The Dardanelles Conspiracy by Alan Bardos

Author:Alan Bardos [Bardos, Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 2021-03-08T22:00:00+00:00

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.

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