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

If Swift succeeds, we’ll certainly owe him a debt. Having his charges washed away for gallant conduct in the field at the very least.’

Fisher took this opportunity to voice his opinion. ‘I believe there is some value in continuing Smyth’s plan. We are meeting a lot more opposition than had been anticipated in the Straits. So, if we have the opportunity to bring the situation to a speedy conclusion without any further risk to our ships, then we should take it.’

‘Very well, Smyth, you may proceed. Let's hope something comes of it. I’m seriously wondering what use you serve in the admiralty.’ Churchill said pointedly.

‘Thank you, First Lord, I will arrange for the change in strategy to be communicated to our representatives.’ Sir George couldn’t believe that his future would now be determined by Johnny Swift’s negotiating skills.

Chapter 27

Johnny Swift walked past the Galata Bridge and into the restaurant where he had first met Esther. He ordered a raki and made his way to the side room where Esther and Abraham Nahum were waiting with a lean, malevolent looking man.

‘Good of you to join us,’ Abraham said with mock civility.

‘Not at all, you summon and I obey.’ Johnny sat down and poured himself a glass of wine, ignoring the inference that he was late.

‘I say, go easy on that stuff,’ the lean man said and Johnny thought he looked strangely familiar.

‘What the hell’s it got to do with you?’ Johnny shouted, annoyed by the superiority in his tone, but put the wine down.

‘You’ve met Captain Simpson of course,’ Abraham said.

‘I had a housemaster called Simpson. He was a pompous, self-important little man as well, but that’s the only Simpson I know.’

‘You really are a specimen of singular poor conduct and vulgarity,’ Simpson replied. ‘I believe Mr Nahum is referring to your arrival in Constantinople. We met when you returned to your hotel, intoxicated!’

Johnny couldn’t place Simpson at first. He’d been drunk for most of his time in Constantinople, then the conceited tone of the man brought it back. ‘You’re that idiot who made me sick.’

‘I think you rather brought that upon yourself.’

‘You said that we wouldn’t meet again.’

‘Yes, I’m glad you understand the severity of the situation.’ Simpson said.

‘Perhaps we might discuss the reason why we are all here?’ Abraham said. ‘Captain Simpson is taking the risk of meeting with us tonight, because he’s received instructions from London.’

‘That’s correct. The powers that be are pressing for a quick decision.’ Simpson said.

Johnny frowned. ‘Talat’s agreed to meet the official representatives. There isn’t much else I can do, is there?’

‘Well, it appears there is. It has been suggested that we reduce the amount of money being offered to Talat Pasha by five hundred thousand pounds for every delay he makes in meeting the official representatives.’ Simpson grinned.

‘What? But that’s ridiculous, don’t they understand it will antagonise Talat?’ Johnny knew Sir George Smyth’s hand was in this, still trying to get him killed.

'I think they understand exactly what they’re doing,’ Abraham said. ‘It is quite a shrewd negotiating strategy and we’ll certainly encourage Talat to come to a decision.'

Johnny finished his wine and poured another glass. ‘Attempting something like that, with a man like Talat, sounds decidedly dicey. Mind you, I'm sure he wouldn't clap the Grand Rabbi in irons.'

Abraham held his hand up to stop Johnny as he raised his glass. ‘I think you should be careful with the amount you drink. You are going to need your wits about you.’

‘Why? All I do is sit there and watch the Grand Rabbi.’ Johnny emptied the bottle into his glass.

‘The Grand Rabbi is being put in a difficult position by the negotiations and will play no further part in them.’

‘No, I wouldn’t envy him having to try and sell that deal to old Talat. What we call a sticky wicket,’ Johnny said.

‘You bloody idiot,’ Simpson snarled. ‘We expect you to conduct the negotiations.’

‘You want me to offer Talat Pasha less money for doing exactly the same thing?'

‘Precisely, in war sometimes you have to sacrifice your pawns.’

‘Mr Simpson, please, that isn’t helpful,’ Esther said.

Simpson smiled obsequiously at her. ‘Alright, Swift let me put it in terms you’ll understand. London says it’s your last chance to get the charges against you washed out.’

Johnny finished his drink and stood up, offering Esther his hand. She took it and gave his hand a slight squeeze.

***

Laszlo Breitner watched Swift leave the restaurant, hand in hand with his Esther. Rage engulfed him and it took every ounce of his restraint not to smash his fist through the smug Englishman's face.

Breitner had been following Esther since the Ambassador's reception when she mentioned her acquaintance with Herr von Jager. He tried to tell himself that a rational man would have waved off such suspicions as coincidence. Yet the nagging doubt would not go away.

If he was being objective about his feelings, as he tried to be, Breitner would admit he was thrilled that his theory had been proved right. Although all he could feel on a conscious level was disappointment that Esther should enter into an unholy alliance with Johnny Swift.

He assumed that they must have a connection through Kati. He could think of no other explanation. The thought that they may have formed any other connection was too repugnant to contemplate.

There was no time now for Breitner to entertain such self-indulgence. Esther and Johnny had stepped into a waiting car. Breitner hailed a cab and followed them through the winding streets of the old city.

Esther’s car was stopped by a policeman, standing in a street of rough wooden houses. He glanced inside and waved them past.

Breitner told the cab to stop and watched as Esther and Johnny got out of the car and went into a crooked three-story