Date post: | 07-Jul-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | haim-kadman |
View: | 225 times |
Download: | 0 times |
of 118
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
1/118
BLENDED
LITFLASHES
HAIM KADMAN
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
2/118
2
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
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
3/118
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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
4/118
4
'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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
5/118
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
6/118
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
7/118
7
'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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
8/118
8
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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
9/118
9
'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?'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
10/118
1
'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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
11/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
12/118
2
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
13/118
3
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?'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
14/118
4
'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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
15/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
16/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
17/118
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.'
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
18/118
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:
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
19/118
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
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
20/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
21/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
22/118
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
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
23/118
23
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
24/118
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
25/118
25
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
26/118
26
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
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
27/118
27
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
28/118
28
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
29/118
29
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.
8/18/2019 Blended Lit Flashes 2215
30/118
31
'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