the opportunity to interrupt Michael’s monologue. “Mr. Goldman, please meet Dr. Gerald Deutsch, Director of SRI.” Then he turned to everyone else in the circle and continued the introductions. Nurit watched him in amazement, noticing his well-developed social skills. When he wants to, only when he wants to… she noted to herself.
“We’ve heard good things about you, Dr. Deutsch,” Michael said brightly. “Gideon is so glad to be part of your team. He never stops praising you. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to meet you.”
“As am I,” Deutsch said, his eyes revealing his impatience. “Sorry I was late. Work, you know. I understand that the concert is about to begin. Shall we go in?”
“Yes, that’s already the third gong,” Barbara said.
“I’ll see you after the concert,” Deutsch said. “I’m sure we’ll all enjoy it.”
The hall was packed and tensely silent, broken only by long applause for the conductor Professor Cohen as he quickly took his place. The orchestra rose as one, and Cohen bowed to the audience, shook the lead violinist’s hand, and without wasting time, raised his arms.
The orchestra stood waiting, bows resting on the strings of violins, violas, and the cello, wind instruments at their players’ mouths, ready to go at the first signal. The audience held its breath.
They opened solemnly and nobly with Bach’s Orchestral Suite no. 2. The lead violinist and Gideon on the flute played the solos, sometimes together and sometimes alternating.
Bach led the listeners through the Rondeau, Sarabande, Bourrée, Polonaise, and Menuet, climaxing in the final section with the Badinerie, in which Gideon had the opportunity to demonstrate his skill at playing virtuoso solo passages for the flute.
The audience applauded loudly when the suite was over, and the conductor bowed to the crowd, shook the lead violinist’s hand, and motioned to Gideon to stand up and receive the audience’s applause. Gideon searched the audience for Nurit, and their eyes locked. She smiled sadly.
Debussy’s portrayal of Faun’s dreams and desires, delighting in the afternoon sun, gave Gideon another opportunity to shine. His flute created a beautiful, sensual mosaic of sound. Nurit quickly wiped away a tear, raised her head, and looked at Gideon, who gave her a quick glance, wondering if she was moved or in distress.
Mozart’s Symphony no. 41 brought the concert to an end. It opened with a festive declaration by the orchestra that prepared them for things to come. The third movement was a minuet with a challenging part for the violins. Gideon enjoyed a long break and watched the strings. Suddenly, Ryan stopped playing and bowed forward looking for something. He raised his head a few seconds later, his face furious. He noticed Gideon’s concerned look and pointed to a torn string on his violin. Gideon had no way of helping him.
The symphony ended with a rich and wondrous fugue, giving Gideon another opportunity to conduct an animated dialogue with the oboes.
It was undoubtedly a great evening for Gideon, and the conductor brought him to his feet time and again to receive applause.
The audience streamed into the lobby for the reception. A light buffet had been set up, and the wine flowed freely.
Gideon hurried over to Ryan and rested his hand on his shoulder, knowing he had to continue the pretense of friendship, despite how hard it was for him.
“A string tore in the middle of the minuet,” Ryan said with a look of despair. “That’s never happened to me before. I didn’t know what the heck to do!”
“These things happen sometimes,” Gideon said mechanically. “I don’t think very many people noticed.”
“It just isn’t my day,” Ryan grumbled, not in the least consoled.
And you can expect much worse days than today… Gideon thought. He would have given a great deal to remove Ryan from his life at that very moment, but he couldn’t show how he felt, since he’d know that his true identity had been discovered.
“Come with me,” Gideon said. “I want you to meet my family and friends from Israel.” He looked around and found them in the corner.
Michael and Barbara were having a lively conversation with Deutsch, and standing beside them, Yudke and Nurit were talking to Suzy. Ryan hesitated, but Gideon dragged him over almost forcefully.
Michael s
queezed Gideon’s hand tightly and boomed, “What an amazing performance you gave!”
Barbara hugged him excitedly. “Son, we’re so proud of you.”
Suzy kissed his cheek lightly. “It was beautiful,” she said quietly.
Nurit waited for Gideon to free himself, and then she too embraced him enthusiastically. “You were fantastic,” she said.
Yudke merely shook his hand and forced himself to say, “Well done.”
“I’m sorry I was late and couldn’t wish you good luck,” Deutsch said with a smile after waiting patiently, “but you managed well even without my best wishes.”
The shower of praise and appreciation embarrassed Gideon. “I want you to meet my friend Ryan Davis, the violinist who, in his free time, is also an R&D man,” he said, trying to sound lighthearted. Ryan shook each person’s hand in turn.
“You had a problem with a string,” Nurit remarked when Ryan shook her hand.
“Please, don’t remind me!” he begged. “I feel bad enough as it is.”
30.
Gideon’s life felt like a mess. What’ll I do when my contract ends? he sat and asked himself again. Deutsch hasn’t gone out of his way to ask me to stay on. It’s hard to ignore Ryan’s financial temptation, which also ensures I can continue my research. On the other hand, I can’t avoid my commitment to the Pentagon and to the Israeli security establishment and ignore the security sensitivity. I can’t get Nurit’s distress off my mind, and now, after not being able to calm her, she sees me as the culprit. How do I get out of this?
Just before Gideon began to dial Yoni’s number at the consulate, the phone rang.
“Hi, Gideon.” It was Yoni. “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure! I was just thinking of you,” Gideon exclaimed happily.
Yoni was less enthusiastic. “Can you make time for a short meeting with us tomorrow?”
“Sure I can! What time?”
“Shall we say ten?”
“Done,” Gideon replied, already relieved.
***
The security guard at the entrance to the consulate already knew Gideon, but he still demanded they go through the whole passport-handing-over ceremony. The ceremony also included a hushed call followed by the opening of the heavy armored door and Yoni waiting on the other side. He already had a pot of coffee and a tray of Danishes waiting. Gideon was embarrassed. Someone had gone out of his way to please him. He wasn’t sure if it was a good sign or an attempt to help the medicine go down.
Another man came in. “Hannan Yahav, my assistant,” Yoni said. “He attended the meetings in Quantico with me and recorded them.”
Gideon turned to Hannan to shake his hand.
“Your research has become a target of hostile intelligence, and you are also in the crosshairs.” Yoni was direct, as usual. “We still don’t have all the details, but the situation seems dangerous.”
“Me? What…does that mean?”
Yoni filled Gideon in on the meeting in Quantico and Ryan’s involvement with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
“You’re in this boat together with Deutsch, Gideon,” Yoni said. “We firmly believe the investors Ryan introduced you to are far from innocent.”
“Should I break off contact?” Gideon asked, panic building inside him.
“Not necessarily,” Yoni said patiently, “at least not immediately. We mustn’t reveal the fact that we’re onto them. It would be better to continue as normal with Ryan, and with the investors, if you have any further meetings with them.”
“I see,” Gideon said. He paused for a moment and then asked, “Did you find out anything about the threats that Nurit Avni received?”
Yoni and Hannan exchanged glances before Yoni quickly responded. “No, Gideon, we have no idea. You’ll have to keep trying to keep her calm so she doesn’t do anything hasty. Dr. Avni’s Callnet card also hasn’t been handled to our satisfaction from a security point of view.”
The room was filled with an oppressive silence. Gideon tried to connect the dots. Finally, he asked hesitantly, “So what do I do tomorrow morning? It isn’t clear. What do I say to Deutsch?”
“Not tomorrow morning, Gideon,” Yoni said emphatically, “now. Start preparing for a trip to Israel. This matter requires discussion at the highest levels, and I’ve already started arranging your visit. As soon as we get the green light, I’ll let you know.”
“What do I tell Deutsch? I can’t just disappear.”
“Deutsch was notified through their channels, but as soon as I know the trip is confirmed, it would still be a good idea to go in and tell him. He won’t be surprised,” he said with a smile. “And another thing. Don’t worry about the expenses. The flights and your stay in Israel are on us.”
***
Barbara Goldman had planned a special family dinner. “It’s our way of thanking Gideon for the orchestra’s wonderful concert,” she told Suzy as she began preparations. “He deserves more than just words.” She looked at Suzy’s face. She didn’t look happy. “Can you remind him to keep the evening free?”
“I’ll talk to him, Mom,” Suzy answered halfheartedly. “He’s very busy these days.” She consoled herself with the thought that her parents’ invitation was one that Gideon couldn’t refuse.
Now, the oak table groaned with the weight of the heavy dishes. While Barbara and Suzy were busy in the kitchen, Michael and Gideon sat in armchairs in the spacious living room, holding glasses of bourbon on the rocks.
“What’s new at the institute, Gideon? And how are you progressing?” Michael inquired with the same interest he’d shown him as a young student all those years ago.
“Things are going well,” Gideon said before quickly adding, “I may be going to Israel for a few days…”
“Really? That’s wonderful!” Michael exclaimed. “Barbara! Did you hear that? We have another reason to celebrate: Gideon’s going to Israel for a few days!”
“Suzy, you didn’t say a word,” Barbara said.
“It’s news to me too,” Suzy whispered awkwardly. “This must have just come up…”
“What’s the purpose of your trip, Gideon?” Michael asked. “Is it to do with your research?”
“Yes, to a certain extent,” Gideon said unenthusiastically. “They asked me to come over for reviews and consultations.”
“That’s great!” Michael grinned. “I’m sure they value the work you do here.”
“Come to the table,” Barbara called. “The food’s getting cold.”
When they sat down, Michael made a toast to Gideon’s trip, wishing him the best of luck. Barbara glanced from Gideon to Suzy and back as she lifted her glass, concerned more than ever about their relationship.
Gideon drank and thought about how complicated his life had become, avoiding Suzy’s eyes. And Suzy felt hurt by the distance Gideon had put between them, made even more clear by this sudden need to visit Israel that he hadn’t bothered to tell her about—or suggest she join him. Only Michael was free of concern, happy with his learned son-in-law’s achievements.
***
El Al’s business lounge in New York was buzzing with people, many of them English-speaking men in black suits and skullcaps. Gideon was thankful for the defense establishment’s generosity, which had saved him from the cramped economy class. He’d left home ten hours ago, and he still had another twelve to go before arriving in Israel. He poured himself a Bloody Mary, nicely seasoned with pepper and salt, planning to sleep right through the flight. The last few days had been busy and tense, and he hoped to make up the hours of sleep he’d missed before being swept up into a whirlwind of meetings. His eyes were half-closed when he suddenly noticed Nurit on the other side of the lounge.
I must be imagining it, he thought to himself. He was considering going back for another drink when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
�
�Hi, Gideon! Are you also on your way to Israel?” It was Yudke, cheerful and friendly.
“Hey! Nice surprise! I haven’t seen you in a while. Since the concert… Are you alone?” he asked innocently.
“No. Nurit is with me. She insisted on joining me. She hasn’t seen Danny and Michal for quite some time.” He waved to Nurit, who came over with a big smile. She was wearing the green pantsuit that suited her shape perfectly, and Gideon stood up to kiss her on both cheeks.
Suzy would probably have liked to join me, he suddenly realized, and his stomach dropped. She probably didn’t dare to ask.
“Good to see you,” he said sincerely. “You look fantastic.”
“Good to see you too. How are you?”
They made small talk for a while, trying to ignore the heavy cloud hanging over them. Yudke was oblivious, Gideon noticed with envy. He lives in his orderly world, and I don’t think anything could faze him.
“So how long will you be staying in Israel?”
“We’ll only be there for a few days,” Yudke said. “I have a few work meetings scheduled, and Nurit’s going to have the time of her life with her friends and the kids.”
“I also have meetings scheduled for the week, so perhaps we’ll be on the same flight back to California.” He didn’t dare ask what Yudke’s meetings were about, but he suspected they were related to his own. He consoled himself with the fact that Yudke hadn’t thought of asking him what the purpose of his trip was.
***
The drive from Ben Gurion Airport to the facility where the meetings were to be held was a short one.
The security guards knew Gideon’s escort and the car he picked Gideon up in, and they opened the heavy gate without inspection, allowing them to enter the parking lot. Gideon still had no idea who he was meeting.
The fifth floor was like all the other floors in the office building, and Gideon wondered who he was going to meet. They were met by the secretary, an older, impeccably dressed woman who asked them to please wait. After a few words on the phone, she knocked on the door and opened it for Gideon and his escort.
