‘But how can a single country like Turkey affect a development of that nature?’ I asked benignly.
‘There are the republics of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kirghizia and Kazakhstan. With the break up of the USSR, Turkey claims the responsibility for those republics. It sees a remarkable opportunity… one that relates to at least a share in the oil reservoir in Siberia. If Islam could set its plans in motion fast enough, it could accomplish control of the those reservoirs and ultimate hold the world at ransom for oil. At that time it would control some eighty-five per cent of the world’s oil resources. Within a few year Islam would become a threat to the stability of the West. Many Russian Muslims, including millions of new converts, could be facing Istanbul instead of Moscow. Look at the debacle that occurred in Yugoslavia because someone jumped the gun there. Turkey may restore a revival of the Ottomans to recapture the old Ottoman lands in the Balkans. They were victorious in Kosovo in 1389 over the Serbs, They could do it again.’
‘Well, Mr. Musaphia,’ I told him calmly, ‘It’s all very well for you to tell me these things but I’m not really impressed. For one thing, I’m not a 21st Century Crusader and I do not wish to become one. There are hundreds of various causes in the world and, to tell you the truth, hard-hearted as it may sound, I’m not interested in getting involved with any of them. Call me selfish if you like, I shan’t be offended. I only became involved in this charade of yours to protect myself, my wife and my secretary. Now I find that my wife was kidnapped and my secretary is behaving so suspiciously that I can’t trust her any more. I’ve really no other interest in helping you.’
‘Then why did you come here to meet me?’
‘I came to plead my case. I want everyone to get off my back and leave me alone. But, more importantly, I want my wife returned to me.’
He puffed furiously on his cigar even though it was unlit. ‘The organisation hasn’t abducted your wife,’ he revealed voluntarily. ‘If in fact she was abducted it wasn’t by us.’
‘Well that’s hard cheese!’ I riposted sharply. ‘Perhaps it would be more practical if you found out how I could get her back.’
‘Forgive me if we took too much for granted. It was assumed that when you learned of the danger you’d be interested in helping. We were told you were a humanist. At least that’s what Primar said.’
‘Primar!’ I repeated with despair. ‘Now there’s another thing. He’s got the microfilm of the plans that were given to me by Menel. They’re the false ones. But who does he really work for? I haven’t fathomed it out yet. Only he plays pretty rough with a bodyguard named Kemal.’
A waiter came over to take our order and we fell silent until he had departed.
‘I sympathise with you, Jason,’ continued Musaphia with candour. ‘I respect your honesty and your resolve. However, we fight against an imminent Jihad… a religious war… in the same way we have fought against tyrants and despots in previous world wars. This is a replay of the first Crusades. The difference is translated by the technology of war and weaponry. We certainly need those plans of the laser gun.’
‘Well from my point of view, I’m taking all the risks and getting nothing in return. You’re going to have to do something better if you want my co-operation.’
‘Agreed. Your file clearly states that you’re a man seeking a cause to occupy your time and your mind. A man who searches for constant change and challenge. We have something in mind to solve your problem. Let’s say you’re serving a probationary period. But don’t worry… we’ll soon find your wife.’
The waiter brought our starter and we paused until he left.
‘You’re still offering me nothing, Musaphia,’ I returned bluntly.
‘It’s already been given to you,’ came the response. His lips pressed even tighter on his cigar. ‘In the year 732 a.d. Charles Martel led the Franks to Tours where he defeated the Muslim army. If he had not been successful, the interpretation of the Quran would now be taught at Oxford and Cambridge, while the pulpits of the City of Gleaming Spires might demonstrate the sanctity and truth of the revelations of Mohammed. The benefit has already been conferred upon you by others nearly thirteen hundred years ago who didn’t hesitate to act in the face of adversity when they were called to arms. We are all indebted to them.’
I was appalled that he would thrust past history as an excuse for my involvement in his cause. ‘That argument doesn’t wash with me,’ I spat rudely. ‘History’s in the past… we’re here at present. As far as it goes, I don’t owe you or the world anything. I’m sure others would lay down their lives to prevent what you say will happen but I’m too selfish, too cautious, too suspicious of predictions about the future. Okay, Primar caught me with my pants down concerning the photographs of me and Miss Smith, and he blackmailed me by saying he had arranged for proof that I had mishandled the company’s funds. But there are limits to which I’m not prepared to go beyond.’
Another waiter returned to pour wine into our glasses and he fussed around the table momentarily until he placed the bottle into an ice bucket.
‘Very well,’ retuned my host sagely. ‘You’ve made your feelings clear but I’m going to presume there will be a turning point in your mind. When that happens we shall talk again. In the meantime, I ask you not to worry about your wife.’ He paused for a moment to think. ‘Look… I offer you a deal. If you co-operate, I’ll arrange for you to play for your country’s international bridge team for a whole season.’
Silence reigned between us for a few moments as I allowed the information to sink into my brain. ‘How can you possibly arrange something like that? It’s not possible!’
‘You’ll be surprised what I can do. If you’re willing to help us, you’ll be in the British team for a whole season. You can play for your country in Istanbul tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow!’ I echoed, realising that I would be on the move once again. ‘Okay… I agree!’ I consented immediately completely astonished that he was able to pull such powerful strings. There was far more to this old man than I imagined.