Reap the Wind by Iris Johansen

Author:Iris Johansen [Johansen, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Romance
ISBN: 0553586122
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 2002-08-27T07:00:00+00:00

“Kafas?” Caitlin asked, reading the name scrawled in gold on the brass-bound mahogany doors.

“It means ‘golden cage’ in Turkish.” Alex knocked and the door was opened by a tall, bearded man dressed in flowing red robes and a white turban. Alex murmured something to him in Turkish and the man allowed them to enter into a mosaic-tiled anteroom. Another identically garbed man held a white robe for Alex to slip on. Both men ignored Caitlin as they bowed to Alex and gestured to a keyhole-shaped entrance to the left. Alex grasped Caitlin’s elbow and propelled her toward the door. “Actually, the name’s surprisingly fitting.”

As they entered the club they were immediately assaulted by the odor of sweet smoke and strong coffee. “It doesn’t look very golden to me.” Caitlin’s gaze wandered around the large room. The only golden touch was the soft, diffused glow lighting the panels of the high-arched ceiling. The room resembled a stadium more than a cage. The patrons’ low tables and enormous satin cushions were located on six levels, looking down at a circular arena occupied by turbaned musicians playing exotic stringed instruments, bells, and drums. Waiters dressed in scarlet robes bearing trays with drinks and pastries hurried up and down the three flights of stairs bridging the six levels. No women, she noticed suddenly. The place was filled to capacity with men wearing robes like the one the doorman had given Alex, but she was the only woman in the room. “And that sweetish smell could mean big trouble here in Istanbul.”

“You must have seen Midnight Express. Turkey’s no tougher on drug users than a lot of other countries.”

“I don’t particularly want to do any comparison shopping.”

“Don’t worry, the Golden Cage is protected.”

“By whom?”

“Someone very high in the government, I understand. It’s never safe to inquire too closely into these things.” Alex seated her on the cushions of a small low table close to the door. “However, I can assure you that you don’t have to worry about a raid.”

“I’m the only woman here.”

“You won’t be thrown out. This club caters to men but occasionally a woman is brought here.”

“What did you say to the man who let us in?”

“The password Kemal gave me. You have to know the password or be a guest of a regular patron to be allowed in.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“Once. Years ago.” Alex motioned and one of the waiters hurried toward them up the stairs. “This place was designed to appeal to men who have a sultan complex. It’s best that you keep a low profile.”

“I wasn’t about to get up and do a belly dance.”

He must have noticed the edginess of her tone, because he turned to study her expression. “You’re nervous. I told you that it wasn’t a place for you.”

“I’m not nervous. I’m merely—” She stopped. “So I’m nervous. I’ll get over it.”

Alex turned to the waiter now at his elbow and spoke rapidly in Turkish. The man nodded and a moment later disappeared into the crowd. “I told him to send Kemal here when he comes in and I ordered coffee.

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