Tess Awakening by Andres Mann

was a sealed
envelope from his contacts. They now had a confirmed address of
General Alkan al-Saadi in Istanbul; time to get to work.

 
    Chapter 15
Confrontation
    A cab dropped Jake and Tess on Yeniköy
Caddesi , one of the loveliest streets in Istanbul. Two long
lines of tall Platanus trees graced both sides of the street.
    The neighborhood is known for its Yalis , houses or mansions most of which were built the
seaside, on the Bosporus strait. About 620 waterside residences
remain, comprising one of the city’s landmarks.
    They found the large handsome house that
according to Jake’s contacts belonged to General al-Saadi. Finely
worked wood decorated the exterior, and a pleasant garden enhanced
an inviting, peaceful environment.
    Tess and Jack had discussed some strategies
and decided that a low-key frontal approach might work. Using no
subterfuge, they decided to seek a meeting with al-Saadi.
Hopefully, they might be able to persuade him that it would be to
his advantage to let the little girl go. At this point, they could
not think of any alternatives other than breaking into the compound
and kidnapping the child, a very dangerous approach.
    They approached the gate of the house and
rang a bell. A uniformed guard appeared.
    “Good day. We would like to see General Alkan
al-Saadi,” Jake said in Turkish, his newly acquired language.
    The guard looked at them quizzically. “The
General only sees people if they have an appointment.”
    “Tell him that Tess Turner would like to
talk,” said Tess. Jake translated.
    The guard was still suspicious. “Wait here,”
he said and went back inside the house.
    Five minutes later, four guards spilled from
the house and opened the gate. They surrounded the couple and led
them to a large reception area.
    A man that appeared to be a butler approached
them and pointed at Jake. “You wait here. The General will see Miss
Turner only.” The guards dropped their weapons from their shoulders
to stifle any potential disagreement on Jake’s part.
    “Jake, do what they say. I can handle this”
Tess admonished. The guards seized Jake and made him sit. Jake’s
face changed into a stony, menacing stare, his body ready to uncoil
and strike like a snake. “Jake, it’s okay.” She turned around and
followed the man.
    Tess was led to a large office full of
precious period furniture. The General was at the desk. He slapped
both of his hands on the surface.
    “Tess, what a pleasant surprise to see you
again! Have you come to apologize for giving me an awful headache
that lasted for days?”
    “I am sorry I had to do that, General, but I
am sure you are aware of the circumstances that made that
necessary.”
    “No problem, you are forgiven. Sit, and Tess,
please call me Amir.”
    Tess felt herself shuddering, recalling the
unpleasant events that she had experienced at Amir’s house in
Iraq.
    “General, the war in Iraq is almost over, and
I came to discuss how we can deal with an important issue in a
civilized manner.”
    Amir was not in a hurry to talk business. “I
see that you are still very beautiful, but I miss the dress you
wore for me last time. It displayed your virtues splendidly.”
    “Tess, may I inquire on who is the gentleman
that is with you?”
    “He is just a guide to help me get around the
city,” she explained.
    “Very wise; Istanbul can be a challenging
city.”
    Amir pointed at a platter full of delicacies.
“May I offer you a peace offering? Some tea, perhaps?”
    “No, thank you General; I am very pleased
that you are talking about peace. It gives us an opportunity to
discuss what I came here for.
    Amir looked disappointed. “All business and
no play; disappointing. I was hoping you would reconsider my
offer.”
    Tess came to the point. “General, I came here
to discuss the release of Kejal’s little girl.”
    Amir took a small sweet from the table and
pulled a chair next to Tess. He took a sip of tea, put the cup down
and looked at Tess with intensity.