The Dardanelles Conspiracy by Alan Bardos (best ereader for pc TXT) 📗

sure if she should be flattered or insulted. ‘Laszlo hasn’t always been as he appears.’

Swift turned back to Abraham. ‘Look, I don’t know what your game is, but I don’t understand why a Hungarian would want Turkey out of the war. The fact that Breitner is here and that she admits to being in league with him only goes to prove she can’t be trusted.’

‘Your view of sides is very primitive,’ Abraham said. ‘I am a patriot, however like many in the Ottoman Empire my sympathies are for the British and are against the elements in my government that have brought us into a war that will surely destroy us. Miss Weisz, like myself, wants this barbarity to end. So we can all live our lives in peace.’

‘And I stand to save my father’s company if the negotiations succeed with the Turkish government,’ Esther added solemnly.

‘If you are Kati’s sister, I don’t believe that you would betray your country over a business deal.’ Swift touched his jacket pocket.

‘My mother was Belgian… I love Hungary,’ Esther said, pointedly trying to control her fury. She hadn’t expected to have to explain herself. ‘The only thing to do is try to cause a situation where both sides come to the negotiating table. Maybe then my father can finish his precious railway.’

Swift held his hands up apologetically. Her outburst had probably embarrassed him. ‘I see, that makes sense. And what of Breitner? The last thing we need is him sniffing around.’

‘Have no fear, Laszlo knows nothing of this, and we have not parted on the best of terms – he will not be “sniffing around”,’ Esther said.

‘He did mention you, in Sarajevo. I can’t believe he let you slip through his fingers.’

‘Honour is more important than anything,’ Esther said.

‘If we are content that everyone is working for a common purpose, may we proceed?’ Abraham said, and carried on without waiting for a reply. ‘The first step in our mission is to call on Talat Pasha, to establish how receptive he might be to meeting the Grand Rabbi. Miss Weisz is acquainted with Talat Pasha and will provide an introduction and a little subterfuge, masking our intentions to anyone who might be watching.'

‘How acquainted are you?’ Swift asked.

‘My father and I have been guests at his house a number of times,’ Esther’s father had been determined that she know about every aspect of the business, but she had managed to sneak in a little reminder of her past. ‘I also took his photograph, which led me to take portraits of a number of his fellow ministers.’

‘Wouldn’t it be better if I went with you, Abraham?’ Johnny asked. ‘Do we really want to risk Miss Weisz in this? I mean, if it turned nasty. Involving a woman and all that.’

‘I’m not acquainted with Talat Pasha,’ Abraham said, ‘or as inventive as Miss Weisz.’

‘If you went to see Talat with a banker it might raise questions,’ Esther said. ‘Whereas I, a renowned society photographer and empty-headed female who will do nothing more than prattle about embroidery and brocade. Can call on the Minister of the Interior with one of my admirers and no one would think anything of it.'

'As you’re posing as a German diplomat people will assume that you asked for an introduction, to ingratiate yourself with one of the most powerful men in the Ottoman Empire.' Abraham steepled his hands under his chin. 'Once you have tested the waters, and if our overtures are accepted, then the Grand Rabbi will discuss the details and arrange a meeting with the official representatives your government has sent.’

‘I’m to be the forlorn hope rushing into the breach, to spring any mine that might be in place?’ Swift said, sounding rattled, and Abraham exchanged a concerned look with Esther.

‘I’m given to understand that is your role in this operation,’ Abraham said. ‘But let us hope that it doesn’t come to that.’

‘Yes indeed.’ Esther glared at Swift. ‘Especially as I will be with you.’

‘If there is any unpleasantness, Miss Weisz will be protected by her nationality and a large bribe from my bank.’ Abraham sighed. ‘I’m afraid I won’t be able to extend the same courtesy to an enemy agent.’

‘Any “unpleasantness” could however seriously damage my reputation and business. Please therefore proceed with great care and tact.’ Esther was not impressed by Swift’s manner, and the idea of paying a social call, with him, on one of the most slippery men in the Ottoman Empire did not fill her with hope, forlorn or otherwise. ‘I’ve made an appointment for us to call on Talat tomorrow evening. I will collect you from your hotel at eight o’clock.’

Chapter 20

Johnny strolled out of his hotel into a storm and climbed into the square passenger compartment of a grey limousine.

Esther Weisz greeted him with an arched eyebrow and a condescending smile. ‘Why didn’t you get the doorman to hold an umbrella over you?’

'I’ve spent the past few months getting rained on. A drop more doesn’t make much difference,’ Johnny replied as the car made its way down the Grand Rue de Pera.

‘Yes, I’m sure.’ Esther frowned. 'However, if this is going to succeed you need to act a little less like a British officer and a little more like a German diplomat.'

Esther was wrapped in a woollen shawl that contrasted with her elegant evening dress. He searched for Kati in her sister's strong profile. She had the same long auburn hair, the same oval face and cute upturned nose, but this was not his Kati. Esther was sensible, older and bookish.

‘Isn’t that a bit much, having a doorman follow me about with an umbrella? And aren’t we rather drawing attention to ourselves in this car?’ Johnny asked.

‘Yes, that is the point,’ Esther said. ‘Remember you are an eligible young diplomat and I’m a prospective