Copyright © 2006 by Marvin Olasky All rights reservered. Printed in the United States of America

Ten-digit ISBN: 0-8054-4183-2 Thirteen-digit ISBN: 978-0-8054-4183-3

Published by Broadman & Holman Publishers Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: F Subject Heading: GANGS—FICTION\CHURCH SHOOTINGS—FICTION/FAITH—FICTION

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 09 08 07 06 ote: All present-day characters are fictional except for the Nmedia and political personalities in chapter sixteen and one character in chapter twenty-one: There really is a Metropolitan Ozmen at the Deur-ul Zaferan Monastery near the Turkish- Syrian border. Descriptions of historical characters are factual. Suleyman Mahmudi did build Castle Hosap in southeastern Turkey in 1643. The chess game in chapter fourteen derives from one played by Gustav Richard Neumann and Adolf Anderssen in Berlin in 1864, but then it was not a matter of life or death.

PROLOGUE

eliha Kuris sat in her living room in Konya, scarcely believ- Zing what she was watching on TRT1, the major government- run channel in Turkey. The second of the twin towers of New York was crumpling. She cried, thinking of the horrible way so many were dying. Then came a knock on her door. She peered out cautiously. Ever since her last book, threats from Hezbollah terrorists had come as fast as the sewage ran after heavy rains. One fatwa against her read, “She has confused and poisoned Muslims with her Western ideas. She deserves death.” But it was only a man, Trafik Kurban, whose ailing mother she had helped. They had met in the room at the hospital where the old woman was dying of lung cancer. Trafik’s hollow cheeks and chain-smoking habits made generational continuity likely, but he had seemed friendly enough as he joked about his favorite American film, The Wizard of Oz. Zeliha opened the door to him. “I have a present for you in my car,” he said, taking her hand in his own—it was sticky soft—and pointing to a white Mitsubishi that sat at the curb. “You showed yourself a true daughter of Turkey during my mother’s duress, and I want to thank you.” Zeliha looked up and down the street but saw no danger signs. She smiled and followed him to the vehicle. Trafik reached in, pulled out a three-foot-tall scarecrow stuffed with straw, and handed it to her. She gave it a puzzled look before smiling and saying, “It’s lovely.”

v i i vIII SCIMITAR’S EDGE ih h Mnhis sn tre u lu t cvr p her up cover to loud up turned song Munchkins’ the with furious. became He true. was what written only had she that conspiracy, no was there explained that She conspiracy. her of members the about mation infor-demandedHe devices.electroshock modern getting from use primitive torture devices because her Western allies kept him to had he that complaining time the her,all nylonon burning youdie,will.”andto Taslimadeserve They eh?Nasrin, or Rushdie Salman Turkey’s be to wanted “You face. her sprayed mouth his from Spit cheek. her tickling mustache ather. juststaring time fora ing hunger did the loud man enter. Even then he was patient, stand- mouthSaudias sand and her wasdry as stomach crampedfrom her when Only room. the into wafted bread fresh of smell the opened, door the When door. the outside laughing then and watersatjustbeyond reach.her of glass a and parched was throat awokehershe when because dozedhave must and time the of track lostShe wait. her made whatsheInstantlyknew would happen, thoughtormentorsher Hezbollah.”memberof. . . oneus Trafik,of . . . initiation the “Passed joyous. sounded He voice. booming above. floor the on conversation quiet, and movement was heard she All then pillar. but a to tethered legs her back, her behind for and leftherthe air struggling breath. Her hands were bound in hung odor The onions.of smelloverpowering the was sense car.the cem. h iaie Tai ws acig h fl, n her and film, the watching was Trafik imagined She screams. Then Trafik stuck a needle in her arm and shoved her into hershoved and arm her in needle a stuck Trafik Then Upstairs she could hear could she Upstairs dripped heday second the her.On beathe day first the On black thick his garlic, of smelling close, leaned he Finally voiceloud,talking harsh the with man the heard oftenShe Hezbollah! So Trafik was not just a petty criminal. Hezbollah! a with man A said. being was what catch to strained She could she all first At basement. dank a in to came Zeliha The Wizard of Oz of Wizard The playing nonstop,playing MARVIN OLASKY iX Finally Trafik did stand in front of her, but instead of dis- work, Trafik silently recorded the ravages of torture. Summoning Summoning torture. of ravages the recorded silently Trafik work, her remaining strength, Zeliha spat at him. “How do could this?” you But before he answered, if he answered, she lost con- returnedand never sciousness to life. him he how felt betraying the woman who had been his dying himheard she but descend, friend. did not Trafik only mother’s melting.” melting, chortle screamed, as “I’m Witch the Wicked playing remorse he held a camera. As the loud man did his one one hope was that he would come to see her so she could ask

PART ONE

INNOCENTS ABROAD

CHAPTER ONE

rovidence Community Church in South Philadelphia Pwas hosting its end-of-the-school-year rally. Five hundred members of church youth groups from the Philadelphia and Wilmington areas came to hear a rock band and enjoy a cook- out, with a skit about the danger of growing gang violence sandwiched in between. The band was hammering at high decibels in the low-lit sanctuary. Teens stood on the pews, swaying and clapping to the music. No one noticed a young man entering through the dou- ble doors at the back. A white and blue bandanna covered his head and an obscenity-laden T-shirt hung nearly to his knees, still not far enough to reach the crotch of his baggy blue jeans. His right arm was tattooed with spiderwebs, “laugh now, cry later” clown faces, and the name “Luis.” His right hand held a .38. Before a greeter could offer a welcome, Luis sent a bullet through one guitar and another clanging into a microphone stand. As the band members froze in confusion, teens in the audi- ence laughed and applauded the clever opening to the skit. A third

3 4 SCIMITAR’S EDGE arms wildly.arms is “This not the his gang skit. is This for waved real.” His andvoice up stood sanctuary, dark the packed who kids ing.Alone voice yelled, “He’s shooting at Duck us! down!” bullet tore into the bass drum and sent the band members scurry- A in. set shot“He me!” again: screamed gers,and fin- red-stained hershoulder, atlookedher to hand hermoved Shescreamed,girl. shots,a snappedtwoHe hitting off Carlos?” “Where’ssnarled, and doors the from awaysidled he as side to side from gun the swinging English, and Spanish of bination fives. His high gave friends him soap!” with out mouth your “Wash shouted, her to next nonsense!” Jesus this of oneyelled.boy”Awesome!” “Paintball!” skit.active inter- an of thought otherweresidepart theythestill on Those screamed.he pews!” the in “Getdownwhite shirt. his of sleeve the over spread stain red a and wildly jerked arm left his Suddenly laughter. of fits into crowd the sending cracked, inr a--atd as rat-a-tatted tioner the border.the across bombnuclearsmuggle a couldit that possibility the and gang the about learn should he thought had editor His facing. short—wereforsur-Salvatrucha—MS-13 Mara gang, Hispanic a with connections Al-Qaeda of reports but Hal, for assignment unusual an was This gangs. with work his for known Carrillo, spondentinterview his of pastorfinished HalopDavid Bogikian cross the parking lot in the church manse the old air condi- air old the manse church the in lot parking the cross e vie elce sok n btaa. hts hn panic when That’s betrayal. and shock reflected voice Her The shooter and glowered turned at them, in a com-cursing boy The church?” in that say he “Can whispered, girl One Luis was outraged. “Shut of All you up! just shut Enough up! pews. their under duck and yell to began him to close Kids the than oldermuch not pastor,looking youth skinny The ahntn Post Washington ! ainl euiy corre- security national MARVIN OLASKY 5 Here comes one more of those born-again born-again those of more one comes Here “A “A couple of weeks ago, a little after midnight, three of us Hal nodded, thinking, nodded, Hal Carrillo opened the door to the living room. Carlos, “Hey, Hal glanced at his watch. He wanted to get back on the road road the on back get to wanted He his watch. at Hal glanced Carrillo expecting not for smiled. word to take “I’m my you “I know you don’t believe it, but that’s what often happens.” often what that’s but it, believe don’t you know “I Hal shook his head as though dealing with an imaginative The The journalist and the pastor sat across from each other at stories. shouting chicas cruised and some by, standing near a were 7-11, insults at us. Our Luis, a hurled leader, bottle at them, but they Then going. a kept we later few saw thisminutes big Chevyold was was slicked back from his face, and the beginninghisvoice seventeen, was he Though of hisjaw. a shaded goatee black wispy gang street a joined friends my and “Me spoke: he when cracked La last year, Mara Salvatrucha. Guys call MS-13.” it had called him chicken. Hal removed the cap from his pen. “OK, “OK, pen. his from cap the removed Hal chicken. him called had I’ll listen.” come on in.” A heavy-set boy with a bad case of acne shuffled into the room, his pants dragging on the floor. His black hair to to Washington. This whole trip to Philly had been a mistake, proving once again that you couldn’t trust an editor to know the elements of a decent story. He began to offer an excuse as he capped his pen, but the pastor looked like a little kid who believe that gang members will give up power—and what seems seems what power—and will up members give gang that believe God?” to them an money—for to get efficient way A man, is Carlos, it. young waiting in the living He has room. a the time.” got story to tell if you remarkable you’ve saying saying that hard-core gang members, even members of MS-13, religion get and turn from their wicked ways?” anyone should why and issues aside, “Church state six-year-old. a a round oak table in the Carrillobook-lined study. leaned back pas- the thought Hal lips. his around playing smile a chair, his in tor too relaxed, too in comfortable his own skin, so it was time to pounce. Leaning forward, pen poised above thin notebook, his and wiry Hal searched face. reporter’s the “You’re pastor’s 6 SCIMITAR’S EDGE name tag reading “Sally.” He had never seen anyone so lovely.so anyone seen never had “Sally.”He reading tag a name and shoulders, soft neck, slender eyes, hazel bright in took preacher.”theto talk tocame I until back my off getwouldn’t and nonstop me nagged She wrong. was something tell could mom My out. get to had I decided I He thumb. home.That’sride when ahitch could the guy the saidlaughed and only Left cutting. kept Luis screaming. was I screaming. was guy “The crying. Carlos saw and notebook his winning. ofexcitement: couldgooda be column, This maybe even award flutter first the felt he speech,boy’s the of cadence the capture to trying wrote, he While recorder.tape a bringing not for self bad.” real bad,itwas off guy’sfingers wholeMS-13 with body tattoos. But when tothatcuthe started his coversHe Locos. the than locomore is Luis you,tell over.I head,all hands,machete: his with guy that nick to started Luis howseeimpatient off. kid not be tolettheto was he tried watchand his atlookanother tookbass.” the Hal hearing backfired. car A continued. highway nearby the from noise of roar faint The fingers. his between twined and twisted he whichpocket, can’tMS-13.’”they messwith that Locos the teach‘Let’s said, Luis But coupletimes. ofa him them tripped. The others kept going, so we caught him. I kicked Locos saw us coming out and ran, man. It was funny. But one of writing. began bats. They chased us intoprojects.”theus chased bats.They baseball with Locos Side South the from guys Three by.come Across the table the boy’s voice stopped. looked Hal up from Hal’s pen flew over the page of his notebook. He kicked him- Carlos up started “OK, again: I want to get off my this chest. not I’m over. is concert the like “Sounds said, pastor The his of out chain a pulled He time. a for silent was Carlos Those them.’ show and machetes our get ‘Let’s said, “Luis Just then a young woman ran in. “Pastor,quick.”comein. Hal ran womanyoung a then Just Hal thought, Hal Might as well get some more human interest. human more some get well as Might He MARVIN OLASKY 7 Suddenly Suddenly a voice from the back demanded, “Drop your “Don’t give me any heaven stuff!” Luis screamed. “I can turn can “I screamed. stuff!” Luis heaven any me give “Don’t “Shut up! I don’t want more Jesus junk want more up!like the told lies you I “Shut don’t not I’m want. if you me can shoot “You Carrillo evenly, said Carrillo took a step the into sanctuary: “Put the gun down, Luis sneered and at him.swore Carrillo hiskept even. voice Carrillo entered the sanctuary through a side door and Hal said, “Can’t. I’m a reporter.” He grabbed his pad and Carrillo jumped up and headed out the door to the church to the floor, the shooter turned to his the the the shooter of floor, gaze front the toward sanctuary. weapon.” afraid going.” to die. I I’m know where this place into hell. My boys and me are gonna nuke the city. And I’ll start with He you.” pulled the trigger, and Carrillo felt a piercing pain on the right side of the chest. As he crumpled gun down.” Carlos. I just should you shoot and put you out of your misery. to die?” Want son. Thisson. is a of house God.” “You killedhaven’t he anyone,” said, hoping it was true. “The police will be here soon. It will be better for you if you put the before following the pastor. following before surveyed the scene. Children cowered behind the pews as Luis win- and doors from away stay careful to forth, and back stalked “I Where that traitor! want dows. is Carlos?” yelling. he kept though seeing though him the for first with time:stay him.” “You Sally’s heard He car. his toward door front the through slammed scornful voice at his back: “That figures. He wants to be with first the She story.” gave Carlos a reassuring pat on the back I’ve called I’ve 911.” face “Luis! blanched. building. gotta gonna Carlos’s be. It’s He’s kill He for desperately looked a me.” place to hide. Sally bit her upper lip. “Stay here. You’ll be safe.” She looked up at Hal as Then her words sank in: “Someone’s shooting Then in shooting sankher words the sanctuary. in: “Someone’s 8 SCIMITAR’S EDGE etig n e sit Se nipd t n sipd t f, then off, itpressedintowound.itbunchedandup the it slipped and it unzipped She before skirt. her bleeding, on the settling staunch to use to something for vainly looked Sally blood. with soaked was shirt Carrillo’s sanctuary. to the pastor as he moaned and a rising chorus of the cries filled shooter, Sally pushed open the door completely and crab-walked away. walking shadowyfigure a and floor.She opened the thedoor cautiously and saw across on Luis the floor, kicked being gun a of sound metallic the and shot answering an heard Sally Then twice. fired and gun his raised He floor. tile the on footfall heavy his and breathing heavy his hear to strained She sirens. police vision. of line her mystery outside The floor. was the speaker on Carrillo see could She inches. six pastor had entered. With her foot she held door the about open What’spoint?the happen? this letyouhowcould complaint:God, a ofmore was now,did sheitalthoughbut time, long hadn’t Sheaprayed for A ol b tee on Buhn of ead ta h sa and stay he that demands off Brushing soon. there reporters be service would wire said and story, the of outlines the him censed gun to save lives. He decided not to stay and find out.saveto decidednotfind lives. stayHe toand gun censed unli- an using past his in shooting one with person a for was penalty the what himself stay,askedshould hehe whether ing not.hopednot;heknow-Notor he’d didn’t Luis if know killed heldColtthesmoked..45 shook,hestill thatHehewished and had that hand The manse. the from across street the onparked he’d which Jetta, his up started Hal ambulances, by followed te is plc cr fstie it te hrh akn lot, parking church the into fishtailed cars police first the s Sally stood just outside the side door through which the the which through door side the outside just stood Sally Shewaited for thesirens. second the of identity the over puzzle to time no With hear couldShe back. the towarddoor side the past ran Luis As Hal headed onto the highway, he called his editor,gave his calledhighway, hethe ontoheaded Hal As ! What’staking solong? she thought. MARVIN OLASKY 9 There’s a and war disaster There’s and a smoke plague, Lions in the screamscoliseum, of laughter, children, a witness and Motherless a Bible, Nothing rainbut no chance ahead, survival.for Hal entered the modern building and immediately felt him- felt modern buildingthe immediately and Hal entered Hal let himself be lost in her misery and hellish visions, Hal honked as a Mercedes cut him off. He let a Ford Focus Hal scribbled “Sally” in his reporter’s notebook as he tried to to tried he as notebook reporter’s his in “Sally” scribbled Hal He He turned on the radio, scanning the stations until he self relax. Something about the white walls, cool wood floors, and spare furniture always did that to him, though he didn’t know why. Probably had to do with all the stories of human preferring them to his own. Only when he reached the outskirts the reached he when Only own. his to them preferring of and D.C. saw out of the corner of his eye an IKEA with store $5.68. meatballs special.Swedish proclaiming“Manager’s sign a Comes with salad,” did he think about eating. He parked in a noting with surroundinglot, the irritation SUVs him.huge an unidentified bystander.” get in front of him as they approached a tollbooth. He turned on the CD player and listened to Patty voice: Griffin’s melancholy erase the memory of her scornful denunciation when he fled the the fled he when scornfuldenunciation her of memory the erase is in pastor critical He room. con- flipped “A station: to another and dition, four others plus the accused gunman are wounded. It would have been much worse except for the intervention of button button again when he heard a details special about bulletin the giving shooting. pastor’s brief the describing was Then Northaway Sally as identified witness the soft voice of an action eye- and telling a reporter, “I’ve never before seen like Reverend Carrillo’s.” bravery before: before: “If you don’t like it, fire me.” Sometimes complied. editors had found a news-talk station where some callerabout delays was at airport blathering checkpoints. He was about to jab the do do the he had used reporting, he times many used the sentence 10 SCIMITAR’S EDGE “No gravy, please. Vegetables instead of potatoes.” He filled his his filled potatoes.”Vegetablesplease.gravy,Heof instead “No said, and meatballs the at pointed Hal windows. the by coffee represented cooldetachment. IKEA knee: granddad’s his at endure to forced he’dbeen torture and abuse in the space allocated for one much larger. A folder containingfolder Alarger. muchone for allocated space the in television twelve-inch a with forlorn, looked center tainment thathe’d oppositetheinheriteddad.enter-On hisfrom an wall room’s the window.oneof front in sat scribbling enthusiastic too Hal’s by etched surface soft words the into and stains, burns, cigarette with covered table gray.pine round A turned once-white itscouch, cushions IKEA and stepped into the room, living which was largely by filled an of kick that down sentthe corridor.door his rolling them He unlocked couple soft a them a gave He door. left his of had front in kids cars Matchbox neighbor the of One away. went Capitolofeast ing Hill. clean,drovenot-yet-gentrifiedthen aapartment to in his build- holocaust that was a sidelight of World War I, he wiped his plate Armenian the during how children small as Contemplating nearlystarved had they penny. every hug and twice everything chew to him told had grandparents his how remembering and meatballs the slowly, relishing ate He get. could he as register that? “How’s $5.68?” register: the to returned He bin. their into toes toppingssalad.”thethe on $5.68.”said sign The Maryland. herein “$7.10.” it The up: rang cashier tomatoes. cherry two added and lettuce with bowl salad One wall was decorated with portraits of Armenian leaders Armenian of portraits withdecorated was wall One never that urine of odor the in took Hal door, his Outside took Hal tablea away fromthewindows thefrom far andas laughed.cashier The “Yes, sir.” toma- the dumped and bar salad the to back stalked He includedon’t “That replied, and him at stared cashier The waited Hal seconda said,and “Taxes aren’t thatmuch, even nearly exceptwas emptycafeteria couple forThe a drinking MARVIN OLASKY 11 ! Sitting Sitting in the back were Suleyman’s wife, Fatima, and a The The man, Suleyman Hasan, had a Middle Eastern marquee He He paced the room, thinking it crazy that he had a good Hal spent the next hour jotting down notes for a presenta- lso lso at midnight Washington time—seven a.m. in Antakya, agent, sat to Suleyman’s left in a molded plastic chair, wiping at his his at wiping chair, plastic molded a in left Suleyman’s to sat agent, speak. to chief the for waited he as handkerchief gray a with nose GurcanAktas students: four with Kazasina,along hers, of friend in Istanbul, Bosphorus of Zubeyirand Uruk University the from idol’s features—height, thick black mustache, and olive skin. and His olive thick mustache, black features—height, idol’s on a furiously sucking to the right, sat Kurban, Trafik lieutenant, on an open salt as if pressing frequently, grimacing and cigarette wound. Mustafa Cavus, his but well-muscled potbellied special Turkey, the city known in biblical times as Antioch—a man who who manAntioch—a as times biblical in known city the Turkey, safe terrorist a in meeting a convened about cared he what knew to discusshouse his next move. A himself on and his lack of stoicism material things.concern for But as he drifted uneasily off to sleep, he was he did askingcare what about. himself tion tion he would make the next morning in response to a speech from an academic crank—not just any crank but his freshman roommate from Columbia sixteen years before. Finally, midnight, near he flopped down on his mattress, which lay on the floor next to wire filledbaskets with clothes. He complimented story story but couldn’t write it and even had to hope that no one would connect him with the shooting. Maybe it would be best of a town for out to He get while. use could a vacation. beneath a stack of papers. He threw his rumpled blazer onto the onto blazer threw He his rumpled papers. of a stack beneath couch and flicked on the news. The church shooting received only but at his a the merited end: role brief mention play, some pre- who the of hero are trying the identity pin “Police down to a killingmass today.” vented photos taken of Hal with important politicians was nearly buried buried nearly was politicians important with Hal of taken photos 12 SCIMITAR’S EDGE that his new insurgents have degrees. He had told them in his his in them told had He degrees. haveinsurgents new his that Suleyman as well as school insignia, because their leader insisted and UniversityAntakya. KemalMustafa Izmir, in from BayancikFadil in University Eylul Dokuz from Timur Sulhaddin voice. “What are the others?” thevoice. are “What necks.” their cutting bydeathto puttothem is four treat to how on enemies.captured Hegave four possible ofthe actions.first The discoursed he first but 1058, in Baghdad in died hescholar, brilliant A him. unto be peace as-Sultaniyyah, work themyied ancestorof al-Mawardi,Abu’l-Hasan al-Ahkam a small volume with yellowed pages. “I have an idea. I have stud- hostage-taking?” above run-of-the-mill howrise wedo But years. ofcouple a anyoneforhaven’t kidnapped I thought. beheading.” his hostagefilm and wecan be precise in dealing even with those who resist Allah.” effects: “We want to show the world that terror is not anarchy, that subwaytrain?” say. to used Interns,whatyou dosuggest?” Texas of University the at classmates my as old, vacationbombings.small-scale from They’re old samethe same government a like“I’d and suggestion: that down shot Suleyman But buildings. synagogues of bombings engineer—more whatwaiting, should weare wedo?” while but bomb, nuclear a have to wonderful be would “It gestions: players,chessand notgunmen.” poets are We desperation. of out terror adopting people poor and ignorant as seen be to want not do “Wevoice, deep loud, “Yes, neck-cutting is good,” Mustafa said in his high, puffy puffy high, his in saidgood,” Mustafa is “Yes, neck-cutting roomThe silentbookcasewasa from pulled Suleyman until good a “That’s pacing: began and up stood Suleyman a take “Let’s videos: violent on weaned been had Gurcan Suleyman shook his head, arguing that it was too random in its “Howperkedabout poisonousup: using a Sulhaddin on gas to how knew they what for argued Trafik and Mustafa sug- soliciting was he that bored so was Tonight Suleyman of imitation in mustaches thick wore all students The MARVIN OLASKY 13 “Brilliant,” Trafik coughed. “Brilliant,” “Excellent,” Suleyman smiled. “We will do our scouting Suleyman Suleyman spelled out the details: “We will cut the neck of “An elegant plan,” Mustafa exulted. plan,” elegant “An Suleyman stroked his mustache and agreed: “This could be and the room was He paused inagain silent contemplation, “That “That would be fun,” Fadil said. “We’d see the captives “The “The emir also may enslave captives,” Suleyman recited, and and find the right group of four. We will all have a wonderful vacation.” one captive. A second will be a woman to enslave so we can repay repay can we so enslave to woman a be will second A captive. one par- will we third A women. treat they way the for Americans the so don, that person will tell our the story along with world one a fourth.” ransom to are ready we detail: that important until Suleyman clapped his hands and said, “Yes, We let’s may have to do wait a it. while, but I would like to capture four Americans vacationing in our country and use all four of my options.” ancestor’s a a pleasant vacation activity while thought- act our we that world alliesthe show could work We materials. nuclear on finding inwith accordance fully, our history.” almost seeming to go into a trance. “He may show favor to them them to favor show may “He trance. a into go to seeming almost and pardon them. He may ransom them in for goods exchange or prisoners.” squirm, our for competing favor.” CHAPTER TWO

ne mile but millions of dollars away from Hal’s north- Oeast Washington apartment, Professor Malcolm Edwards climbed into a king-size bed at the Capital Hyatt. He had a big speech to give at a Brookings Institution conference the next morning and needed to get a good night’s sleep. Suddenly he let out a scream as a scimitar blade cut into his neck. He sat up in a cold sweat—only a nightmare, possibly trig- gered by watching Internet videos of Middle East beheadings. He checked the clock and groaned: two a.m. It would be hard to fall asleep again. He thought about the sexual harassment claim he soon would face unless Columbia’s provost could swing a deal with his accusers. It wasn’t his fault that every term he taught two lecture classes totaling 500 students, 250 of them young women, 100 of them good-looking young women. He had developed a reputation as an entertaining professor at the Columbia University Center for Ethics, one who made liberal use of music and film in teaching both International Conflict and his most popular course, The Sexual Revolution. Whether it

14 MARVIN OLASKY 15 or his lectures, Malcolm didn’t didn’t Malcolm lectures, his or Last Tango in Paris in Tango Last Malcolm woke up, looked at the clock—six at heard a.m.—and looked up, woke Malcolm “Room service breakfast, sir,” a young woman in a Hilton Malcolm Malcolm thought this was all unfair since all the sex they The The center’s secretary, Carol, had been a bedmate until six This term, though, a student had e-mailed Malcolm some Did Did he have second thoughts or worry about what would Malcolm Malcolm had obliged, and to guarantee similar results in was movies like like movies was loudly, almost like a hard on wood? rapping loudly, knocking. He someone shuffled to the indoor his boxers. shirt said. had had was consensual, but maybe it Yes, it was would be time nice to lecture for on a a beach to vacation. bikinied young looking at himwomen with Hmmm,admiration. there was his class and now, his top student stood in front, but why was she wearing a dress? black was short And the why surf pounding so sexual relations had ended, but her record efficiency keeping had in soared. filing The provost said and she had detailed logs and phone tapes of Malcolm’s sexual conversations with with along incriminatingstudents, e-mail messages. until until the threatening letter showed up in setup his was mailbox. only part That of the treachery that could chair. cost endowed him his months ago. When she criticized promiscuity, Malcolm’s their when he could show his awareness of student culture student of hisby throw- awareness show could he when ing in allusions picked up during pillow talk. He a wasn’t com- the of into lives his He entered students. professor: muter pictures nude of herself. He and responded all pleasurably went freedom. freedom. It had almost always gone smoothly since Malcolm kept his end of each bargain and not gave only a top grade but a recommendation. sterling happen if a problem arose? Sure, but his lectures were better know and didn’t care, but he still remembered how several young young several how remembered still he but care, didn’t and know drop- his office, into his during sauntered first had term women an to A. way their sleep to be glad they’d that hints ping subsequent terms began stressing his faith in complete sexual 16 SCIMITAR’S EDGE last day of work.me.”dayoflast Doesn’tfire they matter if while?” fora beautiful seminar,” he said. “Why don’t you come into my room photo?” your than looking you’re toldthat better youeven She paused to catch her breath before “Has anyoneadding, ever a text and you treats everything say as though it’s exactly right.” My professoryou hungthinks the moon. He’s using the book as “I’veread blurted, then and paused She Georgetown.”at student I’mjacket.a book a from you ognized jumpy.”morning. importantI’mlittle a this speech an give to night last Columbia from down came I towardhim. walking was androom next the to delivery her made just had She timing. Perfect corridor. the body.and mind his ofutes before occupiedanother part pagefirst of speech, his but the image of from two min- Barbara students.“Oh,age somehis oftheof never was mind.” .?” 116.. . of kind What What’s Barbara? yourname? says118.Room“Thatit: isread and handThis her outofpaper J bright, floral-print dress and giving him a hug.a him giving and bright,dress floral-print her in him toward striding said, Pont du nephew,” Phoebeite favor-“Mywoman. white-haired tall, a to ex-roommate talking cynical his saw he as frowned He ballroom. hotelchandeliered s bfr eee am Mlom prahd h sae f the of stage the approached Malcolm a.m. eleven before ust “I didn’t order anything,” Malcolm barked. He grabbed the grabbed He barked. Malcolm anything,” orderdidn’t “I She hesitated just a minute and then shrugged: “This is my is “This shrugged: then andminute hesitated a Shejust a of start the be couldMalcolm’s wider.“This became smile rec- I thought “I responded. Barbara sir,” right, all “That’s outburst. my about sorry “I’m said, and smiled Malcolm sheaskedforyou,meekly.do sir?” can “Anything I else down look to door his opened and mused cute,”he “Most the examined and down sat He door. the closed Malcolm her.forShe sorry feltand cringing Barbara sawhe then But ! Pragmatic Progressivism Pragmatic . MARVIN OLASKY 17 Pragmatic , the book that is teaching us how to react to terror- react to to how us teaching is that book the , “Malcolm was an orator who always measured his words like like words his measured always who orator an was “Malcolm “You “You can read more about their professional credentials “Hal, grandson of an immigrant who sold used mattresses, “Halop “Halop Bogikian is a Pulitzer Prize-winning national secu- “Their backgrounds are strikingly different. Malcolm is “Professor Edwards wrote the best-selling Several Several minutes later she told the audience suit-jacketed of a a natural politician. Hal a showed caustic wit. Malcolm seemed to twice.wear the never same Halsweater the same wore sweat- shirt, week in, week out. Their only similarity—I hope they’ll forgive me for saying this—is that they’ve both been unable to get along with a woman for very But I them long. love both, so they’ll excuse me for relating a few personal tidbits. They were archeo- taught I when ago years sixteen Columbia at roommates Hutch, and Starsky as them to referred students Other there. logy given their differences in and appearance temperament. alive the immigrant vision of America as a nity, land including of the opportu-opportunity to shoot your neighbor.” Hal grimaced. in this June Conference program.” She held it up. “But I hope descended descended from the Puritans and keeps alive America as a their city on a hill, vision although his hill and of Jerusalem are Mild laughter. on different planets.” was a Massachusetts high-school chess champion. He keeps rity reporter and columnist who has written about Islam and other religions in an equal-opportunity laughed. The them audience all.” manner: He scorns Progressivism His overreacting. know himism without students as a professor himself who involves deeply in Malcolm their wondered lives.” knew she or much know. could even how Brookings Brookings Institution supporters, “You know me as the widow of a financier who became our is ambassador Today to Turkey. my sixty-eighth birthday, and I am feeling old these days, so it gives me great pleasure to introduce two rising stars who are each half age. my 18 SCIMITAR’S EDGE o ad ay lne ag, e okd ie handsome, beefy a like looked he bangs, blonde wavy and ion wheat-colored complex- his with inches two feet six At crowd. HalopBogikian’sandresponse.” welcome pleasewarm toMalcolmagive Edwards’s presentation old Western movies, eager to channel Gary Cooper in in trapped are Americans Someover. is policy foreign hit-back Romansenator. ebr ciiie bt otos n pooe frhr US further proposed and options both criticized audience members some When other. each attacked Hal and Malcolm world.” the of wholepart that with involvement no have us help will that power—anything nuclear Alaska, in energy drilling oil for cars, push small should with We self-sufficiency East. Middle the should of “We out get niceties. just diplomatic also and blather academic otherwise.”it’sgod,and their idioticthink to inter- I’veworldfor the win to But out They’re radicals. their of left. some viewed Muslim the with work can we professor, the “According to words: his did so and bristled hair dark his havetheylose.” lessto because win will do,they we if forthem, fight notmust we all, Above theirs. workchangetothey as society own our tojustice “develop Islamicprogressives with social ties tostrivebring and might.”they wewish as reality neverthattransform principles abstract of sake the for all risk to unwilling and ries luxu- our capitalisticcountry,to rich, used a We are pragmatic: be “Let’scontinued: Malcolm hat. baby a finished she as softly clicked needlesdouble-pointed Her death.husband’s her since forpeace.” But shooting is the last refuge of those not brave enough to fight He spoke about US power and the Middle East: “The era of era “The East: Middle the and power US aboutspoke He the at out peered and podium the approached Malcolm Phoebe picked up the knitting she had carried everywhere carried had she knitting the up picked Phoebe In her chair at the front, Phoebe knitted intensely as as intensely knitted Phoebe front, the at chair her In polite disregarded Hal as anxious became audience The respond,to up stoodinches, ten feet five lean a Hal, When to was concluded, Malcolm solution, progressive The High Noon . MARVIN OLASKY 19 Both Both Malcolm and Hal were tongue-tied, welcoming the “You’ll enjoy it,” Malcolm said. Malcolm it,” enjoy “You’ll “Perhaps you will also. This antagonism you and Hal still “Have a nice trip,” Hal, still a simmering, nice “Have trip,” responded. Phoebe continued as though he hadn’t interrupted. “My But But Phoebe was speaking. “You both were so kind to me Hal punched the thinkingbutton, elevator how Malcolm— As they headed toward the door, Malcolm objected. “Phoebe, “Phoebe, objected. Malcolm door, the toward headed they As When the show finally ended and the audience filed out each have ten days of vacation, and I’ll pay for everything. Great Great everything. for pay I’ll and vacation, of days ten have each enjoy immensely would I food. good hotels, good sites, historical company.” your vacation opportunity but not wanting to spend the time with Izmir, Ephesus, Antalya, Izmir, and Ephesus, Antakya. two.” for tickets I have both gives for of you, and fondness my each other, toward have me an idea: we How about go from two to You’ll four? travelers assistant and I have planned it all out: We start at Istanbul where where Istanbul at start We out: all it planned have I and assistant I speak, visit mosques and churches and ruins, see the modern clash of civilizations. After Istanbul we’ll spend a week visiting when when Andrew died. memorial Your lecture, Malcolm, and your Hal, column, captured the me who swept a husband into world of riches and eight years of life in Did Turkey. you know returning I’m there a week from to give a now lecture?” least not for me.” for not least silver spoon at birth, silver-tongued in college, cruising from silver lining to silver lining—always brought out the worst in him. He . . . up, but I but give want sons up, my to anythingbe at peace. I’d you for squabbling.” your to stop people two thinksno Hal differently. world the see just I and Hal at personal, linings. isn’t It see silver the to I tend along. can get with her hair, twirling strands around her middle finger flicking and the ends. Phoebe bemusedly, looked at both men and sighed. “That was quite a performance. Perhaps it was a mistake to have set this military involvement, Phoebe put down her needles and fiddled and needles her down put Phoebe militaryinvolvement, 20 SCIMITAR’S EDGE this is a good time foryougetto outtime town.”good of a is this whatfromyour hear, teachingAnd for Iwith term. the perhaps Hal, you’d get grist for some new columns. Malcolm, you’re done you.ofYou’re both know workaholics don’tand vacations.take also I butsudden, is this know “I persisted: other.Phoebe each yesterday that I never turned on the news.”the onyesterday neverIturned that it.”middleofthe terrible tragedy. a in Sally poor And his of flourish. a with name out his signedbreastpocketand pen fountain gold a pulled He write.” to want me asleep.” fall nightpagebeforeI every a read and bed mybeside it keep I It’swonderful. book. superb your of copy my autograph must you Edwards, “Professor up. rally.”theto group youth Wilmington a of members drive tovolunteered I youworkedPhiladelphia.” in churchatthat aunt’saboutassistant,you dreamednight.” lastmurmured,“Ihe his to say normally might he what beyond going into Startled shift. sleeveless black, her down moved immediately Sally’s bright smile and blonde shoulder-length hair, and his eyes myNorthaway.”assistant,is Sally Phoebe. “This ing myeditor.” with check “I’ll amends: maketo tried andface Phoebe’sGermany.”stricken saw to Hegoing Jews Like jeebies. heebie- the me gives itthought of the Turkey. Armenian, an As “I’ll trip: the mycalendar.”check up pass to way diplomatic a with up came and acl itrutd “ht apnd I a s busy so was I happened? “What interrupted. Malcolm didn’tWhat there.youwere“Iknow Hal. to Phoebeturned make whoyou like It’sreaderspleasure. “My said, Malcolm conversationTheir stopped as a middle-aged woman walked there. time first my was it “No, him. at flashed eyes Sally’s thought I here. you see to surprised “I’m stammered, Hal girls.”laughed.the you aboutsaythatSally “Bet all The reaction of both men startled Phoebe. Malcolm stared at Their eyes swung toward a beautiful young woman approach- to go to wanted never “I’ve diplomatic: so not was Hal recovered he butknew, she whatwondered again Malcolm MARVIN OLASKY 21 They They were silent. Malcolm after a while turned to Sally: “Not long. I grew up in San Diego and went to college Phoebe Phoebe blinked back the tears as pictures played in her Her Her reverie broke as Malcolm asked Phoebe, “How did you With a quivering lip Phoebe “Whenresponded, I into went They They settled in at the hotel restaurant. Sally looked at the Sally looked at Hal disapprovingly. “I don’t know. He ran the the ran He know. don’t “I disapprovingly. Hal at looked Sally “I’m sure Hal had his reasons to Phoebe leave,” said, as he “So what was Hal doing while all this was going on?” As Sally described the shooting, Hal punched the elevator Phoebe’s. been had you inlong “How New York?” there—business major, with lots of acting on the side. I came talized and unable to call—I met Sally. She had worked in the obtainbuilding to help information.” and was volunteering head. Chaos. Smoke and disaster, photos taped to walls: “Has patted and hand a out reached Sally husband?” my seen anyone and and Sally meet?” Manhattan on September 12 to see escaped from if the eighty-sixth Andrew floor—perhaps had had been hospi- possibly last last day on the job at Windows on the the Trade World, World Center’s high-up restaurant. She saying, remembered “You’re the doing great. manager Tomorrow you after and tips, better dining. Much late-night to breakfast/lunch can move from we can work place.” to go my stood there miserably. The elevator opened, The depositing them elevator stood inthere miserably. the “Since lobby. it’s my birthday, I hope you will all come to Shall reservations. made lunch; we discussI’ve our plans?” waitresses with an experienced eye. She thought about her Malcolm Malcolm asked as he tugged on one of his French cuffs, with a flashcuff of gold link showing. other way.” button again. button No way was he to going of out come this looking good. He listened as Sally described the shooting. to When got the part the and the she fetched where called pastor, 911 she opened. door elevator 22 SCIMITAR’S EDGE fud yef vrhle tyn t mk sne f l the all of sense make to trying overwhelmed myself and found change, I a for looking was She talking. began We touch. three in but Broadway,beds.”onlyoffered months was I on get to hoping 2001, June in East said, “I’ve asked Malcolm and Hal to come with us to Turkey.”to us “I’vecomesaid,to with askedHal Malcolmand and Sally to turned Phoebedying.” imminently are who those worked.” once I where sites archeological the revisiting I’m so and own, our cultures ancient in death about writing I’m pleasure: not all is trip Turkey The death. about deal great a thinking I’m creativity,knitting. upfrom sinceshetakenhad especially had grown accustomed to of thinking his old professor as retired He abashed. looked Hal one.” like me treat Don’t woman. old book?” lotthings.”openedofmyeyesa to has she’swriting book the for research doing and Phoebe Traveling with textbooks. business basic but anything read to had never I beach. the on lived I college In yes. ways some “In in. for?” she’sand myassistant everbeen since.” papersand investments Ibehind.asked left Andrew her to help, back.”lobby beforereachedspeaking. the they She waiteduntil comemomentthen a youforand with walk “I’ll hand: herout PhoebegaveShe’s read.tome proudyou.”of very Progressivism al tre t Mlom “ hp yul come. you’ll hope “I Malcolm. to turned Sally you,“Thank but I fear that the only people interested be will “I’dpolite:Malcolmwas yourconclusions.”hear to like old, getting and Andrew losing “Between on, went She a “Does that surprise you writing so much? I’m “You’re not yet a feeble-minded surprise. with Phoebe at looked Hal kicked politeness her then but coolly, him regarded She looking were you change the that “Was Sally, asked Hal in kept I and Sally meeting first that “After added, Phoebe Hal stood and said he had to get back to work.heldPhoebeto back get to had he said and stood Hal definitelycoming.” am “Isaid, and atSally Malcolmstared is a wonderful book. It was one of the first books first the of one was It book. wonderful a is Pragmatic MARVIN OLASKY 23 miser- me makes He ! “You’re right, but I have my reasons.” my I but right, have “You’re “I nodded. respect She that. So will with come you us?” “Look, Phoebe. I appreciate the offer. But Turkey? Besides, “Really?” Hal looked up with interest before resuming his Phoebe stared at him. “I’ve never known you to pass up a Phoebe grabbed his hand. “I want you to come to Turkey for for Turkey to come to you want “I hisgrabbedhand. Phoebe Hal wrinkled his “Sally?”brow. He tried to be nonchalant. Phoebe laughed. “You exaggerate. You’re both adults; surely You’re exaggerate. “You Phoebe laughed. at him looked Phoebe as Hal his she shook unhappily. head us us something.” Malcolm and I would make you miserable. “What “What about this I not telling know shooting yesterday? you’re done.” challenge. Come with us. I love Malcolm and think he will grow willgrow think he and Malcolm love I us. with Come challenge. And think I do hard lessons. you need may he but day, some up and Sally have a lot to offer each Armenianholocaust. the on other. book writing a about Besides, years for tered you’ve mut- Perhaps a trip to the country you hate will force you to get it your education but your alsoeducation so get you’ll to wanted I’ve know Sally. the time.” two to introduce some for of you air. “I’ll thinkhangdog it.” about “She “She seems very nice.” Phoebe stared at him again finally until grinned, “All right, got me. you’ve HalDid you see the look trip this On up. wrapped her has already He Sally? gave Malcolm threefour a crowd.” will be company, used used to look at students, willing them to speak honestly, but he refused to give in. Finally she asked, “Does your reluctance to come have anything to do with the fourth member of our party?” able. able. It would be like a trip through hell with a demon as my companion.” can you behave.” 24 SCIMITAR’S EDGE W ih eltl tls f uks history. Turkish of tales well-told with Sally regaled Malcolm hour next the For began. seduction the as miserably watched Hal aisle the across From hear. to closer doing. was he what knew she thoughonslaught, even the beforemelt Shefeltherself charm. his ofmeasure Sally,gavefull hethe her to turned he when Yet reserved. was smile his but polite, was attendant’s the moves andwaited to howseeflirty Malcolm would respond. He recognized She them. between interplay the Sally.Not him. comfort towomen wantsome made eyes penetrating and expression mournful his Maybe clothes. hadn’t he to indifference looktobeyond his it. She iron tried to bothered though as looking shirt oxford-cloth at-the-collar frayed- and faded his seat, his in slumped Hal aisle the Across professor.young brilliant bitthe lookedsheen,every a toished pol- shoes his blazer, black and tie red his in Malcolm wisely. Plus,hair.cutehadhe company.pleasantmore far like seemed Malcolm them, of two the Hal between and, and side-by-side trip Malcolm twelve-hour a knew last wouldn’t she all, After other. the on Hal and the first-class tickets so she and Malcolm sat on one side, Phoebe white,“Turkssaid,ithelion’s call milk.” foamed it water. When mixed he which in raki, of glass a take Turkishraki. as brandy known the of offers repeatedsteward’s the grunts with it accept to lifting only book, the in head his kept He holocaust. Armenian Malcolm’sofcrookshe slept. as arm posture the in nestled guarded was head her Sally’slong too before and, wine, awaymelted of glasses two After thought. hen their June 10 flight to Istanbul left JFK, Sally had arranged A stewardess came by and took Malcolm’s coat. Sally watched chosen had she knew Sally seats, their into settled they As Later the attendants brought dinner. Malcolm urged to Sally the about book a out pulled Hal and slept, also Phoebe romanticcity,” very leanedShea whispered. heis “Istanbul e a ra a lot a read has He she , MARVIN OLASKY 25 She She took a sip and shuddered. “Are you cold?” he asked, wrapping wrapping a blanket around her. not.” Sally I’m took now, “Not another blanket. the sip into down of snuggled and the brandy smiled She as fluttered her eyes shut. CHAPTER THREE

ally and Phoebe sat in the courtyard of the Royal Scimitar Sduring their first morning in Istanbul. Phoebe drank tea and knit. She smiled and said gunaydin to hotel staff members who wished her a good morning in return as they walked by. Several guests recognized her and stopped by the table to tell her how much they had liked her late husband, the ambassador. Some lingered to gape at Sally, who wore a red blouse that matched her nail polish. “What a gorgeous hotel. Did you stay here often?” Sally looked around at the deep casement windows and the golden honey color of the hotel walls. Pink roses and African violets filled flower boxes and spilled out of urns. Red and white gera- niums in terra cotta set off the courtyard’s lush green shrubbery. “I feel like we’ve suddenly come down in Oz.” Phoebe, draped in a long, shapeless grey dress, had dropped her big floppy hat on the chair beside her. She smiled at Sally’s pleasure and said, “This is a garden amid wilderness. Still, I like living with the illusion that the world is filled with peace and beauty.”

26 MARVIN OLASKY 27 Her face took on such a look of disappointment that Hal felt Hal felt that disappointment of look a such on took face Her Phoebe arose and gave Hal a gentle push toward the door. “Here,” Hal said “Here,” as he walked to the “I table. had to make a “We’ll “We’ll be Phoebe underway,” said, “as soon as Hal arrives. Malcolm Malcolm had dressed for an expedition. He carried a small “You are both visions,” Malcolm said as he walked up to the to up walked as said he Malcolm are both visions,” “You Sally blushed and shrugged her shoulder until his hand “I’m glad you like it.” Phoebe smiled fondly at her at assistant. smiled fondly Phoebe like glad you it.” “I’m “It’s “It’s stunning. Everything about it is beautiful. Look how Church of Holy Wisdom, the famous domed cathedral the famous domed wasthat Wisdom, Holy Churchof a Christian wonder of the world for nearly a guided themshe as thousand said Phoebe years. story,” sad and glorious a “Such through thedim huge, bigger thaninterior, a football field. ashamed. ashamed. He stole a glance at who Sally, glared at him. “Never Editors can on wait.” vacation. “I’m he muttered. mind,” They strolled on cobblestone streets to Haghia Sophia, the Where do you Where thinkdo you he is?” me asked she’s and month, last mad her made I editor. my to call to check on a possible Istanbul so story, I thought I might bug mind, you Phoebe?” on buildings. these out old Would REI backpack with a water bottle, suntan lotion, lip balm, and flashlight clipped to it, even though the plan for the day was merely to visit Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, frescoes. with medieval churches formidable and several Malcolm’s shoulder, although thinking although stom- her made it about shoulder, Malcolm’s he though as her at smilinghim see to up looked She flutter. ach again and that Phoebe hoped blushed mind. her read could She noticed. hadn’t table and kissed Phoebe on the cheek. He put his hand on Sally’s Sally’s on hand his put He cheek. the on Phoebe kissed and table and left shoulder there. it slipped off. She felt embarrassed that she’d fallen asleep on the grass is cut alongside paths through the garden. edge is The jagged, and the right left edge straight. The gardener shows respect for geometry and at the same time wonderful.” shrugs it off. It’s 28 SCIMITAR’S EDGE etoe. h Erpas ue int o uh hrn even sharing much do didn’t sure Europeans The destroyed. is not about sharing. The conquering Muslims didn’t share: they building.” nowthis Muslimsshare and Christians that “Allah”ing “Muhammad.”and say-medallionspointedout and casual, wouldsoundhoped he level. atgallery the readlittleArabic,”“Ia he toldway a in Sally the huge wooden medallions that Muslim conquerors had hung out pointed he as modestly shrugged He much?” so know you interest and attending tocarefully her ideas. She asked, “How do own. his on off apologymutteredbeforewandering an someonejustyourupalley.” like Sounds fragments? the at peck and come to geese invited then grain, with hair pubic her sprinkled who stripper former a on cross jeweled its background of with stars. Hal interrupted. dome“Theodora—wasn’t she the the of view perfect but a with altar the from sat—far wife, Justinian’s Theodora, where it,”announce muttered. Hal work.’” finish this to worthy me thought has who God to ‘Glory Sophia, Haghia about exclaimed have to said is Justinian emperor the commissioned, had he building the entered he “When guide: Malcolm took over from Phoebe and sounded like a veteran tour Nowit’smuseum.” drab art. a magnificent the a into church the overplasteringor destroying and crosses off mosquerippingby turned they 1453, in city this Muslims conquered When gone. are most but mosaics, and frescos tiful “Century after century from 537 AD on, the church added beau- amongthemselves.” Sally touchedhugeSally thePhoebemarbleslabs explained,ofas “Share?” Hal overheard Hal “Share?” Sally’s last comment. building “This strife much so after amazing “It’s arm. his onto held Sally itemsofoutside, Sally’spointing to himself gluedMalcolm He building. stone the in sharp was voice Phoebe’s “Hal!” out pointing gallery, north the through them led Malcolm to worthy thought God whom Malcolm, to glory “And level, gallery the to ramp switchback a climbed they As MARVIN OLASKY 29 “So history is full of ugliness,” Sally said. “That’s no surprise. no “That’s said. Sally ugliness,” full of is history “So Sally was impressed. “Those are gorgeous, Malcolm. I can’t “Not so fast,” Hal said. “Your glossy version of history is “See way up there?” Malcolm pointed to a corner of the Sally looked Sally at looked Hal with surprise. Malcolm said, “Looks like “Looks Hal like something.” muttered, that cost you a marvelous camera mega- with“It’s great resolution—eight “It’s “It’s true,” Hal insisted, pointing to the tomb of Enrico “That’s the cynical view,” Malcolm stated. Malcolm the cynical“That’s view,” blinded blinded and exiled her second.” at up looked She beauty.” much so by out balanced it’s surely But the great that is. dome: Why “See an wallow what achievement in the the at gutter look stars?”we could when ous ous drunk who conspired to castrate his six-year-old nephew to knock him out of the line of Constantine mosaic? succession. Constantine was That the sweet third Zoe-husband, and artists substituted his head on the fresco for the heads of her earlier husbands. She poisoned probably her first. She certainly the the right.” they are.” old how believe wrong. ‘Orthodox and faithful’ Alexander? He was a lecher- days days before—“about that tenth-century mosaic of the man in ser- thy help ‘Lord, fullreads, inscription The imperial costume. vant, the orthodox and faithful Emperor And Alexander.’ look at that terrific eleventh-century mosaic over there: Jesus in the middle, Emperor Constantine IX on the left, Empress Zoe on pixels. pixels. And I want to find the right lens.” He reached into his backpack. SallyHal as watched Malcolm hisshowed viewfinder and the then tomb. shot north gallery. “I remember reading”—he didn’t say just two you’ve you’ve been doing some reading. Here, I’ll take a photo of the He pulled from his backpack a you.” for digital tomb Nikon. Dandalo. Dandalo. He explained that blinded Dandalo in Byzantine and 1171 that he took revenge in 1204 Christians by partially leading an army of soldiers from Venice and elsewhere in an orgy and of pillage destruction. 30 SCIMITAR’S EDGE the Quran. A few women huddled together at the back behind behind back the attogether huddledwomen few A Quran. the from verses recited they as prostrations, two bow, one carpet: vast a on places individual their in cycle prayer ritualized the courting and watch.” They observed Muslim men going through red “the paused, hematches yourblouse.” Look,” tiles. thousand twenty-one and designs different fifty includes mosque 1616. This year: “The askedorigin. patterns,aboutwhite their and floral red, aqua,blue, cobalt in tiles mosque’s wall the by enthralled Sally,columns. massive two surrounding space bright vast, the by stunned was Hal even Inside arms.” and face your covers it onered toSally, whiledemonstratingsaidand how, “Make sure wassaying to Christians, ‘Anything you cando canIdo better.’” project. A thousand years after the original, it’s as if Sultan Ahmet acrossfromHaghia Sophia, wasliterally in-your-facean building directly Mosque, Blue “This role. guide the over taking by Hal protection. crosswalks the At forMalcolm to closerstepped sheSally, Turkishogled and building.men domed Sultanahmet huge across another to them Square leading before postcards bought that.” it?” dismiss Quran.” propagandais stolenthattheremains from all Muslims,andby gone,they’re Now tiles. gold tiny million thirty by covered be domeThatyou’reto usedanytime. Givetruth admiring theme a screen. a a srge. Sry Iv nvr en n fr ar tales. fairy for one been never I’ve “Sorry, shrugged. Hal Sally smiled, but Phoebe whispered to Malcolm, “Stop your“StopMalcolm, to whispered Phoebebut smiled, Sally say. to quick was Malcolm here,” of south little a “Iznik, a satchel,handedher from scarves silk long two pulled She Malcolmbetweenandsparring decreasethe to Phoebe tried and shop gift floor ground the to down them led Phoebe see can “I said, Malcolm, with glances exchanging Sally, “I’veimpressedneverpopularity.”by been you and it, believe people billion a Over “‘Propaganda?’ MARVIN OLASKY 31 , , the high pulpit from minbar She walked back to Phoebe. “Don’t they ever stop bickering?” stop ever they “Don’t Phoebe. to back walked She “I hope they’ll grow tired of it. Of course, they’re preening Sally listened to Malcolm’s response and tried to be polite “You’re “You’re dead wrong,” Malcolm snapped. “I’ve talked with Hal tucked the back into hisnotebook pocket, recapped his Hal had pulled out a notebook and was scribbling notes in it it in notes scribbling was and notebook a out pulled had Hal jotting “Just down a few thingsforget.” so I don’t “Like . . .?” ”OK, I wrote, ‘It sounds like the muezzin was giving an The muezzin happily shuffled off. Phoebe walked with him,walked Phoebe shuffled off. The muezzin happily Then Then he chanted, with Phoebe providing a simultaneous Malcolm was Malcolm enthralled:power.” “That’s Phoebe spoke in Turkish to one of the mosque’s muezzins They They examined the elaborate as as Hal turned to her and said, “I bet he’s never even read and warthe Anfal, chapters.” the major the Quran’s al-Tawba Hal fifteen back when to years thought Phoebe you.” of in front pen, and insisted that he would not do public relations for Islam: for relations public do not would he that insisted and pen, be than right rather rich. sell I’d books, but you help “That may religion’ in competition ‘no there’s that do I as well as know You Islam dominant.” becomes whenever order, not makingnot a order, request.’” American imams. They all emphasize what in ‘There religion.’” is no compulsion the Quran says: when Malcolm joined him. “I thought you were on him.vacation.” you joined Malcolm “I when thought Allah is the only one to worship! I witness that Muhammad is his follower and his envoy! Come to the prayer! Come to the to Come the salvation!”prayer! stuffing several bills his into hand. and and asked him to give a demonstration of his five-times-a-day call to prayer. When he assented and put his fingers over his and listen.” ears, him explained, helps she “It to concentrate translation: “I witness that Allah is the greatest! I witness that which which imams gave their sermons on has “Turkey Friday. about forty thousand Phoebe mosques,” said. “In each one an imam sermon.” the delivers same government-written 32 SCIMITAR’S EDGE present.uncomfortable.”“Itmemakes wasn’tthat Sally’sfuture. in competition,dumpedher.then She hopedtwice, her slept with that wonMalcolm girl. same the after both were Malcolm and point I was trying to make.”to trying was pointI wake.her in Hal and Malcolm trailing mosque, the of out stalked Sally beaches.” American your about more learn to like would and school in English studied have elbowing snidely, “I said One other. and each grinning men Turkish two the see to appalled you’re except of, me yourbrains.”exhibiting remind you what That’s guys. playing Frisbee- naked of lots by surrounded were we “Suddenly rose: voice her talked, she As closer. crept had worshippers Turkish suits.” their off took and down lay girls decent-looking of couple happened a what when imagine can you so one, to five least at girls metookvisitremindofI a nudetoa beach.Guys outnumbered what.”read mosque,tiful and you’re like about children both arguing who’s Turkishold woman.in an to speaking busy front of the door. She looked nervously over to Phoebe, who was stateitclearly, stop. they’ll You’ll words.” rightthe find “Yeah,” she muttered, “but I’m not sure they understood the Phoebecaughtoutside. Sally toupthem?” you“Did tell was and turned Sally them. behind sniggering heard They two that realize didn’t Sally grinned. Hal and Malcolm two “You nearby. else one no saw and around looked She “I wish you both would stop,” Sally said. “We’re in this beau- in paused had who Malcolm, and Hal to up caught Sally that,”them tell “Then Phoebecommanded.“Perhaps you if they’d wish “Istop,” Phoebetheto back bringing said, Sally ! MARVIN OLASKY 33 “My parents would hate this place,” she said. “ They had one one had They “ said. she place,” this hate would parents “My attracted to this?” you’re “But “Look “Look at the frescoes on the dome: The look in that man’s sense.” common for point one them Give “OK. shrugged. Hal “Did you ever talkever “Did you with that?”grandfather your about “He was a bitter old man, full of dismal tales of death and When they reached the basilica, a priest took Phoebe to As they drove northwest along the waterfront, Phoebe fter a lunch of delicate crepes stuffed with cheese and spinach, spinach, and cheese withstuffed crepes delicate of lunch a fter way way of thinking about God and hated anyone who saw things differently.” He He realized that he and Sally were actually and sation, having he wanted to stretch the He moment. saw a Malcolm conver- icon, an buy tryingto Probably priest. black-robed a talkingwith Hal figured. He turned to Sally, who was gazing intently at picture of a Jesus. eyes eyes is so tender, so precious. Maybe they saw that shipped the idea behind and it. tells Phoebe me they actuallyaren’t wor- the icons.” worshipping over, over, he commented, “I can’t believe my relatives thought pic- tures on could make painted wood them holy.” destruction.” over over a scrap of food, a man and a woman arguing, and a boy throwing a at hangingsheet mud on a clothesline. see the patriarch, so Hal shuffled around the sanctuary, jotting down specific details about icons and relics. As Sally strolled pointed pointed out the world’s greatest natural harbor, Horn, explaining the that Golden the name came from the shape harbor of and the the legend that Byzantines threw their gold into it Hal, half in the 1453. Ottomans when captured Constantinople fighting skinny dogs two about in his notebook wrote listening, they they piled into a taxi to go to the Orthodox church complex to meet one of Phoebe’s friends, Patriarch, revered the by many of venerable Turkey’s several Ecumenical hundred thou- sand remaining Christians. A 34 SCIMITAR’S EDGE said.“Almost two centuries ago Gregory Patriarch V encouraged weldedshut. terri- somberly,outtory.was walked Muslimthat door They a beforepausing was this that all reminding sounded, prayer to departed. and matters.”goldhell,nothingno small cross gavehea eachThen and heaven no is there “If said, he Sally Tohell.” also is there heaven, is there “If said, he heaven.”MalcolmTo also is there hell, is there “If said,Tohe Hal turn. in foreach greeting a and robes. The patriarch had a long white beard, a in twinkle his eye, plate.onea on and neck his on one heads, two having as icons in portrayed was Baptist the John how out pointed Malcolm as listened He while. a for rest to feud the put to decided Hal and interested, genuinely seemed Sally learned. had he what show to chance sionalnote.left?” theyou“Did onsayPeter always comes first occa- an down jotting even behind, meekly follow to willing was Hal church,the offront theicons atthe oforder about the wardrobe.” your notebook.” than Bogikian Halop to more there’s Surely you? about forcetome.”iton tries never she but believes, she what knows She Phoebe. reasons like I the of one That’s left. my from hand right my know said. “I’m like the people at the end of the book of Jonah: I don’t lovelythis woman as needy. “I’m person,” confused a pretty she hitas o vrho Msi rl. h Otmn hanged Ottomans The rule. Muslim overthrow to Christians al sdel loe sd ad a fr h frt ie saw time first the for Hal and sad, looked suddenly Sally “Here’shistory,”whatmeetshappenswhen wisdom Phoebe call muezzin’s the of cry mournful the walls the Through black full PhoebeJust in approachedthen short man a with the ignore not could but suspiciously him eyed Malcolm By the time Malcolm rejoined them and said he had learned noticed.”“I hip very a have I “Yeah. laugh. to turn Hal’s was it Now how “And Hal: faced and hips her on hands her put She MARVIN OLASKY 35 The ! by Walker Percy, and carried it down to the patio, patio, the to down carriedit and Percy, Walker by “That sounds like Hal,” Malcolm laughed. Malcolm “That sounds like Hal,” Sally laughed nervously, feeling slightly disloyal and yet “Wait,” Malcolm objected. “This “Wait,” is why I never liked Percy. unbe- present-day “‘The reading, continued and smiled Sally “Yes to “Yes all that except for the say most arelast I’d sentence. “And do you agree with this?” Sally asked, as she read on: “No, wait.” She grabbed it back “No, wait.” from him. “Our time in the She She was soon so absorbed in reading that she didn’t see a hey hey returned to the Royal Scimitar where Phoebe planned to of of him.” T him for treason. The door has been closed ever since in memory memory in since ever closed been has door The treason. himfor endless wonders, having endless wonders, he no how ina here, got notion world . and sleeps sick, which he . gets eats, dies.’” grows . old, works, depiction Percy’s reading kept She attention. Malcolm’s enjoying an insane person.’” an extremist. He’s wrong if What’s drink,we eat, sleep?” liever is crazy because he finds himself born into a world of crazy, too.” crazy, inco- blandness, ‘fatuity, the of because worse is unbeliever “The and of fakery, herence, fatheadedness his unbelief. He is in fact mosque and at the church made me think me this Percy made of passage: church the at and mosque says the modern Christian is lukewarm, hypocritical, ‘nominal, sinful, ifor, fervent, generally and offensive fanatical. But he is Do agree?”you crazy.’ not been pulled like at a between bone two dogs. the across from her watching mustache black a withman young patio, or even Malcolm approaching the table. “That’s hardly he said, taking fare,” the book vacation from her hand. take take a nap and Hal to catch up on on your e-mail:own “You’re a and swimsuit her on Sallyput said. she day,” the of rest the for that fell to her ankles. cover-up grabbed long She her book, Coming Second she’d though as felt tiredand was She Coke. a ordered she where 36 SCIMITAR’S EDGE worms were not going to have him in no time atall.” time nowormswerenot in going haveto him the if as millions, the by off dying cells brain his chalk, to ing turn- arteries his cancerous, growing notprostatewere his if as of the laughsperson who . drink, . “drinks . his for the world all left and a young man with a black mustache and lots of black of lots and mustache black a with man young a and left sound.thetransformed howsteamy tothelisteningair and her eyes and began to hum, switching from one tune to another closedshoulders.She her to coveredup was she until waterthe pool,voices their echoingthedome. off eerily slipped Sally into domechamber.poolencloseda the Overheadtile. gray four-foot-deepround,by surroundeda pool upon looked and door wood dark a open pushed then pocket, her slippers underneath and tucked her hotel key into the robe’s women.andmen fortraditionalonesboth was which unlike bath, Turkish the to hall the down hurried thick then the robe, on put and cover-up her off took She slippers. and robe cloth terry whitehotel-provided the and wear to was her directed it where explained which guide, hotel the read She bath. Turkish a however,have did, It pool. a havedidn’t hotel stay. She was all keyed up and had been disappointed to find the beforeintoheadingcheektown. his againsthand his rubbed Heher. by only heardmusic to if as swaying gently shepushedtable.awaythe “I’m from going rest.”to alongarm. her finger his traced mind.”He the of life the with alongpleasures physicalenjoy we where university a at being like I whythat’s When she opened her eyes, she realized that the family had shefamily opened thattheWhen hereyes, she realized the in floated children young two and woman and man A put She room. dressing ladies’ the in robe her hung Sally As soon as Sally returned to her room, she knew she couldn’t Malcolmwatched toherelevator,the café the cross her hips “Alone.” “Alone?”invitingly.smiledHe Coke, of sip final a After book. her closed and blushedShe “and acknowledged, Malcolm there,” truth some “There’s MARVIN OLASKY 37 ! Malcolm nodded. “Yes, a professor from Columbia After a while Malcolm stopped at a little café. A student wear- student A café. little a at stopped Malcolm while a After Most of the invitations came from carpet merchants: “Please “Please carpetmerchants: from came invitations the of Most Sally nonchalantly made her way around the edge of the Sally turned her back to him, wishing he go would or away alcolm alcolm strolled through the cobblestone streets of Istanbul’s I I join you?”are anthe man young “You American?”asked. University.” enter my store.” “My English no enter my store.” matter, is not comprehensible, coffee. Turkish have and sit “Please me.” not rug,buyingare you with it Ifheart, your will love you rugs!”you my love ing a University of Bosphorus shirt his approached table. “May offers from prostitutes, as he had the previous year during the as previous had he visits offers from prostitutes, to Havana and Phnom Penh. Here, though, the come-ons were trying and in hand scale earn to bathroom child, One different: weighed?”to get “Want pennies, asked, tourist tourist section, expecting—and hoping—to be accosted with M the door. The man didn’t move, and Sally began to feel silly and and silly feel to began Sally and move, didn’t man The door. the slightly paranoid. This, after all, was a major hotel, and just as ethnic screening airportsat so was any tendency was improper, on parther to think was it illonly males. Besides, of all Turkish six o’clock. him from the corner of her eye and saw at her. that he was staring pool, until an expanse of water separated her from the She headed Turk. for the sauna, where she hoped to find a lock on himself from a with water faucet. cold been nearly in for the water in. She’d come else would someone twenty and minutes was beginning to feel dizzy from the heat. But she didn’t want to get out with him there. She glanced at chest chest hair was sitting on a bench, using a metal pan to splash 38 SCIMITAR’S EDGE excitement. all.” in ancientweekvisitingsites.” a spend thatbeyond and Izmir to south go we’ll Then days. of Istanbul?” you doingin think?” you.”like moreneedweAmericans 2001.” American Turkey.” changing was influence how and Pont du Mr. about talked often term last ambassadorUSTurkey.”to former the of Pont,wife du Phoeberemember to young too be group?” is way your of Yourmembers other the buses. are who ask, may tour I If better. in much around ride and groups large in see.”I American every with talking by What is yourname?” is What internationalpolitics. studying am I Uruk. Zubeyir is name My “How many of you are here?” “Howyou ofmanyare couple a for here visiting are I and mine of friends “Some are “What smiled. Zubeyir useful,” are you that agree “I you do what “And compliment. a as that took Malcolm “My professor assigned that book to us in the spring. He said “Yes.”“HowMalcolmyousmiled.dothat?” know “He died when the terrorists destroyed the twin towers in in towers twin the destroyed terrorists the when died “He professors my of “One excited. more even seemed Zubeyir you may“Certainly It’sask.group. Youdistinguished a may alwaysyou.comealmostI’ve foundAmericans that“Thank good.” very “Youris English “Oh, I’ve spent the past couple of days practicing my English youdoask?” “Why with tense seemed and up straightened suddenly Zubeyir “Four responded, but odd question that thought Malcolm A, ht s fn uiest. t s pesr t me you. meet to pleasure a is It university. fine a is that “Ah, “The author“The of “MalcolmEdwards.” Pragmatic ProgressivismPragmatic ?” MARVIN OLASKY 39 ! So he’s Turkish and has a hairy Is that any chest. rea- Turkish So he’s “What do you “What thinkdo you imperialism?” country’s your about “I’m not here to discuss politics.” Her voice trembled, and “Not so fast,” he said, moving quickly to lock the door. “Do not “Do be not alarmed.” next sat man the and rude, be to wanting not down, sat Sally nervously. nodded She Suddenly Suddenly the door opened and the young man hisentered, Although she shamed herself into leaving the door unlocked, unlocked, door the leaving into herself shamed she Although “Good. You should come to Mrs. du Pont’s lecture tomorrow lecturetomorrow Pont’s du Mrs. to come should You “Good. Malcolm nodded. “The Washington journalist Halop like “I to meet them would and learnAmerica.” about more “We watched that on television. It was amazing that a hand- a amazingthat was It television. on that watched “We ally opened the sauna door and slammed She reached it shut. she again she rose to leave. “I know what you are here for. You are an American woman blocked the door. She would have had to squeeze by him.have would She the door. blocked are an “You American?”to her. he asked. ably ably a businessman, maybe even an imam. The thought made mind her drift let and she beingof a laugh, her off memories to girl lying on the sand Beach. of Mission black chest hair standing up. Sally stood up to leave, but he son son to a treat rapist? him like herself stop from glancing at from it couldn’t she her nervously place on the slatted wooden bench. Gradually she relaxed: the prob- was He in. coming not was her been eyeing had who Turk out out to lock it but then withdrew her hand, thinking she being stupid: was S at at six at Istanbul The University.” student was eager to leave. him wind watched Malcolm his through the narrow way street, goods and of rugs.leather around tables ful the of men could destroy symbol of American capitalism.” Bogikianare assistant, also and Mrs. a woman, young du Pont’s traveling with us.” 40 SCIMITAR’S EDGE like to declare your innocence while all the time youcan’twait time the all whileinnocenceyour declare to like notwhoyourhusband.”is man beforea swimsuit provocative a wearing are You finger. your on ring a without A A whatfeel mypeople feel.” go.”me suit.“Let heratpulledhe yelledas yougivewhat youwaitedwant.” forwill andme. NowI left others whenheretheYou man. in came real a with haveto sex to the lecture and learn more about the Americans’ plans.”moreaboutAmericans’ thelearn and lecture theto Wegopatient.yourclassmate must frombe Aktas. But youwill afterwards?” them offourdon’t Why all weseize woman,whatshelookdoes like?” youngwoman.” a and journalist, Washington a professor, American leading a found a group of four potential “The victims. ambassador’s wife, sounded like a muffled scream. muffled a soundedlike He heard thesoundexpected. again.thefromsauna, Coming it he than pitched higher back came echoes the of One ceiling. sing, to began and enjoyingthe sound of voice his echoing back against the sloped bath, Turkish the into meandered robe, door, but it was locked from inside. He heard another scream scream another heard He inside. from locked was it but door, t the hotel Hal had answered his e-mail. He put on his white his on put He e-mail. his answered had Hal hotel the t cross the city Zubeyir was reporting to Suleyman that he had he that Suleyman to reporting was Zubeyir city the cross “You Americans are rapists and murderers. It’s your turn to turn It’syourmurderers. and rapists are “YouAmericans she “No!” her. grabbed and trunks his down pulled He women American you how know I movies. your seen “I’ve outhere,”meof “Let demanded. Sally “Others in our group are still in Antakya, and I haven’t heard “Icould out find tomorrow. du Mrs. Pont alecture. isgiving young the “And said. Suleyman well,” done have “You e lpe hs a ars te e tl ad uhd n the on pushed and tile wet the across way his slipped He ! ! MARVIN OLASKY 41 Hal grabbed his terry cloth robe and headed upstairs to find Hal upstairs to grabbed his terry headed and robe cloth The The officer cuffed the would-be who rapist, was now awake She nodded. When nodded. She he began to speak, brushed himshe off. Hal sat on the bench and nudged the man with his foot, Sally fell silent as Hal regarded the prostrate man. “We’ve got got “We’ve man. prostrate the regarded Hal as silent fell Sally “You “You OK?” Hal asked Sally as he removed her gag, untied When manthe turned SallyHal, kneed himhistoward face Sally and the security manager. He found him reassuring her: “We take very seriously a sexual attack. You put up even movies, resistance from only America knows he if Even out. cried and if you were dressed he immodestly, should have stopped when protested.” you and and complaining. Hal asked for a translation. The woman had him, provoked and the AmericanAmerican man had beaten around slapped he buyingit: be to seem didn’t cop the But him. the perp. another years before. But he’d never wanted to killto wanted a person like never he’d But years before. another he did He now. closed his eyes and wished he could make the a see to up looked and footsteps heard he Then away. go episode local policeman standing in the door. “I’m fine. I’ll “I’m be fine.” stirring some for hoping so punch he could him again. Hal had and man recently one shot He’d things seen many as a reporter. tears, tears, pulled swimsuither up herself hugging and and shivered, rocking. “I’m so glad you came. I didn’t think anyone would Thank come. thankyou, you.” him. Can want to leave go?” you I But security. to don’t get hard where it most would hurt. He cried out and put his hands back, fell man The chin. his hammered Hal later second A down. hit his against the head and sauna bench, wooden still.lay trembling her Sally, and hands, fighting and away. back looked so he backed away and charged the door. It flew open, revealing revealing flew open, It door. the charged and away backed he so on lay She Sally. over hair leaning black thickwith man naked a gagged, mouth her and bench the under tied hands her bench, a her fulleyes of tears. that that was quickly muffled.no but received response, He shouted 42 SCIMITAR’S EDGE met just before his death in 1993. in deathmetjust Shebefore his read: Turkisha Kudret Sabahattin Aksal, andplaywrightshe poet had forprayer. call mosque’s Sultanahmet the while a for out blocking memory, her through floatedsong the as room.”smiled a Sally up warm Youpretty. so is smile “Yourforehead. her from away hair her aglow.” Mountain,all facesSunshineup Sunshine Mountain, where heavenly breezes blow. Climb, climb often sung before they quarreled, came to her: “Climb, climb up had mom her one long-forgottensong, a of words The pillow. her from olderup looked and the bed into for climbed She rest. better to woman be would it thought but happened had room.beforegoing his to turning lock the heard he and room, her entered had she until waited Hal hall. talk.”to helpwould it Maybe room. your to back you walk “I’ll said, he hell.”to Go anger. “You Turks! I’m almost raped and what I wear is to blame? do.” you of aare in part the old Roman Empire, do what the Romans attackedHeher.” Hal objected. “What does her swimsuit have to do with it? with do to have swimsuit her does “What objected. Hal hee er te al o. h ws edn te ok of work the reading was She too. call the heard Phoebe “You’re sunshine,” her mom would whisper as she smoothed what her tell and doorPhoebe’s on knock to wanted Sally the down storming retorted,too,” hell Sally to go “You can She stalked from the room. Hal followed. Outside in the hall to fear from moved had ebbing, adrenalin her with Sally, “Since replied. manager security the America,”not is “This On the asphalt, all by himself . . . . . himself by asphalt, the all On lonelinessIt’skeeps crowthathis alive the Will draw circles of light in the dark. the light in of circles draw Will night’sthe doorbellrings thatcrow The CHAPTER FOUR

hen Sally entered the dining room the next morning, Wshe saw Phoebe sitting alone at a table in front of a large window overlooking a patio, books arrayed before her. Sally smoothed out her linen skirt and took a deep breath before crossing the room. She dreaded telling Phoebe about her narrow escape. She was aware of—or maybe she imagined—knowing looks sent her way by the waiters. She imagined that lurid stories had swept through the hotel, starting with the security officer and spreading to every man who worked there. They’d all be looking at her, ogling her, imagining doing to her what had almost been done. An involuntary shiver raced down her spine. Phoebe looked up as Sally approached the table. “What a pretty dress,” she said. “That blue is perfect.” But she thought her assistant looked tired. Sally smiled and pulled out a chair. She ordered juice and coffee as Phoebe asked, “What’s wrong?”

43 44 SCIMITAR’S EDGE stopsshowthat will you what I’m aboutspeaking evening.”this sheblushed.Then cheek. the on her kissed andover bent he until Malcolm’snotice even arrival didn’t and juice her sipped She anything. pretend or versation neither had wanted. was Sally glad she didn’t have to make con- intimacy an after awkwardfelt both other,but each at glanced visit.”we’ll both ironing. shirt needing and khakis his before, day the as same the almost dressed in came who Hal, at waved and up looked she Instead details. for press didn’t strong, was Sally that grateful Phoebe, now.Really. happened,I’mNothing and fine.” her“I’m fine troubles.return. in Shesqueezedherhandandsmiled with Phoebe burden to not determined herself, Sally paper.gathered like skin dry the hers, against birdlike tremble it Hal’sdon’theadI off. thinking.”whatknowwas I bit almost I “ButPhoebe. at lookedupgrateful.”She been have would “You’d all I tears. back think blinked her.She it to back come made words the saying Even plate. her at down looked normal.evencounton.Itseemedso come had expect—and to guess I you’d but abouthearit eventually.” you, worry to want don’t I all. at sleep couldn’t I et te te tre n ak Ee tog te rn windows front the though Even back. in three other the seat, Sally shook her head. “Something happened last night,and happenedlast “Somethinghead. shook her Sally They slid into a taxi at the hotel entrance. Hal sat in the front two make we’ll morning “This books. hergathered Phoebe They distraction. the for grateful both were Hal and Sally places the about book this at look “Come smiled. Phoebe expensive.”“It’s still “I’mforeverything.”paying “It’sexpensive.” “Youservice,”hotel laundry theknowPhoebe has said. “I’m glad you’re this so taking well. I would be traumatized.” felt Sally assistant’shand.her took and outreached Phoebe me.”saved Sally Hal sauna. the in me rape to tried “A man Sally reaction a nervously, hair her twist to began Phoebe MARVIN OLASKY 45 its Hal power,” said, catching on. “It’s like Mount is “We “We have to leave now Phoebe anyway,” said. “I’ll ask the Sally came him beside funny? “What’s and asked, something just in on the “Oh, the board.” position Phoebe, now alongside, heard that comment. “You see a would It kibitzers. like don’t players “Chess again. smiled Hal They They wandered through the graveyard just outside where Malcolm Malcolm protested: “This tomb is too simple to exhibit “That Finally he pulled up in front of Fatih Mosque. Phoebe asked asked Finally Phoebe pulled he inup Mosque. of Fatih front writ- puzzlement room, undecorated the around looked Sally Phoebe smiled: “You’re right. It’s not the most beautiful be be rude to say anything.” She said time “It’s in to driver.” go, but Turkish, my friend here has a suggestion for Phoebe you.” translated the response: “He his suggestion.’” make should He do. to what know ‘I don’t says, checkmate sequence, don’t you?” don’t sequence, checkmate stone stone turbans and fezzes topped the headstones marking the burial plots of officials. They walked out to the street and spot- ted their taxi driver sitting board, the at at glanced a over, walked Hal coffee. café drinkingTurkish a table playing chess and and smiled. Vernon: unostentatious.” Vernon: power.” place place architecturally. Its significance is historical. The church for burialByzantine emperors once stood on this site, but in front of you now is the sarcophagus of Mehmet, conqueror of Constantinople in It 1453. symbolizes the Ottoman Empire at strongest.” its him to led wait while the partshe one group inside of it. this why one?” ten on all “Of her face. in the mosques Turkey, The The driver zipped through narrow lanes, sped down alleys, and discover to only hill a of top the reached he Once hills. up roared narrow too was street the Since way. other the up coming truck a back the to taxihad he the hill down two vehicles, for and wait truckthe pass. to for were were cracked a few inches, the taxi reeked of cigarette smoke. 46 SCIMITAR’S EDGE dumb of me to suggest talking about it. That’s the last thing thing you’d last do.”wantto the That’s it. about talking suggest to me of dumb was rude.” I me. saved you after night last about sorry I’m way, the showtolooking off.” helpedPhoebe waitedSallyintoas nextthetaxi to Hal. threw two bills on the table, cigarette, and his trotted on over dragto the final cab. Malcolm a took then driver The hand. Hal’s native but to resign. Both chess players looked, smiled, and shook alter-no opponentwithdriver’s the leave would that sequence aitr f gas tics md o Bcaa cytl bt she but itaway.yanked crystal, Baccarat of made staircase glass a the of along banister hand her running been had Sally this?” for pay to world,”the in brochure.the from readingsaid, he and then pointed at a chandelier the“Thein heaviestballroom: afford to enough professors its those.” pays Columbia if doubt “I services. dessert and tea, dinner,gold of collection a examined Absolutelygorgeous. youCan imagine living here?” wonderful.is Malcolm,“This to said andfireplacesroom’s four the of one offront stoppedin Sallyreceptionornateroom. the Phoebe’sinterestedyourinsights.”be “I’ll in lips: playedsmileonWorld little A after WarI. fell Empire Ottoman the until 1856 from sultans the for home Palace, Dolmabahce seemed he a, ih hee rnltn, one ot three-move a out pointed translating, Phoebe with Hal, Sally climbed into the taxi thinking, thinking, taxi the into climbed Sally was it and attacked, been had You it. about worry “Don’t “By back. smiledsilentweremoment. Theyfor a Sally Then playedkid.”“I a smiled.muchtoo as Hal youweren’tthatit like I “Wow,And chess! know youreally Hal looked Hal “How up: many people had to die or enslavedbe next the to room one from walked he as smiled Malcolm they as said Hal sellers,” best more write to have “He’d through strolled they and tickets, their bought Phoebe . But Phoebe turned her attention to their next stop: next their to attention her turned Phoebe But . e s’ a culs as clueless as isn’t He MARVIN OLASKY 47 , , he thought. But when he Malcolm Malcolm walked out of the hotel and to a shop down the Malcolm Malcolm turned to Sally. “I guess that leaves you and me. Sally took a deep breath. She didn’t want to be alone. The Hal said, “I need to write a column.” When Phoebe gave him gave Phoebe When column.” a write to need “I said, Hal By By the time they reached the hotel, face Phoebe’s was gray When When the Americans returned to the taxi after shaking all As they looked for their taxi, a busload of schoolchildren “You’re “You’re asking the right question,” Phoebe said. “The block block they had passed in the morning. The prices were touristy fresh a on put hisroom, to went he Then matter. didn’t that but shirt, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair carefully before scanning the room service menu and calling to order This lunch. could be a memorable afternoon but but since they were leaving the next it day, didn’t seem worth changing. want to She go and didn’t out, make Malcolm would few a me give “But said. she room,” “My faster. go afternoon the minutes.” Could I order room service for both of us? You could relax either either relax could You us? of both for service room order I Could in room or my yours.” had that seen she as hotel so her the beautiful creeps, gave now with exhaustion. “I need to rest and think through my lecture a think and my through rest to need “I exhaustion. with murmured. she more,” bit her pointed classroom look, he quickly added, “I’m addicted to writing. of I Ifdays, the a get for it I shakes.” couple without go the hands thrust their way, Malcolm reached into his pocket for a a for pocket his into reached Malcolm way, their thrust hands com- the a make to about was Hal sanitizer. hand Purell of bottle small him keep dare to to seemed She his eye. caught Sally when ment go. it let and smile knowing a with himself satisfied he so quiet pulled pulled up in front of the palace. As the children poured out of and hands, their out grins, held shy with up ran several bus, the said, “Hello. Pleased to meet you. Are you American? How do like English?”my you Ottoman Ottoman Empire had from moved hard simplicity to soft deca- dence. The less there was to be proud of, the more last pride sultans the displayed. They tried to buy love and respect and up withended neither.” 48 SCIMITAR’S EDGE who,went,storythe broughthad attack. the on looking and eyes that roamed the room looking for the woman before letting the waiter in. He tried to ignore the waiter’s know- don’t have to see anyone.” He waited untilshe’dYou closed the door bathroom. the into go nervous, you make they “If pered, him. against felt herelax her until back her rubbed through go to had you that.” Wanting sorry comfort, she moved closer I’m to him, and he gently night. last about heard “I well.aggressiveas be to tunity talking. kept she Or maybe, now way that he was herin bedroom, he’d the use the oppor- idiot, an was she think He’d food. aboutremarks ofsillyweather, the stream a view,the lovelythe likeafool. the nervousness All and tension outpoured of her in babbling began and open, it flung door, the to flew she name, butnow that she wasalone thehotel,in cameitback toall her. palace,the tomband visitedthe they as mind her ofout attack night’slastput shivering.had She startedalmost she yet warm, room where a marble-topped iron table and two chairs sat. It was intake of breath on the other end.othertheintakebreath onof asked that the food be delivered to Sally’s room, he heard a quick S pocket.into his purchased justhadpackage hetissue-wrapped the and keycard the jammed He receiver. the through leering almost was man yesterday’s after woman assault. That’s beautiful unfortunate all.” a such comfort to tunity ly pnd h Fec dos ht e t a acn of her off balcony a to led that doors French the opened ally When room service knocked, Sally started. Malcolm whis- Malcolm started. Sally knocked, service room When said, and gently hand her took He not. did Malcolm But her said Malcolm when but froze, and knock a heard She acl akd o mr ifrain n rcie i; the it; received and information more for asked Malcolm Apolite cough: “Please, take no offense, sir. Only the oppor- youdomean?” “What woman’s“To American the room?Youman.”lucky a are ! MARVIN OLASKY 49 , , she I I could fall asleep ,” ,” he said, pointing to a soup tarhana tarhana corbast Then Then they sat on the balcony and looked out over the sur- Sally toyed with her food, shrugging apologetically. “I don’t “I don’t Sallywith toyed her food, shrugging apologetically. When the waiter left, Malcolm knocked softly on the bath- “Thank you. I’ll go now and let He you rest reached more.” Sally had heard lots of lines in her day, and most were better better were most and day, in her lines of lots heard had Sally “It’s “It’s beautiful, just like the ones at the Blue Mosque.” She with said, pleased It gave Malcolm her reaction. “Iznik tile,” When she woke up, Malcolm was stillMalcolm reading Walker there, up, When woke she the benefit of his students, yet he never the had benefit of office hishe never yet hours. students, under in came sun mid-afternoon the When mosques. rounding the overhang, Sally closed her eyes and let its warm rays bathe her face. She felt herself finally relaxing. have much of an appetite,” she said. Malcolm offered her amus- offered her said. Malcolm she anof appetite,” much have inclasses his taught Somerset professors. famous ing tales about pajamas. Liptendirt became so nervous that once a month he used but was blind Blender class. the entire of threw in up front his grab seniority to an office was for with saying views, great it made made with and tomatoes red peppers. “Phoebe that mentioned was it a specialty.” room door. He pointed to the food laid out on the balcony table. table. balcony the on out laid food the to pointed He door. room “I hope you like fix. “Malcolm, if you knew me better, you wouldn’t say that, but but that, say wouldn’t you better, me knew if you fix. “Malcolm, a gentleman.” such being and with me staying your I appreciate out, brushed back a stray strand of hair, and kissed her gently on the cheek. for pushing too hard. Maybe I’m too used to New York life. You life. You pushing too used for too hard. to New I’m York Maybe remind and could goodness purityme of what are.” than but Malcolm’s, he seemed yearningly sincere as he deliv- ered his. he Maybe was that a she had the fixer-upper means to shades of blue, green, and of red. blue, shades surface, her tracingfingers the tile’s over the moved pattern. apologize to a further.little push want do “I to him the courage realized; and after not sleeping the night before, the thought Soon was she dozing. was welcome. Percy. He smiled and handed her the present, watching as she in design geometric a by covered tile hand-painted a unwrapped 50 SCIMITAR’S EDGE her mind the events of the last few minutes.eventsfewlastthethe of mind her A hc h hd re t io atr hcig h pie fr the for prices the hotel’s checking services. dry-cleaning after iron to tried had he which “AnViewTerrorism.”of lecture, formal herAmerican Ottoman softness.”Ottoman audienceThe applauded. to response in acted Ataturk, Kemal Mustafa great republic,the some people and leads them to toughen up. The founder of your upsets rightly “Softness Empire. Ottoman the of decadence the opposed who others from centuries twentieth early and teenth nine- the in support receivedWahhabis that notedShe Arabia. Saudinow whatis in eighteenthcentury the Wahhab in Abdul internationalgreat respect. of her asand a kind knowledgeable older lady but not one given think tocome had They Hal. and Malcolm surprised culture of Turkey’sfrom minister receivedPhoebe introduction warm the happened that would warrant such a wrathful countenance.” wrathful happeneda suchwouldthat warrant expression is quite forbidding, Hal. Surely nothing so terrible has “That face: scowling his noticed and notes her from uplooked toon character who always walked a amid cloud of dust. Phoebe taxi. a toherled and arm his offeredhe stunning,”as look you “Sally, saying, mood, new her into entered girlishly.Malcolm chattered neck, her around pearls of strand and single ankles a her skimmed that shift black figure-hugging a in second had Hal thoughts. tailored, custom been had it like fitting suit pin-striped crisp, his with arrived Malcolm when But thought. t five p.m. they all met in the lobby to accompanytotoPhoebe lobby the in met all theyp.m. five t Sally lay back in the bed, holding the tile and replaying in in replaying and tile the holding bed, the in back lay Sally a cm dw t te ob waig i od le blazer, blue old his wearing lobby the to down came Hal Phoebe explained the radical ideology developed by Ibn Ibn by developed ideology radical the explained Phoebe campus, Beyazit University’s Istanbul of auditorium the In Phoebe was distracted by thoughts of her lecture, but Sally,but lecture, her ofthoughts by distracted was Phoebe Hal trailed behind, feeling a bit like Pigpen, the bitaPigpen, likefeeling behind, trailed Hal ! Itcost more thanthecoat’s worth Peanuts car- , he, MARVIN OLASKY 51 “But “But what if you seize not land but our souls? What if you to closer move to began and darklyman young the eyed Hal She She replied, “You should understand one large difference The The room erupted with led by applause the minister of cul- Among those crowding around Phoebe to shake her hand Phoebe Phoebe emphasized the Muslim tradition that considers She continued: “Today’s She Wahhab continued: terrorists, “Today’s like Osama bin carefully to the conversation. Every time a Turkish man came shrink to and seemed withinclenching she herself, her, to close He hair. of tugging lock a at fista occasionally and unclenching grabbed Malcolm armher but tried her, hispush to toward way entice us?”entice side. She Phoebe’s saw his motion and smiled, waving him off. He turned to see Sally, standing off a bit to the side, listening Rome, and Russia?” Rome, between those empires and the United States. When American soldiers lose their lives in other countries, the only land we ask is for the ground in which to bury them.” was was Zubeyir Uruk, still wearing pushed lectureand the during notes his copious taken had He shirt. University of Bosphorus his way through to “What the ask a crowd Phoebe do question. you say to Turks who want to oppose the United States in the such other great as empires, Persia, our fought way predecessors ture. “Thank you for your honest and brave remarks,” he said. and we you and offer welcome your you “We friends to Turkey, travels.” your as our continue you protection terrorist terrorist attacks against civilians immoral and saying, concluded “Turkey by is right to fight Suleyman your Hasan. I am is and tough, glad I that amTurkey glad little bin Ladens, like to be a friend of Turkey.” Laden, have chosen a destructive form of toughening up. Two of of Two up. toughening of form destructive a chosen have Laden, the wrote September hijackers 11 in their ‘The notebooks, time of fun I could and agree waste has with gone.’ that, but there is a better way to toughen up: hard Work to gain economic pros- perity on the own. your Help poor to do the same.” 52 SCIMITAR’S EDGE aboutattemptedreactionsto rape?” Phoebe. ledherjustandtooutsidewaitfor back door,theturned Hal so Malcolmgrinned. unique.”be will experienceyou the assure I house this andenjoy Turkisha beauty. You have towill pay, but youit. “If wantwhileactionyoupatient, are you couldcome to group says.” He gave Malcolm a slip of paper address an with on woman?” that success with follow.to forhim waiting not Phoebe,” find to going “I’m said, and Malcolm to turned she you.”Then met have to pleasure a “It’sher. around tightly for you.” anything do would I slave. your be “You would shyly. I said beautiful. are Zubeyir girls,’” California be could all they Hollywoodmovies.ofbecause California knew asked,and“Are California?” youfrom market.theYou in invitedcome.”tome yesterdaypolitely.met “Wesaid Zubeyir shoulder.“Professor?” he mill.”for his into thatgrist can’t turn happens nothing you, guarantee I reporter. reporter, a a always Once it. see would Hal how “That’s horse. a tling “Don’t men always end up paying in some fashion?” fashion?” some in paying up end always men “Don’t study my of leader the what “That’s laughed. student The “OneMalcolmsmiled.patient.”must be having you “Are eyes. wolfish with her followed Zubeyir more shawl her wrapped and smile stiff a him gave Sally wish ‘I singing, poets your of one to listening up grew “I Turkssupposedquizzically.She him eyed and nodded Sally her atintently stared He Sally.to him introduced Malcolm As Sally pondered that, a young man tapped Malcolm on the gen- if as hair soft her smoothing close, her drew Malcolm “I’mattacked,it’sand story?” a story his for you study can he “So asked. Malcolm “Why?” “Let’sforwaitHal,” said. Sally MARVIN OLASKY 53 ! “She’s Mrs. du Pont’s assistant. She is She magnificent.” assistant. Mrs. du Pont’s “She’s Suleyman twisted “Then his willit mustache. be even more “Good “Good work,” Suleyman said. “You’ve done better than from California?” blonde “A “That’s what my friend at the police station said. How did “And the others?” “And Izmir to they go me of wine. He told smelled “The professor “What do you have for me?” for “What have do you “I saw three of them—maybe the fourth. The ambassador’s “Very nice hotel. You will You see the nice hotel. best “Very of Izmir there.” “Tomorrow “Tomorrow night you are in Izmir? Where do you stay, if Malcolm took from his pocket an itinerary: “The Hilton. Zubeyir seemed in no hurry to go although the crowd had n n a crowded neighborhood of winding stone streets and two- you know?” you of a pleasure to meet this group of four. to Let Aktas what happened be a lesson to you: Control yourself. We must be your your Bosphorus that roommate, fool Aktas. He tried to rape an American the at ScimitarRoyal last night.” wife is an old woman, wrinkled from the sun, and well-respected by those in intelligent the clearly though room.” she is they the at stay where Hilton.” tomorrow, the the door flew open, letting in the pungent and incense. odor Zubeyir closed the of door and waited perfume for Suleyman to address him. story houses crammed together without room for lawns or trees, or lawns for room without together crammed houses story Suleyman sprawled on a soiled couch, waiting for Zubeyir to return. From below he heard music, muffled voices, and occa- quickly tapped up Then the stairsfootsteps and laughter. sional I Why do you Why ask?”do you thinned and Malcolm could see Phoebe and the others begin- ning to make him.their toward way I ask.” may 54 SCIMITAR’S EDGE as the man pulled the trigger.the pulled man the as MalcolmpushedSally,downmoved Hal protecttoandPhoebe, they saw a man pointing a atgun them. He yelled, “Americans!” Hal and Malcolm were absorbed in their own thoughts. Suddenly plishing the mission.”the plishing committed.disciplinedandDon’t keepletyou accom-sex from P hoebe and Sally chatted as they stepped out of the cab,while the ofout stepped they as chatted Sally and hoebe ! CHAPTER FIVE

n the hotel roof for a celebratory dinner, Phoebe ordered Ogrilled bluefish, red mullet, and bonito for all, along with a cold dish of eggplant stuffed with chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, and parsley, stewed in olive oil. “It’s called imam baytldt,” she explained, “It means ‘the imam fainted’ because the concoction was so tasty.” “I almost fainted when I saw Police Director Kuris shooting blanks at us,” Sally said. “That was a cheap stunt,” Hal said. “You’re lucky no one had a heart attack.” “It was necessary,” the policeman said stiffly, unused to criticism of the sort Hal was throwing out. “You Americans are much too casual about security. You think, ‘It can never happen to me.’ I wanted to show you just how quickly it can happen to you. Turkey is one place where your American citizenship does not guarantee privileges.” Dinner at first was an awkward affair. Hal’s anger smoldered. Was it the Turkish cop with his ramrod straight posture who

55 56 SCIMITAR’S EDGE rn a drink I’ll And it. derision—“forbids with term the loaded man”—he police- the before merry be and drink, Eat, more.“One waiter, Don’tyour own.”onguidelines. some practicalgooff why I’ll travel the rest of the way you.with Now let me give you That’s ago. weeks several talked I and Phoebe when than thought seriousI more matter, serious a still is this but small, are caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain remain and vigilant.” profile, low a keep judgment, good and caution to willingness attack Western targets. Americans should exercise joked,“We’re Wecaution throwwind.”Americans. the to olnt iue u Sly Ws h ecuaig acl or Malcolm encouraging she Was Sally. out figure couldn’t He ear. lovely her into whisper and close lean to opportunity Sally’sunspokenrequests? attentiveso toMalcolm, itwhowas was oroff, him setting was advisory advisory Departmentfor Americans: “Terrorists State in Turkey just-issued a read and strawberry a into bit atSally. suringly make the rest of the trip much more relaxing.” She nodded reas- should “It observed. Phoebetrip,” our throughout security for police the discovered history.interest in an had director who Hal, including name, first his by Kemal calling everyonewas wine, of bottles several and dinner merelytolerating him? in Turkey may find your group a tempting target, and they do they and target, tempting a group your find Turkeymay in Terroristswander.not should you of rest the Pont,but du Mrs. shouldkeepsober.”me waiter’sthe grabbed Hearm. acl serd pitd o i rk, n bre a the at barked and raki, his to pointed sneered, Malcolm trouble encountering of chances “Our firm. was Kemal raki Malcolmdowned his and rind the to down watermelon of piece his scraped Hal Malcolm signaled to the waiter for baklava and raki as Kemal us to Kemalgovernment assignedthe that grateful are “We leisurely a After changed. table the at mood the Gradually every took Malcolm as table the across from watched Hal ea sold t acl: M asgmn i t protect to is assignment “My Malcolm: at scowled Kemal shalgam lo Ta mxue f et n cro juice carrot and beet of mixture That also. : “Danger is our middlename.” our “Dangeris

show an increasing MARVIN OLASKY 57 The ! is working.” shalgam “I “I know I love you. I want you. I Hisneed you.” voice took Sally softened toward him. In his now rumpled clothes he “Malcolm, you’ll wake up everyone. Go away.” wake up everyone. you’ll “Malcolm, pushed He you.” need I Besides, work. doesn’t key My can’t. “I Sally shook her drunk.head. “You’re know don’t You what “Iss Malcolm. Let“Iss Malcolm. me in.” drunk.” You’re Malcolm. “Go away, He pounded again until he heard the lock turn and saw He stumbled to Sally’s door He and door to stumbled Sally’s knocked. there?” was on nervous the “Who’s other side. voice Sally’s Phoebe yawned. “We’re leaving Phoebe Istanbul yawned. “We’re at seven tomorrow Sally twisted her pearl necklace around her finger. “What “Be alert to surroundings.” your think don’t “I toast. sour a inraki of glass his raised Malcolm alcolm stood outside his door, fumbling with his keycard. Put Put keycard. hisfumbling with door, his outside stood alcolm you’re saying.” you’re on a tone. pleading less like looked the and self-assured like professor more a needy his way into the room and reached clumsily for her. She wrapped wrapped She her. for clumsily reached and room the into way his grasp. his avoided and waist her around tightly more robe her Sally’s Sally’s fresh-scrubbed face peeking around the door. God, she was beautiful. Sally. She’ll help me, though I want her Sally. don’t to see too I’m drunk to get in my door. Maybe she’ll feel sorry for me, want to fix me. a smile to hisloopy face. brought thought it it in. Red light. Put it in. Red the light. Where’s green He light? dropped the card to the floor and almost fell as over he bent to fetch it. He looked up and down the corridor and saw no one. M the the we retire.” I morning. suggest them, for they them, for will with toy you.” not else can we do?” terrible terrible things to those they see as enemies. Do not toy with 58 SCIMITAR’S EDGE landed sloppily on her cheek. He stumbled down the hall past hall the down stumbled He cheek. her onsloppily landed youtomorrow,see “I’ll Malcolm.” She turned him around and pushed him gently toward the door. person. famous this help could she that herself told She child. the lecture had given him the address of a whorehouse.a ofaddress the him givenhad lecture the tried to remember where it had come from. Right: the student at piecethe ofpaper. It contained Istanbul.addressMalcolm in an heWhile waited for the desk clerk to recode card, his he opened pocket for his key card and grabbed it along with a slip of paper. lookedphotoherat Andrew.of “I’mlonely,” so shetold him. she Then received. had sheapplause the about thinking room, her in satshe footstepsas the heard She bed. her besidetable a did every night, with a photo of her late husband propped up on Phoebe’sroom. sensual. A grin spread across his face. He thanked the clerk for clerk the thanked He face. his across spread grin A sensual. himself, win this time—but only this time.” this only time—but this win yourcorpse.”entertain youfor disorderlyarrest conduct.” will yourroom,I wantyougo.”to “Goingsomewhere,whencalled, Kemal taxi Mr.Edwards?” his key and weaved through the lobby. He was heading out for a acl frt thought, first Malcolm his into reached He desk. front the to stumbled Malcolm she as Bible the of chapters four reading was Phoebe Inside kiss the so head her turned She her. kiss to down bent He Malcolm headed upstairs, muttering under his breath,“You his undermuttering headedupstairs, Malcolm to glad be would who terrorists meet never you hope “I “Fascist.” to don’t youreturn if country, myand is it’sThis not.“No, country.” free a “Iss notwould I sober,were you if even and you’re“No,drunk, “Yesh.business.”My Why not?Why He had the money. would Everything be con- hts o right not That’s ! Bt hn e asked he then But . MARVIN OLASKY 59 Hal’s Hal’s You’re only the You’re subject of a ! she reminded herself. Phoebe smiled. “I hope so. I love this land so much. Andrew much. so this land love I so. hope “I smiled. Phoebe Kemal drove off the ferry with the roomy Opel that would Sally pulled her hair into a ponytail and dragged on a Malcolm Malcolm stumbled into the restaurant, his eyes mere slits He He acknowledged the compliment with an embarrassed Phoebe’s voice betrayed voice a Phoebe’s touch of irritation as she told her s s the ferry took them south across the Sea of Marmara, Sally s s Sally a into early the juicy bit next apricot morning, Phoebe be their traveling home for the struggled to fit the into the trunkluggage next as Malcolm stood off week. Hal and Kemal to the side and Phoebe pursed watched. her lips disapprovingly and told him, “Kemal is not your servant. I expect you to treat I know it I is.” know it and I had many good years always felt here. like It’s my second a to share with delight it so all.” it’s you home, them. them. “You’ll burn,” Phoebe walked up behind her. “Do you a hat?” have Phillies cap. Impulsively she turned woman. “Thank and you for hugged bringing the me. It’s older going to be great. breathed breathed in the sea air and watched the city disappear behind instant instant of shared amusement before she caught herself. not your friend, grin. “That’s what the man in the hotel shop called it. In my calljust we blue.” it neighborhood and his furrowed brow with pain. Then Sally spotted his shoes: one brown penny loafer, one black. Her eyes met Hal’s in an rejoiced that her assistant looked rested and buoyant once again. again. once buoyant and rested looked assistant her that rejoiced She also eyed Hal fondly as he her approached table. “Is that a new shirt, Hal? The color becomes you. What do they call it, periwinkle?” story. He grimacedto hurry. and nephew gulped two cups of coffee. A A 60 SCIMITAR’S EDGE drove south, they entered rural areas where fields spread beforespread fieldswhere areas enteredrural theysouth,drove they middle.As the in sitting Sally with back, the in others the mentpitchedand in. professionalthe likeis.” he him Malcolmacceptedchastise- her ered her hair completely, hair herered eyesheronlyuncovered.leaving cov- goldscarf A lace. hand-crocheted of squares selling ahead, once reigned. A womanthin in a pink blouse sat by the pathway Baskin-Robbers. than “Better suc-ream,I yousuc-ream,suc-ream forca-ream.”iceweall voice: his lifted vendor cream ice An added. another Wal-Mart,” than “Cheaper yelled. one for pleaded Target,” trinkets “Cheaper than ruins. the toentrance the templenear business and figurines goddess of Sellers hill. a on city impregnableapparently and glistening, shining, a apex its of Revelation book as “the throne of theSatan”, in they could see how it to was at referred Zeus, ago of altar century the like a highlights Berlin of to away carting the and destruction of millennia two Despite Pergamum. of acropolis the above rose knit.”and these six-inch needles. you’dIf like, I’ll show you how to cast on usealways colorsbrightand in yarns soft outpick “I it.did she ing down at the pattern. Sally leaned forward and asked her how Oakleys. Malcolmhis putonbacks. their on carried they sticks of bundles the of weight the from over hunched along, middle of fields. Women the wearing long in skirts and scarves trudged structures straw-covered or wagons their under resting down and up hills. small lines straight in marched trees fruit of Groves them like patterned Turkish in shades carpets of gold and green. They walked past the scattered pediments where pride had pride where pediments scattered the past walked They disappeared. since long had Pergamum glorious that But ruins marble white Bergama, of town modern the Above “Please,”“I’dsaid. learn.”toSally like look-neverhat, baby a workedon Phoebe seat front the In work, their from broke farmers warmer, became day the As Kemal, with front the in Phoebe car, the into settled They MARVIN OLASKY 61 Hal scribbled rapidly in his notebook, interrupting occasion- interrupting notebook, his in rapidly scribbled Hal Malcolm frowned: “Take her story skeptically. She sees a “She’s “She’s a widow with six children, she says. Some days she “Of “Of course,” Hal said, holding out two five-lira notes. The “She “She may not answer. As you can see from the scarf, she’s He did, then turned back to Hal. “She’ll answer a few ques- Hal was crestfallen. He pulled his reporter’s notebook out of out Hal was crestfallen. notebook He pulled his reporter’s Hal shook his head. “Too much,” he said, ignoring Sally’s Hal handed the piece of lace to Sally with a small She bow. “I’ll “I’ll show you how to bargain,” Hal said. He picked up the said, and English of words those understood woman old The “How exquisite,” “How Sally exquisite,” exclaimed, as she fumbled through ally to ask another question. Finally he was finished, and told “I learned a the lot.” others as they walked away, group of rich Americans and us.” knows exactly to play how sells many pieces—especially when a bus are What alone. afraidhere sitting not comes. She’s tourists. no sees she Other days her choices? She has to feed her children. It may take her two or three hours to make a square.” tions, but she says ifsays she tions, but be talks she crocheting.” can’t she to you, woman nodded, and Kemal and Hal squatted down before her. Phoebe, Sally, and Malcolm listened answers. to of the translations woman’s Kemal’s Hal’s questions and for me? I’ll for her.” pay her but money, your take to glad be She’ll Muslim. anobservant Let me her. ask.” watching resting nearby, is probably husband accepted accepted it uncertainly. “It’s beautiful, but I feel bad that you bargained for it. That extra means a $1.40 lot more to her than to you.” translating some do you “Would Kemal. at waved and pocket his frown. frown. He held out a five-lira bill and accepted she and bill two one-lira another added He head. ones. her shook The woman it. her her purse lira.some for much?” “How lace and coldly, asked dollars. seven which was about lira,” “Ten 62 SCIMITAR’S EDGE fully at his side. athis fully dog. snacksaved tossedandforafternoon it breakfast an from to the hadheroll a pocket his tookfrom Hal throat.her from coming Efes beer.Efes of bottles clicked They effort.” classic but small a be will This for us between the bombings. Those are necessary but inartistic. oldschool.” rifles: attack others?” the ing the around ran away, vehicle.foundhas“Zubeyir foursome.the Have youtrain- been running from them keep to together hobbledTwo chickens, dirt. of patch a on front in parked van Ford green the with Izmir, to highway the on house rundown B G ufacturing lay in heapsufacturing along the other. “Look at those chickens factories Huge Izmir. of loomed on one side of city the highway, and rubble big from brick man- the to again south heading light—beforeand fresh all eggplantonion-peppersoufflés, mix, melodies. than rather attacks like sounded calls the sooverlapping bursts in butchoir a wentmosquelike mosque,fromto unison not in cry Below,undulating the begun. prayerhad for call the where valley the over out looked they top the From the Empire. Roman in steepest the theater, stone ten-thousand-seat ancient, fr laig egmm te mrcn cibd p the up climbed Americans the Pergamum, leaving efore reetings, brother.” Suleyman hugged Trafik as they met in a in met they as Trafik hugged brother.” Suleyman reetings, An An emaciated mutt headed toward them, dull plaintive yelps Sally watched Hal wander off, his new friend trotting hope- trotting friendnew his off,watchedwander Hal Sally “Good. This mission will be a good team-building exercise team-building good a be will mission This “Good. no necessary, if pistol Scimitar, instructed. you as “Yes, hy tpe fr lt lnh of lunch late a for stopped They ! ! mezes oie, tomato- a —olives, MARVIN OLASKY 63 ,” Kemal said sadly. Kemal said sadly. ,” gecekondus Suddenly Sally put her hand on Hal’s arm. It tingled all over. over. all tingled It arm. Hal’s on hand her put Sally Suddenly as face her see could he that so seat, his in turnedlittle Hal a The The discussion drifted away, and after a while Hal could Malcolm Malcolm nodded, “If I can help in that process, Phoebe, let glad “I’m smiled. she can,” you way a about later you tell “I’ll Phoebe objected. “Malcolm, you don’t know ordinary Turks. ordinary Turks. know don’t you “Malcolm, objected. Phoebe “Langston “Langston Hughes,” Malcolm said. “It ends ‘that cannot won- you make it “Doesn’t smiled. she know,” you’d knew “I Malcolm nodded. “I know I’d do anything to avoid being Sally asked Malcolm, “Isn’t there a poem that goes some- “We call “We those types of places She She whispered, “You mentioned your grandfather once. What was he like?” him. surprised question the that indication no gave He talked. he that’s your attitude.” your that’s see Phoebe’s head nodding gently, the clicking of her needles silenced. He stared out the orchards passing by. window at the lush fields and for for their families. When Andrew was ambassador, he used to micro-enterprises.” them talk develop we could help how about me know.” poor. poor. It seems to me that if you can’t afford the finer hardly worth things,life’s living.” of view romantic a have and poetry love they but poor, are Many hope create and can businesses build they help little a With life. fly.’” dreams der there live what who have?” the people stream. stream. “Peasants from the countryside have moved in there. They are our poor.” new broken- a is die/Lifedreams if dreams/for to fast ‘Hold like, thing winged bird—’ the remember rest.” I can’t “You could translate that as ‘shantytown,’ but it means literally, means it literally, but that as translate could ‘shantytown,’ “You cor- and scrap of made shacks to pointed He night.’” the in ‘built buriedalmost that a little garbage of piles metal next to rugated dwelling dwelling with a van in parked front. hobbled together,” Sally laughed, as they passed by a ramshackle ramshackle a by passed they as laughed, Sally together,” hobbled 64 SCIMITAR’S EDGE young. He made a game of horror: Every time I learned a good a learned I time Every horror: of game a made Heyoung. whenwas he Armenians Turkishmillion theover ofa massacre children late. My father said it was because he was so wrecked by been eighty-six, and I was about seven. He had and hadmarried havemust He porch. the on chessplayed we that remember “I be their slaves. Those who survived toldslaves.story.” their whothe survived Those be womentoraped the ofsomekept women.pregnantThey open be killed with one bullet. They impaled several babies and ripped another. They fired bullets down the line to see how many could row,a in placedone behind them and tookchildren they Then “Tellme!” right.” travel?” forrelaxing talk wives.” earshottheir of in men the netedall bayo- they day next The women. the raped and women from men separated soldiersTurkish The you?’ save doesn’the Why now? Christ your is ‘Where saying, by him taunted and eyes, theothers surrendered, soldiers the priest, seized gouged out his when But survived. somehow and granddad my with out hid frontthem.”of in genocideofstill was know?century The “It seems in retrospect that they were naïve, but how could they you.”like weretrusting, They unharmed. wouldtheybe the Turkish commander announced that if the villagers gave up, Finally men.many killed and village his Turkish burned troops when child small a holocaust.was He Armenian the preludeto 1890s the about me told he opening Lopez Ruy the learned I story.”massacre toldhescary opening, achessme “All right. When noon came, the soldiers prayed to Allah. Allah. to prayed soldiers the came, noon When right. “All open. wide eyes with Hal at looking insisted, Sally “No!” do,”“Malcolm’syoureally said.don’t “IHal probablythink this.”“Shh,”wanthearto “I said. Sally “Pleasanttightly.smirked: MalcolmHal’s arm gripped Sally “They retorted. weren’tgreat-grandparentsnaïve,” Hal “My overheardHal’sandstory.woke Phoebeup interrupted, She loved“I stories,the hewanted andtough. metobe day The chess.” forreward“Strangestudying MARVIN OLASKY 65 , Pragmatic Pragmatic Progressivism ! , , an oven-cooked greasy lamb leg served on pita long coats that covered a woman from her head to her her to head her from woman a covered that coats long Despite Despite Phoebe’s pleading for peace, the two warring sons Kemal, Kemal, seeing the argument growing, excused himself to Hal replied, “You feed all Hal “You of appetites.” your replied, life.” to enjoy know how don’t “You sneered, Malcolm Malcolm asked, “What thinkdo asked, Malcolm you of that book?” She looked up and did a double take: Dr. “You’re Edwards. “If you want to see the conflict of cultures within Turkey,” Hal eyed Sally to see how she’d taken his story. She was firin kebabi t t the hotel restaurant a pianist mixed Broadway hits from jawed at each other some more until Malcolm announced, “I’m until at each more announced, “I’m other some Malcolm jawed going to my He room.” strode but a away, blonde sitting alone himat a by table the door brought to a restaurant halt. was She drinking Turkish coffee and reading check check in with his office: “I spend much of my time at Ankara so directingheadquarters around the country, many operations it is a pleasure for me to get for outside a time. I Yet must keep in contact.” of of bread with onion, and asked for more. “Not all of us are stoics like Hal.” the the fifties with songs from the Carpenters. Hal the ate women had salads, little but Malcolm moved through and an entrée with the book propped in front of her so that the back cover was was cover back the that so her of front in propped book the with walking. to anyone visible What a coincidence!” A charshafs, ankles, leaving only her uncovered. eyes dress.” women how at Kemal offered, “look quiet, quiet, and he worried that he’d said too much. They were all relieved when Kemal drove them into downtown Izmir, which was familiar yet foreign. Men heading three-button wore home dress white suits shirtswith short-sleeve and square-toed shoes. beige to tank from tops variedenormously, clothes women’s But 66 SCIMITAR’S EDGE of Malcolm than we hopedwefor.” Malcolmthan of outmore even get could we think me make about talked I and his pocket. I want to be here when he wakes up. A few he things asleep. bed, the sprawledon owner their as pants and coatflung-aside her, in,camekissed andwent throughpocketsthe ofMalcolm’s corridor.Hethe in waiting been whohadZubeyir,beckonedto yourworkmine?” and further discuss hibitedyourlives.” in Dutch?” Christianity,I’m forit.” Turkey.” in He smiled. “Aresmiled.He foryoupleasure?” businessorreading “No,” the woman said. “Copy it and put backthe original in “Completesaid. Zubeyir “Yes!” itinerary. Let’sgo.” hourAn later the naked Dutch woman opened the door and alwaysenjoy“IShe smiled. education.”higher and roommy to come to “Wouldlikeyou smiled. Malcolm come-on?” a whatcall that“Is you Americans “I admire your country. So progressive in your laws, so unin- are You“Ofcourse.” guess. me let but good, very American is English against “Your counterweight a as serve can it “If it?” against“Foror Islam radical on dissertation my researching am I “Both. CHAPTER SIX

he next morning Kemal drove his charges east to Sardis, past Ttethered goats grazing in cut hayfields and wooden grape arbors that formed roofs over patios and balconies. He told them he had talked with his intelligence division in Ankara and that no signs of terrorist activity were evident, but they should remain vigilant. As they traveled, Phoebe talked about Croesus, the fabulously rich ruler of Sardis at its sixth-century BC high point. “Once he went to Solon, the famous Greek leader, and asked who he thought was the happiest man on earth. Croesus, of course, thought his money would induce Solon to pay homage to him. He expected Solon to say, ‘You are the happiest, oh mighty Croesus,’ but Solon instead named a man who had died valiantly in battle. When Croesus asked for a runner-up, Solon offered the name of another deceased. When Croesus objected to his answers, Solon explained that we should call no man happy until his death.” “Why?” Sally asked. Hal liked that about her: she wasn’t afraid to ask questions, even when among those who were older and probably seemed smarter—or at least better educated.

67 68 SCIMITAR’S EDGE notebook and began to write, looking up every once in a while a in once every up looking write, to began notebookand his out took Hal palms. open their of reach within came who pitychild the curses—and colorful with air the wouldfilling be building his in lived who mothers the of son’s Some herdisobedience. to respond would mother Turkish the how curious stick. a with dirt the in to return his mother. Instead he sat on a rock and began to draw didn’tbutfollowing stopped boy there.”The “Go distance: the “Gum,wheedling,please.” andholding hand Hal, out his herd.the with up catch to off stalked mother his until obstinatelystood back,hanging hoping the wouldAmericans give a him treat. He stones. satwatchedand woman sheepherdinga over mud-streaked the cap Phillies her in Sally and hat anyonefloppy her in see Phoebe coming. also and photos take could vantage he which a from grabbing point Kemal with ruins, the among wandered today.”useto whatplan is I “This camera.out a pulled yourbackpack?” “What’s in elements.and stonewornawayyearsof the been byhad make to an unbroken sixth circle. Birds a nested needed in the have pillars where would chinks pillar, a around wide stretched glorious that thefive athick travelers, somarble werepillars tall city arms of remained that All ruins. the through wandered andbringwhether increase theyordecreasewill happiness?” life. Until the end, how can we know what the next moments will to see whether the boy or his motherfirst. would his oract whether boy seethe to “Because happiness depends on the sum total of a person’sa of total sum the on happinessdepends“Because Hal stopped about ten yards farther on and waited. He was He waited. and on farther yards ten aboutstopped Hal in disappeared almost had whowoman, the atpointed Hal mothertofollowbegan his and on back his boyturned The was who son small her at impatientlygestured woman The Hal and Malcolm as trees the through whistled wind The and harshly,he’dsmiled answered realizing Kemal,“Stuff.” PhoebeAs and Kemal the askedSally pillars, examined him, they and tree, fig a under spot a into Opel the eased Kemal MARVIN OLASKY 69 ! Hal shrugged, looked down, and walked off, afraid that if afraid that off, and he walked down, looked Hal shrugged, By By now the child’s screams had reached siren volume. Hal’s hand trembled as he backed away from the boy, afraid from as hand the trembled away boy, he backed Hal’s As the snake slithered toward the boy, Hal began to advance, advance, to began Hal boy, the toward slithered snake the As As he watched, a snake slithered out of a hole at the base of a a of base the at hole a of out slithered snake a watched, he As spoke he’d give the away he he’d terror spoke had He and felt. Phoebe told accused ever one “No episode, whole the watched had who Sally, me of being good with Then children.” he hurried toward the car. who who held out a piece of gum. The boy grabbed it and abruptly mother the as hillside the from came shouts crying.Then ceased ran them. grabbed toward She hand the and boy’s dragged him off in the direction of her flock, drowning out his screams with sounded like a what curses.string of Turkish indignant reached a reached safe distance he spun around, flinging the into snake a pile of rubble. Hal scooped him up and jiggled him on his hip, but the cries only grew louder, finally attracting the attention of Malcolm, twisting in the air as it tried to strike Hal, who right hand. held it in his to speak and afraid that the boy might, in his stand terror, and put himself in reach of the snake’s bared fangs. When he’d eyes eyes scanned the ground for a weapon, but none was immedi- who By fell the this over boy, available. shadow time ately Hal’s up, a looked grin of delight on his face. He figured get his he’d gum. Hal Suddenly him. towards lunged grin The boy’s twisted flailing snake around, the saw he when especially scream, a into temple marble near marble He the child. poisonous? it Haltemple tensed. Was didn’t even know if had Turkey poisonous snakes. Why wasn’t that in the tourist guides? moving slowly so as to startle neither serpent nor child. His 70 SCIMITAR’S EDGE O that as well.”as that pledgeyoustage.I on turn havea all play, our will youfor and backdrop right the find will We rush. not will We dramatists. and poets be toyouteach will I brute,but a was He artistry? of notright.” you’re butstill afternoon, this beauty American the shadowing wedo.” as together working than rather own his on going vidualism, nakedness.”her see will you of all that pledge I beauty. a is American the says Zubeyir No,sex?interested notin be couldmen any think fool?” the and us jihadistslike between importantdifference goodactiona raises question for students:our What themostis his But him. kill will we government.Then the toinformation hotel. He languish in will prison unless we hear that he is giving aboutAktas.” have patience.”We will he is not with the Americans so that we can capture them easily. when time a for wait will We him. with careful be must we so asked. plan.”to accordinggoing is work,ableeverything your to “Due Zubeyir: te od rm zi t Ehss Slya complimented Suleyman Ephesus, to Izmir from road the n Dd h fo’ atos oti ee te mlet amount smallest the even contain actions fool’s the “Did what?” “Then of pleasure the have will you Sulhaddin, better.“Ah, much indi- American of trap the into fell “He tried: Sulhaddin “Athought,good Zubeyir,butlet’s godeeper.” caught?”was “He said: Zubeyir you “Do laughed: and mustache his on pulled Suleyman Fadiltried:“He showed the American fascination with sex?” her in woman American blonde the attacked fool “The Trakik reminded Suleyman, “You wanted to tell the students Zubeyir “He is an able man. I have them?” had dealings with him in the past, with director police the about “What MARVIN OLASKY 71 ” Hal joked. orderly, ! Despite Despite the sun and the day’s warmth, Sally shivered. She “Was it as it as solemn “Was sounds?”it Sally asked. “No, these were feast days of great celebration, with the Phoebe said that awaiting beheading must have been awful, have beheading must awaiting said that Phoebe “That was only one kind of execution,” Phoebe continued as continued Phoebe execution,” of kind one only was “That “Depends “Depends on definition your of “Two “Two thousand years ago the games would begin with the Kemal Kemal pulled over on the and shoulder road’s let them out. emal drove the Opel over serpentine turns to Ephesus, past to to die.” ticket the to ride short the for car the into back climb to glad was booth and restaurant. of death. Each spectator was supposed to come to terms with his with terms to come to supposed was spectator Each death. of own vulnerability. spectators thankful that they were not among those sentenced ing: that was a privilege reserved for senators, soldiers, and top the painofficialsleast of brought it allsince the options.” but the condemned were, like supposed gladiators, to show the inevitability the contemplated they as fear over valor of triumph they looked at the mounded earth outlining the arena. “Burning arena. the outlining earth mounded the at looked they and crucifying the were intransigent others. And then behead- that that the city as well was orderly.” the the Americans. killing reassured “The began. Phoebe animals,” wild of slaughter the boundaries of the city beyond even that Rome the audience showing people, of executions the came noon At control. in was they drove by the ruins of the arena. Phoebe said, “Kemal, could could “Kemal, said, Phoebe arena. the ruins of the by drove they to I see, but much not want There’s a here for stop minute? you them a size.” to get sense of the arena’s traffic on an eye and keep could he car the near where stood He craggy green mountains and dusty gray hills dotted with dark some- was Aegean mistyblue The footholds. strugglingfor pines times visible off in the distance. As they approached the city, K 72 SCIMITAR’S EDGE and imagining itand imagining with hostility.filled theater’stoabsorbthe stonethesize trying time, steps,at a two down trotted Shein.” flooding the people the hear imagine and shouts almost can I this. like it imagined never but school companionshis who were disrupting theidol-makers’ business.” and Paul apostle the at screamed angry and here the gathered Ephesians how remember will Bible the with familiar you of playsstage.theon imagine and city surrounding the see could they where top, from the at standing were they until stairs stone the up them poorlyreactedTheywhen barbarians.” challengedby alongside underneath.and running water and holes, well-situated with stone of slabs on sit could crouching, of instead Ephesians, where latrine communal the nates uri- here, may “‘Whoever the wrath of Hecate wall: fall upon him.’” one She showed on inscription Greek the translated invasion. barbarian ofaboutdangers the talk and sitcould men soft increasinglywhere baths forwaterhot vided pro- cauldrons copper and aqueducts how showing comfort, sophisticationand of evidence the outpointedPhoebe behind. feet thirty following Kemal courtyards, and homes impressive buildings. stoneandthe against streets echoed chisels and hammers as horses, the and people with of sounds throbbed have would city the when day could a imagine Sally humming, locusts and chirping, crickets cooing, doves of sounds the with filled nowwere impressivestructures of remnants the Although Ephesus. of ruins the into gate the felt,mightbeaten? stonedor they knowingbe ea pi fr hi tces ad h gop ie through filed group the and tickets, their for paid Kemal Sally shook her head. “I remember that story from Sunday from story that remember “I head. her shook Sally “Those said, she Then breath. her catch to stoppedPhoebe they When reached themassive outdoor theater, Phoebe led drink. food,anddependent fine became “Theyservants,on asked. Sally happenedpeople?” these“Whatto Phoebe walkway, a watering dog skinny a watched Hal As They strolled past and exploredpillars the remnants of once How had Paul’s companions MARVIN OLASKY 73 ! “I can’t call the local jandarma with only that information,” information,” that withonly jandarma calllocal the can’t “I “But . . .” Before she could finish, could ran she the disap-Before student off, . . “But .” student the but entrance, the to over ran He frowned. Kemal Sally said, “My fault. I watching wasn’t where I was going.” “Uh, the guard at the gate told me about visiting She’d almost reached the bottom when she bumped into a thin a into bumped she when bottom the reached almost She’d “She’d probably live longer if she didn’t have to worry about worry about to have didn’t if she longer live probably “She’d Phoebe Phoebe dozed off, and Sally cast a worried look at “She her. Malcolm took a sip from the bottle of water clasped to his From From the car’s window they had one last view of the once he he group was subdued as it made its way out to the Opel. T had had disappeared among the ruins. He Sally for a but noticed much returneddescription, besides she his hadn’t and pressed shirt. Kemal said bitterly. Americans.” her, joined Kemal When entrance. theater’s the pearingthrough The knew said, “That name.” she student was my funny. young young man wearing thick glasses and a Dokuz Eylul University Northaway.” Miss me, “Excuse blurted, he shirt. Startled, name?”did know Then my you frowned. how she “But pack. “She’s a tough old bird. I wouldn’t be surprisedbird. a old I tough wouldn’t pack. if “She’s out- she us lives all.” you getting drunk,” Sally said, wishing she could words snatch the back the minute she’d said them. He’d think Phoebe their necks dinner. and for squawking was so looking forward to this trip, but it’s physically hard on her.” dant, dant, who shrugged and shook his head. “He knows nothing,” Kemal said. famous Artemis where now temple, stood only one forlorn col- umn, topped by a nest filled with three baby storks, straining When they passed the ticket booth Kemal questioned the atten- the questioned Kemal booth ticket the passed When they 74 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Malcolm to see that’s exactly what she herself thought, so she so thought, herself she what exactly that’s see to Malcolm Malcolmlostcontrol. olderwoman’sthe seenwhen Yethadthat. frown worriedSally do neverwould Phoebe and him, aboutcomplaining been had “Do you just bury and forget your family members?” he asked.he forgetmembers?” and your family you just “Dobury hills. gentle of slopes the on reigning vineyards the and fields forgotten.” buried, that be can it goodway Thathistory. the is teach not do textbooks it Maybe Istanbul. corrupt not different Ankara, leaders, capital: Different 1923. in only emerged Turkey of terrified.”and starving days, for in locked them leaving thirty-six—and for room with car a in cars—ninety intotrain killed be tothose piling as such Nazis, the Turkishdevelopedby techniquesthelater used army but Kemal,it, say to sorry I’m Armenians?’ the of annihilation the of now speaks 1939, ‘Who in said He anything. with away get could he figured and that knew “Adolph Hitler forgotten. wouldnotteachabout it.” Islamized.”teachers,leavebe toand all girls priests,and all fifty, under males all exterminate to instructions gave Interior up and paid special squads to kill Armenians. The Ministry of the Turkishgovernmentset the when World I War during twenties column.a He’dwriting washe itlike tell under her gaze, but he tried not to let that knowledge affect him. feltexcitement he the and him on resting eyes Sally’s of aware moreyoumeabouttell yourgrandfather?” “Could Hal. toward turning by subject the change to decided Hal looked out at the olives and peppers competing in the in competing peppers and olives the at outlooked Hal Republic “The insisted. KemalOttomans,” the were “Those or suppressed was largely history the that explained Hal schools our why see can I “but said, Kemal I,” did “Nor that,”never“Iknew said. Sally 1895. his in survived parentswas He his and granddad“My was He memories. the up conjure to eyes his closed Hal want didn’t Sally improve.” can I help your with “Maybe MARVIN OLASKY 75 Sally didn’t know what to say. She felt young and naïve. She She and naïve. young felt She say. to what know Sally didn’t “We’ve made progress,” Malcolm insisted. Malcolm progress,” made “We’ve “Sure, in science and But technology. in this time of prag- They They stared the out car window at greenhouses constructed “I can guess what’s coming,” Sally said. “I cancoming,” guess what’s women thousand six “Some replied. Hal can,” you course “Of “Is that supposed to be a bad thing? Do you think well- Hal a turnedlured onto the women Turks to Sally: “In 1915 Malcolm Malcolm went on the attack, saying that Hal’s view had Hal said, “I don’t buy the implication of your unspoken “But if you dwell on such awful things . . .” Sally’s voice rose rose voice Sally’s awful .” thingssuch . . on dwell you if “But tration camps, incamps, tration the gulag, in in Rwanda, Cambodia, in of lots places.” had no experience to put against Hal’s and no way to counter his argument. She stared out the window at the red tile roofs of of curved wire frames covered with plastic so they resembled caterpillars on large white the march. matic progressivism, bodies have piled up in European concen- went out went on foot or in oxcarts. After five hours they stopped at a place known as Three Mills. There, in the name of jihad holy the killing order, and by began. The government dead piled up, as just they piled up in times.” ancient and and that they should bring their valuables should have been with the tip-off, them. but the naïve That women made bak- their impending marital to celebrate reunion.” lava intentioned intentioned diplomats could have stopped Armenian the inwomen 1915?” slaughter of death march by telling them be they’d taken to their husbands made him completely cynical made him the human for hopes about prog- completely ress: “If had you been king of the Nations, the universe, United or at least the hope that it would represents, still be an idea on a drawing board.” in a question in that remained a unfinished.question question. You think if I don’t remember gives atrocities the these of thinkknowing I life. past, on outlook I’ll cheerier have a me an view accurate of reality.” 76 SCIMITAR’S EDGE lc hi, oe dul-ratd le ut ih starched a with suit blue double-breasted a wore hair, black backpack and pulled out a CD. “I’m tired of talking. Could youCould talking. of CD. “I’mtired a out pulled and backpack landscape?” this wind, the fields.Shecan’t murmured,“Why wehappyjust be forsun, the checkerboard amber and green above hillside the on clustered T aren’t“Why foryouher?” Hal. fighting mye-mail.” street, the “Director,go?” mayI down just store good a Oriental Treasures.” of He turned to Kemal and measked obsequiously, told friend a traps, but tourist Istanbul the resisted I carpets. good some want favoritePhoebe’sof privateandfor itsgardensbeach. a Hotel, Kismet the at Kusadasi of town resort the in they stopped Soon sea. the toward headed and slides, with castle like Griffin’svoice: Patty with filled it intoslot.car the The slipped CD,and the grabbed back,reached Kemal in?” this put he Oriental Treasures manager, a stocky man with slick-backed “I know Malcolm.”know“I to sharply spoke Phoebe off, headed Sally and Malcolm As with up catch “I’ll said, he but Hal, toward turned Phoebe “Yes,said, fun.”Sally wouldthatbe carpeted.”“I’m Phoebefully demurred: “Anyoneme?” gowantwith to comeyouto there.” will “Yes,place.harm theknowNo I and condominium new a bought “I’ve said, Malcolm Disneyland- a boasting park water a Adaland, passed They his through fumbled He asked. Hal is?” there all that “Is She’sworld.thetop oftheto never gonna fly songbirdlittlethat off broke I wings the think I worda withoutdaymuchas so every Disappearing wholeA that’slot neversinging heardof gonna be ! MARVIN OLASKY 77 Sally sipped the liquor and exclaimed about a carpet with “Each carpet,” the manager each proclaimed, “no, sunburst “Here, “Here, let us serve you milk, lion’s raki,” the manager said. “Three thousand dollars,” the manager said “Now proudly, He clapped his hands and assistants appeared. Tight knit “How much would that tiny trophy cost?”that tiny would trophy Sallymuch “How asked. The The manager escorted them to a showroom and pointed “You have come to “You the right place. I will you show step-by- mul- on munching silkworms tanksof past them whirled He has a government seal of authenticity.” She saw a has small a seal rug government of she authenticity.” liked but suspected she could not afford. Neither it nor any of the others had a price discusstag. “We cost after con- have you the laughed. manager raki,” sumed more ing new ing carpets, new the other. over one brilliant gold hues, “It’s like the sun coming cloud.” from behind a shirts with banded theirdisplayed sleeves muscles. They thrust each rug forward, dramatically rolling it out so inches from Sally the where sat. ends fell Servers immediately appeared as the rug thrusters kept unroll- I I will show you large carpets in silk, wool, and combinations. You will fall in love with these carpets and marry them, until death part.” do you to to prize results exhibited on a wall: “Look at this ten-inch thin of the fingers by by produced carpetsilk segment, twelve-inch women: twenty-five hundred talented Turkish knots per square inch.” berry leaves. “Like my parents’ chicken farm but much easier,” at squinting women young of room a into peered Sally She said. the intricate patterns they were to their follow, hands moving like hummingbirds as or they silk.knotted wool establishment. made once those carpets, prestigious most the make we how step sultans for only.” white white shirt. He greeted Malcolm and Sally as they entered his 78 SCIMITAR’S EDGE me to invest the royalties fromroyalties the investto me the cheek. the I’m happy.ceeded: hopeyou’llhappyI be too.” graces forsales and further recommendations to friends. He suc- walk-away point, the dealer threw in this one to stay in my good ing.Ibought When and did not the large to carpets thebargain can’t“Butthis.”I take self: “Malcolm,praised. generous.”youso are sheThen checked her- toldher. you,”forhe is slightly. Sally,weavingrejoined“This he as him York,New in him one brownbutpaper packagehe carried with month. per $500 to $300 answer: weaverThe paid. was carpet average the what salesman one asked She building. the dered Sally. back in the blue Aegean, her blonde hair and tanned thighs thighs tanned but charged eroticallycomplementingfeltMalcolm palette. the and hair blonde her Aegean, blue the in back sea. outthe of thrust that rock a to enough smoothly swam Speedo his in Malcolm while easily swam She water. cool pleasantly the into jumped and cover-up her off took Sally dock. wooden a onto stepped and corner a rounded They pachysandra. by surrounded pines ing barefoot on the hotel’s soft grass, past an apricot tree and big swim?” a about How buzz. slight a is have I all “See, said, Malcolm line. Malcolm’s hand and keeping him in walking a generally straight Malcolm downed another raki and went wild. “It’s time for “It’s time wentwild. and raki anotherdowned Malcolm hn e eund Sly a fotn cmotby n her on comfortably floating was Sally returned, he When walk- were Malcolm and shelaterminutes and agreed Sally me.” you’llwith “Sure,and be foryounow?”safe that “Is holding Sally incident,without hotel the to returned They “Malcolm, you.” thank hugged Sally on him and kissed him “Yes, you can,” Malcolm responded. “All ofpart the bargain- had she rug small the was it that saw and it opened Sally to shipped be to purchases large his for arranged Malcolm wan- Sally carpets, large three for prices negotiated he As Pragmatic ProgressivismPragmatic ,” he told,”he MARVIN OLASKY 79 ! Sally knocked on Phoebe’s door. “Come in, dear,” she called she in, dear,” “Come door. Sally knocked on Phoebe’s “I could say Malcolm, but it must be me. He didn’t respect Suddenly Suddenly Hal heard Sally’s voice break the night silence: Sally pulled away and raced off to the rock. This time “Don’t he tease,” said. He began to kiss her shoulders, and “I told you I’d try again,” he said, tracingwithcheek said, hisher he try again,” I’d you “I told Sally began to speak, a he put but finger to her lips. “Shh. Don’t say anything. If you think too much, you’ll “Sure,” “Sure,” Sally said, and she was off. By the time Malcolm al, al, e-mail done, sat on the veranda. As night approached he out. out. When she saw her wrong?” protégé’s tears, she asked, “What’s he?” should why but me, “How could you think that?” She stomped onto the veranda and and veranda the onto stomped She thinkthat?” you could “How into the lobby without seeing him. and Trailing smile broad behind a on her put quickly he came Hal, saw he When Malcolm. said, “Normal ups and downs of romance.” saw saw lights twinkling in with ripples, the water’s the hill-gentle Houses view. from fading slowly bay the of side other the on side on a nearby island were lit up like luminaria. The castle at the island’s crest looked like a birthday cake with one candle—an flag—askew. illuminated Turkish she became she rigid. H the the lips, tasting the salt that lingered there. her two He hugged it. yards reached she caught before Malcolm pinning her her, against the rock. finger. never do anything.” He bent forward and kissed her gently on ready for a for ready race to the dock!” already had climbedshe two rungsher, to up of the caught lad- der and thrust her head over the dock, but he pulled her back came She up sputtering amused. but laughing. the water, into knew knew he had to proceed He cautiously. lightly asked, “Are you 80 SCIMITAR’S EDGE you?You secondchances.”believeme makein continue?”to formestrength pray with to likeWould youanymore.You’re Remember:person that not A them for living expenses next year.”next expenses forliving them next week, but I hope you invested your royalties: You may need youreturn until wait to them record-keeping.ask and can ing I tap- secretary’s your of because said’ she said, ‘he a won’t be it to go public with their statements about harassment, sexual and Brewsterwhethercouldhavehesecond chance. a t that moment Malcolm by phone was asking ProvostSamuel asking phonemomentwasthatby Malcolm t hee ugd al. Fre Mlom o te moment. the for Malcolm “Forget Sally. hugged Phoebe After several After minutes asked,Sally “What would I do without shookmore.nothingPhoebehead, her Sally saidso Brewster complained, “Ten, count ’em, ten students are ready ! CHAPTER SEVEN

ver the next three days, as the Americans and Kemal wound Otheir way toward Antakya, Phoebe taught what became a traveling archeology and thanatology seminar. She showed how the Greeks built stadiums into the sides of hills, but the Romans, arrogant and affluent, built in the middle of plains. As they drove east across sprawling valleys with rolling fields of grain in swathes of yellow and green, Phoebe told them about the thou- sands who died in battles there. Phoebe wore her knowledge lightly, showing it when needed to prevent an error. When an offer to buy ancient coins at bar- gain prices tempted Hal, Phoebe warned against it. “Some sellers mix modern coins with cattle feed. They harvest the coins after they’ve passed through the cattle’s digestive tracts. By that time they look old.” Phoebe wanted them to visit in Aphrodisias the best- preserved stadium in the ancient world, one almost three foot- ball fields long. Sally quickly reached the field. “We’ve been cooped up in that car for a long time. Anyone for a race? One end of the field to the other?”

81 82 SCIMITAR’S EDGE end of the field. the ofend other the from him toward back walking Sally and Hal saw he as narrowed eyes his But then. justconversation more any for nized Phoebe from a previous visit saved Malcolm from the need word: dire a repeat only could man successful previously a which in novels nineteenth-century remember to him led said, provosthad the what of top on news,Phoebe’s concentrating. time hard a hav-ing was Malcolm but board, foundation the on serve might favoriteher him nephew.called hadPhoebeway:couple childless would his comethe from lars dol- million several least at that expected had He him. to prise world.” the around and Turkey his in micro-enterprises fulfill starting of to dream up set foundation a into go Andrew’s—will it’s a tosurprise you that when I die almost my entire estate—really, shouldn’titbut as come this, about talked everwe I’m sure not poor.Turkish the for sympathy have you glad “I’m advice. for overhead. scud rolledoverlookedThey and other.each at laughing. grass hesittingonreached thealreadytime the was By end, the Sally Hal. beckoning her, behind waving hair her fast, off was Sally their faces. Phoebe, laughing, said, “On your mark. Get set. Go.” in breeze a with endone near up lined Sally and Hal Malcolm. regret coming on this trip?” this on coming regret Hal agreed, but Phoebe said she wanted a word with with word a wanted she said Phoebe but agreed, Hal Yur afly ue, Sly a syn t Hl “o you “Do Hal. to saying was Sally quiet,” awfully “You’re recog- who woman dark-haired short, a of approach The who economists several of opinion his him asked Phoebe sur- a as come did itwonderful,” “That’sbut said, Malcolm At the other end of the stadium, Phoebe was asking Malcolm clouds the watching other, each to next quietly lay They youforlistening.” “Thank lessons.”youhistoryfor the “Thank “You’replayfully.her tackled me,”and mocking grinned he “Ruined.I’m ruined.” MARVIN OLASKY 83 So he went on, making his voice as expressionless as pos- Phoebe Phoebe and Kemal walked over. Hal said, “I should stop. But Sallyshe knew Somehow protested. it was important to Sally shuddered. “What if they missed? Did the girls go “Have “Have you been telling her Armenian horror stories all this SallyLet said. him “I want to know. “Shh,” talk.” Hal pushed on: “Aurora told awful stories. The worst was “That woman,” Hal replied as they reached Malcolm. Hal laughed with her and took her hand. They startedThey walk- hand. her took and with her Hal laughed “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Sally’s brow furrowed Sally laughed: “I had the same worry about intelligent men, Sally men, “I laughed: had the same worry intelligent about “I “I was nervous at first.” He stopped and faced her: “OK, I’ll with Phoebe, who asked Hal asked withwho to continue. Phoebe, killer the “If missed tale. the of savagery the reduce if to as sible, triedagain and up her scooped he injured, only was girl the and until she was impaled. Aurora survived by apparent accident, free?” heard enough.” You’ve hear these and stories let the She horror wash pleaded her. over about killingabout squads planting their in swords the ground, blade grabbed each horseback on Turks yards. several of intervals at up, throw to tried and gallop, controlled a at horses their rode girl, a the girl be so would impaled on she a sword.” time?” Malcolm protested. “You’re obsessed. Sally, aren’t you tired of this?” with concern. “I swear she looks like Mardiganian.Aurora She made it to Ellis brothers, mother, father, killedher Turks the after 1917 in Island and sisters.” way, especially when she’s reshaping your life.” your reshaping especially she’s when way, ing again like happy children, swinging their arms, until Hal peered was the at withPhoebe chatting. woman whom tell tell you the truth: I get nervous around beautiful He women.” looked “But away. Phoebe convinced me that I didn’t need to be.” and Phoebe told me not to prettyShe’s worry. convincing that 84 SCIMITAR’S EDGE and Hollywood based a silent film, film, silent a based Hollywood and L logical dig four decades before. The museum director greeted greeted director museum The before. decades four dig logical archeo- an during found had Phoebe figurine a displayed that the evils of slavery.”of evils the for responsible American every holding as unjust as be would events, terrible That them. Turkresponsible thosefor every holdnot should you forget but can’t you Hal, beautiful. is that much preserved and created have also they but things, wicked miserableintothoseimages yourbrain?” seared all livewith until Sally thought she couldn’t bear it any longer. “How do you them.”experience becausethey couldn’t stand to seesuch terriblelet things, alone movie civilized a made had Americans the Aurorasaid vaginas. their penetratingpoints the with crosses, the siton themmade continue?” didn’tyoucrosses makelikethat.you their Are sure want meto Turks the that out pointed hair Aurora bodies. long nude their their covering with crosses large on crucified being women inaccurate.”itwas saiddeleted. Brits The there only after a scene of womenArmenian being was crucified shown be to film the allowed London in Authoritiesaccount. ate in the afternoon they stopped at a regional museum museum regional a at stopped they afternoon the in ate “Worthwhileseldomare.” things try,“I’ll Phoebe.But itisn’t easy.” “Turkishcast.Phoebe’s sadpeoplehave adone tookon face out.Ithelps.”them write “I shrugged. Hal on stretchedsilence The spoke.one no finished, Hal When Turksthe Thenwomen them.rapedthe andstripped “They .”“You. . mean pointedcrosses.” small made“They nodded.bitandlip her Sally showed scene “The said. Hal was,” it Aurora “Accordingto “WasMalcolmasked. it?” ! aihd Armenia Ravished o her on , MARVIN OLASKY 85 Kemal Kemal came running outside, followed by Sally. “Where’s “My “My friends and I have seen lots of old ruins,” Malcolm “Yes. My friends and I will be glad to meet you.” They “You “You get straight to the physical,” the woman replied, “Thank you for correcting my pronunciation,” Malcolm was was Malcolm pronunciation,” correcting my for “Thank you Phoebe and Kemal listened closely, but Hal’s mind wandered. wandered. mind Hal’s but closely, listened Kemal and Phoebe “We don’t care,” Malcolm whispered, but the director was on on was director the but whispered, Malcolm care,” don’t “We they headed to the they headed parking lot. Malcolm?” he yelled. what Told had happened, the policeman dan- Potentially Reckless. Immature. “Irresponsible. furious. was He raced to the parking was but too late. lot gerous.” replied, “but I’m beginning to have a taste for something young young something for taste a beginning have to I’m “but replied, and modern. Any suggestions?” walked out of the museum, with Hal following. He watched as beautiful parts are visible.” returning stare. “I was that Malcolm’s told a rich American like you would say something like that. My name is Kazasina. Do so far?” like you Turkey a a bikini top, and tight jeans. Trying not to seem in listened obvious, on their conversation. he saying. “I’ve only been in for a Turkey few days. But could you tell me about your clothing? You cover your head, but other He noticed that Malcolm was staring intently at the display case case display the at staring was intently Malcolm that noticed He the director was discussing. Then Hal looked beyond the case and saw that Malcolm was paying attention not to the small figurines in the case but to the fetching figure of a dark-haired headscarf, Muslim a of combination curious the wearing woman a roll: “Syria, Pergamum, Ontus, Bithynia, Commagene, Arsacid, Arsacid, Commagene, Bithynia, Ontus, Pergamum, “Syria, roll: a various guiding through on them insisted then He .” . . Bagratid exhibits: pediment “West of the . temple . . small figurines . . . this of hammered piece is metal the that oldest we have.” ways that Turkey could easily outdo any Six Flags theme park in America: “We have had at least twenty flags over inTurkey the past four thousand years: Pithana, Anitta, Egypt, Hattusa, Urartu . . .” themsoundedandbeganpracticed like what a listingspiel, the 86 SCIMITAR’S EDGE you, but as a professor I try to pay close attention to students, to attention close pay to try I professor a as but you, bugging regret do “I said, and Kemal to turned hesport.” Then yoursecret?” What’s you. for waiting was woman beautiful this like seems almost it and museum, a into walk You it. do you how know Vespasian-Titustunnel.” the and church cave Peter’s St. see to sure be should we said and Antakya She’sfrom trip: the of rest the for politics vision.”shared a with and life about talk could We hang-ups. bourgeois by unencumbered mind, beautiful a had also woman This sex? or and—how do you Americans putit—I’m you doand—howAmericans outhere.” of group if you go running off like this. One more episode, Malcolm, this of responsible be safety cannotforthe I mycolleagues that informed have “I him: berated Kemal coffee. Turkish of cups leaned back, looked up, and turned her head to smile at him. atheadherlookedsmileleanedtoback, up,turned and She watch. to which from pillow a her giving head, her under hands his put Wordlessly,overhead.he clouds cumulus the at nests.madetheir had birds which on columns ancient three to over walked He said. nearbymosque.a of muezzin the They ruins. listened to the loud, call wailing to prayer by the overlookedstonethat a together saton Sally and Hal return, to T he next morning Malcolm sat quietly at breakfast, drinking drinking breakfast, at quietly sat Malcolm morning next he a ws af ninn, af mrse. Mlom I don’t I “Malcolm, impressed. half indignant, half was Hal us for advice good had also She East. Middle the in “Peace asked. Hal vision?” “What Malcolm was obstinate. “Kemal, is your major worry security Malcolm grinned: “Wish I could bottle itcouldgiveit“WishbottleIand to you, Malcolmgrinned: Waiting for Phoebe to bid farewell to the director and Kemal When he came back, Sally was lying on the stone, lookingstone, the on lying was Sally back, came he When Hal sound,” that to listening and sitting just like don’t “I ! MARVIN OLASKY 87 ! “I blame you for putting for “I group inyou thisblame danger.” whole “Walk out quickly,” Kemal his told “Walk out four quickly,” charges. “Tight for- Curiously Curiously juxtaposed against the stone and wood houses One One man brought out his own camera and asked a friend When they stopped in Antalya, Sally enjoyed walking hat hat day they rode in the Opel past long-needled pines and T just see just Can the that?” me for blame sights. you and and as a traveler I want to spend time with people I meet, not by by his harmlessly and against head the broke wall. The thrower ran down a alley. side they but was, formation tight a what sure weren’t They mation.” scurried with Kemal away bringing up the rear. rounded by children, she had trouble sharingby rounded children, had trouble she his concern. was an old billboard for New Camel Exotic Blends featuring a semi-dressed woman with a come-hither look. Efes anbeer of whizzedbottle empty when Malcolm billboard the eyeing was to to photograph him standing next to Sally. Kemal muttered to seduced.” he blonde American the about days for talk “He’ll Hal, Other in men stayed the sullen doorways, plastered expressions on their faces. Kemal told Sally, “I don’t like this,” but sur- dered dered by three-story houses with stucco. red-tile As roofs they and meandered peeling through the alleys, drainage ditches avoiding in the the middle, children ran after them They ing, surrounded “Hallo, hallo.” Malcolm with his yell- camera, vying theirto get pictures taken. by: by: “Look at those orange-blossomed pomegranate trees. Look at those grapes growing in clusters and those gray-green olives. areaThis is burstingwhole with life.” through the old city with its twisting six-foot wide alleys bor- fields of purple heather, goldenrods, and occasional orange pop- orange occasional and goldenrods, heather, purple of fields opened They with tomatoes. overflowing greenhouses past pies, ruins. rock near growing oregano wild smelled and windows the motored they as beauty out pointing joyful, felt again once Sally 88 SCIMITAR’S EDGE sai rlgos rga. e te oe i ter black their in women the See an program. it’s religious Islamic Look, channel. the change I’ll here, But MTV. of tion imita- our is which KRAL, on program this atlook “See, guide: their became Kemal women. panting to singing hand one on gloveblack a with leatherblack in man amomentshowed the summary,Kemal?” fair athat Is urges.immediate our to responding usually will, atourselves as a blank slate without richness. cultural They wethink remake see only “We entrance.ourselves.” back hotel’s the cement by white pool the swimming skirted even which hotel’s mirrors, the omnipresent to pointed He ourselves.” lose we past, the forget history.”own our stepmakeontoand canvas naked all a We fresh. starts everything Here hatreds. and culture teeming whiteandfurniture. foam moviefuturistic set, with its high gloss white floors, white walls, The lobby of the modernistic Hillside Su by the sea looked like a men.” angry those be toupcouldgrow children tookbreath.remarked,a Sally “It’s thatsweetthese sadto think wasn’tgrenade.”a ChildrenHear the remote: “Ah, this is our most-watched“Ah,remote:our theis this comedy, clicked He middle.” the to playing by popular hugely become observed. shafs “Why did he throw that?” Malcolmasked. that?” throwhe did “Why They passed by a lounge with a wall-sized television that attelevision that wall-sized a loungewith a by passed They “Yes.” America, ofhowTurks theis think “This Phoebe explained, we “If protested. hefresh,” start don’t“We shuddered. Hal its with city ancient that like not “It’s it. loved Malcolm setting. was sun hotel,the their at arrived they time the By and down slowed they plaza, open an reached they When it glad I’m Americans. “We’re answered. Hal not?” “Why “That’s true,” Kemal admitted, “but some television shows television some “but admitted, Kemal true,” “That’s Hal do,” we than war culture a of more even have “You ; everything is coveredeyes.”isbut their everything ; . See, the man argues with his wife in the kitchen.the in wife his with argues man the See, . Don’tthe Let char- MARVIN OLASKY 89

American American .” .” The show flickered on, showing two TurkStar Kemal Kemal agreed. “I grew up on poems by Koroglu. In the fif- “A strange young man,” Phoebe said, is Phoebe “but his tell- protest strange man,” young “A Fadil hesitated. “Er, a Fadil He hesitated. research added hurriedly, project.” “And who are who you?” Kemal asked. “And “My the name,” student said “is proudly, Fadil. I am a stu- “What are you doing here?” Kemal is asked. “Konya a good “I worry that Turkey is getting soft,” Kemal responded, keep- responded, Kemal soft,” getting is Turkey that worry “I the “Enough,” young man said. “I tell you that people like “What do you “What thinkdo you of these shows?” asked. Phoebe “Turkish gentlemen prefer blondes?” Halblondes?” prefer asked. gentlemen “Turkish Sally muttered. gentlemen,” just not “And expres- tense and tie, coat, a in man young a watched Kemal They watched for a while, with Kemal explaining: “The . . It’s called battle.” teenth century he championed help for the downtrodden and action combines Turk a When control. government to resistance withhe is a poetry, force.” “But I must go.” He smiled shyly and said, “Until we meet again,” again,” meet we “Until said, and shyly smiled He go.” must I “But and then of the walked lobby. off the whiteness into into them lead willing poets to to respond historically Turks ing. dent in . . .” He hesitated for a “Konya.” for second. in dent He hesitated . . .” drive north of here.” ing ing an on eye the man young was who edging closer. and justice loves who leader a for looking are We soft. not are me will it.” fight for Idol scantily clad hostesses. dyed-blonde, on on the the TV, policeman said, “Let’s channel surf. That’s how you say it, yes? Ah, here’s one of our shows like your blonde blonde hair.” other the and man young the on eye one With them. eyeing sion arguments.” husband is forty but he has no mustache. tionalThat is Turkish our sign tradi- of manliness, so it, he henpecked is, by how his do wife, you with put her dark eyebrows and dyed The The show’s name comes from their attempt to cover up their 90 SCIMITAR’S EDGE us a bloodlessWaitcapture.a see.”us and infatuationstoprovoke policethe director’s irritationallowand professor’sinfantile the use will we day following The prepare. individualism,” American added. Sulhaddin selfish said. Fadil adversaries?” aboutour signs whizzed by. He asked the students, “What have we learned mark.”easy not policethatdirector.an iswaypast He Wenotshootwouldpoetic.brutish, tohaveour havehad been would that but Antalya, or Ephesus in them taken have could difference between failure and leadership is impetuosity. Yes, we opportunities to snatchtowait.Why?” opportunities butthem,andwewait had have Kazasina with along students Our to States.United back the fly they before last their be will Antakya in day next The coast. the along driving be will “TomorrowAmericans the whined, Trafikdrove. troupe terrorist his and Suleyman rested, examine witnesses.examine Phoebe taught moreSally about knitting. Armenian history and Malcolm one on how clever lawyers cross- theyhadnothing more tosay to eachother; read bookHalona Malcolmfeltand headedHal towardBothOpel Antakya.the as T T he next morning Kemal drove for long stretches along the coast e al lp wl i ter c-ht bdom, u a they as but bedrooms, icy-white their in well slept all hey “Very observant,” Suleyman said. “We will use tomorrow“Veryuse observant,” to“We said. will Suleyman his professorfor the with angry is director police the “That “Verygood,” responded.that.”use “WeSuleyman can “That the professor is a American, typical consumed by sex,” kilometer the as enemy,”respondedyour “Know Suleyman “Buthe’s them,”always with said. Trafik The patience. “Patience, counseled, and smiled Suleyman ! ! MARVIN OLASKY 91 , , meatballs inegol inegol koftesi Hal grunted, “Every time I close my eyes, I begin to sink. She giggled at his awkward dog paddle: “Here, mov- you’re Fifty yards out Sally in blue turned to making easy side- Sally said she would swim in the Mediterranean, “In the and pool, I hope,” Sally retorted. “Or find a different “That’s a story that he can tell you when he wishes,” Phoebe Phoebe wishes,” he when you cantell he that story a “That’s When they reached their at hotel the end of the afternoon, Phoebe Phoebe replied, “He suffered a family tragedy several years “What happened?” Sally asked. “Yes,” Kemal He said, us “let then trust.” was silent. “Yes,” When they stopped for a lunch of At At one point Kemal mentioned that he had grown up in Besides, I’m supposed to be supposed you.” protecting I’m Besides, ing your arms too fast.” She reached out and took his The salt will hands. gentle. Relax.” up. you keep “Slow, strokes, while Hal, in baggy red trunks and uncomfortable in the the in uncomfortable trunks and red baggy in Hal, while strokes, water, dog-paddled furiously beside her. She watched him and relax, eyes, your you close so hard. Can’t work “You murmured, this and sun, enjoy this sea?” beach.” beach.” Malcolm shrugged and headed to his room. Sally then and dock, a onto beach the of stones smooth the on walked Hal cove. lit a of brightly water the cool into climbed a ladder down Sally’s strokes were smooth and Hal’s functional, but he and coordinating his his stroke trouble crawl breathing. had stressful situation we had,” but he no added details stressful we had,” and situation did not the others. invite quickly Malcolm announced, “I’ll swim too.” said. Kemal said he had asked his parents to meet him and Phoebe there. “They want to thank Phoebe for her kindness in the with raw onion rings, Sally took Phoebe aside: “What do you and pleasure pain?” Kemal’s mean about does.” He no longer Kemal had a ago. sister. Antakya, and Phoebe said quickly, “I know a visit to your home “I home a know your to visit Antakya, said and quickly, Phoebe willoutweigh pleasure the trust I but you, for bittersweet is town the pain.” 92 SCIMITAR’S EDGE say something? Why did you let me think you ran away?”you ran youthink letmedidsay something?Why you.”and Pastor Carrillo church: in gunman a toup standing danger.” in was child the when snake that with did youwhat saw “I did. me.”He at the in read I what that’s least atnewspaper.” “Or much. feet. too his said at he’d stared realized He he spoke, Hal as soon As on.” story,a now.”don’tso butI think Philadelphia? in youthoughtI run you or outwere afraid to get ladder.the climbed he as dock, the onelbows,her lying I’mtired.” getting instruction, loving tender your with Even dock. the hit to have “It I like looks said, Hal until time, a for quiet both were They would.” I world?”the in evil than feel-goodday.”stories every expecting life behavebadly, forcorruption.”looking staywork.afloat.”of hardly my line Butlook can in atme, I water,edgeofout nevercompletely an mecomfortable. gives It fish I’mthe life. my of story the almost“You iswas. know, this Hal Hal smiled, not wanting to let on how stimulating her touch “I had myhadreasons.”“I “I’mit.lateseeingYou already in shotdidn’tWhy him. you “Nowwait.” “No. IAnd know only two people who would lives their risk “Anyonewouldhave done same.”the Sally sat up and put her hands on his shoulders. “Please, look been lights the had worse been havewould “It agreed, Hal sanctuary.”thatchaotic in really “Itwassaid, Sally subject.thechangeto tried headshookand his Hal Sheherself on one lifted elbow and watched did“Why him. on already was She off. was she and said, you,” Sally “Race Phoebe, and you like wereeveryone quietly, “If replied Hal good more there’s think you don’t “but said, Sally “Sure,” through go fools only Besides, is. journalism what “That’s to people expecting life through going hard be must “It MARVIN OLASKY 93 ! Phoebe Phoebe ate two slowly as she read the four chapters of the “I’ll try.” He pulled the kissing her close, salty away tears. “I’ll try.” “And “And I want to know them. I want to know you. Your hen hen they returned to their rooms after dinner, four choco- was was there to share them with her. “It’s so long since you left,” she murmured. “And now I look forward to more long years. Will I findever again?”joy softness, threw them over the balcony. Hal wrapped up his care-his up wrappedHal balcony. the over themthrew softness, fully and laid them aside to use as an energy supply the next day. book of Ruth, looking at the photo of Andrew and wishing he lates—two dark, two white—awaited each of them on bedside tables. Malcolm ate them one after another. Sally chocolate ate and left a the rest. dark Kemal, irritated by another sign of W Armenian stories have opened my eyes. changing You’re me.” life?”your me let into you “Can’t up. welled eyes Sally’s CHAPTER EIGHT

n the road to Antakya the next morning, Kemal hummed Oas he drove. “My staff in Ankara has no reports of any ter- rorist activities. And our last two days have certainly gone well. Good weather, no incidents, no more dangerous liaisons—right, Malcolm?” “Dangerous? Everyone has been friendly to me, starting with the student who questioned me my first day in Istanbul and came to Phoebe’s lecture.” Kemal was suddenly at attention. “What were his questions?” “All friendly. How many of us were traveling, where we were staying in Izmir.” “Sounds like an interrogation.” “Nothing of the sort. He said he was thrilled that the widow of the ambassador to Turkey was here. It was polite of your government to have you accompany us but unnecessary.” They watched on their right the gentle waves of the Mediterranean. Kemal pondered, then responded, “You are prob- ably right, but did anyone else ask about your travel plans?”

94 MARVIN OLASKY 95 Phoebe Phoebe replied, “That shows he misunderstood the prob- “No “No wonder Simon Stylites chose this spot to build his himselfand sin from isolate to wanted “He mused, Malcolm “When I am charged up about a subject, yes,” Malcolm Their first stop in Antakya was the mountaintop site that “I can’t wait to get home,” Malcolm said. Malcolm “Bills to pay—and wait to “I get home,” can’t like you hearing“But Hal yourself talk,” said. “What do you “What think do you find?” you’ll the by vacation residents Istanbul Some suspect. I “Nothing, “It’s easy “It’s for policemen to Kemal be said paranoid,” lightly. “The “The woman I met at the museum did, but it was all in the temptation. lem: it comes from within. can’t You hide, even in plain sight. but leave, to reluctant seemed She up.” willbubble inside What’s in the early afternoon they headed down, at stopping a seaside they followed closely behind. they followed When they reached the they top, sea. the stared blue over out Hal said. “Prime real estate.” tower,” made Simon Stylites famous early in early famous the firstStylites Simon made millennium when third then known was as Empire’s the Roman Antioch, the city, largest. Kemal drove the Opel up the steep slope, and Malcolm then led the way up stone steps, the flashlight on his daypack clicking against his water bottle. Hal grabbed Sally’s hand, and replied with melancholy, “but I’ve said the “but I’ve same thing so many with replied melancholy, times, and with such fierce conviction, that I myself.” almost parody ney to end. Tomorrow I will be back in Ankara, with a mountain mountain a Ankara,with in back willbe I Tomorrow end. to ney on desk.” my of paperwork speeches to More give.” bills alimony. but telephone just not Ford van with a license plate beginning in 34, which means that that means which 34, beginningin plate license a with van Ford came it from Istanbul. Next time I see I it it.” plan to stop Mediterranean. I Perhaps do not wish for this jour- educational context context of a friendly discussion of international relations and ideologies.” Sally’s knew who man young that about forgotten haven’t I “But green a route our on threetimes seen I’ve And Ephesus. at name 96 SCIMITAR’S EDGE marriage tomarriage Andrew, and I know what it meant to both of them. her saw I said. Phoebe whatabout thought I’ve But angry. still PhoebeandKemal inside, but Malcolm grabbedSally’s hand. ih ote wtr bt h isse o odrn wn fr the for wine ordering on insisted herself she but contented water, bottled Phoebe with lunch at Normally bones. fish off It’sbass.here.”goodhavesea menu:“I’ll thevery the off waved woman elderly the There lunch. for restaurant A She children.” no had daughtera nowlike me.”isto “But Sally smiled: we and late married I that was regret only later?My quarter-century a overbut day first the of night notmid-atpumpkin a becoming complainabout Imycarriage lookedaway. older.” Malcolm grew we as tender, more better, even became Itlovenight.made that“Andrew I eye: and the in straight him ments, should particularly take to heart.” She blushed attach-but looked temporary for penchant your with Malcolm, you, that bass.” enjoyinggrilled magnificent after dock the on sun the in outstretched “We mused. Phoebe lookedand handinquisitively.herat other Phoebe’s took Sally leg. chair her around itself wrapped had that cat the fondling and down reaching by hide to tried Phoebe that tears see to surprised was and womanolder the at health. I hope to enjoy them with you.” Then she looked closely favoriteteacher.” mostinfluential and salute:“Toa in table.glass his myMalcolmaunt, my raised still s they approached Antakya’s archeology museum, Hal followed “I know I was a lout the other day.otherloutthe awhy understandyou’rewas I I know “I They all listened to the soft lapping of the waves.lappingthe ofsoft listenedthe to all They can how “but slowly, said Phoebe hard,” was death “His something say to want “I up: spoke then paused, She anniversary,” twenty-fifth our on here ate I and “Andrew good and work good of years more many “To said, Sally cast- on feast to waiting tables, the Twoprowledunder cats ! MARVIN OLASKY 97 “No. Our professors would not think not “No. Ourwould that proper.” professors this paint what then, could you shows?” mosaic “How, I do “Should a study from blushed. Fatima life?” exactly.” “My thoughts willyou be model?”“And my asked. Fatima “From life? “From My English is good. What mean?”not do you “You have models in the studio who take off all their “Fatima “Fatima Hasan,” she responded. “I study art. What do you University.” “I and politics Columbia teach at sociology “So are you the one.” Malcolm looked around to see whether they were being The woman looked at him:are The anlooked woman “You American.” be could You American. look you makes hair your and am, “I Malcolm Malcolm lagged behind in the first room as the group “Then I’m sorry too. You leave me no choice.” leave sorry “Then I’m You too. “What mean?”do you But Malcolm didn’t answer, and after a moment Sally hur- She She looked impatiently at the door to the museum and overheard. “Yes, the one for you? Tell me, in your artin your me, do classes, Tell you? for the one “Yes, overheard. from draw male life?”you nudes clothes?” teach?” They They peered together at a mosaic showing a god eager for sex. think?”you don’t “Interesting, whispered Malcolm to her, a in student of classes. one my What is name?”your ried ried to catch up to the others. Phoebe, brightening when Sally of interest. began items pointing out approached, moved into the second, his attention hair. blond and bleached jeans-clad with woman dark eyebrows captured by a young or a week, or even a month, but not for life, and that’s what I’m I’m what life, and that’s for not but a month, even a or or week, I Malcolm. really amSorry, sorry.” looking for. Sally’s Sally’s face for an indication of softening. “Give me some sign you?” Won’t hope. destroyed completely that I haven’t pulled her hand away. “You have so much going for you, but racing you’re to want throw You me it maybe away. for a night If I had a woman like you, I know I could He change.” studied 98 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ing you,wouldn’ting I go. You that.”understand total disrespect for my position. If I thought that I was endanger- leave you this way, but I warned him that I could not tolerate his wheel.the gripped he as silence. Kemal fumed in the front seat, his jaw working furiously the fill tobest althoughher Phoebedid strained, was car the in shortly.”here atmospherebe wouldThe he said inspector “The ing area in which a half dozen sat.cars “We’ll wait,” Kemal said. yourschedule.”onnext iscave thattheatchurch torpreviousknowa Ifrom investigation volunteered to meet us honormatterof forthem.” orders. giving safe.”be will you and trip, your of end the is Itplace. my take to officer protested. Sally morevirtue.” than attractive money and America find who women Turkish meet to notpimp, ofMalcolma be for will lastIthetime. enabling him Malcolm made this liaison quickly. I have put up with the antics Turkish.what Phoebein vivid told was swearing them and Fiat.frontseata theof in off heading through the rooms and hit the front door just in time to see him museum,lookeddidn’t andaround Malcolm.backraced Hesee museum.outthe of hurriedly “Yes,” Malcolm agreed. “Do you have a studio?” They walked “He’s put me in a most uncomfortable position. I am sorry to They rode silencein until they at arrived a small dusty park- backpolicetoAthem. “It inspec- arranged. is Kemal turned go,” him Turkishthe know “Let “Ipolice. PhoebeIt’ssaid. a “Wait,” Hal started, but Kemal was already on his cell phone “Exactly,”local a find grimly.saidKemalwhy is can “That I “Butyou onlytomorrowhave until us with tobe morning,” but watching, been have should “I said. he sorry,” am “I wall a punching was Kemal back, came others the When the of room last the in Phoebe to close standing Kemal, MARVIN OLASKY 99 “Those were times of hope and treachery,” Phoebe said. “See said. Phoebe treachery,” and hope of times were “Those But But St. Peter’s Church, Christianity’s first church structure, as guide, tour herself and role assumed her gathered Phoebe “I “I will take care of you,” Mustafa said in his high-pitched Kemal awkwardly accepted Phoebe’s embrace, answering it At that moment a little Suzuki careened into the spot next to to next spot the into Suzuki careened little a moment that At He He spoke gruffly, and Phoebe must have sensed his profes- ping ping water. the escape passage, useful in times and could blocked, largely the tunnel, now into They peered up of Roman persecution?” mountainside The away. and up leading opening small a see still filling the uncomfortable moment by explaining how, accord- ing to the the tradition, ancient Gospel writer Luke had owned Paul, by preaching thisPeter, for property available it and made and other apostles. They stepped into the fissured and drip- from erosion interior, examined limestone its cave’s gloom and in use almost for two thousand years, instood of front them. It Antakya’s of slope western the on cave natural a from formed was exuded peace presence and Its ancient calm. Silpius. Mount their hands before climbing into Mustafa’s their car hands before climbing and Mustafa’s into heading off. The Americans realizedsuddenly theirand as vulnerability, the silent Mustafa watched them, his face expressionless, his arms crossed his over he chest, seemed intimidating more than com- forting. to get out. to get voice. shook Sally and turnedand Hal He to military tight bow. a with before speaking. They took several steps away from the Opel and and Opel the from away steps several took They speaking. before began to talk. Kemal punctuated his with words of jabs choppy his turningarm the car the frequent and where at pointing and three Americans sat and watched. The fat man nodded sympa- thetically before turning toward them and gesturing for them sional sional turmoil. She nodded her assent. “My nephew is entirely allat you responsible.” hold I to blame. don’t them, and a muscular man with a potbelly climbed out. Kemal shut slam letting his door officer, greet other the to climbed out 100 SCIMITAR’S EDGE h cv, ne te acfl y o bg utf, h paced who Mustafa, nervouslyoutside. big of eye watchful the under cave, the tombs. and passages such with honeycombed was church the above we want to remind you of some of the highlights.”yousometheof wantofremindweto van. “Mrs. du Pont,” he called, “since this is the end of your tour, plate.license Didn’t sayhe’dKemal onebefore?” seen Istanbul an That’s 34. with begins “It hardened. face His van. nowit.toFordparked van next exceptgreen fora remaining vehicle only the Opel, the towardslowlyresignedly butwalked go.”They to “Time watch: her at looked Sheothers.” for rifice peoplethatwould notselfish sac-so becoming society rich a in uei Uu, h akd o qetos n sabl fe you after Istanbul remember in you questions you “Do asked who van. Uruk, the Zubeyir of out came Beretta a holding A third gunman appeared. gunman third A Ephesus?” in name youroutTimur, blurtedwho Sulhaddin ber youknowswhat happening. Northaway,is Miss youdo remem- real. turned hadwhatdreaded was Turkey?” corrupt you which by commercials and program the you watched with who Bayancik, Fadil remember you “Do van. the of out stepped armed, also man, young second stomach.”A your in growing feeling sick that to up catch to while a brain your policeinspector,forthe Mustafa. lies?” of full gavelecture a “No, the proper question is, ‘What are are ‘What questionis, proper the “No, stranger.atthe she asked, peering you?” are “Who jet-blacka Turkish mustachewith A steppedman theout of the at stared and cave the of entrance the at stopped Hal out stood “They said. Phoebe run,” not did but hid “They of flavor the in took solemnly and while a for stood They Bao” uemn ad acsial. Im ld ht n of one that glad “I’m sarcastically. said “Bravo,” Suleyman that surprised still said, Phoebe us,” kidnapping are “You takejust “You whatwant,”will “Itknowwe said. Suleyman anxiously lookingasked, she us?” with wantyou do “What you ?’” A young man man young A ?’” MARVIN OLASKY 101 Following Following many twists and turns, the van finally reached Sally tried to suppress the panic that engulfed her. What Hal lunged at Fadil, grabbed his wrist, and tried to yank away away yank to tried and wrist, his grabbed Fadil, at lunged Hal “Ah, you’ve “Ah, you’ve watched some of your American movies. I like “Other “Other police will be here any moment,” Sally said, in a “You “You can’t do this,” Hal sputtered. “We’re “Can’t?” Suleyman exclaimed “CAN’T?” he let roared. “Ah, American “And you are right to be insecure about your securitybe insecureareto your right you detail.about “And shoving himshoving in the direction were huddled who of the women, together in the doorway of an toward Americans three the old shoved stone and door farmhouse. outer the unlocked Mustafa and then through an inner he where tied door, them up before slamming and locking it. The thought of Malcolm gave her a place to set her anger. Never Never anger. her set to place a her gave Malcolm of thought The him. forgive Never. she would No his head. on lump the felt and Hal awakened destination. its blood. The back door opened and his dragged captors him out, roughly pushed Phoebe and Phoebe Sally pushed roughly inside. if Hal was dead? His motionless body resembled a corpse. She knew Malcolm would raise the alarm the hotel when and he found them returned missing, to but that could be hours. and and gestured with their weapons. his gun, but as they wrestled, Mustafa knocked the American out with a to the blow then head, him picked up from the dust Trafik log. a would he as van the of back the into him tossed and shaky voice. fail- a have to us want don’t I since But also. theirshowmanship in first is get the vanmy here order: now.” ure communicate, to The the threethreegunmen student Americans came alongside me introduce the students’ tutor, Trafik Kurban, with his favorite favorite his with Kurban, Trafik tutor, students’ the introduce me Another man stepped out. also“We an weapon, a have AK-47.” guard down below to make sure no one interrupts our family here.” get-together Mustafa, Mustafa, join us, The please.” perspiring inspector came along- as well. Suleyman. side a He held revolver citizens.” 102 SCIMITAR’S EDGE youyourdue?” youthink could steal your treatssexual without the giving devil youDid clothes?’ yoursteal will devil the ornight, every Allah our are friend, but youdid you ever hear the Turkish saying, ‘Pray think to Edwards, Mr. you, And Christianity. even or Allah for respect no show writings Bogikian’s Turkey. Mr. about lies spread family, capitalist mighty a of member a Pont, du Mrs. yourself?” youHow,justify can teaching, Quranic accordingto director.Youshoothim.”towaypast having our fromkept us as you did because your chasing after women irritated the police act youtofatedfor was it But Kazasina. comrade our with were you when you seized have could we Edwards, away.“Mr.head Beauty, American you, Miss Ephesus?” at swiped have not could we think “You patience: displayed had am I band his that crowed He dignitaries.” “Yes,foreign hospitable tobut traitors Turkish buoyantly: on hard man, spoke reasonable a He Hasan, Suleyman him. behind Trafik and He’sobviouslyWestern educated. reason.”mighttolistenHe sophisticated. seems leader The terrorists. them make doesn’t better is thatyet positionMuslims, radical be to captorsseem Our our seems. it than that suspect I and think to time some trouble.for their Malcolm blamed she that expressions and words her through clear making leave, to decision policeman’s the described she I’ve scoldedthan myself.Butwhat more happened Kemal?” to me scold can’t You chief. terrorist the of wife the is me lured whowoman “I’msorry,” “That regret. said. byhe quickly followed relief registered face His Phoebe. near sitting tied-up s hi ee ajse t te i lgt te sw Malcolm saw they light, dim the to adjusted eyes their As Hm hw o ht yu Lt e on te ways. the count me Let you? hate I do how “Hmm, Malcolm said, innocent “But unarmed, civilians. we still are her yanked shebut hair, herstroked and Sally at smiled He Fatima with door, the open pushed Suleyman then Just had “I’ve commented, then but profusely apologized He Bitterly words. the spat Sally Kemal.” to happened “You MARVIN OLASKY 103 “Tomorrow. “Tomorrow. Perhaps I can teach you patience. Tomorrow “Could we have some water?” Malcolm asked. water?” Malcolm some we have “Could Suleyman laughed and shook his head. “I am always amazed always am “I head. his shook and laughed Suleyman we we will talk again, for as our Turkish hit poet bullets your If Ulku . . . character. Tamer my wrote, willstrengthen you ‘Dueling my chest, like the of leaves a plant I about, have long forgotten does matter?’ it tomorrow.” what Until to to see how you American innocents abroad expect us to blessed as feel you shower your dollars upon us. In your overcon- fidence you were blind. We declared peace.” at were you thought war on you, and you

PART TWO

TRUTH AND RUTHLESSNESS

CHAPTER NINE

utside the farmhouse window a rooster crowed. Malcolm, Ostirring, saw through slit eyes the first rays of light. He licked his lips, parched from lack of water, and tried to sit. One arm had been tethered to a pillar, making any movement difficult and some movements painful. With his free hand he rubbed his eyes and looked around him. Tied to the same pillar was Phoebe, who was curled tightly in a fetal position. Without makeup, her face flaccid with sleep, she looked as though she’d aged a decade in the past half day. Malcolm regretted putting her in this danger, but he was confi- dent that she would be ransomed: wealth had its privileges. Across the room and tethered to an identical pillar were Hal and Sally. Malcolm thought bitterly of Sally’s rejection: If she hadn’t turned her back on him, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. Hal groaned and rolled over. He struggled to a sitting posi- tion, saw Malcolm staring at him, and asked, “Are you satisfied now?” Before Malcolm could respond, Suleyman, Mustafa, and Fatima, all armed, unlocked the cell door and entered.

1 0 7 108 SCIMITAR’S EDGE h br ad ihig n nal epy ri bg Te bird The bag. grain empty nearly a on lighting and bars the swoopingbeforethroughwindowsill the on settled and branch the from down flew mouthits in twig a carrying bird A tree. a of branch the and sky blueof patch a was see couldshe all but mategrievance.” mylegiti-isyou? toThatpeace offerto us youexpect and him, unto be peace Muhammad, of teachings the desert to women dinner,”Americans’ forthe said.he dovefor it andcaught it, thensnapped itsgood be neck. “It will yourperversities.”and And mostofyou peace. all, steal Yousouls. our tempt your with us luxuries our steal soldiers Your oil. our steal businessmen Your imperialism. American words: two in grievance sonable rea- my is “Here Malcolm: to back turned He yes?” is, he kind have‘legitimatewecomplaints.’says broadly:“He Howsmiling youmighthave.” tation and platform from which to air any reasonable grievances like very much to hear your legitimate complaints. I have a repu- all- the Allah, compassionate,storefor you.”in things goodhas fear. to nothing have “You up. standing said, shuddered.and them reopened she Then quickly. them closed and face, Suleyman’s Shestretched,smelledeyes,sawgarlic,herback.opened the on butdream didn’t yet move, so stoopedSuleyman and patted her haveoppressed.” Phoebestiffly,satup frowning. hereto wake you gently. Now you thehandsof in those youare servants your have not do “you barked, Pont,” he du “Phoebe uemn omd u a aep al o te women. the for call wakeup a out boomed Suleyman Sally Sally felt sick. She wanted to calm herself by looking outside, and men young our tempt “You on: orated Suleyman A rat skittered across the room. Mustafa, quick for a big man, and wife his to turning said, Suleyman that?” hear “You Malcolm approached Suleyman as a man of reason: “I would Suleyman Beauty,” American Miss scared, are you “Ah, Sally heard a distant voice breaking into the remnants of her MARVIN OLASKY 109 Change Change means Islam Maybe I will humor you later, when we give you you give we when later, you will I humor Maybe Suleyman laughed. “I know what you are thinking: Suleyman spoke again. “Don’t you know that Sally tried to change the subject: “You speak English well. Hal reached into his pocket and found the four pieces of Hal swept the room with his eyes, taking note of details as “Stop, Phoebe.” Sally’s voice broke the silence. “You sound as sound “You silence. the broke voice Sally’s Phoebe.” “Stop, Phoebe Phoebe stared out the window and said, “We have no way “Could “Could we have some water?” Phoebe croaked. Suleyman Fatima returned with bottles of water and two empty pails, Did you study Did inyou America?” for seed. for and ‘peace’? both cannot We ‘submission’ be at peace until the to Allah.” submits world whole dropped its twig and rustled in the folds of the burlap, searching burlap, the of folds the in rustled twig and its dropped if he need later would to describe them in Even though a story. they’d taken away his notebook and pen, they years. many so over couldn’t practiced journalism of keep habits the from him Maybe he could find a way out. He turned to Malcolm. “You chocolate chocolate from the hotel, crushed within the napkin but still edible. With his free arm he tossed one each to Phoebe, Sally, together. they nibbled and Silently Malcolm. strange, strange, given our circumstances, but I’ve enjoyed every bit of the I journey. liked being a teacher again. Thank you for being and I such to good companions, do each apologize of you.” give up.” don’t Please saying good-bye. you’re though poured some on his head, slicking down his hair. around He at looked the others, waiting for their agreement. “I us ransom.” for he’ll hold suspect of knowing that.” She shook her head sadly. “This may sound shook his head, but after Fatima whispered to him, he boomed out out boomed he him, to whispered Fatima after but head, his shook you.” of all for water bring will She kind. is wife “My laugh: a then left. “A good sign,” Malcolm said as he drank and then the subject, get him talking about himself, a few words from the game game fromthe words few a himself, about talking him get subject, the contestant. show the dinner Mustafa will prepare.” 110 SCIMITAR’S EDGE so. Smelled a lotso.manure.”Smelledofa place?” this about distinctive anything noticeyou Did us. before came W means?” that us heguilty didn’t say anything about Sally? What do you figure manhood.” Turkishofideal particular butnotaideology Islamonlyby and motivatedromantic, a clearly He’s poetry. of love deep a with poetry?” this all What’sSuleyman? with remember even her.” strike to don’tif as arm his what—and raised he something—I about him with dis- agreed Fatima once but boss, the clearly is “Suleyman said, and relationship.”that aboutTell us Suleyman. with heryou’ve seenand Fatima, with n Kml eae uiu. W ms fn hm” h sergeant The him.” find must “We furious. became Kemal in, in?” checklasthe did When Americans. visiting the guarding be should who Cavus, Inspector to ately immedi- speak must “I post. police local the jandarma, the to in. “ in. airport. headedbeforeotherstheytheto decided to swing by the hotel to say good-bye to Phoebe and the a mistake made in letting moral had indignation overcome he watchfulness. He that himself told he Ankara, to back heading e Kml rpe b Atka oie edures before headquarters police Antakya by dropped Kemal hen “I don’t“I know.” askedher, Hal of you “Dideachnote when declared hethat Turksthose of one be to seems “Suleyman nodded.Phoebe “AndFatima,”worksaid. onhowabout Hal can we“Maybe hand free his with beard of stubble the scratched Malcolm for jibe.a opportunity passedbythe “You’ve Hal spent time “They blindfolded me. They must have driven a half hour or hn h sren tl hm utf hd o checked not had Mustafa him told sergeant the When He was alarmed when informed that they had not checkednot had they that informed when alarmed was He Gunaydin ,”he saidwhen sleepya sergeant call answered his ! MARVIN OLASKY 111 Good Good for detective novels ! , , he thought. He drove to the dirt lot where he had handed off his charges charges his off handed had he where dirt the lot to drove He Kemal Kemal moaned, “We should assume the worst: he has He looked at He his looked and wasted watch time. enough knew he’d Kemal Kemal prepared to call his Ankara office. He dreaded the Hal and Sally both became increasingly Sallyagitated. said, ime ime dragged without the terrorists making another appear- T who who could say which were significant? kidnapped kidnapped the Americans. Put out a descriptions.” special alert. Here are trucks and cars other with by, gone had hours Fifteen Mustafa. to coming in and He examinedout. and footprints tire treads, but ‘Brothers, I have made my decision. Like you, I have viewed tor- viewed I have Like you, decision. my made I have ‘Brothers, ture films and become angry. But now I see the need to direct will Hezbollah join you Americans. the hope I against anger my me.’” alongside searched searched Mustafa’s locker and found a note he had left there: cell phones cell in phones the Antakya region and was preparing to send a Kemal being time the For squad. rescue hostage trained specially do could little else. Turkish cop who had abandoned Phoebe du Pont. Phoebe had cop abandoned who Turkish He had given up smoking but found a cigarette in a desk and lit it as he called to set in motion what would surely career. end By the his time he hung up, Ankara had begun to monitor but probably of no but use probably here conversation with his superior, who would American officials. have They would demand the to head of the dumb contact replaced replaced modesty, and they relieved themselves in the empty had Fatima left buckets behind. “I’ll go crazy if we have to be here much Hal longer.” tried to realitybut was biting. a “My for kingdom laptop,” joke, ance. Suleyman was increasing the tension, as he had for Zeliha for had as he Suleyman ance. the tension, was increasing the as stewed Americans four victims. The other many and Kuris hours crept their by, stomachs growling. Eventually emergency 112 SCIMITAR’S EDGE with me?’ He said he wanted to ask butwantedthoughtheasktosaid He I’d sayme?’ no.” with out gone have you ‘Would asked, I some, talked we after and andsaw playing basketball,him sosaidI hello. He took break,a me out. Ten years graduationafter I went back to my hometown askedneverhe but class, my in boy a on crush a had “I crown. schoolaboutyears.”your high dare.”aboutacceptorasomething truth the “Phoebe,us tell than dare.” truth more have we’ll assume I movement, of freedom much don’thave and here grownups all we’resince But crush. had tense games, hoping that we wouldn’t have to reveal a secret mostabouttheyou her?’”dislike do ‘What or be?’ itworld,would whothe anyone in kiss could you ‘If ask,honestly. toanswer usedtoWe has person the that question personal a ask can you ‘truth,’ answers person other youdomean?” sleepovers.” motherall theof lookslike sleepovers. this And at game that play to used I Dare. or Truth play “Let’s barriers. suggestletmewetalk.”that bring, will daysand “Sincesaid,wedon’tSheand smiled knowwhathoursnext the reconciliation. at attemptmore one for time the be might this reality?” with thatPhoebetongue,decided and held his Malcolmsurprisingly grips to come you “Can’t him. at jumped Hal Malcolm, though, continued to seem eerily optimistic, and optimistic, eerily seem tocontinued though,Malcolm, “Boo,that’s tame,”him?” you “Didgooutsaid. with Hal her at hair of strand a at nervously flicked hand Phoebe’s regret you what us tell game, school high a is this “Since truth.”youthetell“I’m I’ll oldtoofor dares. said. Hal enough,” “Fair first. go to volunteered Phoebe Weembarrassing. something do to him ask can you “Then ‘dare’?” answers, person the if “What the If dare?’ another,or asking ‘truth by starts “Oneperson “What confused. genuinelyasked,Phoebe dare?” or “Truth Sally smiled mischievously, of thinking a way to break down protested. Hal “Talk?” “Talk aboutwhat?” MARVIN OLASKY 113 ! “Imperialists out of Palestine,” Zubeyir responded. “Imperialists of Palestine,” out Sulhaddin said. Iraq,” “And Fadil added. Afghanistan,” “And “Yes, “Yes, what are our demands?” Suleyman said with a smile. “You know, if I could, I would,” Hal murmured. He couldn’t if He Hal couldn’t I murmured. know, I “You could, would,” “Maybe “Maybe you need to ask the Wizard of Oz for a heart,” “Because we promised truth, and you’re giving us happy talk happy us giving you’re and truth, promised we “Because Hal looked at her respectfully. “OK, I’ll tell you the truth. Hal thought for a minute before responding. He began responding. with before a for Hal minute thought He He shifted nodded. but uneasily Sally regarded him carefully. “What do you regret most “No,” “No,” Phoebe smiled. “It was too late. But that’s high t t the other end of the farmhouse, the terrorists sat around a “Let’s hear “Let’s from the students.” table and congratulated one another. “A successful snatch,” said successful snatch,” “A another. one and congratulated table Trafik, puffing on one of the New Camel Exotic Blends, “but do we tell what the world?” A resist shooting back: “And maybe he could ask him for courage.” for him ask could he maybe “And back: shooting resist Every time I’ve come close to a woman, every time it’s been time been it’s time every woman, a to close come I’ve time Every to commit, I’ve backed I’ve away. chosen career over love, the commitment.” story over said. Malcolm glance from Sally caused him to stumble. “Why are you looking looking areyou “Why stumble. him to Sallycaused from glance at me like that?” like I used to give.” about your life?”your about jour- of joys the on touched that gave often he speech a from bits winningnalism, the feeling that accompanied the Pulitzer, and reproachful A job. his by required sacrifice and commitment the school life. school So many thingsat stared She pointedly left unsaid.” Malcolm and Hal. “Same thing sometimes with college room- turn:your Hal, it’s mates. will tell you us the truth?” 114 SCIMITAR’S EDGE What film has stuck with you?” with stuck has film What Hezbollah wins.”Hezbollah fault,it their him, is not Eitherwhenway, andlife, ours. we kill not,If have they will shown greater concern for money for than nalist for ransom. If other or Armenians journalists pay up, fine. jour- Armenian the offer to better be will itobjectives political obtain money?” to rich the seize people of types what “but mustache, movies.” American in money?that ofamount I’veseen certain don’ta demandwe take?” mightindeed Americans stepsthethat for specific brothers. But theyare a bit general? Do you we should think ask B ht cn ae ut o. ehp w cud oc o lighter on touch couldof mytopics. favorite wasIthinking movie, we Perhaps now. just take can I that muckraking.”stepfromOneup amused himself. “No watch, but I can write a column in the dirt. had hewhich with twig displayedthe and been, watchhad his wouldmove moreslowly.” itches; shower.”wanta I scalp my asleep; is arm My here? in nuts going who’s hn te okd or Sly rae. A I h ol one only the I “Am groaned. Sally door, locked the ehind “Ha ha!” Suleyman exulted. “Those are excellentdemands, are “Those exulted. Suleyman ha!” “Ha Yu r rgt W wl nt o h ovos T me our meet To obvious. the do not will We right. are “You “No.” person?” of “Aretype wethat scum,”replied. Zubeyir “Lowlifes.Selfish his stroking responded, Suleyman observant,” are “You why“so said, rich,” Zubeyir is woman old the us “Youtold hee mld plgtcly “ dnt nw o mc of much how know don’t apologetically. “I smiled Phoebe asked. Sally dare?” or weplay “Shallmore truth where showing skin of strip white a wrist, his waved Hal “At least we’re together,” Phoebe said. “If we were alone, time ! It’sWonderfula Life . MARVIN OLASKY 115

The . Comes Comes . The Godfather The High Noon High . Crime, violence, the American. Crime, violence, way.” again again and again.” Miller’s Crossing Miller’s “I remember,” Phoebe said. “You were cute.” were said. Phoebe “You “I remember,” “Who were you supposed “Who to worship?” supposed Sallyyou were asked. “Myself,” Malcolm responded. “Or maybe it was a trinity: They were silent for a time until Malcolm spoke. “My father “My father a time for until spoke. Malcolm silent They were “You “You should be proud of him,” Sally said. “That’s past from the nightmares But living. a good made he “Yeah, the “That’s not a crime,” Phoebe said. Phoebe a not crime,” “That’s “No Hal crime,” agreed, “but he had one passion. He drove Sally said, “I’m embarrassed, but my mom watched Hal jumped in: “Nothing to be embarrassed about. I’ll con- Malcolm thought for a moment and said, “I like like “I said, and moment a for thought Malcolm me, me, myself, and I. My earliest memory is of my mother show- I was three, when I could how, uncles and my ing off Phoebe to two-digit inmy add numbers and backwards alphabet the recite head.“ tronics, tronics, and from away primitive broke faith. Grandfather’s My his me own and created and god worshipped father encouraged to do the same.” Sometimes Sometimes he took a buggy whip to their children, but those hurts healed. The psychological scars passed on including to me.” generation, the third set my course. He graduated from MIT, made money in elec- opened a opened furniture his and bought own home.” store, American dream.” loomed over him. In his forties he married my poor grandma. a a horse and wagon through the streets of Boston, picking up used mattresses to recondition and sell. He found bits of gold on streets paved with cement. He gripped every penny tightly, from my granddad; I guess he wasn’t only a ghost with macabre with macabre ghost a only wasn’t granddad; guess I he my from stories. He taught me to love Westerns: ‘Clean red he pictures called blood,’ them. As he with learned English, he became a of odd repository sayings is like ‘politics the bone in crookedest And he to knew make money.” how the human body.’ and and Western, old that favorite: low-class my to fess Sound of Music Sound of Music 116 SCIMITAR’S EDGE since his chess playing bugged my mom. Not until last year did year lastbuggedplayingmychess mom.until Not his since needed he escape more played,the he more The chess. playing get a higher-paying job. He learned to ignore her and escaped by Bible.”the otherthan atleastbookaboutorany books, knew exchangewaywantedforheteachtolessthemoney.” in freedom him offered that schoolprivate a movedto he Instead money.decent some earn and principal school high a become teacher.”English an becoming by her,presence.herkeenlyawareof washe at look didn’t he Though Sally’s. touching shoulder his pillar, matched.”well weren’t they decided mother my and everything, almost lost hebubble burst,that When moneystocks.into high-techsome the all almostput and greedy fatherbecame myButyoumean. matched.” youpicture.”have it’s admitto funny truth—but a the telling just you’re all, laugh—after shouldn’t “I scene. the too.”mud athim admit,threw didn’t I defend him. helplessmud threw the bullies as atI, I’m And him. ashamed to ground, the topointed head back, flopped Hefence. the of top the on caught cuff pants His him. chasing were who children awayfrom getto fence chain-link a climbing was friend a time maybe Hal is right: I didn’t learn about courage. I remember one of that. Dancing lessons, elocution lessons, outfits from Saks. But he find a way out of the trap.”wayoutthe ofa find he “Of course I was cute,” Malcolm said. “My mother made sure “Shewas more disappointed proud. than She nagged to him “But isn’t she proud of Sally asked.him?” “I wish my parents he’d thought She mom. my married he then but “No, crime,”a “NotPhoebe said. Hal said, “My dad tried to escape Granddad’s money fixation the against back leaned Hal while. a forquiet all were They what’s that if money, with comfortable both were “They Hal said, “At least it sounds as though your parents were well so.”didn’t friend “Mythink imagined she as laughter stifling said, Sally awful,”“That’s MARVIN OLASKY 117 Sometimes at the Sometimes at grocer or the café, . They . killed . every father my day. lived by My father dyin. Dying he long. lived a dyingI’m son too.” They They killed him every day, desk at a Sometimes clerk’s Phoebe Phoebe decided to be direct: “What do you plan to do to “Ah, my comrades and I will discuss that more tomorrow “Was your father a father your clerk?” “Was Sally asked. Suleyman didn’t answer. Instead, he let his eyes slide over The The door opened and Fatima spread two plates of kebab, Suleyman appeared in the doorway, grinning broadly. “Died “Died of a heart attack. He left me all his They were portraits silent for a of time, until Sally said, “Listen to us. “How?” Allah the all-compassionate would have you treated.” you have Allahwould the all-compassionate felt a felt rush of gratitude hisat unexpected sensitivity. us?” can allmorning. You be sure that willyou be exactlytreated as her, lingering on her breasts. Sally shivered at the attention and the attention at lingering Sally breasts. on her shivered her, Hal her Nextto away. go would he hoping away, turnedface her Sally view. Suleyman’s partiallyblocked body his that so shifted, “Bogikian, I just heard you talking about your father. I’ll tell you you tell I’ll father. your talking about you heard just “Bogikian, I about mine by reciting for your pleasure a poem by a Turkish poet I admire, Ozdemir Ince: flatbread, flatbread, and yogurt before them. Hungry as he was, Malcolm piece “Lamb one or rat?” ate Fatima suspiciously: the eyed meat was it good. to show Armenian leaders.” think She memory among one happy us.” have we didn’t You’d of course.” Phoebe, for “Except at her mentor: fondly looked CHAPTER TEN

he next morning Phoebe seized the opportunity offered by Tone of Suleyman’s visits. “You can see we aren’t going any- where,” she said in Turkish. “Must you keep our hands bound? It is very difficult for us . . .” Phoebe pointed at the bucket. “Miss Northaway and I would appreciate more privacy.” Suleyman fondled his mustache and looked about the room. Its single window was eight feet off the ground and securely barred. Finally he nodded. Phoebe smiled gratefully before making a second request. “I knit hats for babies,” she told him, “and, truthfully, I also do it for myself. I like to keep my hands busy. Could you give me my knitting bag?” When he looked doubtful, she added. “You’ll see its contents are harmless.” Suleyman’s laughter boomed out: “Harmless? I looked. Your knitting needles are short, but they have sharp points and could be used as weapons. No. But you, Miss American Beauty, may have your little bag with its soaps and creams inside. I want your face to be radiant.”

11 8 MARVIN OLASKY 119 “Like “Like a ladder and crowbar located conveniently within “Who many cars knows? How see?”do you the “Just van and a little Fiat.” Hal helped Phoebe sit down before joining the others by the the by others the joining before down sit Phoebe helped Hal She She climbed his onto back as he to pretended buckle under “Nope. “Nope. I’m staying at your side, and walking.you’re Come Sally stood on tiptoes under the window. “Malcolm, come “My “My legs are asleep, and I feel lightheaded. Why don’t you He He scowled and walked out but said before closing the “Very good,” “Very Suleymangood,” regarded her “You are approvingly. “Don’t “Don’t bother,” Sally muttered. Hal pinched her, and she window. “Do see you anything be window. that would helpful to us?” reach?” asked. Malcolm head head just reached the sill. “How “Our little farmhouse is next to a corn field. In the distance lovely,” are she said wistfully. mountains. I think I see a minaret, but heard I the haven’t call be must too far.” We to prayer. here.” When he reached her side, she motioned for him to bend him bend to for motioned she side, her reached When he here.” over so that his back formed a platform about two feet off the ground. “Do thinkyou canme?” you hold asked. she her weight. Carefully she planted her feet and stood up. Her on, on, stand up.” Together they hobbled around the room: paces one ten way, ten the other. “Twice around and then I’ll let rest.” you drooping against the pillar. Once they were untied, Hal stood up, up, stood Hal untied, were they Once pillar. the against drooping stretched his legs, and stooped to slip an arm around Phoebe. to walk.” have You up. “Let you me help exercise and me let be?” still lives, and he is rich, but he is dead inside. He is an is engineer He inside. dead is he but rich, is he and still lives, that does with a business for Americans.” company you door, “I will send Fatima to unbind you.” She did so and had a look of sadness in her eyes as she released Phoebe, who was realized that she was in danger of antagonizing a man a with life- antagonizing of in was danger realized she that and-death power over them. She forced herself to look at him and smile. “Thankvery kind.” That’s you. learning. And I will answer your question about my father. He 120 SCIMITAR’S EDGE gocrazy.” do,” they’ll good Malcolmsaid. what see don’t “I been. had bag the where bag?” the ofrest outthe “Could ofstripssaid.wemake “Playsaid,ball!” and up it held shediameter, in inches two about was it When began sheto unravel the wherebag and form the rough from strands into tear, a ball. small a formed had she until bag the of roachesfloor.Severalintocorner.skitteredtheto the fell seeds few A out. itshook she it, beside down Kneeling formed. idea an as bag the eyed She her.scolded they perch sill. that From the onto flew they nearer, drew she as and it, at pecking them watched She bag. seed the on landed and room the into room.thearound older thewoman madecircuits her frequently.floor,dosingsure themade on Hal time morespent S woman. “It’s funny how these circumstances have actually actually have circumstances broughttogether. guys thoseatthem.” Look these how funny “It’s woman. innings. between talked and factored itintorules the merely They them. bother didn’t that not but bounce, did much have ball The time. of periods great fill to alone left often was a variation of a game they had both played as it kids who that were minutes few a after realized be She spot. tothe on inventing seemed they game the for rules over argued forgotten, ly ace a te w mn ter nmst momentarily animosity their men, two the as watched ally Sally Sally hopped down, and after that time passed slowly. Phoebe “Neither do I,” Hal agreed. “But the choice is keep busy or busy keep is choice the “But agreed. Hal I,” do “Neither ground the layon strips two-inch ofpile laterhour a half A Hal’s face lit up when Sally tossed the ball to him. “Wait,” he corner a on gnawmoment’s to a hesitationbegan she After Sally heard some overheadrustling as two sparrows swooped Sally sat next to Phoebe, putting her arm around the older the around arm her putting Phoebe, to next sat Sally ! MARVIN OLASKY 121 ! “Just “Just wistful for a moment. But right: you’re we’ll both get “I “I go to games now when they come to Baltimore. Hey, Malcolm hesitated and had such a strange look in his eyes “Me “Me too,” Malcolm agreed. “I missed gaining a sense of A A shout from across the room broke the silence. Hal was “I’ve known defeat,” Hal acknowledged ruefully. “My dad “I’ve “I’ve had better days,” the older woman said. “But I’m not “I wish I Sally could say long that,” as said. “As moving I’m Phoebe nodded, but her mind seemed far away. Sally looked Sally looked far mind seemed away. her but nodded, Phoebe They listened for a moment to Hal’s chatter about watching chatter about They to Hal’s for a listened moment t the other side of the farmhouse, Suleyman was showing off as off showing was Suleyman farmhouse, the of side other the t he sat at the head of the round table and commanded his and commanded team: table the round of the head at sat he at but “Think. demands make to that seem want reasonable We the same the timefor Americans are to grant.” impossible A out. I’ll out. see there.” you I think Boston’s I in to thinkcome get out, If—when—we next month. Boston’s the first game of the series.” the that Hal matter?” “What’s asked, looked at looked chess as life or death and baseball as a waste of time, did I until stink.” so to play I got I was Boy, never twelve. teamwork or even cheering for someone else. Never even saw the Red play.” Sox of silence—that’s when I feel overwhelmed by I fear.” when feel overwhelmed of silence—that’s across the sprawled dirt, and Malcolm stood triumphantly over him. “I of the victory.” win.joy Yes, at her with concern: “Are you OK?” you at her with concern: “Are afraid.” periods long these distracted. But myself canI listening, keep or the the Red Sox play at Fenway Park and Malcolm’s sad response: fearful. became more we us rich, made patents dad’s “When my into me took never he that kidnapped be I’d afraid so became He big cities.” 122 SCIMITAR’S EDGE accomplished. They feel guilty. They think others should be be well.”as prosperityhanded should parents others think their They what guilty. feel on They accomplished. sit Americans rich Some politically. up.” catchnever will we ahead, moving is America as long as plish, accom- we what matter No cried. I that well soworked Things becomericher.” will Americans rich,becomes West Asia Muslim advantages. if Even lead on us economically and a system that allows it to maintain its O that student in Antalya who came from Konya. His first name first His Konya. from came who Antalya in student that Wait—them. aboutinformation cavorted—no Malcolm whom weren’t“Maybethey evenHezbollah.” rogated inter-Turkey.southerncaptivefrom two terrorists vigorouslyNothing.” Istanbul and Ankara in Inspectors Nothing. know. sympathizers. WeHezbollah houses known theraidedof Malcolm. with museum the from departed had who woman the identify could one No door-to-door near the bottom of Mount Silpius: no goneeyewitnesses. had police Local nothing. abduction: the of scene the at footprints and tread Tire Aleman. Abdul inspector,police local n the other side of Antakya, Kemal went over reports with a with reports overwent Kemal Antakya, of side other the n “Why not demands they can agree to?” Sulhaddin asked. Sulhaddin to?” agree can nottheydemands “Why “You are a fine student.” “Youfine a are weplaycaughtguilt?” Fadilon“So on: economically,them beatthem beat “We cannot can webut whatwedo?” “So do puzzled: was again Zubeyir “I have werethat Icried. sobeautiful Parts America. beenin asked. Zubeyir wecan’t “So catchup?” “Youdeserve thetruth, honest.bewillsoI America hasbiga “No communication from the kidnappers yet,” Abdul noted. we think we than more know must“We Abdul,told Kemal “We will hear from them. Let us think. The women with with women The think. us Let them. from hear will “We ! MARVIN OLASKY 123 ! “Nor “Nor for me,” Sally assented. “I desperately wanted to be “Christ, the ultimate high,” Hal snorted. the high,” “Christ, ultimate “Guess that was it. I won some gymnastic awards as a kid, “Same thing that happened to me playing chess at sixteen. Sally smiled: “Since I can guess what your dare would be, “Then I’ll ask what Hal asked: I’d like to know some Sally divines. Puritan were Malcolm, ancestors, Your enough. “Fair “Agreed.” too. question a you ask to want I “And interrupted. Malcolm “Dare, “Dare, and better it be something good.” the to me with come to you dare this, I of out get we “When t t the farmhouse the sun was beginning to set. Phoebe dozed Would have had to spend hours every day going through books every hours going spend day to had have Would of me.” openings, end games, for games. middle Not Didn’t movies. watch to me want didn’t parents my But normal. but when I was eleven, I had to choose between normal life and life and between normal choose to had I eleven, was I when but doing that intensely.” Yours, Hal, Yours, were Armenian peasants. I really know don’t where in me produced who parents hippie the know just I from. come I a as crusadeGraham Billy a to went They 1980. in Francisco San joke and somehow—I understand don’t how it works—decided to give up drugs and fundamentalists.” become I have to I tell the have truth.” history.” July July 4 celebration in Washington and sit as close as we can to the off.” go fireworks where or dare?”Truth on on the floor under Sparrows the pecked window. at the seed in turn: truth about “Your said, and Sally turnedHal to corner. the from, or dare.” come you where an expensive place, but we might as well try. Work on that.” as might we but Work an well try. place, expensive A was was . . . Fadil. was He registered not probably at the Hillside Su, 124 SCIMITAR’S EDGE osbe as o ra cpue eeis rlae hm hold them, release enemies: captured treat to ways possible four of told he 1058, in Baghdad in died he be Before him. unto peace as-Sultaniyyah, al-Ahkam al-Mawardi, Abu’l-Hasan whofollownot anarchists.“ rules, “I letwill one of you go. You should understand that we are men go?” all youpositiveletus a response,will American system, but he hefigured might as well ask: “If you get sounded ridiculous, the product of a mind out of touch with the demands appoint-the judiciary. all To American Hal the to Muslims with ing do to having mostly hours, forty-eight within boomed. “I have come to tell you our demands. We are not after chief terroristhosts,” the charming and efficient your Mustafa, good for Muslims and good forgoodAmerica.”andforgood Muslims be will concessionsthat for ask we “But said. he things,” petty eoe oe needn ltl b ltl, e ed e o tight so me held he little, by little independent more become tight.”wereso rules outthere, buthis want me to dance. is, Thing my dad was right to see the dangers T movedManhattan.”to single a mom: I chose adoption, be which was sad but to good. Graduated want and didn’t abortion, an have Didn’t Guy off. up. took Knocked old. years Nineteen stereo. in filling, was I stereotypes the all about thinking even hate beach I truth: a OK, brat. “Became painful: became they as clipped becoming away.”breakto had I that e e rtld n hi cl do. Hr cm Slya and Suleyman come “Here door. cell their in rattled key he “You joker,” Armenian an are declared cheerfully. Suleyman met be to demands, of series a announce to on went He “Hardly. The rule I follow was propounded by my ancestor my by propounded was follow I rule “Hardly.The you“Rulesgoyoualong?” as upmake Sud lk w al o t” al rsodd hr sentences her responded, Sally it,” do all we like “Sounds Malcolmasked.“Repeating your parents’lives?” me letting of Instead else. Nothing school. in track “Ran letyouhe“Didanything?” do ! MARVIN OLASKY 125 “Kemal mentioned Koroglu.” “Kemal mentioned “Doesn’t seem very poetic.” “Doesn’t Suleyman scowled. “I leave you with one story, about the “Dictator Suleyman,” Hal said sarcastically. Suleyman,” “Dictator “No, I am a poet. Here is one of my favorites, by Ataoi “You started “You out saying you want Haltruth,” replied. “How “I am not asking you to lie,” Suleyman responded. “I am The The Americans glared at Mustafa, refusing to give him that Mustafa Mustafa ordered them to stand together while he fiddled Suleyman ordered. the “Smile for camera,” “That’s “That’s barbaric!” Hal exclaimed, as both Sally and Phoebe “Truly, Mr. Bogikian?” Suleyman asked. “Letting three of son son of a horse trainer by employed a tyrant. The tyrant, disap- pointed with the looks of a particular horse, horse trainer’s gouged eyes. The and revenge took son the vowed name out the son.’” means which literally blind ‘the man’s Koroglu, Behramoglu: Behramoglu: ‘Some day we shall triumph for sure, I tell loan you, sharks of old! You geese! You grand scrunched a cockroach with his shoe. vizier!’” Suleyman asking one of you to tell what you know deep down is the truth: the is down deep know you what tell to you of one asking That Allah is all-powerful. I am giving you a taste I how amshowing all-powerful in you of thisover house.” that by evil and Islam is great will go free. that How’s for a game show prize?” then can ask us you our to lie to save skins?” pleasure. Suleyman, seeing they would not bend, promised pay- promised bend, not Suleyman, seeing they would pleasure. back later. “You must work harder to please he me,” said. “Oh, and I will make one further offer to all of you: The first one to videotape a statement to the world explaining why America is you live is live you highly civilized, I think.” with the camera. Then at he Suleyman, looked waiting for him to give a signal to start filming. you. My plan My is you. use to all That of you means four methods. one will die.” blanched. them them for ransom, enslave them, or kill them. There are four of 126 SCIMITAR’S EDGE produce a great stepforward.”producegreat a judgesappointedcouldMuslimhave to Your demand America. watchingmovies.”mostmy time of supposed to study engineering at the University of Texas. I spent hostages. with studentshowon deal to three for his nar lockedrelocked.anddoorwas cell the suremade Trafik others.”of flesh and hearts the on feed reality,you You’re In yourself. deluding genius. unrecognized representing as brave, as right, as alone prosaicworld.a You’re themselveswhootherssee million a like hero ‘The victory: holdsfast,cowardsflee.’” the celebrates poem The retreated. ened, fright- tyrant, The shovels. and pickaxes their brought villages bravery.’” ruin enemy.the browsour On appearedwordsdark ofdestiny. Rifles of legions with faced were ‘We ode, magnificent a in claimed pro- Koroglu arrow. and bow only had rebels The rifles. with armed army an assembled tyrant The truths. own our develop engineer.” rich terdaya youyourfatherthatadmittedis lord.”the against horse to the mountains, where he recruited a rebel force to fight that rode he Then beautiful? and swift, strong, became it until horseugly the of care Koroglumentionlovingtook thathe did described was there, just beyond the confines of the room. “And uemn ae ot h wno a tog te cn he scene the though as window the out gazed Suleyman “Ah,”“That’ssaid. Sulhaddin why you knowmuchso about “Good movie of that name. Eddie Murphy. Nick Nolte. I was askedFadilSuleyman. hours?” forty-eight “Why semi- a conductedhe as composure his regained Suleyman Mustafaandhe left. as not was smiling Suleyman time This Hal was intense: “You’re not the poet standing alone against nearby in People bravery. ruin not did rifles day that “On asked. Sally happened?” “What poets we and poet, a was Koroglu point: my miss “You Koroglu,”thatyou seewith “I identify replied, Hal “but yes- MARVIN OLASKY 127 “You think ahead,” Fadil rejoiced. think “You ahead,” “Of course,” Suleyman said. “I played chess too, like that “Oh, the Americans will not meet our conditions,” Suleyman conditions,” our meet not will Americans the “Oh, Bogikian. Perhaps it would be amusing to play a game against him.” said confidently. “Their said politicians confidently. will denounce us before the cameras. But we are injecting an idea: why not Muslim repre- journaliststheir will willof So carry forward. Some it sentation? particularly in their the our brothers programs professors, Saudi funded.” have CHAPTER ELEVEN

he next morning Malcolm woke up deciding it was time Tto act. He would walk away from captivity by accepting Suleyman’s offer to make a videotaped anti-American statement. He knew that it would hurt his reputation among moderates while gaining him new popularity on the academic left, but regardless of those calculations, the important thing was to get out. He didn’t want the others to scorn him, so after a yogurt and flatbread breakfast, he said, “Sally, can you sing?” When she looked puzzled, he added, “Maybe a patriotic song like ‘America the Beautiful’?” Sally protested, but Malcolm crossed over and whispered, “Bugs,” while pointing into the corners of the room and cupping his ear in imitation of someone listening. “I learned ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ when I was a girl,” Sally said, and she started singing as Malcolm quietly explained his plan to the others: “If I get out, I’ll be able to get help for you.”

1 2 8 MARVIN OLASKY 129 ! As He died to make men holy, let us let die to make As He died to make men holy, While God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you “I’ll “I’ll be furious with you so Suleyman will be convinced “So, as I sacrifice my reputation, you’ll play your part?” your play as “So, you’ll I sacrifice reputation, my men men free, plan Malcolm’s of critical less was Hal voice, her by Charmed the the sea, and me: Sally carried on with the and musical cover, Hal discovered Phoebe Phoebe protested, “You’ll look like a traitor. Maybe you’ll a But traitor.” she had to admit that it gave them a chance. cross cross town Kemal was learning that two guests with the first name name “Fadil” were at the Hillside Su the same evening Kemal and the others had been there. Neither of them had a Konya address. A you’ve joined his side and abandoned us. Of course,” he grinned, he course,” Of us. abandoned and side his joined you’ve hands They shook be to hardme furious for not with you.” “it’s and ended their huddle just before Zubeyir, entranced by the singing, came in more. and for asked written and said,” he told him, “you are the person Suleyman even either, that like statement a make wouldn’t I believe. would though people will know it was made under duress. But if it’s it.” for go want to do, something you than he otherwise would have been. “Given what you’ve already already you’ve what “Given been. have would otherwise he than her lovely singing voice: her lovely be age her given gain release, to be one the should Hal Phoebe said and health, but she said she would never make the necessary statement. 130 SCIMITAR’S EDGE me.” tosay to have yousomething hear“Professor, said,I and Trafik her.door behind the locking room,carefully the of the others as though of afraid them. She bowed and stepped out thing to say. Do not tell the other Americans.” He looked back at Malcolm approached her. “Please tell your husband I have some- downcold: “When you do, you’ll have a reward.” toemerge from the side room until they had the major variations and Fadil to study the most-used opening, the Ruy Lopez, and not He gave the students their next lesson in chess and told Sulhaddin it was only a matter of time before boredom led to more mischief. slipout tonearbyawhere farmer’sfarm pretty a daughter lived. and quick sex: He had even caught Sulhaddin and Fadil totrying violencequick withmovies American manytoo seen had They impatient. still were disciplined, more slightly while recruits, other His police. the to all tell to ready rapist, seemed fool would-be the when the Aktas, of death the ordered had already Westernimperialism andAmericanaggression against Muslims. for hatred his andmedicine, and sciencecontributionsearlyto its as suchIslam’sabout virtues, talk with speech his filled also He Christianity.disdained and America disliked he much how about talked American the as ready gun his with by stood and Malcolm’stying hands. Trafik escorted Malcolm into the kitchen here.”can’t butIdeal, talk a maketo toFadilfind but hoping for some scrap ofinformation. atMustafaKemalUniversity. Kemalrushedthere, not expecting S lya wrid bu te tdns e a rcutd He recruited. had he students the about worried uleyman uemn age. Cm, rfso, e u tl, h said, he talk,” us let professor, “Come, laughed. Suleyman want “I chief, terrorist thetold whoMalcolm, at glared Hal with came he Finally responding. before waited Suleyman water, fresh of bottles prisoners the brought Fatima As Mustafa had administered a sound beating, but Suleyman knew One was from Antakya, and his address was a dormitory room ! MARVIN OLASKY 131 ! Suleyman smiled again. “Do the math, Mr. Edwards. And did Malcolm throw up. system. your of out it “Get back. the on him patted Suleyman “No, “No, you thought we’d kill the Armenian and ransom off mean to behead or Phoebe Sally?” “Wait—you Malcolm felt “We’ll “We’ll free you, but I’ve decided that we will not stoop to I had what expected.” not “That’s “Good,” Malcolm replied. “So release me you’ll “Good,” and ransom “Very good, Mr. Edwards. Mr. speech, deliv- That is good, an “Very excellent Suleyman watched the professor with brooding eyes, nod- emal quietly picked the lock of Fadil Bayancik’s room at the university’s university’s main campus, located six miles from the center of K Revolutionaries must swallow many bitter pills. You have not read read not have You pills. bitter many swallow must Revolutionaries our Muslim sages, but I suspect you are familiar with Vladimir snake a like was Lenin. not belly His like the revolution his one we will on but have, he crawl must revolutionary a that wrote once Edwards?” Mr. snakes, like you Do mission. a accomplish to if you could enslave one of those women, which choose?” would you your your aunt. Kazasina told me how your brain chess. I play do.” don’t works, but you like throwing up. ransoming ransoming a rich Our lady. Saudi friends give us all the money Americansthinking are—what’s want we don’t we and need, we in diggers.” that expression the movies?—gold the the Internet, and I see that your thisof use make can further.We step a statement it takes writing but is your consistent with of evilarticulate denunciation and of the acceptance truth.” I off assume.” Phoebe, ding his head at of indictment the his American’s own country and praise for Islam. He stood up when the diatribe was done on Malcolm the and back. slapped ered with grace and intelligence. I read some of your work on 132 SCIMITAR’S EDGE isteredBayanciks. to reg- Antakya homes in checkedoutall already had men Buthis multiplehavehomes.might and Turkishstandards by rich was meantpad—thatcomputer, hadFadila which meantfamily his mouseA walls. the on Nothing chair. a desk, a bed, A Antakya. W Bayancik’sFadilof namemaiden outmother.” the find to Grandparents?costumes.peasant in peopledressed elderly Two mattress. the under tucked photograph a spotted America the truth.” Zubeyir slid behind Hal and watched him him watched and Hal behind slid Zubeyir truth.” tell the America finally will who man the “Behold speaker: keynote a ing helppoliceandher. the toget action could he maybe and dead, her wantnot his did he vital: made killed be probably would Phoebe that news startling Besides,the Suleyman. likebedfellows embraceodd to had sometimes whorevolutionary social a was he that himself reminding before second a for wavered terrorism, for apologist marvels. who would become his star witness to American evil and Muslim almost every Turkish balcony. “Sit on here,”seen kind themoldedchair,plastiche a ordered in bringthe toprofessor, Zubeyir to AK-47. an doorwith the stoodin Mustafa Suleyman. and camera, video a carried who Trafik, by closely followedthrough, key. stumbled Malcolmthe of turn the then it’sis, providetowrong propaganda forSuleyman.” “Hal, you’re too easy on him now. I don’t care what the situation with his gun poised. gun his with hen Hal whispered Malcolm’s plan to Sally, she was angry: angry: was she Sally, to plan Malcolm’s whispered Hal hen He was already on the phone to his inspector, Abdul. “I need he until alley, blind another facing was he thought Kemal Suleyman Suleyman now acted like the master of ceremonies introduc- public a becoming of moment the with faced Malcolm, called and camera the up set to Trafik directed Suleyman and door the outside footsteps heard she as stopped Sally ! MARVIN OLASKY 133 ! “Wish I still had it,” she replied. she “Wish I still had it,” “You shouldn’t think“You shouldn’t badly of him,” Hal said. “He despises Escorted Escorted by Suleyman and Trafik he left the room, and the He told Trafik to begin He told filming,prac- and soon the captive’s Malcolm snorted. “Shut up, Malcolm Hal. up, snorted. “Shut This a isn’t where Western Hal, playing his role fully, lunged forward, but Zubeyir’s Hal ignored the student and said, “Don’t, Malcolm! Whatever Whatever Malcolm! “Don’t, said, and student the ignored Hal uleyman tied hands, Malcolm’s pushed him into the back of the the Ford van, climbed in after him, and told Zubeyir to drive into the hills. “Kazasina was he said:right,” are “You a flexible person, and I will partmy keep of the bargain.” S I’m actuallyI’m He under hopeful.” brightened Sally’s touch: “Hey, that sounds like typeyour of optimism.” “Malcolm’s a traitor.” “Malcolm’s much about America, and that’s why his speech was over-the- top, but now he’ll be freed, and maybe he’ll come rescue Something’s happening to us. me: I hate don’t him anymore, and door door closed behind them. Sally knelt beside Hal, cradling his head in her lap, while Phoebe gathered the “We’ll strips use of them burlap. as bandages,” Sally said, as wound. As she she bound Hal’s scalp with washed the burlap, she the sniffled, ticed ticed voice filled the room with an attack on US “Christian-fascist leaders and America.” Malcolm concluded with for his Muslim praise brothers: “The heroes of our age are men Suleyman like Hasan who show us the road to universal progress. their jihad.” I welcome gun crashed down on his head, sending him sprawling to the ground. Blood darkened the dirt under his head. That satisfied tell to way “Another said, and Malcolm at smiled who Suleyman, a is true by the he makes.” enemies revolutionary he’s promised isn’t worth betraying country—andyour isn’t promised us.” he’s a white-hat hero rides to the rescue. We each know our limits, mine.” reached and I’ve 134 SCIMITAR’S EDGE certain which students will have sex with you?” with have sex whichstudents will certain yourcollegeofmanythat women have becomewhores.” Turks. But years that ago, was fifteen and now I see on Web sites thoughttoI notme as flock theywould. ofSome seemedafraid did coeds the Texas, of University the at years two my spent I “When continued: Suleyman hesitantly,and nodded Malcolm offend to anything do not better assistance.”of“I’mterrorist. be totheglad had He eat. the to for road the buzzards of side the by body his leave and here, him shoot mind, his change to Suleyman for figured, he possible, question.”sonal per- a ask to likeI’d confirmed, is alliance our that “Now said, usual three and damaged his knee. Then the van stopped, and stopped, van the Then knee. his damaged and three usual his of instead left she day the miles twelve ran he care, didn’t cowardlyme.”toseems No,moreyouyourstory.”.of tell . . saiddayother aboutthat.” getangry wives America In around. looking started I year, a half for married were I and be havetomenonly.allowhertowives.”four with wise is Islam would I thought “Debi college: graduating after soon ried do.”they fe a e mnts uemn toe hs utce and mustache his stroked Suleyman minutes few a After “Here’s the giveaway: They say, ‘I’ll do want“Itoknow aboutHow youyourdobargains. knowfor make.It’sthey bargains consensual.”the are “Those female“Youcollege American students,have with yes?” sex was It release. his celebrate to ready not still was Malcolm acl are ad xlie ta atog h si he said he although that explained and agreed Malcolm that friend, new my “Malcolm, startled. was Suleyman “Itried to placate Debi by telling her she could do the same.” the “Fatima admitted. Suleyman sometimes,” too, “Here Debi After that. understandnotwomen some“True,dobut superiority.”our “Allah recognizes mar- he woman the of talked he as cloudedMalcolm’s face what“Then happens?” anything for an A, and MARVIN OLASKY 135 ! He felt a moment of panic. a He felt moment Suleyman’s Suleyman’s eyes gleamed. “Poetry? She must have the soul Suleyman jumped into the front of the van, and Zubeyir “Could I have some water?” some I “Could have “I’m thinking of taking Sally to a quiet house by the sea. Malcolm’s mind swirled. Still angry that she had rejected Suleyman sneered. “Your knee is Suleyman is not?” it “Your better, sneered. “Yes.” “Head down that goat path, and you will find a village in The ex-prisoner looked at The the looked landscape surroundingex-prisoner lonely The The team blew open the front door of the building and hirty minutes later Kemal led a assault team four-man toward T stepped on the gas, sending a spray of gravel into Malcolm’s face. face. Malcolm’s into gravel of spray a sending gas, the on stepped He was free, as just he had wished. Take her to an around.” unusual come She’ll spot. Take himhands and gave a bottle of He Malcolm’s untied of a Turk.” Allah May “Farewell. preserve you.” water. How can How I her to be convince like of coeds?”one your him, he said, “Proceed with slowly her. Excite her with poetry. several hours. Be careful. Some of my countrymen are suspicious suspicious are countrymen my of careful.Some Be hours. several of foreigners.” It had It started raining. him and shook his head in disbelief: can’t “You leave me here. I’ll never find my way back. might as You well . . He .” decided the sentence. to complete not Suleyman opened the back door and let Malcolm stand outside. outside. stand Malcolm and let Suleymanthe door back opened front and back, a Kevlar helmet, goggles, and earplugs. and goggles, front back, a helmet, Kevlar threw in concussion devices “flashbangs,” that create what the With indicates. light word and noise disorienting the defenders the the front entrance to the farmhouse, with two more men wait- ing at the back. Each assault team member carried plates steel with vest armored an an wore Each pistol. M4/A1 a and carbine 136 SCIMITAR’S EDGE atvs “rie la, o ae ak W hv wr ta the that word have We back. are you Allah, “Praise captives. theup tying blindfoldingTrafikandpanickeddiscovered had a there.onewas theythought were present, men Kemalsweptandhis in,but no it or be prepared to find a newjob.”a find toprepared be itor band of thugs to live here three days and this leave forno evidence. possible Find not “It’s men: his at glared Kemal telephone. or papers of lack the explained which headquarters,long-term havebarked.he“What you men:found?” death was not far behind. With growing urgency, Kemal met his prisoners, their abusing began terrorists once that knew Kemal and that was a good but thing, the blood was cause for concern. Butthe rest had been rubbed away by the sole of boot.a smalltwig,and even the beginnings of aword: SUL,he thought. captors. Near one of the pillars he found a series of scratches and a Americans had scribbled into the ground information about their lab.thelookedItdeath. blood likebutnot enough signify to bagout pocket,of his he scoopedup to somesend to of dirt the He knelt over a darkened patcha plastictaking ofCarefully dirt. bound. been had Americans the where showed Chains waste. room’s fetid odor, a mix of unwashed bodies, illness, and human kept.been had Americans the where room small the entered Kemal rooms, other the and was onfinally a his While trail. warm men searched the kitchen he least At clues. find to hoping floor, the on scattered papers the through went He warned.” been have must They late. too van. the ofback the into him slinging and arms Hal’spinioning Mustafa with van, the into rain the through Phoebe and Sally yanked then had Sulhaddin and Fadil are.” we where know may director police o mc, hy eotd Te amos hd o be a been not had farmhouse The reported. they much, Not Kemal climbed wearily to his feet. They hadn’t found bodies, the hoping writing, for earth trampled the searched He He held a handkerchief over his nose and mouth to mute the “We’re muttering, left was later minutes few a Kemal So That’s because Suleyman, upon to his return the farmhouse, MARVIN OLASKY 137 ! The The two policemen on late duty did not speak English, but He He stumbled into the mosque, his face sunburned, his legs He He wiped a trickle of sweat from his brow and plodded on y y nightfall Malcolm had walked for hours, following the B American there and fill out papers, so they would not get to bed to get not would they so papers, fill and Americanout there at their regular time. They put Malcolm in a cell and tried to make him wait until understand that he morning. should of of trouble. Nothing exciting had happened in their district for many weeks. Since they were short of toilet paper the they numerous special used alerts from headquarters as a substitute, and knew nothing of his situation. They did know that if they called Antakya headquarters, they would have to transport the and and finally brought him to the house of the imam, who knew a few words of English, and the attempt at explanation began again. Finally the imam himdrove to the local jandarma. they understood that Malcolm was an American in some kind mosque was, could a police station be was, could a farstation mosque police behind? scratched and bloody. For frustrating minute after minute he struggled to make the muezzin, who had just descended from the minaret, understand him. The muezzin his scratched beard discordant discordant notes washed over him, he scrambled up hill a and stared small into the distance. There a squat cement build- ing with a single, tile-topped minaret declared that he was in Muhammad’s land. Malcolm laughed, never thinking that he would be so excited about seeing a mosque, because where a aid the release of the others, along with most of hisof with along self-respect, the most aid of the others, release had evaporated. He recalled how that he was enough worthless: Debi was she right. had told him often until the suddenly chant of a muezzin the As silence. broke the scrubby goat path as it zigzagged over rocky fields and up hills trunks theirancient trees, bent and gnarled as with olive dotted to hope Malcolm’s and gone, long was water His felt. Malcolm as CHAPTER TWELVE

reakfast did not come the next morning for Phoebe, Sally, Band Hal. They sat miserably shackled on the wet stone floor of a windowless room, guarded by Mustafa. They hadn’t changed clothes in five days, and dampness added to their dis- comfort. The roof leaked and cockroaches scurried around. At least this time the captives had some sense of where they were: they could smell the sea. In the main room of his new hideout, Suleyman felt tri- umphant that his gang had moved in time to evade the police. “This is proof that Allah is blessing us and that our friends at the jandarma protect us. We didn’t leave anything important at the other house, did we?” Trafik said they hadn’t and added that the house had been a dangerous place anyway since it was traceable to Fadil’s grand- parents. He rejoiced that they now had an isolated house with stone floors and stockpiled food and wine: “The only problem is that I am short of cigarettes.”

1 3 8 MARVIN OLASKY 139 “Don’t “Don’t lecture me about the decrees of Allah, old woman. Phoebe Phoebe was but she weary, now roused herself. “Is it Allah’s “Smart traitor,” Sally muttered. “Smart traitor,” “What was that? Are you feeling bashful? Don’t. Your pro- He He saw Sally “Do shudder: you that? hate Why? Maybe you But just then Suleyman burst into the room with Zubeyir Mustafa Mustafa grunted out his best English: “What you know “Would “Would your master Suleyman like you treating us like Trafik enjoyed his discomfort. “Civilized?” he laughed. Trafik Trafik didn’t like being reprimanded. He walked into the “Don’t you know that cigarettes are dangerous? Haven’t you you Haven’t are cigarettes dangerous? that know you “Don’t decree to commit decree murder?” to commit Muhammad, peace be unto him, ordered nine hundred men from the Qurayza to proceed to the market of Medina. dug They trenches. Allah’s messenger ordered the men beheaded. fessor told me much about you.” Suleyman ran me you.” hisabout much fessor told finger along Sally’s arm as she tried to wriggle free. try“Don’t to get away,” he laughed. “And don’t look at the Armenian here. He cannot to Allah.” Submit you. help director forced us to change houses. He is the cause of your pain. your of cause the is He houses. change to us forced director alsoshould You know that Malcolm is now a free man. He was the smart you.” among one hate me. Is that it? If Suleyman says yes, I will do something that that something do will I yes, says Suleyman If it? that Is me. hate her. willHe toward advanced truly me.” hate make you and Fatima at his side. “You are shackled because your police “Mustafa, show them how civilizedthem how “Mustafa, show we are.” about me? I show you: I do not use paper toilet paper. Toilet is for weaklings.” He held up his left “Thishand proudly. is what we do.” Sally. this?” Hal he “Isn’t tryingprotested. to show that terrorists are civilized?” read about secondhand smoke? Think of the students. You could could You students. the Thinkof smoke? secondhand about read kill them.” prisoners’ room and sneered, “Get ready to die. At sunset, the He forty-eight hours kicked willHal to over and headed be up.” 140 SCIMITAR’S EDGE by Allah deserve mercy? Muhammad, peace be unto him, had him, unto be peace Muhammad, mercy? deserve Allah by in corpses decapitated the buried trenches.” men his as watched He again.” Bogikian Mr. kick notdo Mustafa, Trafik, are: we civilized how showyou will I And more. be will there Later little. by little go We look. just I Today am: I strong how you show will I “Now room. the within audience his to back play.” turned before He variations?” Lopez Ruy major the through gone you Have Sulhaddin. “Fadil. out, American Miss see, “You Sally.Beauty, whobeauty,poet a admires am I not rapist.”a touch Hecalled not did but admired stoppedstruggling. Sally sad. shouted. Suleyman Fatima obeyed her husband, but she seemed shackles. his against struggled Hal away,Fatima,remove shirt.”hercivilized. am butI how a poet deals with you. A personvulgar would rape you right now.Allah’s rules myrules, byplaying Mustafa,pickup.”her Beauty.” American Miss complied.He “Now, up.”stand ond I must wife? make a decision. Mustafa, take the shackles off sec- a you make and messengergreatest Allah’s of example the follow will slave?perhapsI youa Or make youor kill “ShouldI his Rayhana,best,forhimself.”companions. very thechose He for gifts became best-looking The slavery. into sold them Te yu il ae o e ti so aohr a: work day: another show this see to have will you “Then “Almost,”back. called Fadil enjoy.”and Zubeyir, Look, praised. Suleyman be “Ah, Allah mouth,” her tape and waist the to her strip “Fatima, Fatimahesitated. man. big the biteto tried She “Youslimeball!” yelled, Sally see her. Avoiding “Nowyoulifted will Mustafa Sally’skicks, are youattention: Pay no. say just They Americans: “These Shebitlip.her “No.” Suleyman stared at Sally and said half to her, half to himself, condemned those of children and women the think “You “Andwomen?”whatthe of MARVIN OLASKY 141 ! Kemal Kemal reached out for one of the butts, taking it carefully Kemal cut off the call off the cut him. thrust Abdul as Kemal at butts cigarette “You’re right,” Hal said bitterly. “They’ll me.” do for it Hal said bitterly. right,” “You’re He He yanked against his chains, crying out as the metal bit “No Sally reason to killsaid. yourself,” Hal looked away. “I’ll kill him,” he muttered, letting the Phoebe began to cough, a deep wracking spasm that shook Suleyman and his troupe walked out, leaving Sally sobbing till without a good lead, Kemal back at the farmhouse reached reached the at back farmhouse Kemal a tilllead, good without between his thumb and He forefinger. lit it, smelled it, and felt the lethargybegin and to lift.hopelessness He smiled at Abdul: have We specialist. tobacco top Antakya’s find Now work. “Good of digginglots to do.” “I “I decided to smoke one,” he said, his voice trembling. “It’s a period short a only for usually sold They’re blend. special exotic of time, and like those who a particular kind buy in commonly years.” for often to the going same large quantities, tobacconist for his cell phone and punched in the number of his superior. He He superior. his of number the in punched and phone cell his for a took dreading deep the and for the breath waited connection, was investigation the of charge in time his that knowing and call rapidly running out. Behind him he heard the sound of boots sir.” something, found have “I may excitement: breathless and S afford afford better whenever he wanted. His voice had always been heard until now. his into flesh burnedand muscles his with shoulder the effort. her her body. Hal stared helplessly at the older woman. His anger couldn’t protect Sally or provide warmth to Phoebe. He had he certainlythought understood powerlessness. He written had about it enough. Yet he had always written from a position of comfort. Although he lived in a shabby apartment, he could as as she dressed. Fatima then shackled her, as did she so. whispering, sorry,” “I am hischain into flesh, using bite the hispain anger. to stoke 142 SCIMITAR’S EDGE of the prisoners was writing the name the writing was prisoners the of asked. official Ankara it. carried country cigarette-crazed this tobacconistsin of thousands the of which Turkishthe blendofandpolicediscover could whatitwas kind of powers enormous the that confident find, the reported He be at headquarters and ready to be interrogated.readybe atheadquarterstoand be soon would He countryside! the in out post jandarma a at and found, was Malcolm news: good more came then And nists.” tobacco- usual the up round “We’ll movie: American favorite probablyhere.”cigarettes from came the so Antakya, from associate chain-smoking a has Suleyman said deceased, nowprisoner, A . . . him. catch to hope we but years, fivefor us evaded Yes,has he. . . point.holding first the S lowest point. Hal tried to do what Phoebe had done before in in before done had Phoebe what do to tried Hal point. lowest rhymer.” multilingual room.a the left He eyes a dagger, are but her breasts make me stagger. You see, I am at glared Sally her as he Suleyman and examined declared, “Her that leaves one for enslavement, one for ransom, one for death.” you?” sleeping?” ortion vaca- on is Perhapshe dare. myto respondednotpresident has youtotell thatyourMalcolm’ssorry butam I onCNN, is video officials. American wordnofrom yet and deadlinemy tohours eight “Only hostages. miserable and damp his to countdown lya, ih utf ad rfk n o, eotd the reported tow, in Trafik and Mustafa with uleyman, Again Again Kemal dialed the number but optimistically this time. Ys w ae aig ra pors. e eiv ta one that believe We progress. great making are we “Yes, the search?” the narrow you can brand, the get you“Once Happy about even slight progress, Kemal referred to his his to referred Kemal progress, slight even about Happy “Of course not. Time for truth: I have“OfI not. course let forTime one truth: ofyou go, and “Youforsaid.truth,” “Timeresponse, doHal don’ta expect Sally wept, and the other two captives also were at their their at were also captives two other the and wept, Sally ! Suleyman in the dirt at dirt the in MARVIN OLASKY 143 The Great . . I can see you had a deprived Charlotte’s Web Charlotte’s : : “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back Phoebe applauded his gambit: “Good idea, but you first.” you but his “Good idea, gambit: applauded Phoebe “OK.” Hal thought for a moment: “Fitzgerald, Phoebe replied, “Dear, he said he is a widower.” But her face face her But said is he he a widower.” “Dear, replied, Phoebe Hal believed that Suleyman had made his decision and was Phoebe shuddered. Phoebe “What did he say?” Sally demanded. No No grace was immediately apparent as Mustafa came in to Phoebe Phoebe enjoyed seeing the developing bond. “I like the Sally looked at Hal: “It is not often that someone comes along along comes someone that often not is “It Hal: at looked Sally Hal was puzzled. from . “That’s . . ” “E. B. White, about something else. What’s your favorite ending to a book?” favorite your something else. What’s about perking them up by eliciting pleasant memories. “Let’s think incessantly. Each incessantly. rasping breath she took sounded as though it might be her last. Sometimes she was lucid, talking fondly of Andrew as though In he were she alsoclose those by. moments talked and about heaven with pleaded the others to make their peace with God. was was ashen. playing now a waiting and game. tormenting He worried about Phoebe, who gradually sank into a sickly stupor. She coughed I I struck her from behind, but the blade was dull, and her head the Then skin. of piece a by neck her to hung It off. drop not did and the skinfell.” head broke, torment them, and Phoebe especially. “I will tell you how tough tough how will you “I tell especially. Phoebe and them, torment before arms muscular his waving Turkish, harsh in said he am,” I the old woman and suggesting that he could readily reach out and throttle with her a bare “I killedhand. wife my with an ax. you are a true friend.” She looked into his and into areeyes, Hal, you in a looked She truethis friend.” of his warmed. environment suddenly life, felt coldest way the Bible ends: ‘The grace of the Lord Amen.’” Jesus be with all. who is who a true friend was and both.” a Charlotte good writer. childhood.” Sally smiled. “You’re a good writer, and I think Gatsby the past.” into ceaselessly 144 SCIMITAR’S EDGE or ahtc sae tep sol mk yu sae even ashamed you make should attempt escape pathetic Your break! a me “Give way: his spat Trafik that contempt the was Worse psychologicallyhim. kicked had terrorists wherethe ribs him. whenjumpedonMustafa itaway frominches were revolver. fingers the forraced His and down him knocked He Trafik. forlunged Hal butit, for lunged Trafik two. the between ran one until waited they and agreed, out.”Trafik come to dares that cockroach next the after room holes. small through wall the into escaped had cockroaches remaining the and 5–5, Splat. dashed. and looked he Crunch. When as the two minutes ended, Hal and Hal Trafik were tied, for cheering to killing mine.”side are onesthis onThe kill. toyours thatsideoncockroaches the are All us. time can drill—Mustafa “Two-minute Trafik. told he rules,” these suggest “I’d crying. stopped had She her. passed he as Sally at winking forth, and Hal’sunlockeddoorand leg irons. somememore.” kick you can win, ofhim. front in paused had that cockroach a bashed and shoe his youatthat.” had an idea and issued a challenge: “Hey, roach killer, I can beat he cockroach, a squashed Trafik depression. When of out Sally there’s an urgency.” He thought he had to do something to bring to live.”to “She never talked like that before,”“Shethatneverlike talked said. Sally A minute later Hal was again in shackles but with aching aching with but shackles in again was Hal later minute A the in anywhere go can “We suggested. Hal “Overtime?” roach- for revulsion from went Sally began. contest The back walked Hal moment.” a for legs my stretch me “Let the near floor revolverthe on his placed He grinned. Trafik get to win, Ilet Suleyman “If outus of these shackles. you If Trafikwasintrigued.“I’m bored. Whatdoyou have tobet?” “I’ll bet moreI can kill of those bugs youthan can.” He used “What?” nodded.Hal “It was always clear what she believed, but now MARVIN OLASKY 145 ! “She “She has learned our language and studied our customs. “I will consider that.” Suleyman addressed the students: “Yes, “Yes, but I will be the judge of true commitment. Do you is perfect.” judgment Your course, master. “Of Suleyman beamed and lifted up her face. “Students, this “That is a good question.” Suleyman looked nervous. “But as “But nervous. looked Suleyman question.” good a is “That “Of course,” Fatima murmured, her eyes downcast, “but “Yes,” “Yes,” Suleyman agreed, “our good taste dictates that. But Suddenly Fatima asked, “Why did you call me first wife? Then Then he convened his seminar: “Students and first wife “Death through beheading, of course,” Sulhaddin said n n the dining room Sulhaddin and Fadil announced that they “I “I see that none of you is ready with an about this answer. while I Think toy with the hard Americans some more. I like to see them squirm.” is is the kind of wife you should have. She is also wise: Tell me, we do with should the woman?”what old Fatima, be we merciful.” should Perhaps jihad?” understand? she is not worthy to become part to become is worthy she is not of she?” our family, Allah is merciful,be we not merciful?”should don’t we want in our family only those truly committed to cheerfully. which one?” I amthe make wife.if Americanonly your you slave, Even your the the naked Miss American Beauty. Fatima: You have university and die, me: how? should who Tell creativity. educations to undergird your had had finished their when and, variations chess major the about questions asked Suleyman studies and wanted their he was them satisfied, told viewingthat reward. they soon would enjoy I 146 SCIMITAR’S EDGE K I He plans to kill one person. Anything else?” Anything oneperson. kill toplans He Suleyman’s romantic self-image. He may others.have a place of by the sea. names First involved. are Trafik and Suleyman that Confirmation us: broughthave you information what on trate test,passed.”neithertheto us of Phoebe,Sally.”and Hal, hideout.anotherBesides,you’reto ing whooneabandonedthe scurry- terrorists the sent just and job the do didn’t raid slow get youinformation to on her whereabouts. It’s chance not my fault my that your was This Phoebe. kill would he that gested your of lives the over countrymen.” safety own for your video chose propaganda and a terrorists made you it, Face offer. to nothing woe.ofAmerican’s tale long,self-serving the to listened he contemptas his hide to bothering not desk, seem hardly a kindness.”a hardly seem necks.’” their strike encounterthen whothosetruth, deny the Quran treats everyone with dignity. It says in Sura 47, ‘When you could you, butthat’s I for, crucify howyouThedo putit, small-timers? illustrious. the honoring of way Roman the was that rejoicebehead one thatwill ofI you. you As learnedat Ephesus, n the cell room near the sea, Suleyman announced, “You can “Youcan announced, Suleyman sea, the near room cell the n ml t edures ae Mlom cos pan wooden plain a across Malcolm faced headquarters at emal “Ah,butyouprovoked me,” said. Kemal sug- “Suleyman otherwise. himself convincedhad Malcolm have you but escape, others the helping about talk “You Kemal hesitated and then said, “You are right. So let’s concen- “Andyou allowed yourself to provoked.be Face it, when put “I’ve watched some videos of beheadings,” Hal said. “They said. Hal beheadings,”of videos some watched“I’ve ! ! MARVIN OLASKY 147 , , he thought. The deadline ! “That’s “That’s all?” Samsun asked. “Do you know how many me “Get a list. My men will started.” get “Ah,” “Ah,” Kemal said. “My excitement is uncorked. Cigarettes “Yes.” “Maltepe Samsun, tobacco specialist. It looks as though “The “The Turkish government put down the riot and hanged The The journalist in Hal had to ask, “What happened to the “You “You are right, Armenian,” Suleyman said. “I have studied t Antakya headquarters, Kemal shouted threats t the at Antakya officers. Kemal shouted headquarters, and and see if any recollect such a big sale of pricey cigarettes.” are shops in tobacco Antakya?” excitement.’” these, smoking still is terrorists the of one If ago. months six sold made he a have must large purchase or them stored somewhere futurefor use. allNow do we must is talk with the tobacconists these these cigarettes were a limited for sold a edition, brief period of Sold Blends Exotic Camel “New announcement: the Here’s time. fun ‘A and tobacco. only irreverent in Turkish Using December. brand a that offers flavorful smokers adult smok- and indulgent ing experience with the the spirits. Uncork flavor of New Year’s They fear the terrorists more than me loomed, and he still had no leads unless the cigarette came to rang. “Director Kuris?”The something. phone Someone, Someone, probably a policeman, had tipped off the terrorists. Several of them did little to conceal their contempt for him. A sheikh?” the sheikh. He deserved it for using a hacksaw rather than an scimitar.” elegant both the history and the art of beheading. I too criticize the aes- criticizethe too I beheading. art of the and history the both thetics of some. For example, in a 1930 crowd led by a Turkish sheikh seized a and Mustafa lieutenant, quickly Kubilay, sawed right.” off hisThat wasn’t with head a hacksaw. CHAPTER THIRTEEN

espite his talk of patience, Suleyman was also growing weary Dof waiting. True, the professor had come through; even though many discounted his condemnation of America as one made under duress, CNN promoted it throughout Europe and the Middle East. But the old woman, despite her feebleness, did not seem afraid, nor did the reporter, whose watching eyes seemed always to be plotting. And Sally: he could feel her fear, but he had hoped to ignite her desire. He was in a foul mood when he next entered their cell. Fatima had just come in with yogurt and flatbread, but Suleyman kicked the dish to the side and said, “We have been treating you so well that we have not educated you properly.” He leaned over Sally, breathing garlic on her and speaking harshly, as if with his voice he could bend them to his will. “You will listen as I tell you about one of my heroes, a true follower of Allah, an Algerian, Muhammad Madani of the Armed Islamic Group.” Suleyman paced the small room, fury infusing his voice, so that even his comrades backed away. “During the 1990s

1 4 8 MARVIN OLASKY 149 “So much for your talk of elections. Why didn’t you patiently patiently you didn’t Why elections. of talk your for much “So a poet. real fit My for education is not work “That mundane “What “What you call murder is the true spirit of Islam. I heard Suleyman went off into an exposition of the Quran and Phoebe objected again: “You could clean with water rather “Women, children—that’s truly noble.” “Women, we are exposed, others leave and targets some harden you “If still murder the “You Is the innocent. that Quranwhat tells “I “I was. You might say I served my internship there. Our Phoebe roused herself and stared at Suleyman. “You make it it make Suleyman. “You herself stared and at roused Phoebe “Is that supposed to make us worship “Is him?”to make that us supposed worship Hal asked. “Bow before his poetry. Once, in the village of Hamadi, he the ways of God.’ We too are patient for that one-third.” for too are We patient the of ways God.’ study by and becoming people your then an help engineer?” came in Algeria. They say you never forget your first killing. than with blood.” words—‘We his forgotten never have say—I Madani Muhammad sacrificetwo-thirds to country, this cleanse to order in ready, are to return to one-third remaining the permit to population the of its its focus on war, not peace. He then observed that a corrupted “Feh, cleansing: thislike needed cleansing, country room needs Americans you bad odors.” have at fault because we choose the fault at soft thanrather the hard?” to do?”you sound sound as if inwere you Algeria.” original goal was to kill the leaders who kept us from having the but elections, army so them, went protects freedom fighters after soft targets.” dog’s body dog’s and vice versa. He killed one man by skinning him alive and left a booby trap in the corpse that killed the man’s brother who came to mourn the traitor’s death. The people he killed so others had made suffer, them he made suffer.” did did not hesitate to set off a car bomb that destroyed an entire block.” apartment the to head man’s the attached then dog, a and man a beheaded Muhammad Muhammad fought to make Algeria a strong Islamic land. He 150 SCIMITAR’S EDGE tioning: “You’retioning: proudthat?” of Islam.” on back his turned who official an of sonsixteen-year-old the of throat theslit ago I years howtenyouaboutmine, tell will I K of importance patience.” the learned I son. second man’s the killed we vengeance?” intended.” disapprove I distance. of that: we should a execute way the natural scimitars, with Allah from her shoot to had comrade My guard. security a with shoppinggo to decided and weary grew wife stayedinside. his Weone dayfamily waited until His tion. avoidingcordand spurting.”spinal the everywhere. The better way is to cut from the back, severing the spurted front,blood the son’sfrom his throatslit I When ence. experi- that from learned I But soft. the kill to had I so target, been so desperate.so been Trafik not situation the and had amusing been mustachehave would that smoking his stroking Suleyman of impressions offered Malcolm intonations. and mannerisms terrorists’ the about information more for Malcolm asked he Suleyman, on doing?they they? are What are Where wall. the punching from keep to squares linoleum ofcouple a times at jumping even forth, and back down, and up linoleum, the paced He taking. was tobacconists visiting of process the long emal, waiting for reports from his inspectors, overfumed how Vnene Ta i fr or etrs N, ya later year a No, Westerns. your for is That “Vengeance? fascinatedwas despiteHal ever get “Didofficial the himself. protec- police added official “The him: ignored Suleyman “You’recrazy.” hardened a was himself official The choice. no had “I PhoebeSeeing lean back, exhausted, tookHal over the ques- o il n h tm bt ih oe f ann sm edge some gaining of hope with but time the in fill To ! MARVIN OLASKY 151 ! Thou took’st a thousand idol temples, turnest all a temples, thousand idol to Thou took’st Their bellsthe jangled out callthou made play to Thy sword in Thy sword cause of God did as lives sacrifice As a face on sweeps across every earth’s scimitar, Of a thou threw’st iron-girded of heroes the world “I thought you liked you poetry.” “I thought “Not grandiose songs of conquest.” An idea came to Sally: To To Suleyman’s surprise, Sally seemed more belligerent after chain. mosques; strain.” prayers’ ordain. side “Dictator Suleyman again,” Hal cut Suleymanin. “Dictator again,” “For the glory of Allah,” Suleyman insisted. “Here’s what “Did “Did you know that the sixteenth-century poet Baqi wrote n n the house by the sea, Suleyman changed his approach. mosques?” “Why don’t you write me a poem of your own in the style of He He stopped and awaited applause: effort?” “Was that not a noble expect scimi-the warmfeel to “Do you me about his recitation: tar slicing lives, about Sultan Suleyman turning churches into again again shall be. the wrote about sultan:Baqi poems about the conquests of Sultan beginning Suleyman? of one Here’s of the them: ‘Lord of the East whom and the West! kings King of earth obey!/Prince was it once and it how how Aye!’ That’s Suleyman! of Triumphant the Epoch! Sultan “Miss American I Beauty, have been thinking of he you,” said, away head her jerked She hair. Sally’s runningthrough hand his from him. I 152 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ing to postpone the inevitable?” thepostponeto ing great a also but man.” warrior great a only not you’re whether to like see would I but time, some take would that know I Baqi? K it.”stand can she longer much how know don’t “I fitfully: sleeping was whoPhoebe, at Kemal’sgestured close.”“MaybeHe whispered. smart,” Hal way.was his “That leanedshe if fingertips his with yogurt. breadand flat- their prisoners the give now could she that Fatima telling challenge?” a for the bill, but Kemal snatchedbutKemalbill, for the itaway. one- a out held pulledolditand before bill,man’sthehundred-lira face. greedy pocket, his in reached He tone. his gentle to himself forced director police the so donkey, a like reacted man old The fast. too questions his harsh, short.” was voice is Kemal’s Time more? anything remember you Can records? was.”thatdaymagnificent a What Camels. regular ofprice the “at times cartons, stock,twenty three entire out his archeologicalmuseum. Madness. Kemal rushed to the downtown shop, located near the shopkeeper who remembered a sale of a the found exotic finally blend, they Midnight until tobacconistsAntakya’s of all almost ml a gtig lsr Hs netgtr futesy visited fruitlessly investigators His closer. getting was emal tecig o i flet Hl ol tuh al’ shoulder Sally’s touch could Hal fullest, his to Stretching room, the from hurried quickly.”He one you write will “I accept you do But“Perhaps. smile. sweetest her smiled She suspiciously.mustachetry- “Areyou his fingered Suleyman “Maybe there’s something . . .” His gnarled fingers reached fingers gnarled .”His . . somethingthere’s “Maybe “Magnificent, sir, but do you have aaddress? name? An Any boughtwho man thin a recalled seller bowed,wizened The ! MARVIN OLASKY 153 ! And from I eyes your see of a light beam. My heart is full I with show. the Sally-love thy figureFor lissome organs glow. excited my Suleyman, thy thee servant, before O queen, my Your breasts as breasts fair as poetryYour my proportioned clear doth gleam. Thy cheek, water, like limpid doth round seem. Thy a pouting mouth bubble Bright ’midst captivity tree a slender doth ’midst Bright shine. to divine. face is like thought—hard subtle its Your “I “I am glad. If you understand that, perhaps you are worthy He stopped and He peered stopped Sally:at “Well?” Sally remembered Hal’s admonition to play for time. “It’s by areit.” moved “You “Uh, yes.” lieth lieth low. sublime. The old shopkeeper sighed, “My old brain “My old sighed, is too tired.” The shopkeeper old Kemal pulled Abdul aside. “Make the old fool some coffee “It will be yours after you refresh your memory. I’ll leave an I’ll willleave “It be afteryours refresh memory. your you ll too soon Suleyman returned with his poem. He called in of of being my second wife.” Suleyman gestured to Mustafa, who gripped Hal. Then he bent over, put his hands on the side lips her opened of kissed and she Sally hard. Gasping, head, Sally’s very elegant.” Fatima to leave. He stood in front of Sally, looked down He on stood in Fatima looked to her, leave. of front Sally, your put have and Beauty,’ ‘American it named have “I said, and name in it.” Trafik, Trafik, Mustafa, and the students for a proud reading but told A officer to you. assist and go through his records. Call me at headquarters when we a breakthrough.” have 154 SCIMITAR’S EDGE harder and went into a rant: “If I were in your situation, Miss situation, your in were I “If rant: a into went and harder much back her slapped He could. she as hard as him slapped cheek.herdownspit ran his and and totried away,squirm but he stuck his tongue in her mouth, ml, s f h hd ed n udrto hs huhs But thoughts. his understood andhim. kicked and over walkedHal to Suleyman read had she if tremulous as a smile, with look sad his returned She her. for nothing helplesswas Turkey?child, in a as grandfather his like he, that it was jokecosmic cruel of kind What bear. to man any formuch too were things Some him. behind past the put to inability his and bitternessgrandfather’s his understood heSuddenly doomed.were them of rest probablythe and Sally escape,not did they conjuredIf up.they images the andwords sooner.”her killed longerhavepretty.shouldWeno was shewhen period, that of hadhertowardweek.endI thewoman same weekthe after ing yourspirit.”and yourbody take can I suicide. committed she year following The me? defeated defeatedyou!” escape.”to helpedand heronesoft menThenbecame forofthe years. two hideaway mountain our in men twenty serviced She heaven. of taste a men our give to prettiest, the third, the grabbed and traitor a of daughters two killed We1993. in Algeria, Blida, in happenedwhatyou tell will I you?to do can I whatknow you to respond. Sally dissolved in tears, and Suleyman bellowed: “Do the holds whooverdeathyou.”and power life of one the insult not would I Beauty, American He looked with anguish at Sally, ashamed that he could do could he that Sally,ashamed at anguish lookedwith He Suleyman’s block to attempt vain a in eyes his shut Hal hav- with bored became men The that. from learned I “No, “You’reproudthat?” of “She loudness: normal his to down quieted Suleyman finally woman young a that glad “I’m out, sniffed Sally Mustafa kept his headlock on Hal, whosomehow was trying recoiling, was he as and, tongue his bit She it. was That MARVIN OLASKY 155 Sally again but the kicked out, unshackled students her and “Yes,” Sally insisted. “Yes,” “No!” are Suleyman“We inartistic.not shouted. do We not “You’re no poet. You’re a beast!” Sally no poet. criedYou’re out. “You’re weap- use would I beast, a were I “If said. Suleyman “Wrong,” “Let me guess,” Hal said. “You Suleyman said carried that when the killing a was over, he and his sword for Trafik interjected, “Ah, this is a “Ah, terrificTrafik interjected, story.” “The leaders of the town of Ben Talha in 1997 decided to “She’s “She’s mine, Armenian. Don’t look at her like that.” Then will see some more art. Zubeyir, Fadil, Sulhaddin, pull up that I says who amwoman a beast.” Suleyman. of “This in pulled her off,” front alltime, the clothes he growled. your your Clint Eastwood but just enough. We even choose smoke Miss American grenades. Beauty?”Beastly, over bombs artists! we And now are revolutionary fire. and We point merely ons of mediocrity like Kalashnikovs. Would that I could use only only use could I that Would Kalashnikovs. like mediocrity of ons beat can’t swords that showed Jones Indiana your but scimitar, a like away blasting not to: need we when .38s use we so revolvers, virgins each would gain in paradise. bodies their “After tossed and throats we their slit we enjoyed traitors, of those daughters into dry wells. Miss you Yes, are Beauty, right to criticize us for that keeping woman for two one traitorous years. This way was better.“ much beheading.” comrades took with them thirty-six teenaged daughters of the government supporters as a half-payment on the seventy-two support support the corrupt government, so on September 22, one one 1997, hundred glorious of night, us killed three hundred with and Kalashnikovs, knives.” firebombs, renegades swords, he he walked to the door as if intending to leave. He reached for the knob, paused, and said, “One last story,” as if afterthought—though it Hal were suspected an it was a tale he’d always to tell. “I will intended our achievement, greatest about tell you so which was to speak.” also graduation, my 156 SCIMITAR’S EDGE her breath as Hal struggled ineffectively against his shackles. his againstineffectively struggled Hal breathheras held Sally one.” “Just murmured. he stroke,” downward “One children.”spatbloodMuslimofat thehim. Sally against pressed Suleyman Sally’s lips. “Here, which taste my blood the appeared,way Americans have drunk bead crimson A sword.”theTrafik, shouldoneI kill. the are ratherdie.” belt. his unbuckled Suleyman now.”hertake gentle-will woman.neverI have this youbut will man, a be to pretend you “Ah, eyes. his closed he but way, I want you to see her too.” Mustafa forced Hal’s head to thatturn “Students, I promised you a look. I keep my promises. Armenian, A A she will come to love my poetry. I will be a god to her.”godto a be comeloveto myshepoetry.will will I love,of perhapstunnel place,anda place Caesars, aof special a to ride a spirited horse. I must ride this woman. I take will her to beauty,” American this “No,cannotI kill he announced. “Ilove hour.That’s all.” half “A disgust. in hands his up threw Abdul can.” I whatever remember I’ll sleep I while Maybe rest. and shop the up close Nowmove, atstake! Think!” are oldman. youdown.” te os na te e, uemn u te cmtr down. scimitar the put Suleyman sea, the near house the t t the tobacconist’s shop Abdul yelled at the sleepy seller: “Lives They stripped her and held her, trembling, before Suleyman. Suleyman held the curved blade over the back of her neck. her of back the overblade curved the held Suleyman thumb. his with scimitar the of edge the felt Suleyman what“Be careful you ask for,” roared.Suleyman “Maybe you “I’d cheek. her down trickling tear a pleaded, Sally “No,” Phoebe raised her head. “If Allah did exist, he would strike strike would he exist, did Allah “If head. her raised Phoebe “Ican’t any more.” think Theold man’s voice trembled. “I’ll ! ! MARVIN OLASKY 157 “Quiet, “Quiet, crone!” Suleyman yelled. “You think your god can save you? Even your police director cannot save you.” As Sally glared at him, Suleyman said she could get dressed. “But then, Trafik, tie her up and have Fatima bring the camera. My patience is at an end. must We record what we do and why we do it.” CHAPTER FOURTEEN

rafik set up the camera and began taping. Suleyman, picking Tup the scimitar again, stared into the lens. “I am Suleyman Hasan. I do not hide my face. I do not hide my name. I am will- ing to lead.” He tilted his head back and quoted from Turkish poet Kemal Ozer: I saw the crowd, surging from the side streets, Swarmed a public square as far as the eye could see. Its gaze was fastened on a single face Its ears propped to a single voice. I saw the crowd, ready in unison To shout a single word out of one mouth. Poised to shoot like a tightened bow. Then came his appeal: “Fellow Muslims, we must act in unison, we must be that tightened bow ready to fire arrows at our enemies. That is the way to move beyond suffering. Only fury purifies. Only fury saves. I am the warrior-poet Suleyman Hasan, a Koroglu for the twenty-first century. All of us together can overwhelm these westerners.” 1 5 8 MARVIN OLASKY 159 From From the corner of the room, a voice into broke his trance. “Here again, Americans are saying ‘must.’ But I am in charge charge inam I But ‘must.’ saying Americansare again, “Here “No!” Hal cried. “You can’t kill Such her.” was his despair “This old American woman came to Turkey many years Suleyman swung the scimitar over his head, waiting for After the cameramen complied, Suleyman continued his ora- his continued Suleyman complied, cameramen the After “Feel “Feel the fury of our fists and our Suleymanfeet,” snarled. Suleyman’s Suleyman’s face turned a mottled purple. “Shut up!” he bring together so bring many armstogether like a fist.’” and and frustration that he said and meant Kill her let go. must me.” You hard me. “Take words to utter: I here. am I am, what and I will I do willwhat do.” studied studied our culture so she can know our weaknesses and attack us from within. She undermines our fortifications.” He leaned into the camera: “My verdict is clear: she is a and spy, for that willshe die.” prostrate but had raised herself to a sitting position. She stared defiantly into the camera. Only Sally could tell what effort it took. ago as an imperialist agent. She has learned our language and kill all to for see.” only one, the world the Americans to cower. As the camera rolled, he paced back and forth, laying out his case against them. When he finished with Hal and Sally, he turned to Phoebe, who was no longer ruption, and then tape our prisoners, sitting there like the miser- the like there sitting prisoners, our tape then and ruption, that rats they are.” defeated able, tion: “These Americans are seducers. They entice us from what is good and right. They all deserve to die. But I decided have to screamed as he punched her. Hal and Sally strained against their against strained Sally and Hal her. punched he as screamed shackles until Mustafa kicked them in their stomachs with his boots. heavy-soled “Now we will continue: Trafik, go back to the spot of the inter- Phoebe, Phoebe, gaining strength as she spoke, said in quote Turkish, “You poetry selectively. I have read does Ozer, spirit of ‘Thissurge confesses, He and poem. that in next comes I know what not 160 SCIMITAR’S EDGE guards. do.request,YousentI theto so how seegenerous am?” I seewill how I have respect for women. My wife asked me to con- whispered in his ear. He laughed and said, “Now you Americans saymyfarewells?” myselfand pare pre- tominutes ten me giveyou will Buthere. power thathave A soul.” my not but body my kill will sword The spiritual. not and cal I know the sword sting, but will I believe the be physi- sting will you.ofseparation whatseparation be know andfromall I from will death me For wept. Christ died, Lazarus friend his When her.voicecouldhear they so tosomeday.”peopledie who will also Withshe effort her raised be can we happens, happy.” what matter no do—then I Sally, that, haveI death—and notwe havewith end confidenceitthatwill cheeks. herdown dies,”flowing hehappytears until said, Sally of youI’vehappythatofknowtoa life.”had not,all wantisheI me. Butif scare to justwanting bluffing, be may Phoebe “Suleyman said. she situation,time,” have don’t “I head. their her shook cursing started Hal When trembled. s withdrew,Suleyman Phoebe against sank the wall. Her hand Yur rgt Slya. Pob’ vie a cl. “You calm. was voice Phoebe’s Suleyman.” right, “You’re Suleyman left the room, leaving Mustafa and Fatima as as Fatima and Mustafa leaving room, the left Suleyman what you“Weexactly are,” see replied. Hal and over leaned Fatima butno, say to about was Suleyman “If Suleyman comes through on his threat, do weep forme.weepdothreat, his oncomes through Suleyman “If woman dying atoyou Phoebeas continued:want totalk “I and good been has life “If wrong,”smiled. Phoebewas “He person a call to not warning Solon’s about us told “You ! MARVIN OLASKY 161 ! ! Abdul Abdul called Kemal, who roared, “Push him along! Speed Phoebe seemed barely Phoebe aware of their Her lips presence. con- The The Americans heard footsteps outside the door. Fatima Sally joined her in the psalm she remembered from her For For several minutes Phoebe was silent, her head bent as “Yes, “Yes, there is hope,” Phoebe whispered. “I remember this s s Phoebe spoke, she did not know that the old tobacconist, here’s still hope,” Hal insisted. “Maybe we can delay this some- this delay can we “Maybe insisted. Hal hope,” still here’s the the cigarettes in. willIt take time to through go records.” my is crucial. I’ll have the hostage-rescue team into go.” the car ready awakened awakened from his nap, was saying to Abdul, “How silly of me to have forgotten. The thin man who bought the exotic blend gave me his address so I could write him the next time we got T A it. Phoebe’s soft voice continued. Moments later Suleyman barged barged Suleyman later Moments continued. voice soft Phoebe’s it. others. all the and Trafik camera-carrying by closely followed in, tinued their recitation but now so softly that Sally could not opened it a opened put crack in. and to over She slipped glided Phoebe, her arm around and her, in whispered her ear. The old woman who us, “If God is for move: to began lips her and further, paled locked and door the out back slipped us?” can be Fatima against though I though walk through the of valley death . of the . shadow .” childhood. Her voice gave Phoebe strength, and younger woman though often stumbled over the the words, they ended in unison: “Amen.” from from the Bible: ‘I know my redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my in yet flesh my destroyed, I shall see skinGod.’” has been thus though in prayer, and then softly the raspy voice said, “And how. Kemal stillmight come.” how. 162 SCIMITAR’S EDGE heads and point them toward his triumph.towardpoint headshis themand their hold to Sally and Hal both to students sending ordered, away.faceher turned then andgrace, Sheand would not look. dignity her noticed friend, her watched Sally words. the hear up. Trafik brought in a bedsheet and lay it on the floor.up.laytheitbrought bedsheetonandTrafik a in everywhere.”front, theblood spurts fromyou cut enough. be should if but cord, slash spinal the severs back One the from Remember,cutting practice: of out am I “You that said, and see disciples his to turned He with.” trifled be to Sally,frontofrolled in ontoagain.who floor screamed the nightmare chamber—andfrom this then dropped off. The head gonesoul her distance, unknown intoan unseeing staring eyes skin—her of strand a by hungPhoebe’s headagain. struck and bloodythe blade raised Suleyman else. drownedout everything edge, scream keenPhoebe’sSally’s ofneck. back the on down a it bring and to sharpened blade, curved the raise Suleyman lonelyGod, more.no of presence the in herself felt she and her, beside was Andrew will I spare you.” truth, Then came the an even tellmore surprising vision: you Suddenly since but death; avoid to lying were ‘Allah,’answeredyou youhadthat able.would have If known I woman—remark- honest “An saying, him imagined she flash myhusband.”andJesus greet readyto am now?I him on back my turn I couldhow years, sixty-eight thein eye. I have “When accepted from for God such good gifts more one you give Christ?” or Allah chance. I woman, “Old said, Suleyman woman, older the unshackled they As throat. her in words the stopped He left the room, leaving the body for comrades his to clean not am I that see you “Nowlouder, even roared Suleyman infuriated an saw They that. ofnone saw Sally and Hal But a In eyes.Suleyman’s in indecision of flicker a saw Phoebe Phoebe’s voice hardly quavered. She stared Suleyman straight countenancePhoebe’s butcalm out, cried havewould Sally he watch,” will “You Suleyman. satisfy not did that Yet MARVIN OLASKY 163 This is what will will what is This .” ! “Good!” Suleyman said. He promised that if Hal won, a ran- a won, ifHal that “Good!”promised He Suleymansaid. “Your mood does not matter. I am challenging you, and you you and challengingyou, am I matter. not does mood “Your not.” AfterI’m “No, Hal assented, a moment “Very good,” Suleyman said, coming in and overhearing her her overhearing and in coming Suleymansaid, good,” “Very in not the “Go to hell. I’m mood.” “Are you proud?” you “Are “He is husband.” my Sally?”about what Hal “And out: the forced words “I will be proud that my master can afford more than one “How can “How stand to be you married to him?” Sally asked. “He is a Fatima brave man,” said, but her hands were shak- Sally had curled herself into a ball, pulling away from the Trafik moved slowly. He called to Mustafa to help, and “We “We must be seen as brutal,” Trafik said. “We want your hat’s some master you serve,” Hal said. serve,” you master some hat’s T som note would go out the next day: “Maybe your Pulitzer Prize your “Maybe day: next the out go would note som then and home cango you so money willsome send committee would you Ha, beauty. American the for me fight and back come must must fight me. amazingIt’s how we freedom fighters challenge America and some of your people pretend they do not have to are of one them.” not fight. You wife,” Fatima said, keeping her eyes her low. eyes said, Fatima keeping wife,” last remark. “But Mr. now, Bogikian. I will play you a game of chess.” ing. “Many women would be to be would proud his “Many ing. women wife.” together they removed Phoebe’s body. But by Suleyman’s orders orders by Suleyman’s But body. Phoebe’s they removed together the head remained to unnerve the prisoners. Fatima came in with a pail to clean up the blood. head head that lay a foot away. Hal pulled impotently shackles, against knowing he was to powerless do his anything but sit and next step. Suleyman’s await young men to see this woman’s head and think, and head thiswoman’s see to men young happen happen to my mother give in if I don’t 164 SCIMITAR’S EDGE n Msaa olwd ih w car. uhdi bogt a brought chessboard Sulhaddin and ornate pieces, with the chairs. kings turbaned as sultans two with followed Mustafa and completelyconsistent myancestor’s with plan.” wouldn’tthat,like yousay,lose,toyou?sad Butif not may be I along the diagonal.alongthe squares sultan’sthree his aggressivelyimam movingattack, the sive move, pushing out his queen’s pawn one space, Hal went on defen- a made terrorist the When adopt.would Suleyman tion an of out opponent.” life the squeeze game high-stakes a in can studied have they that Lopez Ruy the how students these show will “I child. a exceptionallylearnedhadas well Hal opening one the Lopez, Ruy the playing was terrorist The diagonal. the on spacessultan’s fivebishop his moving Suleyman see totent sultan’sside. here: Same you.’Youeyes.”escapethesecannot movedhis Heon knight out the upon are Texas of eyes ‘The university: the It’sconcentratetocorpse? hard atme.”wheneyesherstare sultan’stwo.same the forward pawn his moved Hal squares. two pawn sultan’s his forward pushed whitewear hats.” take white because you Americans taught me that the good guys shouldplayedwill slaves.notsultansI be byofgame And “The nothing.buttionsaying bishopsimams. the as robedand Hal moved Hal whichtovaria- seeotherout waitingknight, his “Yes,yousee I have my plan,”discerned grinned. Suleyman broughtHal out the knight on queen’s his side and was con- The terrorist laughed. “I remember the song Phoebe’swhen I attended move please you “Could Suleyman, asked He He move: first common most the with opened Suleyman gallantly. said Suleyman you,” unbind will we course “Of ques- eyebrows in his raising arm, shackled his upheld Hal “Have it your way,” Hal said sullenly. Trafik in carried a table MARVIN OLASKY 165 ! ! “You Americans always want to attack,” Suleyman said. “You “You said. Suleyman attack,” to want always Americans “You He He called the special assault force. “Meet me at the tobacco On the way Kemal explained, “The shopkeeper now says On he says the now Kemal way explained, “The shopkeeper When Hal castled, protecting his sultan, Suleyman drew Suleyman mocked him, asking, “Are the eyes helping you emal’s phone rang. He phone and listened emal’s then groaned once again. uleyman captured a sultan’s pawn, but Hal aggressively moved moved aggressively Hal but pawn, sultan’s a uleyman captured leave yourself He leave exposed.” used his ninth to forward move his easy was it but imam, Hal’s threatening space, one pawn queen’s to pull him back space. one his queen’s his pawn queen’s forward two spaces. When Suleyman castled, Hal picked off his opponent’s sultan’s pawn and gained good lines of attack. him.” from straight go by there.” the shop We’ll museum. has has no record of the big purchase. Abdul, My says inspector, he figurecan’t out the used records—the some kind shopkeeper of that record thinks the code—but on he something man saw the lying. him, I’ll frightened the so get from he’s information now “Put “Put him in handcuffs. I’m coming right now!” he yelled, and a They car. into jumped squad along.” “Come Malcolm, told S K had had the same number of pieces, but Hal felt increasingly confi- indent clenched head, his at He over Phoebe’s looked position. his teeth, and was thankful that at last in fight could back. this small way he to concentrate now?” Then the terrorist again acted defensively, defensively, again acted Then terrorist the now?” concentrate to pawn. imam’s his moving out queen’s first blood by using his imam to capture knight. Hal’s Hal used his knight’s pawn to knock off that imam, so each player still 166 SCIMITAR’S EDGE row from which the sultan had begun his wanderings. his begun had sultan the which from row queen first the in his spot the to moving queen his moved by Hal it, above directly sultan the protect to tried Suleyman When pawn. protective remaining, one sultan’s the capturing by pressure the kepton butHal was, originally castle wherehis onceagain.check in queen nabbed the pawn in directly front of it, placing the sultan announced, “but I must take what I can.” He took the bait. Hal’s itoff.couldtake pawn Suleyman’s where to space one moved then Hal which imam, Hal’s to next queen his moved He castle.Suleyman’s demolish and queen his with spaces four advance to Hal allowed which sultan, his with imam Hal’stake to but choice no had he ious, moreand,check.importantly, in sultanother the putting pawn a grabbingdiagonal, the along spaces four sultan’s imam staytoonealive.spaceforward stepped which queen,white the threatening spaces, five imam retreat to sweat.to hadbegan Heagain. more, once threatened knight errant his with Suleyman, column.knight’s the to spaces four queen his move tocenter, the controlling now Hal, allowed That board. the of murder.” with away get you let won’t “We snapped. he counterattack,” always“We knight. that threatened it so space one over queen his moved Hal But queen. his threaten and pawn unprotected uemn hn sd i avne kih t ga Hal’s grab to knight advanced his used then Suleyman Suleyman dodged by placing the sultan in the square square the in sultan the placing by dodged Suleyman Suleyman advantage,” temporary a only gain can “I anx- Looking decreasing. rapidly were options Suleyman’s his moved He blow. sledgehammer first Hal’s came Then queen’s waiting previously his moving by attacked Hal Suleyman scowled and pulled his knight back to the margins ! MARVIN OLASKY 167 ! The The shopkeeper rushed to his file and gave Kemal the Malcolm Malcolm remonstrated: “Surely you won’t do that! It’s bar- The The shopkeeper, shaking, said he wasn’t hiding anything. When the shopkeeper said he feared great trouble with Sally, Sally, still weeping, applauded, and that made Suleyman Time to choose. Suleyman could lose his queen and fight on on fight and queen his lose could Suleyman choose. to Time He did neither: In a fury, he knocked over the board, send- Suleyman examined the board in desperation. Anywhere emal, emal, followed by Malcolm, stormed into the tobacco shop ow ow you are dead,” Hal insisted to Suleyman. “Check—and thing else barbaric.” over, and over, told the “I’ve done shopkeeper, that to an American. thinkJust I’ll do what to you.” address. He ran out of the station and the called American in to protective We custody. may have to Abdul, do some- “Put violent people, Kemal brought down the Kemal butt brought people, of his violent gun on the man’s left pinkie. As he howled, Kemal said, “I didn’t hit your finger that hard. Next time I will crush and it all the others.” Kemal baric.” punched Malcolm in the doubling stomach, him and shouted, “Where’s that lying “Where’s shopkeeper?” and shouted, Kemal, pulling out a heavy service asked him revolver, how he be to runwould able his with shop every finger crushed. Phoebe’s severed, staringsevered, head. Phoebe’s “Tomorrow Hal, to said he teeth clenched Through angrier. even I will send the ransom note.” move without leaving the without sultan in move check again. once odds, or against he enormous could gracefully resign. ing the pieces flying in all directions. The queen landed near soon, checkmate.” soon, the sultan moved would still leave him in check. forward pawn If his he move could moved Hal sultan, the shield to queen the not could queen the but danger, in queen the put and space one N K 168 SCIMITAR’S EDGE and wait there, armed and ready,and waitthere,armed andcase.” justin Zubeyir, “Ride your motorcycle to the south cliff above the gorge said, “Come with me, and bring Beauty.”Miss American He told he Fadil and Mustafa, Fatima,Tohim.” guard and shackles his foolme.” can man No alwaysI have backup plans,andthose plans have backup plans. ahead. go attempt, escape feeble another hatch to want you if us.”of both Phoebe,believeyou Iintend kill to I o’ blee ht” a si. Atr ht o dd to did you what “After said. Hal that,” believe don’t “I He told Trafik and Sulhaddin, “Put the Armenian back in in back Armenian the “Put Sulhaddin, and Trafik told He And word. my keep will I me. misjudged have you “There CHAPTER FIFTEEN

uleyman, Mustafa, and Fadil sat on the passenger seats of the SFord van while Fatima guarded Sally in the cargo area, look- ing at her with both jealousy and pity before concluding, “You could never become a Muslim. My husband is deluded.” Sally tried to pull herself together. “W . . . Why did he mur- der Phoebe?” Fatima shrugged: “I asked him not to kill her. Islam should not mean killing old women.” “But in your husband’s view, it means exactly that.” “Yes.” “It also means casting you aside and marrying a younger woman.” Sally stretched out her legs and massaged her ankles. She had to be ready to move. “No, that’s not true. He could marry three others and still honor me. In your country every man throws out his first wife through divorce and marries a young woman.” “Some do, but most do not. My father did not do that to my mother. They have been married for thirty years. They still go

1 6 9 170 SCIMITAR’S EDGE feel pain when your husband killed Phoebe?” whenyourhusband pain killed feel other.”each from apart being stand can’t and night every together bed to arms arms for balance. Sometimes when the tunnel narrowed, she felt .”. . because long, for pain the feel not will you but hurt, be probably will youboulders, the to accidentallyfall deliberatelyoryou If you. shoot will we run, to try you and good is balance your If you. shootyou stopIf noone us.interruptsmoving forward,we will sure make to here stay will Fadil and Fatima you. behind low cave.the of walls waterthe thefrom of dripping constant the from formed slime with covered was Itother. the then it, on footone placed she Carefully wall. the of top the reached and slope the up scrambled She gun. his of accessibleit.toledthatwas slopingby earth water. with filled channel aright the onand boulders raggedstood left the onthat so tunnel the divided wall narrow tall, A height. her times four or three and field football longera muchthan be to looked it in: peered She 70. AD in temple Jerusalem the of destruction celebrateto his rock solid through built had VespasianEmperor the explained, Suleyman as that, tunnel a of mouth the to her prodded Mustafa sky. cloudless Carefully sheputone footother, beforethe Carefully holdingout her Nowmove!” “Ah,brain. a has beautythe shoot“You me.” will fol- will I below.and Suleyman’sfrom “Mustafa voicecame hesitated, Sally When Mustaphabarrel nudgedthe with her it,youor“Dodie.” inches“It’swide,” protested.three only Sally “Climb up,” Suleyman ordered, pointing at the wall. The top a under van the of out stepped Sally later minutes few A slaves Allah.”toall “We are “Youslave.”nota are “It’sdislike.”notormy joblike to you “Did asked, Sally moment.Then a forsilent were They wonderful.”mustThatbe true? that“Is MARVIN OLASKY 171 Stay Stay on the balance ! , , she told herself, although this time killers were behind “They also say, ‘You’re a pig.’” ‘You’re “They also say, “I understand. “I I understand. will the look other way.” “I am OK,” Mustafa “I said. am“I can OK,” here.” stay but is it time “Yes, me for to give Miss American Beauty the Suleyman and Mustafa jumped off behind her. “Con- Behind her she heard bulkysomeone falling the onto boul- Two-thirds of the way through, Sally slipped toward the left, left, the toward Sallyslipped through, way the of Two-thirds uleyman grabbed Sally and forced her to a sandy area. Her legs legs Her area. sandy a to her forced and Sally uleyman grabbed ing. Toying with ing. Toying her seemed to him. excite He leaned over and whispered, “What do they say in your movies? ‘At last we are alone.’” buckled buckled and her body limp went as the strain of the past hours caught up to her, but Suleyman was indifferent to her suffer- guard and shoot her if she does something devious. Do not be close by. That would be what the Americans do. ‘Kinky,’ they call we areBut it. Muslims, living by the Quran.” your American game shows. Mustafa is bruised, but he will heal. will he heal. but bruised, is Mustafa shows. game American your there.” down boulders the behind rest please Mustafa, greatest prize I can bestow upon a woman. I want you to stand The The view took her breath away. Two-hundred-foot-high cliffs rose on each side of her. In front, some fifty yards was away, a led to the sea. that probably passage boulder-strewn of one of part first the won “you’ve said, Suleyman gratulations,” beam her. saw Sally Soon turn back. didn’t she but angrily, yelling and ders dirt. onto down jumped She larger. becoming sky blue bright the S were were beyond her reach. Below her on the right she could hear the sound of water. over, went almost and compensate, to right the to far too leaned but her early gymnastics training helped. her her fingers brush against its slimy walls. Most times the walls 172 SCIMITAR’S EDGE that my father has chosen a traitor’s path, but perhaps I will be be will traitor’sperhapsIa but path,chosen hasfather mythat sad am I pleased. well was hewhom with son, his and himself wall? ‘Vespasian-Titus,’ it says: the father named the tunnel after yourair.”home,comeopen in the not in guns.”by Cumali: OldWomenNecatithe Uzbek’byof of favorites, my Elegy ‘The raptofattention. expression an on put and grimacing foughtagainst that.” Sally helpsomehow wouldcome. that hope the in time for play to had captor.She her to sound must they foolish how and words her were futile how realized down.” youif were to up fly to the sky, one of my men would shoot you and boulders huge were loomed above. Ahead cliffs The Mustafa. end. other the at guards its haveforIplanned everything.” escapeme: you can think “Those are bold words, but in youtruth are my slave. Do not “Ah, but this to me is a sacred spot. See the plaque on the on plaque the See spot. sacred a is me to this but“Ah, to ecstasy our like desperate—“I’d was but”—Sally “Yes, crooned. Suleyman “You can?” excited . . . get can I girls. American most like I’m guess “I youthat?” like“Do “I know that you are merely humoring me, but here is one of toldmeexcitesMalcolmyou? this like romanticspot a “So, forme?” “Couldyou poem recite a “I’ll never give in to you,” Sally said. Even as she spoke, Sally Even guarded. is exit “Every insisted.escape,” again “No he with tunnel the sat her Behind right. was he that saw Sally A tearful daylight flooded our homes.daylightour flooded tearful A Windowsweregunfire openedto atOzbek morning This Weoutatgunfire ran atOzbek morning This MARVIN OLASKY 173 ,” Allah is ,” great, Allu Akbar Allu ! Kemal entered the room and stared at Phoebe’s head where?”idea “Any “What a pity,” he said, kicking the body. “What a pity,” thump- heard Kemal farmhouse, the searched officers the As Sulhaddin said, “I like those Doritos.” “I’ll bring a you pack. Do the let not American away.” get “I’ll guard him with life.” my Sulhaddin paced the floor. He could already taste the corn He He told Sulhaddin, “The Armenian is shackled and locked “Then “Then respect me.” second my you make willsomeday I me, honor you If will. “I rafik resented being left behind to guard Hal while Suleyman had had Suleyman while Hal guard to behind left being resented rafik freed Hal. until Hal’s anguished cry jolted him: “We need to find Suleyman Sally. her.” took Kemal shot him Kemal shot through the heart. ing from behind a door that was locked. “Search that body for and the Andoor, unlocked them, yelled. he officer found keys,” chips. chips. He heard it. a toward sound the at and door front moved Suddenly he heard a blast at the back and was engulfed by an of explosion light and the sound of a firecracker going off next “ histo He yelled A assault! ear. police later second A shoulder. Kemal’s grazed that shot a off jerked and a kilometer away. Could I something?”you get a away. kilometer his his fun. He he wished had but he that a morning had cigarette, minutes? few a for leave to hurt it could How last. his smoked in the room. I’m going to get more cigarettes. The store is only T them them off? I am much stronger than you. My patience is great, has to anit but come end.” not killnot unborn your child. I respect that.” take future. inthe Now, is that But son. a will we have and wife, off your clothes and worship me joyfully—or do I have to rip the the new sultan and have a son. I heard your story that you did 174 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Trafik’ssecured. wouldcamera be video that sure make to called Kemal and beheading, the described scratch.”justa is longThis time. door.outthe hurried “You woundedtheyhave for Ibeen a and shoulder.noticed bloodhis time on love.”of tunnel a Caesars, of J him out. him knock to used had she rock big the with by stood Fatima her, but he didn’t complete the sentence. As his limp body fell before Suleyman’sface,striptease style. in end the flung and underneath, bra sports blueher revealing shirt, her off pulled Sheleer. for a became A.’”Suleyman’s grin anything an do ‘I’ll say: girls American we what know “You wrote: Hikmet Nazim sion. poet “The concentratepreenedhebeforeher. as Suleyman on Why was FatimaWhy stone? a here, carrying and captor with fear and loathing. Then a movement caught her eye: ust on the other side of the tunnel of love, Sally stared at her at stared love, Sally of tunnel the of side other the on ust Hal Hal shook his head. “Suleyman said something about a place In the police car a torrent of words poured out of Hal. He Hal. of out poured words of torrent a car police the In as cramps leg off fighting was who Hal, at back looked He first the for Kemal and exclaimed, Hal “You’re wounded!” Vespasian-Titus“The tunnel,”“Let’s go.”said.Kemal “Ah, you are finally becoming playful,” Suleyman started, started, Suleyman playful,” becoming finally are you “Ah, blouse. her unbuttoned slowly Sally closer. crept Fatima thousand strokedSuleyman her and arms, Sally fought back the revul- “Onemoreplease.”poem, I touch you with onetouchhundredthousandhands.youI with haveleavesMyIone myhundredhands, are leavesMyhandkerchief.sheer, silk are a sheer like . . . walnut tree a am I ! Sally forced Sally to herself MARVIN OLASKY 175 —help—and IMDAT When she reached the second ledge, Sally let herself rest, She She peered down and saw Suleyman stagger to his feet. Sally found a foothold, pulled herself up by a root, then Sally looked up. She saw at that spot not a ninety-degree “I “I cannot. I am married to Suleyman. I face him.” must “He’ll kill you.” “Perhaps. I will talk with him and pray that Allah will “Come with me,” Sally implored. with “Come me,” “I “I decided,” Fatima said. “Murdering old women is wrong. gulping in mouthfuls of farther were they air. but shots, more She Two thirdledge. the finallyhit scrambled some more and off, and it seemed that Mustafa was falling behind. Yet before she could relax, a bullet whizzed by her head. She moved furi- a grabbed skin. Eachshe time tearing thorns her upwards, ously sound sound of rocksdislodged falling to the canyon floor. Again she climbed, grabbing recklessly anythingonto she found. She had no time strength,for roots or to test branches and no energy to heard gunshots, they She but struck off worry. to the side. the the ground. Upward she climbed, one difficult step after next, afraid to the stop to take a breath until she reached a narrow ledge. Behind her she could hear Mustafa’s ragged breaths and the the cliff. No time to think beyond that. Mustafa was huffing was his Mustafa that. think cliff.to time beyond the No her. toward way and another pulled found up on a Fatima’s ignored She branch. cries as Mustafa slapped the woman and sent her sprawling to the the boulders. “You must climb,” Fatima said. “The bushes will Go. Now.” hide you. wall but something that gave her hope: a seventy-degree climb to the first row of bushes located about a sixth of the way up change change his thinking. Perhaps not, yet I am still his wife.Mustafa heard their and must go.” voices from emerged behind You have have him contact your Director Kuris. The house where you’ve been is kept the at end of Scimitar Street.” You must You escape. Climb the south cliff, here. Head west to the officer the Tell station. jandarma the and sea 176 SCIMITAR’S EDGE tion that he had an armed guard stationed above. She scurried scurried Shestationedabove. guard armed an had he that tion shecontinued.fully. Still pain- cramped calvesher and effort, the muscles trembledwith branch the blisters on her hands opened a little wider. Her thigh said you would do anything forme.” youwouldsaid anything do whispered. “It was after Phoebe’s lecture. You were so sweet. You hand. trembledhis slightly in gun The “Getdown,back.miss.”ather gun coldthesteel of thatbordered thefield. She put one foot but on thewall felt the wall stone a loomed her of front in ahead—until stay to aged her,man- shebutbehind panting Zubeyir hear couldShe corn. revolverdisappearedinto hand. Sally his in field a of chest-high embankment. rocky a behind disappear sawSally and feet his tojumped Heeyes. his opened Zubeyir as justfell, bledand stum- Shebecome.had legs her howweak realizing not run, to shebegan stoodandupThen us?” against be who forus,can is God confidence,“If quiet Phoebe’s with heardvoice shesaying gethelpHal. to Shemoved stirred. slowly, cautionweighingtoneed theagainst outonto ground theand flat over to clumpa of bushes. Zubeyir crept She floor. canyon the on thump a by followed Mustafa, lap.pistol his his Zubeyir,in tree,sleeping a under awaywas yards To Mediterranean.twenty right, theher blue of of station seaflag a jandarma and the green profiled against the she as could. quietly as again, climbed then and left the to crablike “Youyouknowdon’t murderme.wanttoPlease letgo.”me hesitated. Zubeyir she before,” you saw I where remembered I captivity “In She turned and faced Zubeyir, who regarded her mournfully. a waving hill, same the down sliding her, after charged He did, she as and time,long a in time first the prayedforShe from wail a then and her behind thrashing heard Sally the sawsheoff,her, frontof far top. overIn the peekedShe top,theshe nearedshe remembered Suleyman’s As insinua- MARVIN OLASKY 177 ! ! She She stopped and waited as the car came right toward Sally sprinted past a farm family having a midday picnic He said, “You are you.” right. I He want to said, do shoot “You not “Then me let go.” he pointed. “Run He nodded. that way,” From From the other side of the tunnel, Suleyman heard the “You’d “You’d better think about what will happen to you,” “No,” Fatima “No,” said. “You have betrayed Allah by murdering elow elow in the gorge, Suleyman berated Fatima: “I told the ubeyir’s ubeyir’s jaw clenched and unclenched as he regarded the her. her. Because of the light’s was reflectioninside. It stopped a few she feet from her, and couldn’t Hal, Beretta see in who hand, jumped out. Sally fell against him. Suddenly she heard under under an awning. Once she heard footsteps behind turned hit She a to no see saw but one. dirt if was she followed, her and road and saw a car coming toward her. Whether friend or foe, had to no hide. timeshe to know and nowhere ing ing him back to a handsome She prince.” stepped forward and kissed Zubeyir on the forehead. woman woman in front of him. Sally said, “In my country we have a story of a woman of her own free will kissing a beast and turn- sound sound of squealing tireshe growled. and “More treason,” shots. He with me.” Come sea. the to boulders the past path a know “I pulled and ranFatima, she with him, still change. for hoping an old woman. What’s happened to you, Suleyman?”to you, happened What’s an woman. old Suleyman screamed. Just to unable then been had that root a he onto holding still hand his saw above, Mustafa falling from bear Mustafa fell his with weight. a and thud did move. not Americans that no man can Allah.” betrayed You fool me. betrayed woman! You me. But a woman did. A Z B 178 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ufr ad h wrs “ words, the and gunfire toes in the water.”the in toes togethernow.” they’rehope I had. Andrew sheand that sea the by dinner sary Phoebe,” she said. “I remember her telling us about the anniver- Mediterranean. “ISally started crying. can’t stopabout thinking have somecan rest.” you where hotel the to you drive I’ll “Now Sally. and Hal told Fatima’shavedescription,” hethey and roads the all off sealed Mustafa.Itwas groaned. Kemaland Hal sheetboth “I give you the murderer of Mrs. du Pont.” Butdramatically, when them he told lifted the sergeant a where entrance, tunnel the outcorpse,now perhapsa bringing Suleyman’s. towalkedThey her.” with mightbe Suleyman blonde.angry very A youescape?” did her hand shaking butstiffly enthusiastically. exclaimed, “I am so happy to hesee you. How “Sally!” stood. director police the where tunnel, the of start the to them led and downhill went youagain,” intomurmuredhehair.her I’dsee think didn’t“I him. against leaned She said. smells,”he butletgo.”heme shoot,”said.he to had “I regret. of tinge a but showedrelief which face, Sally’s still. was then and once jerked body His ground. the to fall Zubeyir saw and turned Sally fired. and aside her pushed Hal her. behind from After a minute Hal said, “We need to find Kemal.”“We said,find minutetoneed road aHal The After it afraid “I’m Sally. on it put and shirt his off took Hal me, killed have could “He tremble. to know.”began She“I at stared suffering, of spoke that pools dark eyes his Hal, “This is just a fisherman’spleasant.”justa is very Not beach. “This my put to loveI’d here? stop we could “Kemal, added, She the to them took road the as silent all were They “They’ve search. the join to police more for called Kemal Kemal reported that he had shot Fadil and that his squad was dyed hair thin, height, myShe’s Fatima. wife, “Suleyman’s lu akbar Allu . I am a jihadist,” coming coming jihadist,” a am I . MARVIN OLASKY 179 Suddenly Suddenly she screamed. The clump was the body of Fatima “Certainly.” Hal sat on a bench and looked at the water. But But the at water. Hal on a sat bench and looked “Certainly.” Life went on, she knew. Twenty yards down the beach “Oh, just for a moment. Please.” a for just moment. “Oh, clump clump more visible. The sun’s declining rays struck something shining in the Sallyof middle the clump. drew closer. Hasan. The glow was a reflection off the edge of a knife, stuck between her breasts. Sally, shoes off, walked off, shoes to the waterline. Sally, seagulls were pecking at a huge clump of seaweed. Sally mean- the leaving flew off, seagulls the and reluctantly way, that dered CHAPTER SIXTEEN

al and Sally had never enjoyed a plane flight more than Hthe one they took together to Frankfurt. Just sitting next to each other in comfort was heavenly. As they walked through the German airport, a few people stared at them, remember- ing vaguely seeing faces like theirs on recent television news reports. After a tearful good-bye they parted ways, Sally heading to Philadelphia and Hal to Dulles. Hal had never felt stranger than when he walked on the high-gloss floors between the gleam- ing walls of Concourse B. The farmhouse dirt floor of Antakya seemed more real to him than the trinity of McDonald’s, Starbucks, and All-Religions Chapel. He walked fast even on the moving sidewalk, occasionally stepping on the heels of those who stood placidly in the middle of it. He forced them to move aside as he brushed by without a word. He stopped at a newsstand in the main concourse and scanned the headlines before picking up a New York Times and heading to the taxi line: He rarely took cabs, but now he didn’t care. He wanted to get home fast.

1 8 0 MARVIN OLASKY 181 story, story, “Wife of for- Times Times editorial page: “We should not Times There There was Malcolm being interviewed. “The terrorists have His apartment had the stale odor of a place closed up for too too for up closed place a of odor stale the had apartment His For the first time in years, Hal felt a twinge of excitement asthe firstFor time in a twingeyears, Hal felt excitement of In the back seat Hal read the Then Then he read the He He pushed himself to read on: “Mr. Edwards turned aside on on CNN. different kinds of tortures. They kept my friends in aunt but captivity, they left and me out in my the desert without two the police. to information my I struggled and brought on water. long. He flipped the switch on the small window air conditioner conditioner air window small the on switch the flipped He long. heat. summer Washington’s against battle ineffective waged that Opening the fridge he found one of the odor culprits, a half- empty carton of milk, and dumped it down the sink. Then he grabbed a can of Coke, carried it over to the table, and turned back, back, Mr. and B,” the building supervisor opened his door and touched, was Hal him. for baked had neighbor a cake a him gave with particularlymany words exchanged the because he hadn’t other tenants. the Capitol dome came into view. It was be It to good in America. view. came into dome the Capitol The cab took him to his apartment house and he jumped out, only to realize he had no key any more. It turned “Welcome proclaimed, entrance front the out a banner over matter: not to exaggerate exaggerate the impact of one attack. If we react in are He playing the threwinto terrorists’ hands.” the anger, paper onto we the floor and stared gloomily out the window at the Virginia countryside. journalist Halop Bogikian.” hisat sadness and emphasized his own courage about questions the death of his aunt and his appreciation for the valor of the Malcolm. he had Maybe misjudged other surviving hostages.” mer mer US ambassador to Turkey brutally murdered.” One of the paragraphs irritated him: “The hero who managed to escape, Columbia professor Malcolm Edwards, made his way to police headquarters. The police then raided the Hezbollah house, too to Mrs.late save but indu Pont time to rescue another hostage, 182 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Columbia’s provost saying, “Professor Edwards’s life is consistent Malcolm’sof ofclip criticism a message.videotapedcame Then survived.” Sally and Hal It was horrible to learn that they had my killed aunt, but at least S He platitudes.wouldprotecttostorynottender thecouch sensibilities. avoid to determined was He it. from meaning draw and experience his of reality the capture to struggled he as coffee mainlining day the of rest the spent it.”He run something, we’ll write “You promised, editor His office. his of ber problem.istitlightly now.” You they’re not bet taking can The patrols. Turks police worked hard theduring 1990s to increasing get a grip on their terror- by fears Turkish easing untouched. are are authorities Aegean the along normally tourists areas by visited “The reservations: travel Turkish with those relent.”appreciation courage, his will ofthey with his bold philosophy. He has his critics, but perhaps now, in clipboards listing segment with times and producers cue lines suggested Associate that stage. she on go to waited she as drinks ness. She sat in various green rooms amid and soft soft furniture busi-showwas news as posed whatof muchhow at astounded was and York New in programs interview of rounds the made terror. of taletelegenic photoforaawere looking andher with offace a seen had who producers television from messages phone of Phoebe’s concerningestate. The housekeeper greeted her with tears, details hugs, and a stack on work to was month next of the for task northwest Her lived. terrain had Phoebe where old-money Delaware, Wilmington, the Greenville, to airport ally took ally caba for thetwenty-five thefromPhiladelphiamiles Fuming, Hal picked Hal Fuming, phoneup his andpunchednum-the in soothing MSNBC saw and channels through flipped Hal correspondentconservative noting CNN the listenedto Hal rple b hr ok ad sne f noec ls, she lost, innocence of sense a and looks her by Propelled ! MARVIN OLASKY 183 . and said, Today Today Show Hardball editor. It concluded with Post ! The The Republican majority on the Senate Foreign Relations The next day, wearing a new blue blazer and a red tie, he hit hit he tie, red a and blazer blue wearing new a day, next The At At first she felt true to herself. “Those two weeks in Turkey But But after telling the story a few times and getting sympa- “Mugged by reality?”“Mugged he asked. “More like raped,” Sally said. “Before, I didn’t truly care al e-mailed his column to the was was blunt: “Evildoers like Suleyman are plotting to kill us and our country any they way can.” Committee asked Hal to testify, so he called Kemal an and of beheading talked the Turks many “To helpful. be might what over the the Washington talk-show circuit. A producer sashayed over to where he was sitting in the green room for “When you get on, don’t hold your tongue.” Hal grinned and He hardit said, found “No to in get chance of thanthat.” more did say he what Chrisinbut to response Matthews, words a few the the beheading of Phoebe and a warning: “Muslim one, by killone us they Sometimes extremists lives. our about nothing care ifbut they can a and get killnuke millions of us, they will.” H powder powder here and there to help her look bouncier. Other guests their or lines. book-selling over best movie-pumping went changed my life,” she told Matt Lauer on NBC’s leave out this detail or add that one. Makeup artists added some artists some Makeup added one. this that detailadd out or leave in New York in four years New earlier York she had:now a part in a riveting drama.it. want And Broadway didn’t she the the torture, the mass graves. My slogan was, ‘Climb Sunshine I Now in look the ravines.” Mountain.’ thetic reactions from hosts and audiences, she didn’t want to arrival upon for yearned had she What more. any the words say about those plastic shredders into which Saddam Hussein’s men men Hussein’s Saddam which into shredders plastic those about placed captives, usually feet first, sometimes head first to attention pay I ifdidn’t like being felt murderers kind that day. the “I had never seen “I had a never vicious murder in real life.” 184 SCIMITAR’S EDGE tr-ih eae ern ro, okn u a te as where dais the at up looking room, hearing Senate story-high Turkey-USforceterrorism.”against joint welcomea wouldnow right opinionTurkishpublic it, for pushes US the If mothers. of killing the represents woman old often-disappointing legislators but the scroll inscribed with with Unum inscribed Pluribus E scroll the but legislators the often-disappointing of not think to tried He wall. marble gray and white a to affixed seal Senate the to them lookedbehind He ears. their in whispered aides as chairs high-back their in slouchedsenators fuse pragmatism with cowardice. Sometimes it is mostpractical cowardice.is it Sometimes pragmatismwith fuse whofortunateenoughescape.”wastoEdwards, Malcolm friend, your of thinking pragmatic the problem to this apply to able be will we glad am I so deliberately, proceed bad.”so anything overreacting and and fearful, unnecessarily that Hitler never did was Churchill that proclaimed have would pundits many but power became so great. Millions of lives would have been saved, his before Hitler against acted and Churchill Winston to tened lis- allies its and Britain Great had happenedhave would what haveharm.”yetnothatdone asus groups against strikes first of policy ahave cannot westate,yet our of citizen great a was friend “Yoursaid, Delaware of Biden about,heardonly but havefor not yourselves.”experienced have you that things against action vigorous take to foresight have those sights and sounds imbedded in your heads. You need don’tcolleagues your and you Chairman, Mr. scream. her hear andPont’s beheadingdu Mrs. see still can “I plowed ahead: he choked-upemotions. Then his down knock could cynicism his until waited immigrant, Armenian an of grandson the much strength. andpeace branches,signifying oak and At ten a.m. three daysAtlater, tena.m. three sat atfrontHal a two- table a in Hal, feeling himself amid such august surroundings very very surroundings august such amid himself feeling Hal, Hal tried to stay cool. “That’s fine, as long as we don’twecon- as long as fine,“That’s cool.stay to tried Hal to have “We declared, Island Rhode of Chafee Lincoln “Think replied. to,”Hal want not may you“Pragmatically, Joe words, soothing uttered Lugar Richard Chairman After ht oiae te el n cnetd olive connected and seal the dominated that MARVIN OLASKY 185 business.” this on senatorial fools, Post His editor called to say, “Hal, I know you’re overwrought . . .” . . overwrought you’re know I “Hal, say, to called editor His declined discussion The shouted. Hal overwrought!” not “I’m He He wrote his next column for the Other Other Democrats and Republicans moderate asked perfunc- “We “We need to show that when terrorists murder innocent Barbara Boxer of California said, “I know that you are from there, the editor insisting that one column on Muslim ter- column insisting one that the from editor there, rorists was and enough, it was time on to to move other topics: terror- to back come can You columns. varietyyour in need “We of failure the say, about, now write not why but month, next ism conservatism”? compassionate the Islamic threat we face, they are eager to sink back into slum- into sink back to areeager they face, we threat Islamic the vermin in ber. We’re the eyes of many Muslims. Some of us are the just same.” vermin, we’ll be but decapitated progressive throwing in heated rhetoric: “Not understanding the nature of think for sit themselves. but inback You when you’re now, the terrorists’ sights, you will wish that you had not just hemmed and hawed.” tory tory and condescending questions, praising Hal and treating him ordeal” through like “the basket an emotional for coming case. when he That’s became angry: “This not be should a con- rights individual prize who Liberals issue. liberal versus servative that kills be usefulnot those who a for movement should idiots trained US force to work alongside the Turkish military in rooting rooting in military Turkish the alongside work to force US trained out We terrorists. do should the same with of the governments we will that clear carry make not on should We countries. other of care take we until them with usual as business sorrowing, Mr. Bogikian, but if we act aggressively, more people people more Bogikian,sorrowing, Mr. if but act we aggressively, will us die. What do?”have exactly you would Americans who are traveling the abroad, United States will not shrug its broad shoulders. We should offer Turkey a specially threat appears, not when it becomes overwhelming. Liberals and and Liberals overwhelming. becomes it when not appears, threat in we must conservatives the past fascism. united to Today stop destruction the to dedicated jihad Islamo-fascist an against unite of the liberal US and democracy.” Western to to damn the political consequences and take action when a 186 SCIMITAR’S EDGE while a captive in Antakya was back. was Antakya captivea while in through suffered hadpowerlessness unchanged heof sense The landscape. an behind leave would thunderstorms quickly forgotten few a and passing, quickly was rage of front The ing: sometimes, but the press attention span’s brevity was so frustrat- over-the-topwas he that admit to had He again. once resigned to?” soapbox.” O fully. smellsThe of hot dogs, popcorn, andapple pie mingleddelight- heavenward. looking it, on down lay and line firing fireworks spreadThey Mall. out blanketcouldclosetheya getas tothe everywhere. Sometimes I yearn forshade, yearn evendarkness.”SometimesI everywhere. down.voice, mouthherofturned corners but the selling summer one spentfirecrackers.” “I added, he off, showing was he silver. think to Sally and wanting Not green, said. Hal shells,” yellow, palm are red, “Those of limbs tree like downward franchise?” Why would he go to Iraq or Saudi Arabia when he has the Turkey life. in purpose his Turkeyis unlikely.Destabilizing seems that Turkey, left he’sbut think some said “Kemal said. update,” Hal the odor of their cell room in Antakya. roomin cell their odorof the n July 4 Sally kept her promise and met Hal on the Washington “This is my column, right? Can’t I write it the way I want I way the it write I Can’t right? column, my is “This a hn u ad meitl akd isl wy e had he why himself asked immediately and up hung Hal yoursoap.”I’m sell “Then tooutspacehere.Useofthe the it’s “No, “I am. You’d be impressed: I’m not searching for sunshine for searching not I’m impressed: You’d be am. “I towardher. “Youturned Hal lookdepressed.” herlove“I in bouncefireworks,”puttoa shereplied,trying sparkling overhead, burst and ascended rockets first The Suleyman a for asked and yesterday Kemal e-mailed “I Back in America Post , Hal thought, but he couldn’t leave behind s oun ad o cnt ae t your it make can’t you and column, ’s ! MARVIN OLASKY 187 “We should, but If“We should, how? the and Turkish American govern- Ring shells burst toward them, exploding spectacularly in “Right.” Red and “Right.” green serpentines sending burst overhead, “So a here’s we should question: How patient be? Shouldn’t “Yes, logic.” “Yes, “Postulate one: We can’t live this way. We have to do “Right.” you. with ‘patient’ was he thought Suleyman two: “Postulate They They were about to retest that hypothesis, but a spectator “That’s pretty,” she said, looking she mournful. Hal that hisfelt pretty,” “That’s She wept. Hal hugged her and thought he had to find some- to had he thought and her Hal hugged wept. She “Hal, “Hal, we’ve flipped. You used to see things that reminded “Welcome “Welcome to my world. But I want to remember what you we, for our for we, sanity and the for sake of tryothers, him?”to stop do anything, can’t canments how we?” colors. multiple He won’t be next time so he abducts.” patient with He anyone won’t small tubes of incendiaries skittering outward to oohs and aahs from the crowd. something.” very good kisser.” yelled, “Get a room!” Hal rolled away but they stayed face-to- face, he on his left elbow, she on her right. “OK, he said. think it’s this through logically,” time to they approached the ground. they approached own then heart was breaking. He kissedresponded, and she her looked up as beautiful bursts of green bouquets and blue stars appeared above her. “I saw she that,” grinned. “You must be a Phoebe’s head. Remember on the Remember I dock head. when talked you about Phoebe’s Suleymanbut has have, changed me more.” changing me? You and green, shell!”Red, willow a that’s “Hey, her. delight to thing stars silver fell in until the visible of that shape branches stayed told told me at first about taking delight in small things now, like that roundel.” He pointed at a series of circles in maroon and gold. you of massacred Armenians. Now I see a circle and think of 188 SCIMITAR’S EDGE idea. How about . . .?” But Sally couldn’t hear the rest of Hal’s of rest the hearcouldn’t Sally But .?” . . about How idea. pearls. the chasing then tails and tails, comet chasing pearls colored watched and back lay they minutes several Forup.” give won’t I but normality, abnormal can’t.” certainly we Suleyman, find can’t government US the and government Turkishthe If do. can we nothingThere’s heads. our over so is and downtears began herto cheeks.run “Don’tyou get it? This Turkish. speak You don’t knowcountry.”the Hervoice quivered quiet.weallyI’m be huntingwabbits.’”‘I’ll Fudd: Elmer like weapons into Turkey.’ Maybe they’d let you through if you talked bringing I’myes, ‘Ohluggageinspector, You’d security.the tell TurkeygohuntingtoforbackandSuleyman.” someguns with now.”dowhatdoesn’t tocloserstory any wecan us bring insanity.”whattemporaryofbecause today called would be heard the story of experience, his it found Soghomon not guilty jury the When trigger. the family,’pulled my and of death the avenge to is ‘This shouted, He genocide. ordered had who ers stars. showering with them awakenedhadcorpses, escaped.”of and 1915.forced in marchesdeath Soghomon,pile a for deadin left the beheading of his brother, parents, and the rape of his sister his on one of the of murder the witnessed had who Armenian wasn’t acceptable to Soghomon Tehlirian, a twenty-four-year-old That punishment. 1915escaped in Armenians of murder mass question over the booms of the finale. They watched fish, flying a asee, Ms o te uk wo omne the commanded who Turks the of “Most answered, Hal “See the chased becoming the chaser?” Hal asked. “I have an “You’renight.“We’reintothe right.”in off staredstuck Hal don’t You “Logic. blanket. the on fist her pounded Sally blackmarket.”Istanbulher.faced thecouldhit Hal “I airport through goingyou picture can I “Sure. up.sat Sally go should I “Maybe responded. Hal thinking,” been “I’ve “I’d like to avenge the death of Phoebe,” said, Sally “but that lead- the of one behind up walked Soghomon 1921, “In overhead, directly almost burst shells round gold and Blue MARVIN OLASKY 189 “I want “I to want kill a terrorist.” Hal did chest and shoulder presses, lat pullovers, bicep curls, bicep pullovers, lat presses, shoulder and chest Haldid “Never have.” “That’s OK. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can The The next morning he stopped by the gym. The manager, Hal walked back to his apartment, frustrated and angry. “Shh.” She “Shh.” kissed him and ran onto the train. “Good-bye.” “Sally, we can’t forget about . about . .” forget can’t we “Sally, Hal thought more about his Halabout more and idea thought decided to not broach sad- the with said, and hand, his grabbed him, turnedto She advance advance if at it. But let me work you ask: ‘What do want you to accomplish?’” and and leg extensions, with Phil adjusting the weight. He asked, “When was out?” the last time regularly you worked Its Its neon sign proclaimed, “Grand opening. One month membership.” trial Phil, him showed the Life Fitness machines and said, “Let’s see measure up.” you how bed, wrapping bed, herself wrapping in a sheet. Unable to sleep, he turned on the television and Rocky Balboa watched began to train, He getting out of as looked stronger. gymstreet. the new across the at window single apartment’s the She She sat on the side away from Hal so he couldn’t look in window the and see her crying. When the train left Washington, she looked out into the darkness. Arriving in Wilmington, she in mansion a took Greenville and cab to tumbled Phoebe’s into dest dest of looks, “I I want to know forget you about Turkey. won’t for thank and you tonight, for Thank you to. need I but up, give everything you did but let’s in not see Turkey, each other for a please.” while, sound sound of titanium bangs. door the to and Station Union to Sally with walked He further. it of the last car of the last of Metroliner the night. falling leaves, silver spiders, and other phantasms, all to the

PART THREE

CHASER AND CHASED

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

n Greenville, Sally received news about Phoebe’s will: $10,000 Ieach for Malcolm and three other nephews, $50,000 for her, and many millions for Christian antipoverty work around the world, with as much of it in Turkey as the government would allow. The nephews announced that they would contest the will, but the lawyers said they didn’t have much of a case and asked Sally to stay on for another two months to go through Phoebe’s papers, remaining in the mansion until it was sold. After that she went a week without answering the phone or talking to anyone except Phoebe’s housekeeper. She took over Phoebe’s bedroom and surrounded herself with records of Phoebe’s life. Hal left messages, but she didn’t call back. And yet, instead of forgetting about Turkey, she leafed through albums of photos taken when Phoebe lived there, as if she could exorcize her memories and replace them with new ones. She sank into depression, often not bothering to shower or dress. One morning she looked at herself in the mirror and burst into tears. She looked like a street person. How could she come

1 9 3 194 SCIMITAR’S EDGE of the hospital until the next day. She thought about going to going aboutthought day. She next the until hospital the of outwouldn’t be and operationsecond a needed had pastor the her.like wantedstrong.toobe to was Sally faith her this; like acting be not would Phoebe knew She it? of out you ever hear that old song, ‘Climb Sunshine Mountain’?” oldyouthatSunshine‘Climbsong,ever hear more.themWe wanteveryonecomfortable be tohere.” embarrasses that and things, personal about pastor a with ing spiratorially: “I’ll tell you why: lots of people perspire when talk- “Isn’t mind: heronhere?” itcold in weresteepled.fingers his and overPhoebe’sgetting time hard death.” anotherher.closetopulled deep, and aleather chair in askedJimsittoheraboutliving. books contemporary brand-new Christian with filled bookcase oak its with room appointed well- the study.lookedaround She his into her invited and ing conditionerpumpingrefrigeration?out cold: so wasShe visit.her of tales carry toup “Weren’teyes widened: PhoebePontduTurkey?”you with in was soon introducing herself to a blue-haired receptionist whose husband’sherShe death. after left had Phoebethat church like friends. their and parents her of much too her reminded who people churchPhoebethe hadjoined,of old butone itsmall full a was “I rememberitvaguely.”“I Did life. on you sour shouldn’ttragedyyou let that“I’d say getcomfortable? you can howknowI’m“Do mess.”I a temperature“Welow.”keepthedo con-leanedforward Jim was whatout blurted she so ask, to what knowdidn’t Sally expression,sober Jim’sa woredifficult.”face be must “That particularly a having “I’m start. to where wondered Sally greet-fleshyheld hand in tall, man aSoon out manicured a firing hotline gossip the picture could She flinched. Sally you.”with talk wantto “My, certainly Pastorwill Jim me.”supposewasthat “I She decided to comb her and hair stop by the big, cathedral- She called David Carrillo’s church, but told the secretary her Waschurchairthe MARVIN OLASKY 195 ! That’s That’s what Hal said about remembering the . Jim smiled. “Isn’t sitting more comfortable? Miss Northaway, Northaway, Miss comfortable? more sitting “Isn’t smiled. Jim the Sallyout window at the “Do looked parking outside. lot Tears came to Sally’s eyes. “That’s all you can say? Why can’t can’t Why say? can you all “That’s eyes. Sally’s to came Tears “But “But I’m already Sally uncomfortable.” stood up and asked Jim stood as well. Big splotches of moisture bedecked the “I “I don’t want something I’d like. I want something that’s Jim said that was a good notion and handed her a pam- “Thinking about Jesus can comfort you. Some people your Sally nodded, although that made no sense to her. She bit “If you live out your life with the same joy that Phoebe had, had, Phoebe that joy life withsame the your out live “If you and and then thought, Armenian holocaust here here is my counsel: Forget about safe back inhere.” America. the We’re You’re tragedy that occurred. you just bury and forget your family members?” she asked, front of front his shirt. want me to answer “You in a black-and-white way. I say, embrace the paradox. It’s good that you’re askingquestions.” ‘Here I stand’?” say, you was was soaked. know was didn’t she inthe question “Ifher until that moment. God die exists,that Phoebe he could let way?” how solid, that’s true.” that’s solid, phlet about choosing a life of meaning. As he promised that it make Sally her uncomfortable, wouldn’t saw that his underarm age areage hard pressed to a believe the It’s stumbling Christ story. Sally see could now to stumble.” want people and block, I don’t hisknot of the Windsor “It’s tie. above just neck, Jim’s on sweat like.” if you’d also good to pray, then you arethen you fulfilling her spiritual destiny.” her lip and threw out one more question: “Where does minister’s the on form in?” surprised was sweat see come She to Jesus brow. 196 SCIMITAR’S EDGE “We’ll get you back to a normal sleep“We’llpattern.”normal getyoua to back gave her a prescription for Dalmane, a fast-working sleeping pill: getsomegosleep.”awayI if all will “I’vetears. enoughhadthepastors.” ofback minister.”a with for years. “I don’t want to intrude, but sometimes it helps to talk known had he whompatientselderly mostly of stream regular a had and sixty about was He ordeal.” an through went “You Then shetoldThen Dr.Chandler, “I’m sleepingpoorly.” tened lis- to patients chattering about shea new television show. reality room, waiting the in sat she As depressed. hopelessly was she think to him want didn’t and doctorPhoebe’s visit to T S oe o fr rm o. o ws hrh etra? o was How yesterday? church was How you. from far not some everywhere, comrades have I me. escape can you think not do captured. was eye.She hopedSuleyman that General of you, ma’am. thank bam,Abacha.Spam, widow the from back millions get and Nigeria to money send or Viagra buy could She e-mail: her checked She that closed. trees drapes the kept Sally mansion,but oak the sprawled behind the of views with windows big had office The hours. three next the for papers offolders more through bored he next afternoon Sally combed her hair again. She planned She again. hair her combed Sally afternoon next he ly ild h pecito, eund o hees fie and office, Phoebe’s to returned prescription, the filled ally “Yes, sir,” Sally said with a wry smile. “Back to normal.”to“Backsmile. “Yes, wry sir,”a with said Sally “Worth a try,” Dr. Chandler said. He looked at his watch and this “Maybe smile. a out eked really.” Sally tired, just “I’m psychiatrist?” a with “Well, howthen,about talking hold to fighting chair, the in slumped Sally “Sometimes.” said, and ears, intoher peered breathing, her tolistened He She opened it and read the message: “Miss Beauty,American Turkey,” her caught from “News title the with e-mail One ! MARVIN OLASKY 197 Thankful She instantly dis- But she stared at the the at stared she But I I can escape him. ! That’s not me. I’m no in tragic heroine not me. I’m That’s Might Might as well try calling her again. article on MS-13 gangs that, free from newspaper pres- He He thought of returning to his apartment alone, and then She She shuddered and reached for the bottle of sleeping pills. She ran to Phoebe’s bedroom and locked that door. Call bedroom that door. and the locked ran She to Phoebe’s Sally jumped up and locked the office door. Then she peeked peeked she Then door. office the locked and up jumped Sally screen: computer the to back herself forced but faint felt She al, al, at that moment, was finishing a day of research for the thought thought of Sally. sure, sure, he was now able to write. His Jetta was in the shop—that was happening often in its old age—so he had taken the train that day to Baltimore for several interviews, and it was time to home. head Harper’s missed thoughts of suicide: missed thoughts Mountain. Sunshine climbing Sally, I’m novel. a bottle some bottle more. some H A A thought occurred to her: police? police? They wouldn’t assign her a bodyguard. Call Hal? had She given him the brush-off. As she threw herself on the bed, memories of Suleyman washed over her. She gritted her teeth. I bear can’t it. let I him won’t touch me. Not him. Not anyone. But I him. escape can’t slave and perhaps some day, if you are worthy, my wife. Or I will I Or wife. my worthy, are you if day, some perhaps and slave have you captured and raped repeatedly in Delaware because that’s what you deserve. The eyes of Suleyman are upon you. cannot away.” get You you seized.” you waiting her? the for out curtain. lurking outside, someone Was “I offer a you can choice: You return and become my to Turkey your doctor’s visit today? You see, anytime You visit your today? I doctor’s choose, I can have for for cell phones, he punched and waited. Her phone rang once, voice soft Sally’s when up hang to ready was He times. six twice, came on. 198 SCIMITAR’S EDGE not to appear dismayed, but Sally saw that he noticed.nothesawdismayed,thatappearto butSally luster.ofgeneralherlack by tried Sally’sHeeyes butalso under shockedbagsthewas not byonly Hal for him. waiting was and word her kept had Sally rooms. many mansion’s the through Delaware,northwest Wilmington,”of driver.yelledheatthe .”. . “Sally Promise.” myhand.” in sobbing.her going I am What do?” to me. get him let won’t “I hysterically. rose and kidnapped raped.” you have I’ll or slave, my be and back Come awful.”sound T he housekeeper buzzed Hal in at the gate and guided him him guided and gate the at in Hal buzzed housekeeper he Sly tak o fr ikn u, u wa’ wog You wrong? what’s but up, picking for you thank “Sally, “I’mnotcheap,” “Stepit.”onscreamed. Hal costyouplenty.” “That’sItwill miles. atleastsixty-five “Greenville, cab. a hailed and street the onto raced Hal panic. to here.”be “I’ll began Hal answer. didn’t she minute a anything. For do or anywhere go Don’t hurry. I’ll “Sally, sleeping pills these had I Hal. youcalled, I’mgladwait. “I’ll “I’mcoming. you Will He OK couldbe ’til getI hear there?” “Promise?” “Sally,you,I’mseetonow.” right coming yesterdaytoday.” been hadandwhere I knew “He voiceHer He’saway.” “Justmiles oftalk. thousandsbig summary: Executive Suleyman. from e-mail an received “I down.Tell“Wait.beginning.”the fromme Calm They’refollowingfriends. me.” his or “Suleyman “Who’shere?” voiceHer trembled.“He’s here.” ! MARVIN OLASKY 199 ! “I don’t mind. You took my pill bottle, didn’t you?” pillmy took bottle, didn’t mind. You “I don’t “Yes.” mind.” “I don’t door bedroom the closed and forehead the on her kissedHal “I’ll “I’ll find soup.” chicken some By the time Sally came back into Phoebe’s bedroom in a “Do you “Do thinkyou I like?” look care you what “Yes.” you did When shower. a Take right. “You’re smiled. Hal Now “Yesterday.” Sally didn’t like feeling helpless. “Thank you for coming, but but coming, for “Thankyou helpless. feeling like didn’t Sally there “Yes is. Starting right now I’ll take care of you. Think a Sallymess.” I’m but a out sweet, let tiny smile. “That’s “I thought I could handle it.” Her eyes teared up. She reached reached She up. teared eyes Her it.” handle could I thought “I with and, his the nightstand to back turned He walked over Hal said, “I’m sorry. I should have realized have I should . Halsorry. . said, “I’m .” “Yes, but I don’t want to be I’ll a I but need to slob. don’t pick up some “Yes, strange: something Here’s that. of thought “I shyly, said Sally he he next morning Sally made Hal a cheese omelet. “I slept so T behind him. don’t mind.” don’t white bathrobe, she was looking much better. Hal presented her her Hal presented better. much was looking she bathrobe, white with a tray—soup, sandwich, and one sleeping pill—and said, has made up a housekeeper guest if“Your bedroom me, for you last last eat?” there’s no need for you to stay.” you no need for there’s has soup?”chicken some housekeeper your for a for tissue doing thisand said, “I’m a these lot days.” to picked up Sally, a picture of Phoebe and He Andrew. slipped pill the sleeping vial his into pocket. well,” she exulted. “Will she with stay you me today?” well,” clothes.” I think the you’re same size Andrew was, and Phoebe couldn’t 200 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Red Sox this evening. After the game we could drive down to down drive could we game the After evening. this the Sox Red against game a playing are Orioles The tastes: basic have you something wear.”could be might There clothes. his of rid get to bear I joinedI them to beteama player, so something do,I’ve cousinsnever been.” my money, but the need don’t I will: Phoebe’s about And traitor. a me make doesn’t that but me, with agree don’t You believe: I what much pretty videotape the on said I AntakyathoughtInI couldI go for help, didgetandI to Kemal. youtickets.”here,seeto butI’m three readybuytoexpect bered that, in Antakya, Hal suggested we go to game.this Didn’t averages?”aboutbatting care Arnold up. walk Malcolm see to startled were They avoidTurkey talk. to mined atticketline thestood polowindow, in shirts, green lime deter- oneperson.against threat e-mail or cal nuclear terrorism the air, in no one had much for time an muchpotentialdidn’tof action. biochemi-Withrumors expect Baltimore ballpark, Hal said he would talk to federal officials but beautiful the Yards, Camden to south drove they As FBI.” the “Tell threats: terrorist with deal towasn’t equippedhe said but courtesy a as mansion the to car squad a sent chief local The tomorrow.” meet to you I’dlike friend a There’scome? Wantto couch. my Washington,me.”youandcouldstay with Hal said, “Sally,said, chance.” Hal a let’s him give Sally still smoldered, so Malcolm pleaded, “Please hear me out. “I have a board meeting in Washington tomorrow. I remem- was angry. Sally you “Whatare doing here? Doesa Benedict So Sally, with a new Red Sox cap, and Hal, in one of Andrew’s left. they beforepolice phoned theHal’s insistence,At Sally “Yes.” on be added,“I’ll quickly Hal and Sally’seyeswideropened still I “But grinned. Hal guy,” rich a like look I’ll “Hey, MARVIN OLASKY 201 He looked so sad that SallyHe looked sorry felt him. for wondered She “And there’s one other thing,” Malcolm was saying. Malcolm Malcolm went on, “And I haven’t given any speeches or Sally stared at the field, where centerfielder Coco Crisp led “They don’t “They know don’t what they Hal have,” fumed. “I’ve never thought never I me: believe “Please Sally: turnedto Malcolm Both Both men loudly sang the national anthem, hitting with Malcolm Malcolm jumped ahead as they reached the ticket window. had had freed me to be a propagandist for Islam. I kept quiet, his He comrades in New would killYork said me. show To that if day the done had I what me told he me, upon were hiseyes that before.” if Malcolm was putting on an act for some reason, but she dis- suspicion. missed that as post-traumatic “Suleyman sent me an e-mail yesterday, complaining that he interviews interviews since the day I got back, ers when were all pestering me the and interview- I hadn’t had time to through. think I things could have testified before Congress, everything.” reconsidering because I’m but I didn’t ger ger want to be pragmatic all the time, and I neutral.” know I can’t be walk.He a received firstand the of top the in Sox Red the for off second. a and took big lead stole hauling out random obscenities. hauling random out than patriotic more I felt do now.” Suleyman would kill Phoebe. Now my eyes are open. I no lon- particular vigor the lines, “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bombs the glare, red rockets’ the “And particularlines, the vigor bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still It there.” was Day Youth at the ballpark, and behind them pro- city park summer numerous infrom bused teens, of groups grams, gave proof through the singing that they were there by He He said, “Three. Best seats you have left.” The best turned out to be close to the field but down the line at the right field foul This pole. time between sat HalSally deliberately and Malcolm, the to keep peace. hoping 202 SCIMITAR’S EDGE in, savein, you,Suleyman.”nab and swoop to jandarma the Youcouldn’ttrust Mustafa? Remember him.” grab policewill the snapbait, thenHe’ll attheinsult. Suleyman’sputwantundertoyourself control again?” aboutit.”ing the We’re us. of glove,that his bounced off all ball ground heand can’t stop think- e-mails. on fixated those is about reason some Think for Suleyman protection? police of lots with alone.TurkeytravelworkthroughandBut Kemal whatI with if voice.her in “How?” catchtomySuleyman.”plan That’steam. thehelping averagebut batting your embellishing Notfly. “Sacrifice said, easily. Hal scored Crisp caught,but was baseball.” in sweetest the hasswing Hehit. Ramirez Manny watch go, you before But great. be would dog hot a yes, “And hungry,”memake “WantMalcolmsaid. one?” doesn’tHe back. Armenians.”like toldthen Sally, “I’ve notesgetting been weekevery since we got base.Hepointed outand importancetheofmoving up runners third take to Crisp allowing but out an making infield, the of notes.”looked Hal away, caught Sally “Havethat.and you?” “Sounds familiar,”“Soundssaid. Sally Bi gt etn” al si. Bi cnt ih of h fish. the off fight can’t “Bait said. Sally eaten,” gets “Bait “I’d be the bait. He’d see I’m taunting him and consider it an you killed, being almost “After incredulous: was Malcolm this do can’t I that see to Washington in right were “You askedcatch a Sally with you“So yourself?” want to sacrifice It centerfield. to ball fly long a hit Ramirez watched They well. as laughed Malcolm and laughed, one,” Hal are “You always “Ballparks way. their wafted dogs hot of smell The “Didn’tdepresswanttoyou further.” didn’t“Why me?” youtell watchedto righttheHal side hitball ground a MarkLoretta “Scared me. But I’m glad Hal hasn’t received any threatening Malcolmasked. youtoo?” e-mailed “He MARVIN OLASKY 203 They They drove down to Washington and dropped Malcolm at When Red Sox closer Keith Foulke came on in the ninth “Trouble “Trouble in Turkey and trouble here,” Hal moaned. “That Malcolm returned with hot dogs and sodas, which he It was 2–1 in the second when a group of teens behind them them behind teens of group a when second the in 2–1 was It “He “He won’t.” the inside just field, right to deep balland highOrtiz the hit He grabbed her hand. “Sally, it won’t just go away. I to have go just away. He won’t it grabbed her hand. “Sally, Designated hitter David Ortiz came up to bat. “And if While he was gone, Hal reassured Sally that he’d seek She looked at him miserably. “And I care about you. Malcolm said, “I need to think about this. I’ll get the Hal’s right: You’re still up at bat.” When Foulke ended the When ended game Foulke still bat.” at up right: You’re Hal’s by striking with out Miguel the tyingTejeda and winning runs on Hal base, and turnedkissedMalcolm Sally, away. the Hilton. Capitol He went to bed feeling lonely and lay for a them again that he was sorry and that he had made a resolution: resolution: a made had he that and sorry was he that again them “No chasing aftermore in or museums.” women students inning to protect a one-run lead and struck out the first batter, Sally turned to Malcolm and said, “You have two strikes, but trucha.” That turned trucha.” MS-13.” chant: another “MS-13. into gang is allspreading over.” handed out as if making an offering to Hal and Sally. He told plopped plopped into it. The cameras caught and lingered on her face, shining. momentarily started a chant. It took Hal and Sally a minute to understand what they were saying: “La mara salvatrucha. La mara salva- Suleyman kills you?” foul pole, right toward them. All the fans reached up, but Hal lifted She Sally. took off her cap and extended it high: the ball I I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you. all would away.” go I wish this do something.” dogs.” still when sit to about not I’m you. advice: care “I about Kemal’s in danger.” you’re 204 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ys old vr h btee IE frihns Bt ih great with But furnishings. IKEA battered the over rolled eyes bowlcounter. cereal theon Her dirty onethe cornerand in dry Hal’sapartment. to east headed Sally and Hal ceiling. dark the at staring while some of the Armenian leaders on the wall.”leadersthe on Armenian somethe of about me “Tell said, merely and Hal to turned she self-control Sally took a look around. She saw the pile of unfoldedofpilelookShelaun- tooksawthearound. a Sally CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

alcolm screamed at two a.m. as a scimitar blade cut into Mhis neck. He awoke and realized it was only a nightmare but could not wipe from his mind the image of Phoebe’s severed head. He finally fell into a fitful sleep, only to be awakened by hard rapping on his door. “Room service breakfast, sir,” the young woman called through the door. Malcolm no longer opened doors unconcernedly. “I didn’t order one. Go away.” “Dr. Edwards, it’s Barbara. I no longer work here, but I brought you some Krispy Kreme doughnuts.” He flung open the door and saw the Georgetown student, this time wearing a T-shirt and shorts. “It’s a great pleasure to see you, but how did you know I was here?” “I’m starting my dissertation now, and I want you to be on my committee, so I called your office to find out when you were coming again.” She put her arm around his waist and smiled. “You’re in your boxers again.” “Barbara, I’ve been thinking about my life.”

205 206 SCIMITAR’S EDGE dissertation committeemember,dissertation chairman.”notthe outside the “You’dbe Malcolm’sweakened.resolutionjust and . . . thinking washe and sex, consensual of way American the him against used leader while.” a for it forget to you helping mind wouldn’t Turkey. I in had H she thought as she turned on the shower,the on turned shethought sheas smiled. and portraits Armenian of wall the at door that she was back in Antakya. Then she looked out the bedroom top of the thin mattress on the floor, she imagined for a moment “Wouldn’ttowel?”thatdrop to easy it be blueatowel her. bathroomaroundwith wrapped the of out came she as Sally watch to stopped then and floor the paced He close? getting it was yet,not if love—and be this presence.Could warm herthat, morethan even and lipsher of It was just kissing last night, but he could remember every touch walls. thin the through showercame the of sound The ceiling. aligned.be canelse strong, spineeverything is whenthe yet heart; al and Sally slept late that morning. When Sally woke up on wokeup Sally When morning. that lateslept Sally and al “I saw“Inews onstorytheabout a terribleyouthe experience “Wemorning.”have all havefoundationat“Inoon.” a meeting board him, against up pressedstudent.” SheColumbia a not“I’m “Well,students.”notdecidedsleepto I with whatothereach welike?” giving “What’swith wrong terrorist the that explained then and hesitated Malcolm “We’replentyold enough.” “Almosteverybody.” doingit.”is else“Everybody “Itwouldbe.” her. towards moving responded, he morning,” “Good “Hi,”shyly.shesaid the at stared and couch the on boxers his in up woke Hal ! and he has a wounded a has he and He’sstrange , MARVIN OLASKY 207 ! “Will the army find him?” Kemal stared at his food. “In the we force police tell a story “Any news on news tracking down Suleyman?”“Any “That’s out of my hands. Our army has Kemal taken over.” Hal appreciated Kemal’s desire to look on the bright side. He He side. bright the on look to desire Kemal’s Hal appreciated I’ve what regain to me for years will take “It fell. face Kemal’s He shook hands He with shook Sally been Hal. and reas- “I’ve hugged “I’m not sure, I but not I’ll know that dressed.” too. get “I’m “But not too old.” not “But Sally smiled. “Not yet.” . not . why “So, .?” know.” “You right, Hal his stopped, hands on her “You’re bare shoulders. “Uh-huh.” ust ust before noon Hal and Sally walked up to the door of the shields?” about soldiers who guarded a important so was what bench know to wanted he for on, came years. commander When a new collected collected lamb, pork, and chicken, and brought it to a chef for stir-frying on an upturned enormous on cooking metal soldiers plate. Mongolian “Did about wrote you Polo Marco know that vegetables, sauces—and all can you vegetables, eat.” in bad was you for “How Ankara?”it asked, unless lost I can do something spectacular.” signed signed from the directorship to a in position personnel. I know a trainingto here me sent superiors new so my that, about little conference in American methods. But I never miss to eat a at a Mongolian Barbecue chance wherever I am. Meats, seafood, Mongolian BarbecueMongolian in Chinatown, smelling the food pungent as they entered under a big neon sign to meet mysterious Hal’s friend. “You’ll be surprised,” was all Hal said, Kemal. saw she when and Sally was J I do know. But why?” But I do know. 208 SCIMITAR’S EDGE theroutine.” guardto keep people from sitting on wet paint. It became part of a posted had commander a earlier years many thatdiscovered He guarding. round-the-clock needed it that bench the about despises Suleyman for killing his aunt, and Suleyman thinks thinks Suleyman and aunt, his killing for Suleyman despises you might not be a big enough mouthful. You say that Malcolm Hal, fish. the attract ampletoenough be to has bait “The plan. Hal’s about mused and Malcolm about asked Kemal portrait, Hal’s favorite Washington museum. In front of Andrew Jackson’s justice.”to Suleyman bring toreason muchthing bigger. You are not the only one who has a personal heavily.5.4,3, 1, . 2, countedSilence.. .Hal shotyourown atSuleyman?” plan.” crazy hopeyou’ll I this also.tosayno believeI another wasburiedalive. How’s your food, Sally?” victims. leastathisone nylonofbodynaked burningthe drippedon Suleyman worse. been have could it was, experience prudent decisions have often meant death. And as terrible as your Evendeath. meant have mistakes centuries, forwhere, country foolhardy.”Itis again. terrorists of hands the into fall Youcould wrong. go easily can under this “Operationslikedangerous: conditions—was too optimum plan—even the Second, him. to loyal personally were of police, numbers so he could vast provide for overonlysecurity four policemen authority who had longer no he First, lems. your and you catch if toSuleyman.”therepolicemen are work only will it operation, of type that for They walked a few blocks to the National Portrait Gallery, Portrait National the to blocks few a walked They some-there’sbut career, my redeem could “I spoke: Kemal down sat and returned He seconds. for back went Kemal like you“Wouldn’t asked, Hal answer, could Kemal Before wonderful is conversation luncheon the And “Excellent. “Turkeynottoleratedoeshard afools,” is “Ourssaid. Kemal “I’mfool.youhaveaDo another idea?” prob- majortwo outlined then andintently listened Kemal enoughnotagile is army the“Since plan. his explained Hal MARVIN OLASKY 209 ! ! Lying Lying in bed, he made firm He resolutions. would become He He gave the sleeping pills back to Sally. “I need to work “I’m OK she now,” said. “You’re giving me a lot to think “Absolutely not,” Hal and Kemal said simultaneously. not,” “Absolutely to want anyway.” go I “Good. don’t Hal pondered the questions. “Yes, I suspect come, he’d but Sally broke in. “I want don’t to seem vain, but I’m the best alcolm alcolm took the Metroliner back to New York after the emal returned to his conference, and Sally drove Hal north and Sallyemalto drove returned his to conference, a a disciplined, radical fighter for justice worldwide. He refrain from any would more sex And with students. things Columbia hadn’t him threatened who students the up: looking already were reputation. and retain his position could so he public, gone have have left it in But Washington. even that was good because he could go through the evening undisturbed and then sleep the new his amid home, Heights Morningside his in just the of sleep carpets. Turkish Edwards Foundation meeting. One minor turned problem: off He his cell had phone when the meeting began and must tomorrow, but I’ll but by the come next day.” tomorrow, OK. I’m but about, Baltimore Baltimore and dropped him off there so he could continue his research the magazine for article. “Hal, these last two have days Thank been a lifesaver. you.” M K bait bait of all. go.” I Maybe should be willing And to come? is he trustworthy?” hard All his for me it’s to judge reliability. I know is that I want to trust him, and he is good bait.” Malcolm Malcolm isn’t coming through. Do you think Malcolm would 210 SCIMITAR’S EDGE o itra dsilnr haig ad o te ors a for was courts the one not and matter hearings the disciplinary keep internal to for chance best the that suggested and won’tThat yourself? withoutpusit.”indulging cut wentI Turkey.”to “When desk.over his behaviorstop?” this did When up. grown you’ve,finally thatuh, case a make could we more’?” yourself?” saveto way haveanyyou Do ten! Ten, Malcolm, ten: we could have handled one or even four, but thought, ing for your head. These details in the the in details These head. your for ing call- are and conservatives feminists looks bad. Both “This said, rwtr s ee o e yu” h crooned. she you,” see to here is Brewster Turkey, in encecomment.” requestinghis calls notreturn did experi- harrowing a from returned recently who Edwards, Mr. testimony. students’ the supplement secretary professor’s the for return in grades ‘A’telephoneofkepttapesby logs favors. and calls Detailed sexual them offered he that testified have SEXUALHARASSMENT.” WITH CHARGED PROFESSOR COLUMBIA “NOTED headline: he 11 page Then the newspaper. on eyes the his at fixed glanced and office his in couch yourdesk.”on want to look at page 11 of the of 11page at look to want in months. “A lot of calls already this morning,” she said. “You’ll had againstturned him, gave him the first smile she had offered who partner sexual former and secretary the Carol, Columbia. Both men were silent. Then Brewster shook his jowls again jowls his shookBrewster Then silent.were men Both cam- onspent “And time no you’veAlmost back.come just Malcolmatofandstared aroseJohn portrait the F. Kennedy “Really? was If this the past but you’ve been clean for awhile any students Columbia with sleep don’t ‘I about, “How e rae ad ed “e cret n rcn students recent and current “Ten read: and groaned He leatherwell-usedbriefcasetothe next Malcolm his dropped Dispensing with small talk and shaking his jowls, Brewster jowls, his shaking and talk small with Dispensing He was about to yell at Carol, but his phone buzzed. “Provost e akd o i ofc a te etr o Nw aus at Values New for Center the at office his to walked He a friend: Maybe he has a way to saveme.wayto a Maybehas he friend: a New York TimesYork New Times are devastating. devastating. are , which I’ve put I’ve which , Good Malcolm , MARVIN OLASKY 211 ! Malcolm swiveled in the chair. “He can’t persist month after month persist can’t “He chair. the in swiveled Malcolm and Algeria about us told he what thinkRemember so? “You Malcolm paused, then said, “I’m not worried. The police can police The worried. not “I’m said, then paused, Malcolm “You think that if Suleyman wants to get you or Sally, a Malcolm leaned back in his ergonomic chair. “You wouldn’t wouldn’t “You chair. in back his ergonomic leaned Malcolm “Doesn’t matter what I expect. What will you do? Time to “Do I have a choice? “Do What a I if choice? have I and stay fight?” you of rid get to but choice no willhave administration “The “Does it help if I say, ‘I’m sorry?’” ‘I’m if“Does help it I say, “Times have changed. Perhaps a generation ago you could alcolm alcolm decided to answer only one of his phone messages, month. He’ll tiredget on month. to other opportunities.” and move how month after month the terrorists waited? You can either to shudder to every shudder time you walk Do down Broadway? you want car your whether ignition, the turn on you time every wonder to guard be your to on have you defense, on If you’re will explode? the there be to has only agent Suleyman’s time. the of percent 100 down.” it let you time one protect protect me. Or I if can I not, afford money. have to hire a secu- rity person I here. cantoo.” hire Sally, for one guard in New York or Delaware will stop him? Do you want further. expect me to make you?”a hastywould decision, choose.” the the one from Hal: “Kemal has approved my plan He explained the hook.” to Suleymandouble-bait to me wants but lure out M have been discrete.” more have support.” much have won’t man, ten! You Ten, permanently. academic academic year: “Maybe it will die down. I hope banked you’ve from that the best money seller of yours.” should You Columbia. hurt you’ve But it. with away gotten have Malcolm Malcolm to take a leave of absence without pay for this next 212 SCIMITAR’S EDGE choices?” for work you.” will between in nothing him; appease or him fight A cifixionand shuddered. the northerntip of Manhattan. He atstood before monasticismpaintings of the cru- medieval of reconstruction the Cloisters, The at up ending finally beyond, and Broadway Heights Washington up to walked, and walked He that.” admire can I but devious,revenge:“Youwereher having congratulated on Carol him.”fightand hnig t ih b bd es bu yu I nw o what now Bye.”have knowIdo.circumstances. toIt’s theway underbest the I you. about news bad be might it thinking phone rings, this time eachmythroat don’t I in wantmyheart won’tyou.needI I that sithomerealized have and nightmares. You’re ButI’vefunction. have also a Suleyman. after gotoright ing,”silentwas someandmore. Then I’ll come to see youcometomorrow.”seeto I’ll Then up.it set can we quickly how see and Kemal with talk I’ll ized. real- be will togetherworking us of two the of Phoebe’s dream like looks It me. with coming“Malcolm’s doing. was she how asking even without out, blurted he developing,” plan’s “The Then he returned home and went through his e-mail. homewent his and throughreturned he Then you.” with going “I’m Hal: called he hike, his of end the Near back. walking started lookedandHe Hudson outoverRiver the s Hal his wasBaltimore finishing interviewing, he called Sally. Fgt i o apae him.” appease or him “Fight later,fileshehe’d office,sayinguppick his Malcolm left As couplea hours.”youof in call “I’ll only my are yourdaddy,be he’llthat Suleyman upstand“Yes. or E-mail “Those more. some swiveled Malcolm “I’ve decided you’re right,” she said slowly. “Shooting does slowly.“Shooting said sheright,”you’re decided “I’ve waited. Hal silentwas Sally ontheother end.she Then said,“I’m think- ! hs wrs ag n i head. his in rang words Those MARVIN OLASKY 213 She She But what if I misjudged her? I if misjudged what But , he thought. thought. , he Hal hesitated. “When you dropped the call, I thought that Sally . “Might . prompted. .” had said a then you the gunwhen housekeeper “And . . .” Hal ran to her, put Hal hisput ran arms to her, and kissedaround her, her. “I’m the Sally laughed She he laugh knew well from Turkey. “Sally!” No he yelled. answer. “Sally!” of the trees walked out sundress, gunShe in a yellow by her But But Hal didn’t listen to any more. He ran through the hall “What’s the rush?” the elderly woman asked. “I was dozing,was “I asked. rush?”woman the “What’s elderly the “OK, “OK, bud, but sixty-five that’s miles or so. It will cost you a on it.” step Just no object. Money’s I know. “I know, He called four times on the way: no answer. At the estate Hal suddenly felt both stupid and afraid. He ran out to the “Sally?” She had ended the call. He called again. No answer. the call. No answer. He ended called had again. “Sally?” She seemed so happy yesterday happy so seemed you might . might you . .” side. so glad to see she you,” said, eyes sparkling. “But why did you rush here?”over ing out to the oak trees on the immense acreage in back. At that that At inback. acreage immense the treesoakon the to out ing he heard a shot. moment, yes, Mrs. du Pont kept a pistol in her bedroom in case of intrud- bedroomof casein her in pistol a kept Pont Mrs.du yes, ers. I saw Sally heading out back with Mr. du built Pont a shooting range it. out there, and . . .” Don’t be alarmed: and dining room and then yanked open the French doors lead- and banged on the front door. Still no answer. He opened it and and it opened He answer. Still no door. front the on banged and almost ran into the startled “Do housekeeper. you know where Sally went?” but so much ringing, so many loud noises. Let me think: oh wad.” fence the climbed He answer. No intercom. the on yelled he gate He called the regular number for Phoebe’s estate. No answer. answer. No estate. Phoebe’s for regular number the called He street and hailed a taxi Delaware, again. northwest “Greenville, of Wilmington.” 214 SCIMITAR’S EDGE me when I was ugly. And now you’re giving me a chance to do to chance a meugly.you’re now was And giving I when me for You cared better.felt I came, youwhen “Butmemories. the Phoebe’shead.” seeing kept I alone. be to scared was day.I other the came you before was it bad how understanddon’t “You head. her shook old-fashionedshetravels.gatheredrosesherhad from him. shekissed cheeks. her itback. brushed and hand tentative a out reached Hal face. her across strand a blowing hair, her at tugged wind The Hal. at staring won’t’‘I alwayssaying, ‘You or not?” can’t’?Why won’tI letyou.” Malcolm.andTogether Suleyman.”beat can we I’ve been practicing just now. I’m going back to Turkey with you didn’tago,shootingyearswell,I butrange dotookaand to me phone?” the gettooff hurry awhy suchwere you in huggedhim. she Then did. down.”She gun this put better Hey,I romantic. so That’s here. hurried you’ve time second the That’s sorry. so I’m phone. the on sudden so been have shouldn’t I Hal, “Oh Sally stopped and brushed the air as though sweepingawaythough as air the brushed stoppedand Sally Yu huh I ih sot yef” al luhd again. laughed Sally myself?” shoot might I thought “You “I Later they walked around Phoebe’s rose garden, enjoying the reached Sally out afingerand“Shh!” touched lips. his Then asked. Hal wrong?” saysomething I “Did down freely flowed tears and tremble, to began lip Sally’s love‘I said,you,’“I protectwanttoyou.” I and “What did you say?” Sally stood with her hands on her hips, .”love. I“Because .you and Americans about line Suleyman’s Remember you! “Whoa go.can’tYou You’rebait. nothere. ‘we’ no There’s “Whoa! “I had to see whether I could shoot,” Sally said. “A boyfriend He looked at her. “You said you had decided something. And am going you,” with protested, Hal said.When Sally Sally MARVIN OLASKY 215 “Capable of forgetting a of forgetting beheading?” “Capable to put it out of “Able your mind to pursue your own selfish “Yes, . “Yes, . . how will Suleyman be distracted? He’ll figure out that think not could He course: of sense, In one no. and “Yes Sally picked up the gun and began pointing it at imagined “Hal?” “Go for it.” “Go for “I’m not an orthodox Muslim. If Sally wants to do it, she “OK,” Hal “OK,” said finally. “I’ll call He Kemal.” got him imme- Kemal for a thought “What moment. I’ll say might surprise Hal nodded, but his penetrating eyes were full of pain. “If him stopped She with kiss.another He He was silent. “If want you to to have you say me, protect OK. If here, I’m pleasure. Suleymanpleasure. and willhis followers you as scout they did before. If you seem playful, like children, they may think you they If you. with am I securebecause feel to enough childish are what we’re trying we’re what to do.” you are just as But coming to keep in tourists. Turkey mind our memories.” no with people are you that Americans: of stereotype to her but to distractedher but our about objectives.” assailants. Hal, watching her, momentarily dropped out of the conversation. you or anyou imam.” should, in the interests of the mission. She is the best bait we attracted be only will not He Suleyman. of front in dangle could diately diately and said that Malcolm had decided to go. “Problem is, so to the He Sally went speakerphone Sally wants too.” to come could hear. getting out of. Besides,” she smiled, “it felt good trying to hit those trees, they Suleyman.” were pretending anything because of harebrained to my you scheme.” happens paused. “Do understand?”paused. you Suleyman’s men could get me. If they myself. I know what I’m getting but into, I also don’t, know what I’m maybe I’ll get something instead of just waiting like a lamb for slaughter.” She She waiting slaughter.” like a just lamb of for instead something 216 SCIMITAR’S EDGE superiors will look the other way if I do this, and then claim claim then and this, do I if way other the look will superiors governmental not official an be will activity,tion: “This but my strength.”own see you as weak, they may not see the need to bring out their all ih aac. et hudrwdh pr. es tagt Head straight.erect and turned toward the shooting Legs arm. Arm needs to be still: apart. shoulder-width Feet balance. with firing.”lotYou beforeayou start clip. learn Good: to need empty check: Let’s automatic. Good. .45 a here haveYou gun. mypsychology?” figures?” howshoot.”to taught me. He knew nothing about journalism, but he did know less.Teach now.”me of out I’mpractice.” but how, me taught publisher The college. of out teachyouanything.” can I teach.toyoursGood-bye.”orthodoxsheis Hal, Muslim. an shooting.”the do shooting.” August1.”on Ankara in wesucceed.Be if credit Hal showed Sally as he talked: “Controlled shooting starts starts shooting “Controlled talked: he as Sally showed Hal “Showme.” Hal felt wobbly. He concentrated on action. “Let’s look at the “Both.”eyes.the She in looked him change to want you do or shoot, to learn to want you “Do father with problems have regularly you “Do teased, Sally guy that anything remember still I believe can’t I “OK. “Then teach me, please. We’ll both feel better if I’m not help- right year a for Texas in newspaper small a on worked “I “I’veyou shoot.”seen atHal: smiled Sally Hal looked hard at Sally. “You’re mine to teach? I don’t think Kemal muttered, “American women. Maybe I should become planned?” goas backup,anything be DoesKemal. “I’ll will policemenMy shoot. to here“Sally, you’recoming not practice to time that use “I’ll said. Sally Kemal,” “Thanks, Kemal said he would need some time to set up police protec- MARVIN OLASKY 217 “What? “What? Am I something doing wrong?” . just . . It’s “No. gun imagery and all that.” Sally“Dirty laughed. mind.” “Hey,” “We’d better “We’d get back to shooting. How firm a grip should “Wrap your fingers firmly around the grip. See what feels “I get it.” They cheek were to cheek. “I it.” get turnedHal gently cheek Sally’s and kissedAnd again. her. she finally “My,” said. good for “You’re out someone who’s bring her soft the He out best stroked neck. in“You me.” Sally’s Sally’s stance was good, but her arm wavered. Hal moved Hal laughed. I I have?” comfortable to you. Equal pressure by all Suddenly the it.” jerk fingers. Don’t Squeeze pressure. even smooth, a with trigger the of of practice.” straight, firmstraight, try.” grip. you Now his right arm next to hers, his right shoulder behind hers, and the arm,front your toward head your lower “If her: you showed willsight drop.” get get it that way by having the arm straight, elbow locked, wrist CHAPTER NINETEEN

alcolm, Sally, and Hal used July to prepare in different Mways. Malcolm refused all press inquiries and turned down Hal’s invitation to another baseball game. He imagined, wherever he went, looks of scorn and pity. He read student affidavits about his conduct: It all appeared so tawdry. He hid and read about Turkey and Islam, and read e-mails from Suleyman that became increasingly insistent. Sally continued going through Phoebe’s papers. In her spare time she took up knitting, using Phoebe’s fine number two metal needles to make baby hats that she lined up on the kitchen counter. She wore on her belt Phoebe’s small yarn bag and tried to find an emotional midpoint, carrying grief but not staggering under it. Hal helped. One morning he drove north in his reinvigo- rated Jetta and bought Sally an old China doll and two pork, cheese, and pickle sandwiches from the Cuban restaurant next to the gym.

2 1 8 MARVIN OLASKY 219 . in Oh Oh Lusitania Peter Pan Peter . “Sally and I have been talking about talkingbeen about have I and “Sally . It’s a mad mission, but I the but a ambition, got mad mission, It’s sign me up. mad mission, Mad, “That line is lovely. There “That be should line sighs; is Jesus lovely. wept when Hal glared at Sally for the first time in a long time, but she “Right.” “Pastor,” Sally said, “Here’s something for you: a book of One One afternoon when Hal arrived, a surprise visitor awaited Hal drove Hal north drove every other afternoon and practiced shoot- “The “The doll is beautiful,” Sally said, “and I want to give you “Sure. “Sure. I wrote a column at the beginning of the year about no, here comes some theology some comes here no, whether she’s spiritually prepared to head back to Are Turkey. you?” staged who producer American the Frohman, Charles Christina Rossetti’s poems from Phoebe’s library. I read it winds all the last ‘And head: my of out thisverse get can’t and night sighing, go thingssweet for dying.’” his friend died.” Carrillo looked over at Hal, who thought, smilingly stuck her out tongue till “No he harmlaughed. done, right?” confidentiality, I guess. Pastor-parishioner him: Pastor David Carrillo. “I came here to thank Sally for sav- ing my life. And Sally me—don’t told worry; I’m tight-lipped— that you probably saved the lives of some of my congregation members.” knit. He enjoyed seeing knit. her fingers He the ply enjoyed her needles. He gave a Patty Griffin CD, and she liked to play what she said was the their for theme song return to Turkey: something, something, although it’s not from me: It’s from Phoebe. Here’s read from she every the pocket Bible night.” grand- a to next room drawing the in sat often He Sally. with ing Sally as set chess Turkish ornate an with fiddled and clock father I suspect he didn’t consider drowning in the Atlantic much of an of much Atlantic the in drowning consider didn’t he suspect I prepared.” was Frohman like prepared I’m adventure. 1905. He said, ‘Why fear death? It is the most beautiful adventure adventure beautiful most the is It death? fear ‘Why said, He 1905. the sank Germans when later years ten died He life.’ in 220 SCIMITAR’S EDGE and adventure, free from frustration and failure.”and frustration from adventure,and free enjoyingwork earth, new a on living God who believein those has Bible the but Hal, sharpness, my forgive Please cartoon? A clouds?” the deathbecauseknow I it’s not smash-upa butnew a beginning.” don’tfear approached.I ground the as panicdodge could fully success-landcould he knewwho person the Onlynot. didone parachute,a had one difference: crucial a with but speed thesame at freefalling both skydivers, two about sermon a heard I afterlife.”enteringthe joyfully in, right walks he Then spirits? baseball the of realm the is that cornfield the into reaching when broadly smiles he “No, I like James Earl Jones in in Jones Earl James like I “No, O accompaniedhim: Worleysong“Have country I-pod, on his You Forgotten?” often oppositeencethethatwas Sally.relaxation with ofhis Darryl A aboutexperi- them. morning,every an He kept the gym hitting book Turkeya he’dfrom write back it made if—when—he that Washington. any- Hal’s Still, sayreturn. in soul sangeach thing he time drove back didn’tto but smiled she and you,” love “I her, told he n other days Hal and Sally swam in Phoebe’s pool. Twice more “A beginning of what? Endless hours of playing a harp in in harp a playing of hours Endless what? of beginning “A parachute.seminary skydivera“I’d in withaBack rather be you?Would “No.Can stepyoutointocornfield?” like the you“Canbelievethat?” They talked through the afternoon and dinner.and afternoon the through talked They class? school Sunday silly A idea? that get you did “How “That’scynical.”andnice “Me?” Hal wasn’t about to talk straight with a clergyman. clergyman. a with straight talk to aboutwasn’t Hal “Me?” e et idn ot oe bu yuh ag ad decided and gangs youth about more out finding kept He ! Field of Dreams of Field . Remember how Remember . MARVIN OLASKY 221 at the intimate Folger Theatre, Theatre, at the Folger intimate ! Macbeth Have you forgotten? you Have Have you forgotten when those towers fell? those towers when forgotten you Have still had neighbors inside We Going through a living hell worry ’bout Bin Laden And we shouldn’t say you I say there’s some thingssome I worth there’s fighting say for. our What about freedom and this of ground? piece by backing ’em to keep down. get didn’t We I hear people saying we don’t need this I hear saying war. people we don’t “Soon,” “Soon,” Hal said, and watched as Macbeth attacked rival “This is wonderful,” Sally whispered during the fourth act “This the has manager. been he told terrific, Phil,” sign So a up for you’ll year?”“Great. evening, and tomorrow “No, heading not I’m I’m to Turkey On July 30, grunting30, hisOn July start- grimacing,and double hit he On July 25 he was so up in caught his Rockyist zeal that he lthough lthough Malcolm was flying to Ankara from New Sally York, for their last afternoon in the United States: tickets to a weekend weekend a to tickets States: United the in afternoon last their for matinee performance of and Hal decided to leave together from Dulles. He had a surprise a had He Dulles. from together leave to decided Hal and airport?” Macduff by having his henchmen murder Macduff’s wife and children onstage. Sally worked to keep back her tears, but Hal had to keep from cheering as listened almost Macduff, undone, one block north block one of the Capitol. as they sat close to the stage, “but don’t we need to get to the A sure when I can come again. But if—no, when—I make it back, I’ll be by.” ing strength on all the machines: chest and shoulder presses, lat lat presses, shoulder and chest machines:all strength the ing on and and curls, curls.pullovers bicep extensions leg mills turned around and stared: started bellowing out the chorus. Runners on adjacent tread- 222 SCIMITAR’S EDGE our great revenge, to cure this deadly grief.”deadly this revenge,great our cure to of medicines make us “Let Malcolm: ally his of counsel the to I wereyou,I I’d now.”upgive if this, watching are you if Hasan, Mr. courage. your admire I Northaway, Miss me.’ from away stay woman, ‘American songline, that of meaning the know I “Now laughter. and awe in hell.”hopeyou rotIin being. human a for excuse poor you mother, own your kill probably You’reoldwoman. an You’dwho brags about weakling killing a all. at you’re man Suleyman, a not message have onehim: for I at still large?” Hasan, Suleyman hostage, you held who leader rorist We’re win. in.”terrorists the notgiving letting would that be expression: an horse,a youoff ‘When fall get haveright backon.’ we If stayed away, we America in “But TRT1. station ment govern- the on show interview rated highly a with journalist a Askalad, Espen told horrible,”she was “It television.Turkish we.” neitherterrorism,toand will in giving newseesites. aboutandwant not tocountry learn the are They still Turkey.They of terriblepeople the trust a still they had but experience, Americans three “These said, Erdogan Tayyip Turkey’s in arrived they capital, government feted officials them. Turkish When Minister Prime shoulder. Hal’s on head her saa ls hs rfsinls. Trih o, h said, he wow,” “Turkish professionalism. his lost Askalad program, this watching is he “and if said, is,”“Yes, Sally he ter- the isn’t But brave. very are “You persisted: Askalad on interviewee popular a was smiling, and blonde Sally, with fitfully slept Sally Ankara, to flight overnight the On Malcolm’sleft, they As wordsreverberated Hal’s in ears: Convertbluntanger;toenrageit. heart, not the whetstonethe yourthis sword:letgrief of Be ! MARVIN OLASKY 223 , , a big Turkish Hurriyet and, as always, turned to the soccer scores first. “Easy for you to move Suleymanon,” retorted. “She hasn’t When Hal wrote a guest column for “Let it rest, Suleyman,” Trafik said. “It’s obvious that they He muttered to Trafik, who was smoking an ordinary smoking Camel was who Trafik, to muttered He Suleyman was watching via satellite dish in the south- Suleyman laughed. “So now you understand that we must Look, here weak, he callspitiful, “Yes. ‘a cornered rat.’’’ you Suleyman screamed, “Look this!”at They both read the copy, Trafik with his lips moving. He The The next morning Trafik bought with his cigarettes a copy Hurriyet How can How he that?”say these destroy people?” the cowardly the terrorist.” cowardly Trafik, dangled a of our captors, as “‘One read aloud, he howled cigarette like a minor character in an American gangster film.’ of of Suleyman looked quickly through the editorial matter as usual and then as stopped if transfixed: A of photo a grim Hal stared out at him, next to the headline, “The brave American versus daily newspaper, he tried more psychological warfare: “Suleyman warfare: psychological more tried he newspaper, daily thought that by beheading an old woman he would create fear and keep Americans from coming to Turkey. We are show him here his We relish folly. the to stronger ties between Turkey and America that his evil created.” action has unintentionally dishonored dishonored you in every home throughout She Turkey. some- how corrupted Fatima. Maybe one of she’s those evil goddesses referred to in the Satanic verses.” are laying a trap for you. never We’ve gone after hardened tar- gets. taken We’ve the soft opportunities. If that police director emphasizes protection of those Americans, some other target will be softer.” central central city of Diyarbakir. He fumed as he sat on a plastic chair in a two-room by cityhouse the ancient wall. next to him, “Bad enough I was dumb and never entered her. nation.” has she to Now mock the me before whole 224 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Then we will kill them, all exceptwoman.mine.”theShe is them,all kill wewill Then have.“Wesaid.theywhatever haveway neutralize to a security hunted-hunter.” the hunt and ahead plan we hunter, the hunting are hunted us.”lureto fool,trying a Unlessishe ishe Van.”and Urfa,Diyarbakir, to Cappadociatravel He says fromAnkara they will and thento A soldier is tested in this way before being given the position, position, the given being before Each way him. this in to tested close is soldier stand and go must “You Sally, told one and nearest the to pointed Kemal muscle. a moving without Thomas Washington, rolledLincolninto one.” Abraham Jefferson, and George your like “He’s victory. peace, reform, freedom, independence, goals: Ataturk’s highlighting them down a broad path to the Ataturk Mausoleum, past towers ‘fatherTurks’.the of titles.” are Gazi Pashaand eulc n 93 H to te name the took He 1923. in TurkishRepublic the founded and 1915 in Gallipoli at and Australians British the the stopped Kemal Mustafa it. of proud and too, same person, Mustafa Kemal.”person,Mustafa same Kemal the fornamed all Ataturk—are andKemal, Mustafa Pasha,Gazi boulevards—Mustafa main three Ankara’s that “Note government. Turkish about much understand to way quick them a told and Opel government-issued another in Sally and s Suleyman and Trafik plotted, Kemal picked up Malcolm, Hal, “I be will sure to him. kill Look, the American is so arrogant: “Then I’ll put it in a way you can understand,” Suleyman Suleyman understand,” can you way a in it put I’ll “Then “That’sonemove formanyaheadtoome.” the While poetry. the of think but certainly, “Lure, visit. will they place each lists “He said. “Amazing,”Trafik ea pre a te ae f hl ws o Akr. e led He Ankara. of west hill a of base the at parked Kemal Helmeted soldiers like those at Buckingham Palace stood stood Palace Buckingham at those like soldiers Helmeted He turned to his passengers and said, “I’m named for him, him, for named “I’m said, and passengers his to turned He ! Ataturk wih means which , MARVIN OLASKY 225 Kemal Kemal bowed before Ataturk’s tomb, turned to Sally, and They They came to the austere tomb. Kemal passed a hand over They They shuffled forward. Hal examined the carpet-like ceiling where us told They captured. we terrorists two interrogated “I Finally, Finally, he said, “Late in 2001, I reviewed videotapes our As they waited in line to move slowly past the tomb, Sally said said Sally tomb, the past slowly move to line in waited they As “Yes, I should be the Kemal one,” replied. He was silent for Kemal Kemal chortled and led them up the steps to a first level, I wear “Should a scarfhead here?” Sally asked. “To the contrary. This is a shrine to secularism, which Sally at first declined but then girlishly vamped next to him. to next vamped girlishly then but declined first at Sally that that she had to be identified by dental records. ID fears realized. came were in, But worst positive and my The dead finally a name was Zeliha Kuris.” woman’s was said, sister.” “She my we we could find in corpses, several the frozen ground underneath the of corner one below buried were men The in Konya. a house corner.” a different below buried was woman One basement. his face and explained, “The woman’s body was so disfigured ism and an enemy of Islam. It showed her ism being and an tortured.” of Islam. showed It enemy design and the behind latticework the tomb that allowed birds to fly and of the out into mausoleum. a a time. couldn’t I house. safe Hezbollah a raiding while seized had police take my eyes off one of the It videotapes. claimed that a thirty- secular- of Zelihanamed anwas woman advocate eight-year-old Ataturk strongly promoted. A scarf be promoted. would blasphemy.” strongly Ataturk I asked past. in hard your something about know “We Kemal, to us.” tell to one the be should you said she and once, Phoebe then then a second, third, and fourth. They walked toward bronze a doors into that opened vast hall.marble-lined the test.” The soldier didn’t even twitch. But Malcolm did. He thought he been could and how have about he close to wished Sally, for chance. another which is a great honor. Let’s see if this soldier can still pass 226 SCIMITAR’S EDGE o pl English— spell to mankind.”ofhistory the ofdown at the started victory of record whose army Turkish the the address to “I message armies: last Turkish Ataturk’s of translation English an with shirt. “That is not appropriate here,” he said. “This also worries also appropriatenot “This here,”is said.“That he shirt. MickeyMousea in boy a T-shirtandLover” “Latin a womanin tomb.proudlyfortheold linejoined man the the Then fourth. thelevel. toNine watched:Ten him.”theythird thesteps So to said. him,”helphe “I’ll second. the to Elevenlevel. first the to steps making painfully his way up the steps of the mausoleum. Twelve cane a Ataturk’swith watchedgraphsoldfrom man Hal an life. Ataturkintoofmouth.”her ture pic- a stuffed terrorist chief The torture. sister’smy of tape the watched Iredeemer. a be to want I that. believerepublic.’ Ithe ‘YourAtaturk said: dutytois Turkish redeem independence and enthusiasticallyyouas saythatdo?” as still others yourfuture.’”ofand existence pendenceand theTurkish republic.is the mainstay of This your Turkishinde-the defendforever andprotect to is duty primary Your youth! Turkish the ‘You, starts: speech noble the how is young,memorizedI Ataturk’s to speech theyouth 1927. in Here whenlistenedhedidKemal’sheto glad expressionfaith. of would have blurted that before. Now he held his tongue and was They walked toward the exit and saw a tablet on the wall wall the on tablet a saw and exit the toward walked They Hal Hal thought, s hy agt p o acl, ea sold t young a at scowled Kemal Malcolm, to up caught they As for honor of question a is “It sharply.replied Kemal “No,” photo- exhibited that museum a toward walked Malcolm Hasan.” Suleyman is name do. His “I youlikedesperately“Sounds getwanttohim.” him.”not“Camebutclosecaptureteeth.did his gritted He asked. Sally terrorist?” thatyou “Did everfind what personally take I “But grimly. said Kemal all,” “Not “Do asked, merely and tendencies sardonic his stifled Hal was I “When Sally. telling was duty,”he our have all “We down The record’sThe not so great and the knowledge of how nta of instead dawn int erfc either terrific —isn’t He . MARVIN OLASKY 227 , griddle- , .” him gozleme “I “I know.” Malcolm spoke with urgency. “Will you give me another Sally put down the flat-bottomed cone. She gestured at Malcolm’s faced “I over. Malcolm’s shadowed but know, can’t we start “I know.” been living I’ve This changed. like a monk. month last “I’ve “I thought you would never ask.” He kissed her lip. upper ask.” never would you “I thought Sally blushed. She wanted to be gentle. “That’s not exactly Hal ran into a record store: “I have an idea for some travel Malcolm spotted a soft swirl ice cream machine. “Would “I could never resist that offer.” She licked it and asked “None taken.” “None buying street, the on lunch for stopped They “Hal, you’re “Hal, an you’re idiot. Three She loves you.” women Turkish Hal turnedSally said that.” her her. never put toward “She’s men also watched. Turkish “What?” Two he asked. Malcolm Malcolm nodded. He looked so forlorn that Sally hugged Hal, Hal, who was walking out of the examiningstore his purchase. I but love all through a together, gone lot “We’ve I want to do what’s right, and right, I to want do I right by to want do you.” what’s chance?” out out fresh the way we did in Istanbul? I’m sorry about the way before.” I you treated Malcolm, “Would you like you a taste?” “Would Malcolm, know that I Hal had in and what been I mind. spend- have You ing a of time lot together.” music. I’ll be music. quick.” like dessert?”a you for cone Sally. he asked cooked, fresh dough wrapped around cheeses, parsley, red pepper, pepper, red parsley, cheeses, around wrapped dough fresh cooked, good.” “but said, Kemal food,” fancy “Not spices. other and Americans.” He glanced Hal:at Americans.” “No offense.” me: kids faith without in Ataturk and his vision, kids imitating dressed in Western clothes dressed turnedclothes in Western and watched. shoulder. on Hal’s hand gently him. When Hal saw that, all his old jealousies reared. turned . hissed, .” “My moment back’s one for up. He 228 SCIMITAR’S EDGE Malcolm turned away. Malcolmturned A American a .45a automatic. American they were visiting. “And here are the weapons.” He handed each and phones thatcell explained would not device workplacesdistant the in a them showed He equipment.” communication backpack.openeda bushesand other people or werecars in sight, No so he stopped road. near a clump of dirt a down drove and highway the left He myself.” good.” Sally.” lookelsewhere, despitewill hethatdesires.” his target hardened a such showing and risk unnecessary between here last. us hope Let so, anyway. line to a fine walk trying I am said, scoutedthoroughly“Suleyman time.”uslast Malcolm sure, was he why asked Kemal When noticed. is that Suleyman and his accomplicesnotnotice.” his and will Suleyman that is hopeMywell. clothes as change and day vehicleschange every will They car. plain a in kilometers, two by us trail will Abdul, well-trained, “A well-armed team precautions:of four guards in plainclothes, led by security my friend the explained he way, s Kemal drove east in the Opel on a straight, two-lane high- two-lane straight, a on Opel the in east drove Kemal s “It’strue,”love “I shesaid.you.” Aeias” ea si wt a hu ad sie But smile. a and shrug a with said Kemal “Americans,” her.Turks The kissed sidewalk,hethe There,on applauded. “Just like the one I practiced with!” Sally exclaimed. Sally with!” practicedone I “Justthe like “Youasked meonce here,” what in was hetold Sally. “Look, for see to want I “But gruffly. said Kemal me,” told “He I’m says “Hal said. Sally shooting,” my practiced “I’ve wantsdesperately he Besides, inartistic. be would that “No, couldhavesuicide“Heblowbomberup.” a us were you since disrupted been has network his but “True, had already Suleyman that certain was he said Malcolm ! MARVIN OLASKY 229 Kemal Kemal said, “I wanted you to see that you can trust the Over Over mushroom pudding Abdul showed photos of his four “Yes, “Yes, a wonderful place not far Kemal away.” drove them Malcolm looked distraught, but Kemal stopped there and, “My “My mouth is dry Malcolm now,” complained. “Anywhere Kemal Kemal was surprised, but he could understand Malcolm’s Sally complied and knocked chips off the dry wood. Hal shot shot Hal wood. dry the off chips knocked and complied Sally “Exactly, and “Exactly, now we’ll see what you learned. load in Sally, jandarma jandarma post. The president of himselfTurkey conceded that some state security forces had formed links with Hezbollah. So be careful safe from there. I everythingout we’re believe except treachery.” an orthodox Muslim, that Suleyman was disgracing Islam by killing the innocent. policemen who will protect you, but trust you others. One Hezbollah may training camp not was right next want to a to after scouting the terrain and Abdul, seeing asked no problems, of to him.” meet the like his you leader to team, them:join “I’d would he said fifth.He their with pregnant wife his and children return to a desk job thiswhen He was as mission insisted, over. to to the Mushroom House, where he excitedly said, can “You get anything made of mushrooms. Mushroom soup, mushrooms great.” It’s beer. mushroom casserole, with mushroom cheese, ever ever have to shoot for survival, it will not feel like session. Your a hands practice will feel clammy, your arms and legs will willmouths your tremble, be dry.” around a to here get beer?” are well trained.” my of Each you. need will not We right: “You’re embarrassment. men is worth in a gunfight at least four of recruits. Suleyman’s I these for have you just inweapons case, but remember: If you the clip, take the off and clip, hit that the tree there.” safety, over poor form similarly and displayed well. Malcolm poorer results. Kemal offered to show him responded, how “No, I don’t expect to to do improve, any shooting. but Your men Malcolm CHAPTER TWENTY

hey woke up early the next morning to visit Hattusa, the Tancient Hittite capital that lost its influence three thousand years ago. Stones showed the outlines of the huge temples that once were the center of a mighty empire. Malcolm pointed out where colonnaded courtyards and an audience hall had stood, along with a library that housed thirty thousand cuneiform tablets. Sally imagined a time when marching feet would have stirred up the dust on which she now stood. “Walker Percy asked, ‘Where are the Hittites?’ and wondered why such a powerful people disappeared from history while Jews survived. Maybe their gods weren’t powerful enough.” When she saw a reference to Shupiluliuma, last king of Hattusa, Sally made up a song: “King Shu-pi-lu-lu-ma, last king of Hattusa. Sh . . . sh . . . sh, shuffle off to Hattusa.” She danced on the stones. “Hey, anyone watching us would think we’re having fun,” Hal laughed. “We are,” Sally smiled. “The sun’s rising, and this is a beautifully bittersweet place. Look at these wonderful rock

230 MARVIN OLASKY 231 , an eas-an , tuff , , which translates as ‘fairy chim- ! which hardened when exposed when which hardened to air. peri bacalan tuff, Kemal Kemal led them down and down through ten levels of the “But I’m becoming like you, Sally,” Hal laughed. “Look at the the at “Look laughed. Hal Sally,” you, like becoming I’m “But Kemal reported that the police team trailing them had seen “What “What a strange, beautiful land!” Sally exclaimed. “Lots of “We “We call them Kemal Kemal already had noticed and was walking that The way. emal drove them into the strangest landscape they had yet neys,’” Kemal neys,’” said. He explained that volcanoes had blanketed called what’s into solidified that ash with region the through through the soft underground city, noting that there were thirty like it. other The cities two uppermost levels had grain served for storage. stables Below and were bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchen, nothing nothing unusual, but they should be on guard at the next two stops: Each represented a response to terror centuries ago, and their symbolism might appeal to Suleyman the poet. First up Derinkuyu: cityat underground Christiansthe was from hiding Muslim assaults in medieval times had created it by tunneling romantic. “I’m trying to think like you, Hal. Some see sheep, but but sheep, see Some Hal. you, think like trying to “I’m romantic. I see rugs and walking shish kabob.” huh?”cute, sheepdog: rock. into peer They turbans. or fezzes have they like look pillars those the valley like lords of the land surveying their She property.” a longer was no she that and insisted sheep of a herd to pointed ily eroded material overlain in places by a layer of hard, volcanic volcanic hard, of layer a by places in overlain material eroded ily the the sun. seen: the vast plain of Cappadocia, filled conical rocky one hundred over some feet withhigh. outcrops, They thousands of looked like red, violet, pink, and beige stalagmites exposed to K at that at man in the parking area there us.” watching over man ran to his car and sped off. outcroppings. Look at the outcroppings. of play light on those hills. And look 232 SCIMITAR’S EDGE havewayoutTurkeymade ofhis Cappadocia.through heOnce down went often seventy-five shafts yards. Ventilation tomb. and baptistery, place,meeting church cruciform wells, cellars, wine classroom, a cigd hn e er ta, n Kml ad “o see, “You said, Kemal and that, heard he when cringed young man The Suleyman.” with be could “He reported. sergeant UniversityErciyes an shirt. wearing man young thin a handcuffing man burly a saw and up They raced above. passageway a from came of scuffling and sound shouting the as speaking stopped suddenly he the But stop invaders. to passageways across roll could Christians the that demons.”the fromwhere couldhidethey city underground fantastic a themselves dug survived who angels the child—that a to hopesome offer towanted he guess me—I evil eye’ and hurt you. I remember shuddering. And then he told that’sdad, nothow itit?’” ended,did grand- ‘But protested: I had. father his like just it, through tea his sip and teeth his between sugar of cube he’deyes,a put his alwaysnow: won.caphim seeWithdown almost his over can I demons the won.” said granddad but themselves, defended angels The angel. every kill to yearning demons bad be to out turned dark. turned bluesky the and sun, the of front in flew bats lookedlike that creatures with chimneys and the angels lived among them—until one day homesbuilt place wherefairies aboutastory bedtime told a me “He was trailing you, sir, in a very clumsy way,”police clumsy the very a in sir,you, trailing was “He stones round two-foot-thick half-ton, them showed Kemal “He said the demons rule. He said they can see you with ‘the say?” hedid “What almost demons the me told He granddad. my was “That “That’ssad.”so they but visitors, the welcome to ready were angels “The asked. Sally happened?” “What must granddad “My said. me,” Hal to back coming all “It’s MARVIN OLASKY 233 “Now “Now we know that Suleyman really is on our trail,” Sally Kemal said, “That’s not surprising. The temperature down “Who told you to come here?” Kemal asked. The student Kemal glanced at Sally and said, for “Your compassion this Zubeyir hesitated and then blurted out that he had never The student spoke: “And if I do The tell spoke: “And you?”student “If you provide information that helps us catch Suleyman, Kemal agreed and told Zubeyir that his new master, “Zubeyir.” do this?”you must “Kemal, The Sally. name spooked yes.” “If alive, to want stay you see you again “Could if he’ll tell anything?”you When the student did not respond, Kemal said, “Sergeant, “Don’t!” Sally said. She rushed to the young man, cradled said grimly. She hugged herself. “Oh, I’m cold.” I’m “Oh, herself. hugged She said grimly. here stays at 10 Celsius; that’s 50 degrees Fahrenheit, not was was silent. he will truth perhaps but tell us the whole is misplaced, student later.” you willyou freego the day he is in jail or dead.” met Suleyman. He was dedicated to studying and reading the Quran and knew of Suleyman only as a freedom fighter the who Quran. follows prison “until you’re such an old man that young women like this one will look at you with pity but never with a flicker of interest in their eyes.” Suleyman, had murdered an old American woman and was now now was and American woman old an murdered had Suleyman, out to rape and kill the young woman holding his head. remained he if himthat The told Kemal confused,so looked student silent, he would not suffer a martyr’s death but would go to his head, and looked into his eyes. “What’s your name?”hisyour “What’s into eyes. his and looked head, dead. dead. Do to want die?”you walloped his The promptly sergeant prisoner in the yours.” he’s and, as in over stomach he bent pain, kneed him in the jaw. we’ve we’ve already identified you. Suleyman’s previous trainees are 234 SCIMITAR’S EDGE walking home, the younger ones all in blue and the teenagers the and blue in all ones younger the home, walking students watched and bread, of layers thin within vegetables reminded of human ones.”humanof reminded that kind of cold. Hal’s granddad talked about demons. Now I’m shirt.” thin a only wearing are you And summer. to winter from much changing F “You.” true: also was that answer an gave he wasn’t So loud. out hethat say to ready but thought, once he as foolish as wasn’t demons What’sbe.to gottenused into Iyou?” demonsaren’tthewhile looking?” breath fresh a taketo city underground the outof flying angels some of gleam the that’s if What here? pavement the on sun the from gleam the seeBut them. of They afraid are angels the think charge. in they’re think demons the Sure, story. whole sunlight. the in Americans the joined and surface the to back hurried then information.”He the extract to takes whateverit “Do sergeant, toldthe slow answer,togrimly was he student again the When my tuition.” pay would Arabia Saudi from friends Suleyman’s provedmyself, I if that said He conspiracy. government a of because metospiestomovefollow whofree American are around three prisoner.harder.”again,“Sergeant, him hit or lunch they ate a ams si h ws hnig ht ak f nes and angels of talk that thinking was he said almost Hal as wonder with filled as sound you “Hal, laughed. Sally the me tell didn’t granddad my think “I saying, was Hal imam?” this to listens else who“And said. Kemal “Good,” Soon the student, gasping on the floor, said, “My told imam the to back turned Kemal left, Americans the as soon As soon.”“Youup be outI’ll shouldintosunshine. the walk Sally, noting Kemal’s expression of disapproval, replied, “Not durum , a mixture ,of meat,a grilled mixture cheese, and ! MARVIN OLASKY 235 “Better “Better than killing each other.” Kemal Kemal replied, “I think his religion gives him an excuse to “I “I believe in Ataturk. I will be frank with you: I see Malcolm said, not all“He’s beast. by merely motivated He’s “I “I wish you could have heard Phoebe during her last hour. “In Turkey we call them moonflowers,” Kemal explained. They They drove toward a striated butte ahead. Clouds played Kemal laughed. “That’s to prevent someone from casting an someone to prevent “That’s Kemal laughed. them them some sweet halva. They agreed to go to bed and the next dreams:morning compare had Whoever the best dream should the eat halva.” his religious beliefs.” show his The malevolence. whirling dervishes of Konya, where my sister died, tell a story a about Christian and a Muslim who were traveling and reached an inn where the innkeeper gave Christianity as a weak religion mainly suited to women. I can- not see turning the other cheek when evil men like Suleyman torture and kill women.” “Like “Like the moon they depend on the sun for their light. Some used to say that the Turks are moonflowers depending on the mercy of Ataturk.” inhoped She the mercy of Jesus.” of darkness. Kemal looked ahead, wondering what awaited them them awaited what wondering ahead, looked Kemal darkness. of gold and purple the to attention more paid Sally darkness. the in wildflowers decorating fields where donkeys grazed. “What a wonderful field of sunflowers.” past a woman driving a donkey cart and wearing a loose cardigan cardigan loose a wearing and cart donkey a driving woman a past her hair covered and baggy jackets She had trousers. completely out. peer to eyes her for space a tiny only leaving face, and over the brown and red soil, making puddles and then oceans looked closer: “They have blue glass pinned eyes to blue them.” “They closer: have looked Remember device. antiterrorism original the It’s them. on eye evil that even if is some things not America.” the look same, Turkey He herded them into the Opel and headed to nearby Goreme, in blazers. “Like prep school,” Malcolm commented, but Hal 236 SCIMITAR’S EDGE paintings are still vivid.” still are paintings Georges.St.biceps, serpent-killing and big and shoulders oversized with Christs muscular angels, rior There was hiding, and there was . . . well,see.”we’ll. . . was there and hiding, was There show the second way reactedChristians to the Muslim invasion: theypeoplehere,saybut havenever been caves. I the at are we mine.”changed earth.”onsaytoabout nothing life has Christianity hand,other the On want.whatwetake missionto command?” Muhammad’s disobey I couldHow did. I halva.’ So the eat and about heaven. dreaming is up Get toChristian heme,said ‘The to him and Muhammad with prophet the gonesaw ‘I andsaid, Muslim The Christ heaven. seen had he which in dream intothe digging by made Christians churches hundred three about of It’sone armies. Muslim the Tarsusfrom and Antioch backtook century. Nicephorus Phocas, who became the Byzantine emperor, foughtinvasion.” the againstback Christians shadessalmon.”severalof swordsheld with foot.high.marchedon They and back soldiershorse-on Christian of paintings displaying walls the of inch every barrel-vaulted with a roomfoundthemselves in and Lo a te lv gen n ohe” al mree. “The marveled. Sally ochre,” and green olive the at “Look war- of paintings saw and churchescave other visited They Te et onn te hita tl o a magnificent a of told Christian the morning next “The They climbed a ladder into what looked like a cave in the “Here area. parking a into pulled he until silent was she Kemal and earth, on life Phoebe’s changed “It said, Sally “Yes, but look who ate the halva. You see, Islam gives us per- asked. “ConvenientHal forboth?” dreams Malcolm was primed: “These paintings are from the tenth the from are paintings “These primed: was Malcolm “I’d call it a fighting church,” Kemal said. “I had no idea that and ochre, pale green, seafoam it call “I’d laughed. Sally orangeyandcolors,”“Hey, green these like said. I Hal tuff .” tuff

MARVIN OLASKY 237

as tuff Hurriyet was a popular tele- ! Little Little House on the Prairie “Look “Look at those swords,” Kemal exclaimed. “They were Awaiting their lamb shish kabob, they all dipped their bread bread their all dipped they kabob, shish lamb their Awaiting “Aren’t these kids cute?” Sally asked. “They like so much try- much so like “They asked. cute?”Sally kids these “Aren’t hear not did Sally so room, dining hotel the into last was Hal They checked in at the Nicephorus, a hotel built right into into right built hotel a Nicephorus, the at in checked They Hal demurred: “I don’t attend church.” Sally tell to was able church.” attend Hal demurred: “I don’t hey hey drove further south, heading to their hotel for the night, vision vision show here, and Turks praised America as a place where America is Now better known dinner. for before families prayed pornography.” cliffs and featuring rooms barrel-vaulted with unadorned stone rack with a stood newspaper walls.the hotel Outside T fighters. Warrior saints.” Warrior fighters. sive Soviet Union. “ Soviet sive Union. when when one of the children said: “Die, American.” Hal wheeled, and they all ran away. grown up had he how explained as Kemal oil in a peppery olive looking to the United States as ally Turkey’s against an aggres- police director police anwere to children of yelled object interest who hallo!”“Hallo, out, hello.” sang “Hello, She out, ing their out English.” well as pornography on open display. Far fewer Americans came fewer Far display. open on pornography as well Americans the so with Turkish a towns, coastal the than to here powerful than Ataturk. You’re from a Christian country. Can tell you me more?” him some basics about Christ dying for others. Kemal’s different was, from “Very Islam.” comment only as donkey carts and occasional tractors made the adjacent fields fields the adjacent carts made tractors as donkey and occasional seem peaceful enough. Kemal wanted to talk about paintings: the cave “I read about Jesus in called several Isa I inwhen was there—butyoung—he’s seem he didn’t parts of the Quran to have any Those power. cave paintings make him seem more 238 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ae. Dd o ee see ever you “Did paper. act. tohas he knowing butchoices bad with facedhero, just-married The killed. get to people want didn’t he but clear, were wrong and right saying pastor The fight. to job wasn’t their it saying citizens The well. as town the up shoot and him shoot to day wedding Cooper’s on town to coming gang Miller The gutturals: Kemal with ing seeto surprised was and television the on turned he while bathroom the into went She room. her into went Hal so alone, be to want didn’t themselves could be opened with any skeleton key.locks the Sally said because she doors their bolt to them told He night. difficulties that any expect didn’t he but nearby, were policemen butweblameyouUS, for what the by weourselves do.” it.”buyormake to Turks forcing is one No production. Turkish a “That’s said. He turned off the television.the off turned He help,” Hal said. “That’s Hollywood, but our odds are a lot better.” town,but then came back to help her husband defeat the gang. moreGraceas Kelley, playing thesheriff’s wife,prepared leaveto back.herrubbing and youtakeatmyhouse.” not forget.Do myhands.will I fill off your clothes. Your breasts—smooth, and insolent—willfirm, movedside.herto He crying. quietly was Sally him. stabbed that sound a soon heard he But movie. the to back turned quickly he as needles knitting herpicked up and bed, the onsathead, shookherShe “But I saw the on porn the newspaper rack just outside,” Hal al cm ot f h btro cryn a ml pee of piece small a carrying bathroom the of out came Sally talk- Cooper Gary watched he as Hal to back came all It his that them told Kemal rooms, their to went they As nodded.Kemal“Yes, aggression wecomplain about cultural “Odds were four to one against him, but he won with her with won he but him, against one to four were “Odds Sally bit her upper lip. “I can’t. We’re bait.” They watched some you “Iwish would go back to theUS,” said, Hal hugging her take says, “Suleyman note: a him Wordlessly,handed Sally HighNoon dubbedintoTurkish. ih Noon High ” a akd “ts great.” “It’s asked. Hal ?” MARVIN OLASKY 239 ’s ’s High Noon High Hal couldn’t keep from smiling. “Sally, you sound as filled replied. she “You,” ”I ”I mean I remember what you said in Antakya: that you’ve “Enough to this:ask “Enough you Will marryyou me?” a for was She silent up. teared and her eyes Her lip quivered, Hal was disappointed. “You mean we haven’t known each “No. I guess I’m Armenian, which means that when you get get you Armenian, I guesswhen “No. means that which I’m too.” take seriously it you Sally smiled. “And “Well, except for this for except urge to tell the “Well, story of Armenian suf- saying not that.” you’re “But They They kissed. After a while, Hal said, “I respect what you’ve “Nice try, but no.” She stroked Hal’s neck. “I love you so Hal looked at her yearningly: “You know what else they murmured. she than“More one,” “I feel better now, but”—she smiled and but”—she “I quoted feel better now, parents, parents, I meet your mom, and you ask me again, at the right time and in the place.” right with logical analysis as you?”I into used gotten to be. What’s always always backed away when it was time to commit. Now heading we’re into danger and might say sure make I to the want commitment under normal thingsconditions. we wouldn’t say is real, and I want to do things Armenian style: you meet my time and then replied, “My heart says yes, but my head says no.” says head my but yes, says heart “My replied, then and time enough?” other long married you should trust that the other person will be faithful to you, and the best way to build that trust is to show before marriage take that marriage you seriously.” fering, I hardly feel Armenian at all. I’m the product of American of product the I’m all. at Armenian feel hardly I fering, everyone what do let’s weird, you’re ‘Yes, say, should I so culture, else does.’” decided about sex, but how about an exception before going into into going before exception an about how but sex, about decided battle?” Am much. I weird?” theme song—“do not forsake me, oh my darling.” oh my me, forsake not theme song—“do say in Hollywood? Wait, let me say it with full melodramatic last kiss‘One emphasis: we die.’” before CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

he next day began with a big Turkish breakfast: hard-boiled Teggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, bread, cheese, and olives. Kemal examined the note from Suleyman. “‘I will take you at my house.’ I don’t know which city he means. Urfa? Diyarbakir? Van? I’m in contact with my men and also with jandarma in all three cities. They’ll all be on alert as we come close.” Kemal questioned the hotel staff, but none admitted placing the note or seeing a stranger hanging around. So on they trav- eled, southeast across a flat, desolate plain toward Urfa, with the sun shining brightly. “Couldn’t Suleyman attack us on the road?” Malcolm asked. “No, that wasn’t the Algerian method, and it’s not his—not theatrical enough. But if he does come at us while we are in this vehicle . . .” He flipped a switch, and the Opel quickly jumped to over one hundred miles per hour. “It’s not a James Bond car, but it will do.”

240 MARVIN OLASKY 241 .” .” He popped it into Rocky Rocky III ! looked suspiciously at the American interlopers. suspiciously looked Risin’ Risin’ up to the of challenge our rival. And the last known survivor stalks his inprey the us allwatchin’ Andin he’s the eye—of the tiger. It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill it’s the of eye the tiger, It’s of the fight, Face to face, out in out to face, the Face heat, hungry, stayin’ Hangin’ tough, They stack the odds ’til we take to the street, we killFor with the skill to survive. charshafs, night Hal started to say apologetically, “The song has become a cli- become has song “The apologetically, say to Hal started Kemal became even more excited as he listened to more. “Not “Not exactly,” Hal said. “Muslims tore down the church. “Gershwin?” Malcolm asked. “John “Gershwin?”Cage?” “John asked. Malcolm “No, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ from Hal decided it was time to give Kemal the joke gift he had s s they entered Urfa, more minarets were visible. When they “Let’s “Let’s open the windows and let all of Turkey hear.” As headed through they the barren terrain, he bellowed, with Hal and Sally joining in: ché.” But Kemal interrupted enthusiastically: “That song is perfect. perfect. is song “That enthusiastically: interrupted Kemal But ché.” will- is Malcolm like professor a Even right. it have Americans You are.” you people awesome and strange a What life. his risk to ing the the pounding rhythm and words: the CD player, and the they CD cruisedplayer, down the listening highway to They They passed Halilurrahman constructed Mosque, on the site of a Christian church. The sign proclaimed that the church had turned a into mosque. Thousands of Armenians used to live here—the city was called left the car, men in robes and turbans, and women cloaked in black A bought for him bought in Ankara. “I up the for you picked top musical of Americanhe said. work culture,” 242 SCIMITAR’S EDGE hymnbooks. Then came beheadings with axes.” with beheadingscame Then hymnbooks. Biblesand up ripped mob A fire. on church the set gallery,and the to leading staircases the upblocked floor, main the on one bayonetedevery- or shot cathedral, the of door iron the down Edessa—but right after oneChristmas year, Turkish troops broke He pushed Sally behind a stonea bench. behind pushed HeSally a third-floor window of the apartment building across the street. “Want Istanbul: gettoweighed?” in heard first had hequestion same the asking and scale room frenzy. feeding a created and smiled Hal walleting.” carp-to-carp have we’ll and go for it will youfish the “If there,bill. youradrop all in wallet for pocket his intoreached he as Hal toldshe careful,” “Be ful. cheer-again oncewas Sally and distant,seemed before evening mouths.opened their and wentuprightapproachedthey person a whenthat fed being to used so were They carp. the feed to fish dried wheat,and corn, of saucer a boy small a from buying waas Hal and pool the at howare.”thereLookmany carp. threw he to coals waterandto so fire turned Allah but angry,fire, intoa Abraham became king, Assyrian the Nimrod, and idols, pagan destroying was Abraham that is story Muslim The quickly.” poolsgular of water filled with carp, asKemal watched warily. tion.”Theywalked tothecity’s tourist center andits tworectan- Persian Gulf, but you can’t blame Urfa for the wanting near a Urtourist fromattrac- “Abraham probably came said, Malcolm ago. years thousand four born was Abraham where site the as itself “Get down,” Kemal yelled, pointing at a extendingrifle from ever,” “Morethan responded.he “Here’s .” . . Malcolm leaned over to listen to a small boya bath-carrying the of message threatening the concern, Kemal’s Despite staring was Malcolm but again, said Kemal move,” “Let’s “Justoneminute,” pools.thesewanttosee Malcolm“I said. don’t“I this,”like “Toohesaid. manyhostilelooks. Let’s go advertised that Mosque Mevlid-I-halil the to walked They MARVIN OLASKY 243 bread rings from a man bal- simit “We’re walking on history,” Sally said softly. walking on history,” “We’re “But also Hal hysteria,” responded from the top of the tell, Malcolm Malcolm led them up a hill that was actually a tell, with Stepping Stepping outside the car into desert heat, they saw what is They bought They sesame-seed bought Abdul Abdul asked, “One shot into the dirt—that’s it? That’s “Could be,” Kemal said. “But maybe it was a probe by Kemal Kemal barked into his phone to the police team, “Get here Malcolm and Hal also took cover, and a moment later a bul- later a moment and cover, Haland also took Malcolm which allowed a 360-degree view of invasion. “You can imagine “You a 360-degree invasion. of view allowed which the utter panic each time a new group could see of them coming up the raiders slope, and all you could came. do was You wait.” on on the ruins of the last. He said, “Harran had a period of har- in the sixth a signed mony centuryand Byzantium Persia when years.” seven lasted It of Endless Peace. Treaty army of forty-four thousand to a disastrous battle against the Parthian The army. Parthians beheaded him and killed or cap- tured of hismost soldiers. level after level of ancient Harran beneath, one new town built Bible Bible as one of homes. ArmiesAbraham’s over fought it repeat- finally init edly the ADbefore destroyed Mongols 1260. wall, Roman old the Looking land. of over patch a desolate now Malcolm described how Crassus, on that spot in 53 BC led an ancing a tray on his then furtherhead, drove to four- southeast Harran, thousand-year-old a once mighty city identified in the I don’t I thinkdon’t we’ll have more but problems today, stay with us in wrong.” case I’m crazy.” Suleyman, trying to find out whether it’s security just for me the providing Americans or others as well. Now he knows. let slammed into the slammed let into dirt a few feet away. NOW!” He yearned to run to the building but decided he had to stay with the Americans. By the time his men arrived, it was to aftergo too late the shooter. 244 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ag pee o fabed A Kml rv o t Dyrai, he Diyarbakir, to on drove Kemal As flatbread. of pieces large closely.” trapped.” us have they before Kemal killing by either us spook to want wantedtospookterrorists, thebut now it’s thatdon’tclearthey way?” theout ofwanted him shoot didn’t Kemal? If he’s terrorists not working with thethem, wouldn’t come they have how afternoon, this And easily? so Antakya. hunted in terrorists the had and honest been always had Kemal that arguing objected, him.”working with is and Suleyman infiltrated the jandarma. Maybe Kemal generated has that Hezbollahnote from that know We trustworthy? you is “Are Kemal asked, that sure and aside Sally and Hal took Malcolm sion. athomeeveningchildren. everyfor his sang he that Turkishlullaby the them for sang even and doors their guarded Abdul night. a dollars seven for rooms waterless had Americans. the at stared and flies, swatted sat, inhabitants The beehives. like shaped were houses the of Many ruins. ancient from bricks of grilled team’ssight.”vehicle? That’s reassuring a days,” Kemal said, scanning the area below. He pointed: “See our T e et onn te sra hny n feh ra on cream fresh and honey spread they morning next he “None of you will panic when Suleyman attacks one of these Malcolm concurred: “Makes sense, but let’s watch him him watch let’s but sense, “Makes concurred: Malcolm haven’t “We match: chess a was it saying objected, Hal escaped Suleyman that suspicious it think you don’t “But both They thought. that by surprised were Hal and Sally discus- without not but incident without passed night The which Gunbay, Otel the at cautiously down bedded They bought they town, now-tiny the in shop food only the At misir , corn on the cob, and atecob,outsideandthe onhouseout made corna , ! MARVIN OLASKY 245 They walked past booths selling watermelons and others piled piled others and watermelons selling booths past walked They “Is that supposed “Is to be that supposed good news?” Sally asked. “It means that we can bring my squad closer to Kemal us,” They did that starting at the Diyarbakir wall, three miles of As they drove on, Kemal speculated about how Suleyman’s “Ugh.” “The Persians were angry in AD 503 that the city surren- Sally asked, “Turkey has so much history. What do you Kemal laughed. “I remember the grotesque. One Roman up up with and spices taking nuts, in the smells of cinnamon and ointments hemorrhoid of realm the entered they Then rosemary. and erotic aids, by followed carts ominously filled with knives, here.” good cheap yes, “Yes, only, out the but seller shouted huge huge blocks of black basalt, thirty-nine feet high. They walked briskly through the bazaar, past Turkish, Arabic, jostling and Kurdish, shoppers skirting speaking donkeys and pushcarts down by weighed merchandise. said. said. “No need to pretend anymore. We can walk through the city old right behind with us.” protection knowledge that a squad of police was always close to his intended intended his to close always was police of squad a that knowledge but off entirely, back victimsaffect might “He his action. would not does he that know you least At revenge. wants He it. doubt I you of one least at gotten have could He killyou. to want merely yesterday.” the the men into the amphitheatre and kept them there for weeks until they died of hunger. They fed the women so they would killed eighty In all, rape. probably they repeated for be available thousand residents.” here: He survived by not moving for hours, wedged against a was open head like split a whose ripe soldier melon.” dered to them only after a three-month so siege, they crowded “Fought over by Parthians,Romans, over “Fought and Persians.” in emphasize school?” inflicted near Persians the his force on officer described defeat a described the past of the city now known for its watermelons: 246 SCIMITAR’S EDGE the get ever you “Did asked, Kemal police. the by outbrought was knife butcher the with in run had who man the as crowd the angry.”forcopyreadtomyself.couldgetbecame a He I if imam the asked I the So Jesus. him in called they and Isa Gospels, the about lot a wrote Christians the that heard I Isa. person, one thing—actually, one about curious also was “I but he saw that the interest appeared sincere. He said in Turkish, places?” here,all of would youChristian becomea hoseshootyou.” morewatchtofire water. the turned He .”.voice off.but. His trailed Christians.” American meet to excited is he says to He belongs Church. now Evangelical who Diyarbakir Muslim former a is he and Mehmet, is tapes.”cassette and Biblesaway, he’sgetcan’tburning sohe and up,won’tgiveHe storeroom. their in lockedhim Christians ago,thehours but of couplea knife butcher a with in ran Muslim One here. church unmarked an openedand Christianity to Islamconverted from people“Some explained: and smiled onlookers,he asking after columnedbuilding.a second-floorheavy,ofwindowat thesmoke from acrid coming waterpumping was truck fire A them. offront in disturbance a opposite sides almost touched on each other. They were stopped rooftops by that so streets narrow the overhung homes story Three- trucks. and cars not animals, pack for designed width a had streets the because vision peripheral little needed he but As they left the bazaar, Kemal’s eyes scanned left and right, and left Kemal’s scanned bazaar,eyes the left they As The fire was going out. Mixed cheers and boos went up from Mehmet at first seemed suspicious of a policeman’s question, Turkish,Whyasked in Kemal about one“I’mthing: curious Mehmetrecovered to say, blessknow“Ilittle English. God a America, from we’re “Yes, hawed. then and hemmed Hal onlookerThe spoke translated.nameKemalagain, and“His but this, behind was Suleyman whether wondered Kemal Injil ?” Injil , MARVIN OLASKY 247 ! “They “They are Americans.” are coming and Hal: Malcolm stared Ozmen at “You “I see.” They They answered: “Professor.” “Journalist.” “Police director.” Ozmen peered at Sally, amused by her self-description, Sitting Sitting next to a tomb in his office, Ozmen offered condo- They They stopped at the medieval Deur-ul Zaferan Monastery The The road southeast to Mardin was bare macadam, and “All “All right, you may give me Kemal one.” slipped it into his “Would I? I Why want one?”would “Would excuse It was me. good to you.” meet “Oh, “I “I took a business trip to Istanbul and met an American fter Kemal led the Americans back through old Diyarbakir protection. your for ask not did I kidnapped. being after soon Turkey to back but what are what callings?”but your “Aide-de-camp.” but then turned to Kemal and asked why they needed police them and asked their names as they walked in past pomegranate pomegranate past in walked they as names their asked and them bushes with bright red flowers, pistachio trees with dark green walls and centuries. stone that eight had for stood leaves, lences regarding Phoebe, then said, “Now I know your names, with houses around an ancient fortress, looking south into the Mesopotamia plain and Syria. because Phoebe had spoken highly greeted he robe, of black inDressed his long Ozmen. Metropolitan the priest in charge, without without incident, he drove them out of the city past a statue His carwithon squad top. a followed. watermelon Mardin itself seemed like the end of the a world: high-up town A pocket. Christian. He got one for me. Now that Turkey wants to join the the join to wants Turkey that Now me. for one Christian.got He visitors. to I copies give even easier. is it much European Union, like you one?” Would 248 SCIMITAR’S EDGE purpose in being here?” being in purpose occupation. I asked for your calling. Do you not have some other no metropolitan was here. I was comfortable serving at an an at serving comfortable York.New toldin Orthodoxchurch stay.”toheart me My was I here. was metropolitan years no twenty For priests. two only have we “Now continued. nowhere?”middleofthe fathers.”theliterallysleeping is with previousone.the Each of remnants the of top ondeposited is body his and opened is politan are in tomb.this When one metropolitan dies, the tomb metro- every of bones The centuries. for it of charge in politan something.” do?” to thing right the is brain your in know you what by or feelings by go youNorthaway, do Miss preparation. about asked I ings. havenot?” caught.”been “Then why are youwhyhere?” are “Then metropolitan the days,” grander seen has monastery “This Malcolm asked, “Don’t you have aboutanxiety dying here in He stood up by the tomb. monastery “This has had a metro- you show me let Here, one. good a is It brain. your “Use don’t“I know.” “Feelings, yes,” Ozmen replied. “But I did not ask about feel- brokedon’tcomethat.”to“I Sally in. it will feel “Youeaten?” yoube todo,prepared but are never“Ithought so.” youhaveheart.”good a “Mr.Bogikian, “That’sright.” have“Idone You’rethat. bait.”the youthat are saying youevergo“Dofishing?” forces security thewhenjustice do youcan “And youthink not have her killed who Those minds. our on is “Phoebe “Yes,youdo.” suspect I “Wesaid, have Hal interests.”other MARVIN OLASKY 249 ! Hal replied, “I’d like to go home, too, but there’s no home insisted. evilsMalcolm “Other will come,” They showed the note to Kemal and Malcolm, who declared, declared, who Malcolm, and Kemal to note the showed They The The note had block letters: YOU’RE GETTING CLOSER TO you, protecting die to have If I am I. so “And Halresponded, Ozmen, Ozmen, instead of snapping back, gave a big hearty laugh Malcolm Malcolm was silent but increasingly impatient through the “Because “Because in my head I know what’s right. I am an instru- emal said they should eat dinner at their hotel, which he Suleyman has home-court advantage. Maybe home.” we should go this destroyed evil.” until we’ve I’m getting melodramatic. You won’t die, and I won’t die.” and die, I won’t won’t You getting melodramatic. I’m “Have you been looking around the past couple of days? Evil looks, and with women is only parttheir Turkey eyes showing? Middle Eastern, part European, and we’re in the Middle East. ME, AMERICAN BEAUTY. TOMORROW I WILL TAKE YOU AT MY toying with obsessed.” with HOUSE. me, us. “He’s He’s I’ll die knowing that’s worthwhile.” Then he grinned: “Sorry, believed believed to be secure. Hal knocked on Sally’s door to walk with her to the rooftop restaurant. She came out with tears in eyes. In her her hand was a piece of paper that she handed to Hal. was under “It door.” my slipped K ‘I do not believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change change bringing a am I although afterlife, an in believe not do ‘I of underwear.’” Woody Allen: ‘It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to to want afraid don’t I die. just to that I’m not Allen: ‘It’s Woody be happens.’” there it when “I’ve disappeared. almost they crinklethat so eyes his made that lost touch—is he still making movies? I enjoyed his humor: ment ment of God’s will, and in his mind everywhere is somewhere. I will die I here. am prepared to Arebe eaten. you?” discussion that followed. He finally said, “I don’t want to rude, be but I once tacked up on my bulletin board a line from 250 SCIMITAR’S EDGE myhouse.” considerselegant.” poetry.is He won’t any doofunlesshe itus can wayakill in he been honest?” been Whyshouldn’t Kemal, who, trust I my in hasalwaysexperience Turk.”a should trust people all of you that surprised “I’m traitor. a be must Kemal mystery.a remained itsgrammar, like anyoneexcept for Themessage’sunfamiliar the guests. delivery, ‘at’thoughtButmistake.the deliberate.”Ia itseemswas good.”is English “Not this one, though. Not Suleyman. He thinks slaughter thinks He Suleyman. Not though. one, this “Not Sally said, “It should be ‘take you ‘take be should“It said, Sally Suleyman’son phrase,“take chewing youatwas still Kemal “I trust you, Malcolm, but you’ve been foolish in the past. the in foolish been you’vebut Malcolm, you, trust “I thatNot toMalcolm, though.asideargued tookHeand Hal Kemalagainquestioned thehotel staff,but no one had seen well. as message first his on that wrote “He added, Hal to my house.’mySuleyman’s CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

his will be the day,” Kemal said solemnly. “We’ll see Lake TVan and a church there, then Castle Hosap and Castle Van. We’re almost at the end of the line.” Hal said, “Makes sense that Suleyman would want to get us in Van because Castle Van was the citadel of what used to be the most important Armenian city in Turkey, a Christian stronghold against Islam. My people in 1895 put up their strongest defense in Van. Maybe six hundred or seven hundred Armenian men defended their section of the city against a Turkish army.” “I thought the Armenians always lost,” Sally said, putting her hand on Hal’s arm. “No exception here. After a week the sultan promised that if the fighters agreed to leave Turkey, he would guarantee the lives and safety of all Armenians. The Armenians said yes. They also agreed that Turkish troops could march them to the border. They gave up their weapons.” “Massacre, right?” Sally asked. Hal nodded. “Seems like too beautiful a place for killing,” she said as they drove up a rise and could suddenly look out at the sparkling, deep blue Lake Van.

2 5 1 252 SCIMITAR’S EDGE pocket for his reporter’sfor pockethis notebook. weightjacket, insideworegreen thathadHal an redandone in of combat, wore police his director’s wore Sally uniform. a light- day a be would this believing Kemal, them.beyond just Ararat Mount Noah’s with northeast, the to mountains snow-capped sinceout theythehadsee climbed of couldplain.theThey still strewn corpses.” with were lake the around road the of sides the 1915 After first. blue-eyed the killed sometimes Turks it. had Armenians he’sprepared.” and place, the is Van Castle that Hal with agrees commander jandarma The him. kill will backdrophistorical dramatic, a for desire “His exulted. he hands,” our into playing is “Suleyman Van. in jandarma the called Kemaloverlook. lake a at stopped they before just hat baby a finished and waist her around had her kerchief to leave ofpart her hair visible: “That’s how women wrapped deliberately had she that said Kemal basin. a in it on stompingby woolwashed shekerchief, a Wearing cat.Van the comecry,help letyouryou.’”Christ ‘Now crucifixion. agony, in the governor’s writhed the wouldsufferer men the While imitating wood, of pieces to feet and hands boiledbutter into thewounds. Sometimes nailed thejandarmas pour then and pincers,red-hot with flesh off tear toenails, and biteclawand prisoners.” to1915 Vancats in governorused here provincial the but sure, fromthe counter: “That cat is so cute. Arethere alot like her?” her watching eye amber one and turquoise one saw Sally rolls, Sally took her knitting needles from the small yarn bag shebag yarn small the from needles knitting hertook Sally When they stopped at a restaurant for Turkish coffee and been had it than cooler and cloudy, windy, was day The of Lots blue.Van Lake color that called ancestors my“Yes, colorwatertheyour eyes.”ofis“The atHal: gazed Sally “That kindly governor also had his men pull off fingernails fingernails off pull men his hadgovernor also kindly “That “Ugh.”looked Sally away. cute, look “They replied. cats,” Hal Van as known “They’re As As they downed their coffee, they watched a woman feeding simit

MARVIN OLASKY 253 from college, but Sally and I saw it just before we Macbeth “Here’s “Here’s the one I like,” said Hal, pointing to a grinning He He looked around carefully to see if they were being fol- The boat trip was a sweet relief. Hal watched Sally’s hair “Of course I’m ready!” They entered the Opel and continued continued and Opel the entered They ready!” I’m course “Of As they walked to the car, Hal remembered the Shakespearian the remembered Hal car, the to walked they As “No, he was “No, him.” asking help directions, for I but couldn’t ask anthat “Strange he would American.” “Maybe he thinks we know everything.” Hal washed his hands quickly in the bathroom and then While Sally bought bread, cheese, and drinks for a picnic domed, pink jewel box, the sandstone Church of the Holy Cross. Cross. Holy the of Church sandstone the box, jewel pink domed, Reliefs that depicted nature and biblical walls of outside the church. scenes covered the David holding his sling, ready to wipe out a lumpish Goliath. lowed, but all seemed clear: “I don’t expect them to do anything do to expectthem don’t “I clear: seemed all but lowed, on an they alsowhere island be could trapped.” blowing across her face. They disembarked and walked to a eastward toward Van on the bare, windswept highway. Kemal motorboat a take could they which from spot lakeside a to drove ferry for a mile-and-a-half voyage to a one thousand-year-old church built on an island. left Washington. In the fourth act Malcolm says, ‘Let us make medicines of our great I’m revenge.’ ready for this battle. How you?” about line line he had planned to mention. “I don’t know if you remem- ber stood back to wait for Malcolm, who went through a more elabo- more a through went who Malcolm, for wait to back stood rate procedure: Lathering up his hands for a full minute, then washing, then again lathering and washing, him, until Hal told be we should going.” “Hey, “Do you know someone from around here?”“Do know someone you some independence.” some Hal was surprisedlunch, speaking see Malcolm to with a young man who stepped into a white Mitsubishi and drove He away. that as the they to about both restroom: Malcolm headed asked in these parts act, observing Muslim rules but still maintaining 254 SCIMITAR’S EDGE of the man on the ceiling at the old church in Istanbul.” in oldatthechurch ceiling theon man theof toughestmoment mylife?” of had a lump in his throat and tightness in his chest, thinking of chest,thinking his tightness andin throat his lump in ahad whale. a swallowedby about be Jonahto of carving a topointing said, “Here’s the one that depictsrealistically our situation,” Malcolm lished in in lished of center the Turkey. toArmenian Maybeweshould there.”goright Back wannabe. poet the from justice poetic justgohome.” Maybewecan us. scaring of Suleyman’sway all is this “Maybe said, Sally calm. was all that his squad captain, who was watching the shoreline and reported groveofwalnutHetook trees. out satellite his phone called and whatday.mightcomethe later in The question to ask is: What questionis: The askto question?”rightthe asked,that “Is want do?” to really you do What me: tell So job. his country, his It’s We’reright. whale.”the againstup Malcolm’s“Maybesaid, lose.Hal tonotwant did hemuchthat his felt Hal table. so gained had He hand.heldSally’s heresolution the as weakening at sitting Malcolm leaving grove, the leavewe’lllunch.schedule.”Then stay onour and back bring coldfeet?” Suleyman “I have to go on. It’s the right thing to do.”haveto“Igoon. It’s to thing right the those tender“Yes.”as as “Your lookedare eyes him. at Sally the is this that know you “Do eyes. Hal’s to came Tears acl ojce. Lts tc wt te tnrr pub- itinerary the with stick “Let’s objected. Malcolm Van: Castle at attack “He’ll replied. Hal so,” think don’t “I a in up set table picnic a on backpack his down put Kemal “It’s all lovely,” Sally said. Every time she spoke of beauty Hal “The metropolitan said I could use my brain. You’reright. brain. my use could I said metropolitan “The and Sally, at looked Van, Lake lovely over out looked Hal Kemal’sthat “It’spro. the him. true faced stopped and Sally through walked They privacy. some wanted Sally and Hal and boat the to go I’ll point. a has “Malcolm said, Kemal Hurriyet . Don’t you think that any change might give might change any that think Don’tyou . should wedo?” MARVIN OLASKY 255 , , a sharp, juicy variety of vanotlu ! , Kemal told them, means “nice water” in Kurdish, but but in Kurdish, water” “nice means them, , told Kemal Under a gray sky, Hal and a Sally gray Under sky, walked arm-in-arm through They They embraced until Kemal returned. Then they sat at a “I know. Then I’ll on go “I too.” know. Hosap “True, “True, but you may have a different perception of time, Hal said, “Funny, what comes to me now is a column I once is I a once column now me to comes what Hal “Funny, said, On On the return boat trip Kemal offered additional instruc- heir last stop before Castle Van was Castle Hosap. The remnants remnants The Hosap. Castle was Van Castle before stop last heir mosque, cistern, dungeon—all the comforts of home, with wallswith home, of comforts the dungeon—all cistern, mosque, front in hair Sally’s blew windswirling the When fiftyhigh. feet of her face, Hal gently brushed it aside and with border, Iraq and south looked toward IranTurkey’s kissed both a her. They drive short away. would stand guard and let the other three policemen stay in the the in stay three policemen other the guard let stand and would car so they could hear Long “A and the Narrow new Road,” hit the Elvis by song of Tarkan, Presley Turkey. the castle, which sported towers, walls, reception room, small nothing in the area seemed nice. He told Abdul that they would would they that Abdul told He nice. seemed area in the nothing he said Abdul time. short a only stay itinerary but with the stick T table table amid the trees, eating of of the Ottoman fortress sat on a bare, lonely, brown ridge that ended in a cliff. One small car the at sat of bottom the ridge. smoothly and smoothly fire.” nerves nerves willquickness.’” simple beat always with everything seeming to be in may slow You motion. think a only fraction actuallyby when of a second gone have seconds has. If you do have to be involved, don’t jerk your shots. Aim tions: “We’re tions: prepared “We’re at Castle Van, but just in nar- case to anything not remember fight, the in be to have you and wrong goes you.” of in front immediately what’s to vision of field your row wrote about Wyatt Earp. His maxim was, ‘Coolness and steady cheese cheese intermingled with grassy herb bottle water. of Lake Van stalks, and sharing a 256 SCIMITAR’S EDGE buttons on the satellite phone, then pushed more, examined examined more, pushed then phone, satellite the on buttons pushed jandarma.”He the for “Time tones, clipped in Hal told thevehicle. wentfireball A up. oneNo cameout oftheinferno. his clip, but the terriorist driver slammed into him and then into Mitsubishiheaded straight toward thepolice car. Abdulemptied the horroraswatched withmoment phone,all thatthey at but generous highwayspeed. the onat high eastheading the driver with car white the saw binoculars, his through She’sonethem.”Sheoflocal.mustnotbe a completelytogether: handshair herwoman had“That covered. Here!” “KEMAL. exclaimed: Hal notementionedhouse!” wherehe his 1643.” in Mahmudi Suleyman lookedThey other. eachat “That stopped before a plaque telling the history of the castle, “Built by highway on which they had come. and walkedHal Sally on and above.attackersoverwhelmingneededTheforce win.” to keep castle the from fire under here, through come to had ago centuries Attackerstop. the to up way onelevel,lower the past muttwhatlooked whole a like steak. seen at the Lake Van restaurant. The driver generously threw the Mitsubishithathad stopped. It looked onesamethelike he had white a approachedit as belowhighway the on dog emaciated headed down. Hal borrowed Kemal’s binoculars and followed an and Malcolm by brushed she but familiar, vaguely looked She it front and back, and said, “I don’t believe it. It worked at the atworked It it. don’tbelieve “I said, and back, and front it men, dead. What a fool I’ve been!” He slumpedHerailing. over a fool I’veamen, dead.What been!” My children. poor His wife? his tell face. I will his How over dead. “Abdul, hand his wiped He that.” do would Suleyman The only other visitor was a woman wearing a large kerchief. fw eod ltr e eue hs ard otr and posture ramrod his resumed he later seconds few A “ swore, Kemal the into yelled Kemal HERE!” BE WILL ATTACK “THE looking Hal, as Abdul, call to phone his out pulled He his clappedsuddenly plaque,and the read them, to ran He Malcolm stood off by himself, towardstaring the west at the path “One layout: defense-minded the out pointed Kemal tul itt Itouulu Siie obr I ee thought never I bomber! Suicide . MARVIN OLASKY 257 “Hal, think it through,” Malcolm screamed. “He’s a traitor.” screamed. Malcolm “He’s “Hal, think through,” it the and terrorists down saw the ascending. ridge Hal looked As As he watched their adversaries, Hal was stunned to hear “You’re shouted, who Kemal, at revolver his pointed Malcolm Sally ran with Hal up to the top where they could stand When Hal and Sally Kemal hesitated, added “Obey sternly, Hal asked, “How do we hold them off do we hold Haluntil “How then?”asked, “We have the advantage of defense. Malcolm and I will The The woman in the kerchief, Kazasina, joined them. Kemal He He didn’t have time to probe the problem because a brown a a vicious liar, gone or mad. Ouryou’ve enemies will be here in them.” at Shoot a minute. He made his decision. “Malcolm, I think you’re wrong, but if castle castle layout. You Suleyman. for working “You’re Kemal, at screaming Malcolm us set up.” killed, you men your had you notes, those planted “Go now, and Godyour be with “Go now, you.” on the stones of what had been the castle keep and look down from the wall. Through the binoculars Hal could see Kazasina kind the band some showing of the of drawing, a maybe sketch they’re they’re foolish enough to come at me along this narrow path, they’ll to have come right the have past high you. You ground. a a poet, self-styled not general.” Suleyman’s Remember, softly, said he Then us.” to come to have they Remember, orders. send send help.” stay behind this low wall. Hal, you and Sally go on top, there, overlooking us.” He distributed the .45s and extra clips. “If in the other. Trafik, cigarette hanging from his lips, carried an and had a one backpack. Six revolvers, men held young AK-47. looked at his watch: “In half an hour the commander in Van and I are to be in contact. When he is unable to raise me, he’ll understand. understand. Thishow?” but is sabotage, van drove up to the base of the jumped castle out. Through the slope, binoculars Hal and saw Suleyman pinch- eight men scimitar a hand, one in carryingrevolver and a mustache his ing lake.” He pulled a out lake.” backup device: also “I working. don’t not 258 SCIMITAR’S EDGE ally his right arm came down, and he leaned against the wall, wall, the against leaned he and down, came arm right his ally unfounded.” they’rehopeand fears youyourhavefightto So holdoff. them you’re right, we’re dead either way, since without Kemal we can’t Sally shotabove. from Sally and Hal as wall the behind from repeatedly fire and assailants smoke cover for Kemal, his feet planted, to catch glimpses of the others tookawaythe enoughof wind five swirling the ButKemal. charged as them threw and bombs, smoke out took pack, but notdidmove. detail,Kemal specific give to proceeded Suleyman her.” killed I movies.” the in like gunfight, real a have can we so up Stand coward. a likeYou’re whosisteryourwas. know wall that I behind hiding back. droveshotselvesKemalhim shootbutto a from him, castletall wall, where Hal and Sally would have to expose them- the under directly way his sneak to tried One shooting. began and wall low a to movedforward terrorists the ponder: to time itimmediately,bottom, started towarddroveVan.andoff the at parked car small the to way the all ran He him. behind laughedterrorists the ridge,as the down running kepthe there Mr.Edwards?” die.” will three compassion.but freed, otherthebe will Hewho first surrenders new give this group of Iwill ness: four anew example of Allah’s Suleyman’s voice boomed toward them: “These are myhills wit- eyes. coveringhis arm left his Then came the assault: One terrorist reached into his back- his intoreached terrorist One assault: the came Then before sister your to did I what you tell will I “Policeman, notdidmove.Kemal are. you who know I “Policeman, out, called Suleyman have didn’t they but stunned, were Kemal and Sally, Hal, Once lines. terrorist the toward darted suddenly Malcolm coming, shouted,“Areyou Suleyman Then moved.one No and range, of out just stood terrorists the and Suleyman Malcolm still had the .45 extended toward Kemal, but gradu- MARVIN OLASKY 259 . ! How How can it end this way? This can’t be happening Kemal Kemal did not move, but he spoke: “My duty is to protect Suleyman dropped the scimitar, ripped off Sally’s skirt, and But he did not move, and then everything then Sallyand up. speeded move, not did he But One of Suleyman’s bullets struck Hal on the side of the head, head, the of side the on Hal struck bullets Suleyman’s of One He ran to the other side of the keep as a terrorist came around around came terrorist a as keep the of side other the to ran He Sally cheered. “Wait!” Hal said. “Listen.” They were silent. Amid the whistling of the wind came The terrorists retreated. “We should be thankful for ally thought, Kemal again: “Bogikian is dead. The woman is mine. Why don’t don’t Why mine. is woman The “Bogikianagain: Kemal dead. is stand up like you a man?” and defend the Turkish republic. If you dare, come me.” and take hand as he ran toward her. She wanted to fire again, but he came came he but again, fire to wanted She her. toward ran he as hand with her slugging then and hand her from .45 the swatting fast, knocking her hisout. own revolver, wrapped a piece around his bleeding hand. Then he called to But it was. Suddenly in her agony everything slowed down. “Get “Get down. everything slowed agony her in Suddenly was. it But please.” please, him. up, “Get implored she Hal,” up, jerked the trigger and saw her bullet slam into Suleyman’s left S tried to get up, and fell again, his last shot merely plowing a fur- a plowing merely shot last his again, fell and up, get triedto in row the dust. the corner, the ready corner, to fire. Sally as watched gunHal’s leaped and the first man But toppled. Hal, with tunnel vision, was slow to up a pick man, Suleymansecond himself. and a hit himsecond full in the inchest. He collapsed the dirt, another another faint sound. Pebbles dislodged? unless was Footsteps? the theirexcellent position killersthought defensive Hal had grew wings. But then he Is wondered: there some other way up here? Suleyman’s Suleyman’s poetic impulses,” Hal said. “No grenades.” As the cleared, smoke they saw a dead. terrorist below, sprawled 260 SCIMITAR’S EDGE intohim. lastsightabove His firing and terroristsdancing of thewas him ground. the to fell Heshot. a taking each him, surrounded ists chest. sidehis of left thehit Suleyman from bullet a him, screaming screaming him, adversaries his wereuntil corneralmost wall theof uponfar his from above,fire the police director had to to stay crouched readybehind terrorist the with time, this And attack. to squad his soon way this heading be will friend My and lookaround.”and air the in chopper the get “Let’s sergeant. his told he wrong,” at the agreed-upon time, but there was no answer. “Something’s T he commander at jandarma headquarters called Kemal’s phone He staggered and fellto terror- knees, and his the remaining But man. another killing fired, quickly and upstood Kemal With his last breath he whispered two words: “Sorry,words:two breathIsa.”whisperedhelast his With t ate oa, ea loe a hs ac ad thought, and watch his at looked Kemal Hosap, Castle At AlluAkbar . ! Bt uemn signaled Suleyman But . CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

he five terrorists left standing below—four men and TKazasina—raised their guns and shot off a victory round. Suleyman did the same above. Then he looked at Sally, lying in the dirt. Suleyman called down to his band, “Give me five minutes for some unfinished business. Then we’ll take the woman and leave.” He slapped Sally awake. She opened her eyes and screamed. “Listen to me,” Suleyman roared. “Your Armenian is dead. Your Turkish policeman is dead. Now I will finish what I began.” In a moment he was on top of her. Sally furiously sifted the dirt with her right hand, hoping to find a stone, a stick, anything with which to beat Suleyman as he pressed against her. She felt Phoebe’s little yarn bag still around her waist, reached into the soft yarn, and found the short knitting needle. She yanked it out and with all her strength stuck it in her assailant’s left ear.

2 6 1 262 SCIMITAR’S EDGE next one will be closer.forit.”be We’ll run haveoneawill makenext to dirt. clumpsofbyonly lessaccurate.wouldthrowsbe their so down ing crouch- them keepto wall terrorists’ the shotat a fired He zon. hori- the on hope No see: could he as far sky,as for grey earth, old-fashionedyouthe way, grenades.”hand with Trafik back.called “No more smoke bomb poetry. Now we’ll kill heresoon.” be dead,”is shouted. Hal “Leave before you too. are police The will openedfire. and wall, sawa stoppedthem, behind path, main the up men other the leading Trafik, time. no had they But terrorists. remaining the around circle then ascended, them. outmyhere.jacketHere,ofwrap you.” around blood. sidewith face,cakedits left explodedeverywhere. hands. both with tar him. headlookto behind his turned scimitar.forthefeel to hand right his with out reached He die.” will you “Now yelled, and Suleyman yowled in pain. He sat up, pulled out the needle, the out up,pulled sat He pain. yowled in Suleyman He paused to kiss her.love “Ipausedkiss toHeyou.” the “but said, Hal baseball,”play don’t Turks thing “Good The first grenade came up short, so Hal and Sally were struck Brown east. facing countryside, the over out looked Hal minute,”a in dead be you’ll and dead, is policeman “Your rubble.“Suleyman ofpile a scrambled behind Sally and Hal hadHal’s pathSuleyman secretdown the to climb wasplan in clips new put They guns.” our get Let’s Later. . . . “Ssh .”god..It’s “My. a “Later,” Hal said. “The others be will coming. We have to get scrambledSally up. “How asked, Sally . . looking. ?” at Hal’s Blood Suleyman’s. as good as wasn’t technique Hal’s But neck. into his itsfeltedgehe wascutting thing last The scimi- the swinging Hal furious a sawwashe thing last The Itwasn’t there. He patted then surprise, the ground in again MARVIN OLASKY 263 ! Turkish police arrested Turkish Malcolm as he tried to board an air- “Wouldn’t that be the dishonoring flag?” “Wouldn’t Sally asked. our nation.” honors bravery “Your “Kemal?” he asked. “Dead,” Hal replied. “Suleyman, too. Beheaded.” Then he Two policemen carried him to the helicopter. “I’m going Kazasina, shot from the helicopter, also was dead, but the Trafik Trafik also ran, cigarette still hanging from his lips. In his “I’m falling, falling,” he screamed just before hitting the “And “And I love that sight.” Hal pointed at the jandarma heli- “I love you.” “I love al and Sally returned to Antakya for the emotional funerals plane plane in but released him Van They the had next no proof day. that he had conspired with Suleyman to plant notes Lake to by restaurant the at Sally, contact a through information on pass picnic the on left equipment communications the sabotage Van, of of Kemal and Abdul. Kemal was buried next to his sister: one victim avenger. of one terrorism, H “Please, “Please, take this for a dress.” He handed Sally the helicopter’s flag. Turkish fell fell to the ground. with Hal,” Sally insisted. The commander agreed and added, last last dirt-disturbing then was silent. shot, remaining terrorists dropped their weapons and hands. raised The helicopter landed, their and Sally helped Hal stagger to the meet commander. panic panic he headed toward the cliff and realized his mistake only he was when already in the air. ground. His finger jerked on the trigger, and his gun fired one copter that suddenly emerged out of the eastern clouds. The ter- The clouds. eastern the of out emerged suddenly that copter rorists heard the beating of the blades behind them, fired wild shots at it, and started running as its machine gun opened up on them. 264 SCIMITAR’S EDGE asot n a ak f miet agr r inse against witnesses or danger imminent of lack a and passport keyscar.hertothe him passed she as other each against brushed they when light green a Kazasina give and grove, walnutisland’s the in bench Sally for spurning him. forspurning Sally on and Sally with out him beating for Hal on revenge taking was Malcolm Suleyman, on revenge taking was Hal Or as reality.maybe, in that attempt to courage the have didn’t he but much that he was looking for so a way to become known as reputationa hero, Malcolm’s diminished sexual had the Maybe charges harassment Suleyman. appeased he unless life his for Kemal.” distrust to us wanted he why that’s Maybe out. way some for nevertodoany. expected But maybewaythehoping hewas all he because shooting Malcolm practiced never “Maybe He York. above. New in from decided peaceful so looked all It city: decisionus?” betrayto the made he think you do When him? trust us make to setup a been have it could Urfa, in shooting that And notes? those planting was Malcolm that think I didn’t Why deception. out abouttheclues he“Reporters supposed hadare missed: to smell between.” in him—nothing appeaseor him fighteither youcan says “Hal desktopread,the on memo A friends. best his killed that attack terrorist a of vor survi- lone the hero, the was he which in Malcolm, by written apparently story, a have did drive hard Its Suleyman. with fic traf- e-mail of record no computerhad desk the andgone, was coward.a only was American strangethe saidists testify, Suleyman’s computer had vanished, and the other terror- longerno could Trafik and favor. Suleyman his workedin him They speculated about Malcolm’s motives. Maybe he feared Malcolm’sabouthe speculatedmotives.Maybe They big the approached they as window the out looked Sally On the flight from Antakya to Istanbul, Hal talked with Sally laptop his but home, Malcolm’s searched police York New American his hard: Malcolm press not did police Turkish MARVIN OLASKY 265 They They both recalled Malcolm’s calm, positive sense about recalled, Sally reasons. about speculated they Atlantic the Over As they flew over Europe, Sally also pushed her memory: Hal sputtered: “Could Malcolm have been in with Suleyman with in been have Malcolm “Could sputtered: Hal The The detective sipped Turkish coffee and continued: The So many maybes, and then a Turkish detective met Hal Suleyman when they first were captured. No He wonder: knew he was getting out. when Izmir we “Remember were approaching and by drove the “That’s “That’s strange. I remember what Malcolm said in the Antakya museum just before he left with Fatima. He was making a play for me, and when I turned him down, he said that I left him no choice. I guess that meant he was going through with the plan.” told Sally, “I’m thinking back to what I overhead in the museum museum the in overhead I what thinkingto back “I’m Sally, told Kazasina. met he was It puzzlingwhen said the she time. at She her who wondered him.I meet to glad be would friends her and it.” about friendsthen but I were, forgot Hal and Sally to know that they were up against who someone against them early and plotted often. have may not just after Antakya but from almost the beginning? I don’t think so.” But as they boarded the plane back to America, he imperialism, imperialism, Islamic terrorism. When he said like he’d to learn and more Hezbollah, out even said she help put himwould she in touch with a member who make would contact with him in none that said detective The visit. would he museums the of one of this was evidence enough to arrest Malcolm, but he wanted longer wanted to longer help the terrorists: after agonizing for a week, with Malcolm. reported she to the her police conversation when sympathetic surprisingly proven had Malcolm said woman American stop to ruthless enough force one the about spoke she and and Sally in the international lounge at the and Istanbul immediately airport altered their theorizing. The Dutch woman with Malcolm at the involved Izmir near Hilton, the beginning of the first trip, had been powerfully affected by viewing no and She the TRT1Phoebe beheading of withinterview the Sally. 266 SCIMITAR’S EDGE about the mess at Columbia before the public announcement,public the before Columbia at mess the about but reporters follow the money Malcolmtrail. must have known poor,and that without money life was hardly worth living.” shantytown, when Malcolm said he’d do anything so as not to be H can’t“I aboutbelieveitwasmoney.” wouldthey’dPhoeberansomand splitmoney.”the ofpoor. and being wasscared rich Maybe he thought Suleyman her up get grown wouldn’thad money.He family he the lost had that dad money. His him told had Phoebe maybe and die o, u ae o sr w gt u o ti js b your by just this guts?” of out got we sure you are but you, admire “God?” youdowantthank?” toWhom thankful.” I’mbad,so wereso feeling us against odds the when shootout, the then and kidnapping Sally.yousleeping now?”well Are Sally. beaming “He’syours.”sawa all patientrecoveredand his with room waiting the toout walked doctor there.”The in getwater any“Don’t wound.lethead his inspecting after him told Chandler Dr. anything,” almost for brought chicken him soup, and he healed quickly. “You’re ready al stayed in one of the guest rooms at Phoebe’s house. Sally Sally house.Phoebe’s at rooms guest the of one in stayed al s hy prahd F Arot Sly ho hr head: her shook Sally Airport, JFK approached they As femme,’ la ‘Cherchezsay, “Detectives that: on jumped Hal “My guts, your guts, Kemal’slotluck.”ofyourguts,a and guts, “Myguts, and love I “Hal, him. to turned Sally light red first the At asked, he car,Phoebe’s In surprise. with her at looked Hal maybeGod?” And Kemal. “Hal. doctor. family old an I’m but medicine,beyond goes “This the survived we how on back look I When “Wonderfully. Dr.Chandleradded, reviewed“I my notes onyourlast visit, “Yes,”stated. Hal smiled. Sally he?” “Is ! MARVIN OLASKY 267 Sally, come out. Sally, ! Just before the blood runs, into the valley, . the . runs,before blood Just . the valley, into throws Love a line and to you me. Just before the before falls,night Just Hal tried the mean But to . make light “I amends. . didn’t .” “The “The jandarma commander.” “God?” “If there is one, don’t you think he has other things to do think me ifof you and not, “I’m Sally. off set comment That “Nothing else?” He couldn’t He take couldn’t his eyes off Sally in her gold swimsuit. He She She did and stood in front of him. Then she sat on his lap, he said. “Whoa,” she responded, smiling. They “Oh sat my,” there for a min- ater that day Hal sat on a lounge by the pool at Phoebe’s house, house, Phoebe’s at pool the by lounge a on sat Hal day that ater L thing, and it seems nutty to me. I’m worried about where this will lead.” that way that . way . .” had changed, and Sally was fiercely staring ahead, her hands gripping the steering wheel. So Hal went further: Look, “I’m sorry. I jumped at you because I’ve been thinking the same than be gunfights?to watch stupid.” Don’t orders. He thought hard, tryingHe orders. thought telepathy: wanted to touch her, but he couldn’t jump in the pool—doctor’s pool—doctor’s the in jump couldn’t he but her, touch to wanted watching watching Sally float under the sun, eyes closed. The radio was had Hal that Griffinsong Patty the refrainof the playing and on to while drivinglistened in back May: to Washington ute, just looking at each other. Sally “When said, each other. I looking at was just floating, ute, I started imagining that we were still at a Mediterranean resort with hotel, people putting next chocolates to the bed. But a lot has changed. Those days are over.” facing facing him. 268 SCIMITAR’S EDGE and believers aren’t. But when he says that he’s surrounded by he’ssurrounded that says he when Butaren’t. believers and ComingSecond The reading last night the book you read on the toairplane Istanbul, shotwhen you.”savedSuleyman yourlife notebook, reporters’ your against up smack That, jacket. your Phoebe’sAnd did.Bible pocketIwayinside I’d onethe useever lot.”A them. of think I Kemal. now And “Phoebe.somber. was she later ute now but independent consciousdependence.”of still moonflower, also but sunflower Youwerepoignant. also lovelyYoushoulders.butwereyour of set the neck, your of lines soft the chin, your of contours the brows,your of curve watchedthe I had.Phoebe as well as it do to watchedconcentrating,youtrying you,”“Ireplied. with Hal lips. soft her kissed climate.”a share Maybewecan be. to used I as sunshiny I’mas not time. the all longer norain Mountain.” Sunshine climbing tailed, bushy eyed, Bright be. to used I way daysahead.” two classes of maniacs, those who think they understand life life understand they think who those maniacs, of classes two “Yes,” Hal said, looking into a cloudless sky. “We have better “I don’t agree with Walker Percy that unbelievers are crazy crazy are unbelievers that Percy Walker with don’tagree “I it?” “Like was “I said, Hal Then minutes. several for silent were They combination,Bible.”a the“What and journalism “Phoebe’s needles,” knitting Sally laughed. “I didn’t imagine I.”do “So Sally looked at eyes, Hal with misty then him. Akissed min- love in totally fell I that knitting were you while was “It youdo“Sure,”ask? “Why said. Sally asked.he continueyoutoplan“Do knitting?” and forward leaned shoulders.He and neck herstroked Hal “You him: at affectionately looked she as leaped heart His optimism?” in wisdom see I do and “Hmmm, the me, like soundYouahead.’ days “‘Better laughed: Sally .” MARVIN OLASKY 269 . . The movie was at the point where the “Makes “Makes me feel like a baseball player,” Hal said when he “Which class to be want do you in?” search- be also I Should me. and you love, horizontal want “I They Carrillo agreed see to Pastor them to again. He invited “I “I can’t accept that. Because if I say God did something with now.” her husband “Maybe he did. she’s Maybe “Luck. “Luck. A thick book in my pocket—could have been any “No, it’s not. Luck is life proceeding by chance. Providence “Phoebe died. Kemal died.” Hal responded. died. “Phoebe Kemal died.” and think?”do you Sallyyou are alive. Why, “And Carrillo said, “I don’t know, but I know you should be They They had just entered the pastor’s study and settled into The Wizard of Oz of of come come over to his house in the evening: “My ten-year-old read the two He wants of about the of you. some online stories news autographs.” your then who returned the obliged boy, to the den to a watch DVD don’t care, maybe he’s got something there.” got care, he’s maybe don’t person ing and vertical for God?”love, but but act as if they don’t and those who don’t know diddly and even know yet what your role may be.” may role your know what even yet for us, then I have to ask why God Phoebe.” didn’t do something for thick book. The helicopter arriving. But if you want to call thanrather be luck, providence guest. it my Same deal.” makes you part of the drama God is producing, and you don’t sat sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, staggered and those reeled amid storms, and, in sea the ships to down who went like drunken men.’” bentwood bentwood rockers when Hal said, “Let’s not mess around. Why did Sally and I survive?” thankful. Read Psalm which 107, explains how God delivered from distress ‘those who wandered in desert wastes, those who wizard makes clear that threeDorothy’s friends had what they thought they lacked—a brain, a heart, courage—all the time, and certification. needed just 270 SCIMITAR’S EDGE through it. He’s already paid the penalty foryou.” it. He’spenalty through the paid already outabout mystery.thatfind she’dnowmaybe that thinking up,perked Sally past?” your in Biblestoppedthatbullet.”the you’rewhichofreasons has God thatunaware?” it be Could wholejudgethe not theworld ofright?” what “Shall is do asks, evermet?” when I talked about going to the baseball game with him in in him with game baseball the to going about talked I when expressionswords.facial and recall to trying trees, toTrying fathom thelatest news, theywalkedon under the oak neighborhood. Phoebe’sleafy in walk-and-talk a on went Sally go. journalist lettheto auntplanning theand wanted had he that dead, bykilling thejournalist but had outwittedhim Suleyman millionaire, be a to be could aunt he his so wanted ransomed had professor the that another, one Hosap.atCastleattack nightbefore the the for the police what Suleyman had told them about the Americans recountedand brokendown had terrorists captured the of One Turkey.from phonecall a received morning next the early and H e stayed in a guest room at Phoebe’satroom guest a houseonestayedmoreevening in e Ad ht bu Kml oe f h ms dcn mn I’ve men decent most the of one Kemal, about what“And Hal said nothing more.nothing said Hal you pull he’ll Christ, of hold grab you “If said, Carrillo Hal was silent. Then he said, “What if you have some big sin Now“Good.you’re adult.” an kid.”a wasit readwhenI “I that reading by start You can listen. you if will, he “Maybe he’d wish himself.” sure so,explain I “Could butif be, Abraham as and hearts, knows God mystery.But a “That’s ic Hl olnt wm ni hs on hae, e and he healed, wound his until swim couldn’t Hal Since hated Americans the how of spoken had Suleyman said He a akd “eebr ht er lo i Mloms eyes Malcolm’s in look weird that “Remember asked, Hal ! MARVIN OLASKY 271 “I don’t remember.” “I don’t “What? You look like you’ve had a revelation.” like you’ve look “What? You “Not much of one, but I remember what the patriarch in mat- nothing hell, no and heaven no is there ‘If me, told “He They They were silent. The wind came up, and Hal smiled. him.at Sallysuddenly “What?”looked the willow nothing.” “It’s Sally tightened her grip on his hand and bit her lip ner- “And . . .” “And does. it And thisdoes, “It Sally, Malcolm about information They They stopped beneath a willow and looked at each other. Sally said, “That’s hard to take, unless . . .” Her voice trailed off, off, trailed voice Her .” . . unless take, to hard “That’s said, Sally Istanbul Istanbul said, ‘If there is a there hell, is also a heaven.’” ters!’ did to he say Malcolm?”what But support. swayed. branches figure out why, but it doesn’t just stink.just evil.” It’s doesn’t it but figure why, out money, understand can I existed. evil that think didn’t “I vously. stand drunkenness, I ego; this but can’t deeper. fear, much goes it.” She looked away, then leaned against Hal, desperate for I I wanted to understand why such evil happened. I wanted to find if evil really exists.” can’t I and him, into got what know don’t I way. same the points his problem was far deeper, and the drinking masked it?” drinking masked the and deeper, far was problem his what know “You hand. takingSally’s murmured, Hal evil,” “Real wasn’t It Armenian the holocaust? into research my in me drove relatives. tell of my alive to the the memory history just or keep dead? Was he that angry?” dead? Was at looking real malice, “Hal, scared. and I’m We’re she shivered. thought “I forehead. her against palm her put She here.” evil real if what But behavior. bad to led which drinking, was problem his Baltimore. Did he think I’d be killed? Could he have wanted me me wanted have be killed? he Could think he Did I’d Baltimore. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

hat evening in Damascus, Ibrahim bin Musa paced in his TDamascus villa, listening to the latest gossip before conven- ing a crucial late night Al-Qaeda planning session. His sec- ond-in-command, Omar al-Hajji, gave him details about how Suleyman had died near Van. “But what was he doing at an old castle?” “He wanted to kill two Americans who escaped from him in June.” “Revenge? Suleyman always ran with his emotions. He should have studied the science of terror instead of wasting time on personal agendas. What a waste!” “One of the Americans was a beautiful woman. Suleyman died as he was mounting her.” “Ah, that was my friend,” Ibrahim said, raising his voice as he entered the main room so that the other three Al-Qaeda members sitting and leaning against cushions could hear the homily he was about to deliver. “Brothers, our fallen Turkish comrade and I watched some American movies together, but we sometimes took away different lessons.”

2 7 2 MARVIN OLASKY 273 , about Americans from a big city who who city big a from Americans about , .” City Slickers City Allu akbar Allu “Our September 11 attacks.” “Our 11 September “Exactly. It took great patience and planning, but was it The Al-Qaeda members thrust their fists in the air, and “Lust?” the youngest member of the group offered, and “The Quran allows us to make use of the spoils of war but He He responded, “I, like our Jewish adversaries, will answer The The terrorists broke into an extended discussion on which “No,” Ibrahim“No,” said, fixing his lieutenant with a stare. “We Omar said mischievously, “You learned the line, ‘You’ll “Yes,” “Yes,” Ibrahim exulted. “Allah is great. And if by acting not.” should “We worth worth it?” “ shouted, not not the daughters of sheiks,” Ibrahim said pointedly. “Think, my brothers, when we should on concentrate a big thing, why Think:was Suleyman killing one? by our of one which enemies Al-Qaeda actions in the past decade has made the imperialists up in sit and shock awe?” error? others nodded. They looked them infor to dissect. a watermelon brought who daughter, hungrily at Ibrahim’s buxom a a tray as they coming kept back to the destruction But of Israel. Ibrahim: our big is at Omar finally “So what threw question the thing?” Suleyman’s was What us: of all for question a with question your the the toughest man in the movie emphasized the importance of working on one big thing rather than lots of small tasks that doing big thing well.” and on lamb of pieces apart tore They well. do should thing they big had had to live among cow herders for a time. Suleyman it thought that showed Americans were weak. I came impressed that away never take me alive’?”never He his popped a into mouth. date movie the saw bravely bravely and wisely we can kill three Islam, thousand why oppressors of should we settle for there?” killing one here and three 274 SCIMITAR’S EDGE broughtyoudiscuss.”tohere .”. .border Canadian porous the perhaps Or the nothing. gang, is that border For Mexican America. Central to guns exports and and cars States stolen United the into drugs of quantities huge now intobrings ItMexico. expanded Salvadorand It El in started US. the across cities in groups MS-13 has that Salvatrucha, Philadelphiaor better.would Louis, St.be or Houston, perhaps task so bombs, the dismantling and with detecting Yorkof New and vipers— Washington of around stationed Teams—NESTS Search Emergency Nuclear have Capitol?USdestroy the downtown Or Manhattan?” to power our in it’s that saying you excitedly.“Are said Omar cometrue.” outdream planhowtoour maketo friends from Saudi Arabia. And I’ve brought the four of goodyou here several by Purchased Union. Soviet old the in produced wehavethatgesting one?” Butwe would need nucleara weapon to exert somuch damage.” three killing for thousand?” settle we must why blow, one in thousand akbar “And if Allah gives us the opportunity to kill three hundred three “Andto kill givesthe opportunity us Allah if Ibrahim opened his arms wide: “Ah, opened wide: arms his Ibrahim is the this question I’ve “Andgang?” thatweinteract with howwill Mara la gang, international an with contact in “We’re asked,“How Omar would bombthere?” weget the fast,”thatAmericans “Notso replied.explained He Ibrahim “AndWashingtonwouldYork?”wedetonateNew in or this “ cheered: and stood members the Again one do, we “Yes, broader. even became smile Ibrahim’s Now it was Omar’s toturn look at him sharply. “Are you sug- “Yes,wewould,”nodding.and replied, smiling Ibrahim Omar added, “That would be a magnificently big thing to do. “Wemustnot.” .” lu ka, allu akbar, Allu MARVIN OLASKY 275 ! Hal watched. “Yes.” Hal watched. both Keeping good last and my question: bad devel- “Here’s “Is “Is Miss Northaway there? Our would audience like to hear Hal turned to Sally, but she smiled and jumped into the be “That must a beautiful sight.” “Very well, thank you. Wounds are healed; new ones haven’t haven’t ones new healed; are Wounds you. thank well, “Very Askalad seemed confused “New for a ones . moment. . . oh, “I guess so.” “I’m “I’m glad to hear that. Kemal loved your country and gave are “Our you viewers recovering.” to want know how “Ah, Mr. Askalad, can’t I forget about Turkey?” about I Askalad, forget Mr. can’t “Ah, “Maybe, but Turkey can’t forget about you. You and Miss “Ask away.” “Ask be?” it would who “If in could kiss you the world, anyone kissedShe him. Hal’s cell phone rang. “This is Espen Askalad from TRT1. s s the meeting in continued Damascus, Hal and Sally were sit- opments in mind, looking opments back, thinkdo you was it worth it?” from from her.” swimming now.” “She’s pool. opened yet.” opened Americanyour that’s humor.” Northaway Northaway are still a big story here: the Americans shooting it with out terrorists. And Kemal Kuris is a hero.” national his life it.” for I’ve I’ve been trying to track you down. live We’re on our evening All show. wants Turkey to know how you and Miss Northaway are doing.” to ask. I’d like to that ask now.” you to ask. I’d ting by Phoebe’s ting pool in by Phoebe’s the afternoon late sun. Hal said, “This shows my insecurity, but when we were prisoners, you said friends a men- your used ‘truthyou that tioned or dare’ question A 276 SCIMITAR’S EDGE eyes closed, a brilliant gold. brilliant eyesclosed,a have.” will And have. must want, not No, him? and her both, want to crazy I “Amasks, God,about little a understandto come also loveand in fallen having Barrett, Will wheresentence, last the read He better.”is my life Turkey in better.”is Helooked over atandsmiled. “Iknow Sally life hope I time. particular thatat calling our was world him of did?” ?” . . . then world?the Howshould wein evil there is Why Satan. and God someway?” in itDidexperience.changeyourlives harrowing goinga through his calling. What about you two? You were amateurs, volunteers, we.”do So death. his mourn Turkey in others many and parents Kemal’s a pue. Fr h wr n err ys Sil I nw that know I Still, yes. terror, on war the “For paused. Hal Hal looked at the woman he loved, floating under the sun, the under floating loved,he woman the atlooked Hal uppicked phoneand the down put Hal Hal smiled. “I’m glad Suleyman is gone. I guess relieving the youwhat did you glad you are impatient.“Butwas Askalad about thinking me started has “It slowly. responded Hal was That taking. was he risks the knew Kuris Director “But The Second ComingSecond The .