Learn English Through Story | Meet Me In Istanbul

meet me in Istanbul by Richard Chisolm chapter one journey to Istanbul it is early morning on a sunny spring day in April Heathrow Airport London is busy as usual hundreds of people are arriving leaving or waiting for planes in the departure lounge of Terminal one a man is sitting reading a newspaper he does not like airports there are too many people and he is always nervous when he flies he looks at his watch impatiently then he hears the announcement over the loudspeakers British Airways announced the departure of flight be5 704 Istanbul will passengers please proceed to gate 16 for boarding Tom Smith picks up his suitcase and walks towards gate 16 20 minutes later the plane is preparing to leave it moves slowly across the airport to runway number 2 tom is sitting looking out of the window the plane suddenly moves forward races down the runway and rises into the air Tom looks down at the houses and roads far below and smiles London is behind him now he is on his way to Istanbul tom relaxed and took a letter from his pocket Reza apartment 11 3 camera sokak Aya's pasa Istanbul my dear Tom thank you for your letter I am so happy that you can come and visit me for a holiday life here in Istanbul is very interesting I'm enjoying my work but I miss you very much it will be wonderful to see you again I'm sure we will have a very nice holiday spring is here and the weather is beautiful I have to work on Monday the 14th of April the day you arrive so I can't come to the airport to meet you but you can take a taxi from the air terminal to Taksim Square that's in the centre of the new part of the city there's a big hotel called the Park Hotel near the square I'll meet you there at 5 o'clock we'll meet in the American Bar the view over the city is beautiful I can't wait to see you again Tom I have so much to tell you so remember the Park Hotel Taksim Square five o'clock see you on the 14th love Angela Tom sat for a moment looking at his fiance's letter then he put it in his pocket he looked down at the green fields of France as the plane continued its journey across Europe have you been to Istanbul before said a voice it was the young man in the next seat no I haven't said Tom have you the man smiled my home is in Istanbul I'm studying in London at the moment I'm going home for a holiday really said Tom where are you studying at London University the two men sat talking as the stewardesses began serving lunch the young man told Tom his name was Kemal his parents had a shop in Istanbul are you meeting someone in Istanbul Kemal asked my fiance said Tom she's working in Istanbul that's interesting how long has she been there she went to Istanbul two months ago she works for a small company which is starting to export to England she's making all the arrangements exporting always seemed so difficult said Kemal it seems difficult Tom agreed but that's Angela's job she's an expert in importing and exporting her father has an import-export agency in London and she has worked for him for some years she's almost completed her work in Istanbul now the company has already started to send goods to England she will be coming back to London soon what kind of goods do they export asked Kemal all kinds of things brass ornaments coffee pots trays leather and onyx articles Angela's father thinks these goods will sell very well in England that's interesting said Kemal my parents sell things like that in their shop in Istanbul the two men went on talking as the plane flew over Italy and Greece towards Turkey soon they were descending to yesil Khoi Airport Istanbul when the plane stopped Kemal stood up I hope you enjoy your stay in Istanbul he said he is my telephone number if you need anything phone me I live in Sicily it's not far from the center of the city thanks Kamau that's very kind of you not at all reply Kemal nice to meet you and now goodbye Tom went through customs and immigration and walked towards the airport exit chapter 2 the American Bar a bus for the city air terminal was waiting outside the airport Tom got in and sat down beside the window other passengers got on and the bus left the airport and drove towards Istanbul soon they were driving past the houses and apartment blocks near the city then they passed the old city walls Tom felt excited and looked at everything he saw beautiful old mosques and street markets the bus was now approaching the center of old Istanbul it stopped at some traffic lights a car stopped beside the bus the door opened and a woman got out two men were with her suddenly Tom jumped to his feet it was Angela Angela Tom shouted Angela here it's me Tom he knocked on the bus window suddenly the traffic lights changed and the bus moved forward Tom ran to the back of the bus Angela and the two men were going into a building Angela he shouted ad he stopped it was too late the bus was moving quickly down a wide Street the passengers were looking at Tom and he suddenly felt foolish he walked back to his seat and sat down what a surprise he thought to himself I must tell her when I see her this evening then the bus crossed Ataturk bridge and Tom looked at the boats on the golden horn again he felt excited the bus arrived at the air terminal at a quarter to four there were some taxis waiting there Tom went up to one the Park Hotel Taksim Square please he told the driver English you come with me I take you quickly at a quarter past four the taxi arrived in the square here you are sir the Park Hotel thank you said Tom and paid the driver Tom went into the hotel he found the American Bar and sat down at a table on the terrace a waiter came out a beer police said Tom he sat in the afternoon sunshine and looked down over the city of Istanbul the view was very beautiful he was looking at the sea the Bosphorus was full of ships there were very big ships going to Russia and little sailing ships in the distance he could see the mosques and palaces of old Istanbul how beautiful and how exciting Tom looked at his watch it was nearly five o'clock he got up and walked up to the hotel entrance there were lots of people going in and out of the hotel but he did not see Angela anywhere he went back to the bar and ordered another beer come on Angela Tom said to him self don't be late just inside the American bar a man in a gray raincoat was sitting at a table he was drinking coffee and smoking cheap cigarettes a newspaper lay open on the table in front of him and from time to time he looked at it but the man wasn't reading the newspaper he was watching Tom it was now 20 past 5 Tom sat in the evening sunshine he looked at his watch again and waited half-past five quarter to six it was getting dark he looked at the lights on the bosphorus strange thought Tom Angela isn't usually late Tom sat at the table on the terrace of the American bar waiting for his fiancee he waited and waited and nobody came and the man in the grey raincoat sat patiently inside the bar smoking and watching Tom another beer sir asked the waiter no bring me a black coffee please have you a telephone yes sir inside Tom went into the hotel there was a telephone beside the reception tom dialed Angela's number the phone rang and rang but nobody answered it he put the phone down and turned towards the reception desk excuse me he asked the receptionist the camera sokak do you know where it is yes it's very near go out of the hotel entrance and turn right walk along the street and Kamaraj so CAC is fourth on the right thank you said Tom Tom went back to the bar he drank his coffee and paid for his drinks it was now after eight o'clock Tom picked up his suitcase and left the hotel inside the bar the man in the grey raincoat stood up and picked up his newspaper he put some money on the table and walked out into the street he stood on the pavement for a moment or two then started walking chapter three a shock Cammarata sokak was a narrow quiet street of old apartment buildings Tom walked along the pavement looking at the numbers on the doors there was only one streetlight and it was difficult to see but finally he found Angela's address number eleven the building had a large glass door Tom pushed it but it was locked there was no Bell he knocked on the door nothing happened he not again louder this time and listened silence damn he thought he was impatient now and worried he stood back in the middle of the street and looked up there were five floors and all the windows were black there was no light anywhere in the building Angela he said to himself Angela where are you a short distance away the man in the grey raincoat stood in a dark doorway was watching Tom watching every move he made Tom did not know what to do he knocked once more on the glass door again nothing happened finally he picked up his suitcase with the last look at the building he turned and started walking back towards Taksim Square Tom Smith he thought to himself as he walked you need a hot bath and a good sleep then you can decide what to do the Parc hotel was expensive but Tom remembered seeing one or two small hotels near Taksim Square finally he was standing outside the Ankara hotel he went in good evening he said to the woman at reception I'd like a single room please the woman nodded we have a nice room upstairs come I'll show you they went upstairs and she opened the door very nice room she said it was small but it was clean and it looked comfortable I'll take it he said and gave the woman his passport the bathroom is along the corridor she said breakfast is from 8 to 10 o'clock good night Tom put his case down and sat on the bed he suddenly fell very tired and unhappy he was not having a good dinner in a nice restaurant he was not sitting with the woman he loved he was sitting alone in a cheap hotel in a strange city for a long time he sat on the bed thinking but I saw Angela I saw her from the bus finally he stood up okay he thought tomorrow morning I'll go to Angela's office and find out what has happened there's a very simple explanation I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow he had a hot bath and got into bed he was very tired after his long journey and soon fell asleep the man in the grey raincoat walked across Taksim Square there was a telephone kiosk in the corner he dialed a number and waited then he spoke he's in the uncle hotel the man said he waited at the Parc hotel and then he went to the girl's flat now he's in the uncle hotel yes yes of course I will he put down the phone and left the kiosk the next morning Tom felt much better he had breakfast then took a taxi to the office where Angela worked the taxi drove through the busy streets and crossed the galata bridge into the old city finally it turned into a small street near the railway station it was a narrow street of shops small businesses and workshops the taxi stopped in front of a grey building f Karim Ian & Co export-import agency said the sign above the door Tom pushed open the door and went in a secretary was typing at the reception desk she looked up as Tom came in good morning she smiled good morning said Tom my name is Tom Smith I'm looking for Angela Thompson she's my fiancee I arrived in Istanbul last night and waited for her but she didn't the secretary was staring at him she stood up wait a moment please mr. Smith she hurried over to a door marked office and went inside tom could hear her talking to someone the door opened and a man came out he looked very serious mr. Smith my name is dunya please come in Tom went into the office please sit down mr. Smith said Dania look I don't know how to tell you this mr. Smith I have some very bad news for you I'm very sorry indeed but miss Thompson your fiancee is is dead Chapter four I saw her drink this mr. Smith said mr. Dona he handed Tom a glass of strong brandy Tom sat shocked white faced unable to speak he drank the brandy slowly how how did it happen he asked a car accident miss Thompson was thriving along a dangerous road no one knows what happened her car went off the road and fell down the hillside yesterday evening Tom asked I beg your pardon the accident it happened yesterday evening Daniel looked at him mr. Smith the accident happened a week ago last Sunday to be exact she had been away to Bursa for the weekend and but that's impossible said Tom I saw Angela yesterday yesterday yes I was on the airport bus coming into Istanbul I saw her in the street I'm terribly sorry mr. Smith but you're making a mistake no I tell you I saw her I mr. Smith Danya said patiently Istanbul is a big city there must be hundreds of women here who looked like your fiance Tom said nothing the British Consulate were very helpful continued mr. Danya they made all the arrangements for the funeral it was on Wednesday have her parents being told about this Tom asked that is a problem I'm afraid her parents are on holiday in France the British and French police are trying to contact them so they don't know yet said Tom quietly no they don't I'm afraid there was a long silence can I have another brandy please ask Tom of course Tom tried hard to think clearly I thought I saw her yesterday he said softly I understand mr. Smith it's a great shock a terrible tragedy for you for all of us after a pause Dania asked what will you do now mr. Smith is there anything I can do to help I'm not sure said Tom I need some time to think I don't know what to do do you know anyone in Istanbul suddenly Tom remembered Kemal yes yes I have friends don't worry look mr. Dona I can't decide anything now I think I'll stay in Istanbul for a day or two I'd like to visit the consulate and maybe the police mr. Dona opened a drawer in his desk and took out a card he wrote on it and handed the car to Tom I've written down the telephone number of mr. David Pennington he's the man in the consulate who made the arrangements for the funeral the other number is my office telephone number contact me if you need anything I'm here during the day Tom stood up I must go now he said thank you you've been most kind mr. dernier walked with him to the door well mr. Smith once again I'm terribly sorry you know I was so sure I saw her so sure Tom said I understand replied Danya it's a terrible shock the two men shook hands remember come here anytime if you need anything said mr. Tanya goodbye now goodbye said Tom and walked out into the street mr. Dern iya turned and walked back into his office he closed the door carefully and sat down at his desk for a few minutes he sat thinking then he picked up the telephone Tom walked slowly through the crowded streets of old Istanbul the streets were busy and full of interesting people shops and cafes but Tom did not see any of those things he was not interested in Istanbul he was not a tourist anymore tom was thinking of Angela he remembered the journey on the bus from the airport he was sure he had seen Angela she had been there on the pavement getting out of a car but darkness it was not Angela Angela was dead she had died a week ago Tom walked through the streets of the city he walked through the Grand Bazaar he walked on and on through narrow old streets he didn't know where he was or what time it was he thought about Angela he thought again about his journey on the bus from the airport again and again he thought about it and again and again he saw his fiancee then he stopped walking and stood for a moment on the pavement he was standing on a street beside the sea Angela isn't dead he thought I saw her he looked in his pocket and found Kamal's telephone number he walked quickly across the street to a cafe he went inside to the telephone hello Kemal hello it's me Tom remember yes yes fine thanks listen remember you said I could phone you if I needed anything well something has happened can we meet somewhere chapter 5 a disappointing day so said kemal you really think you saw her do you Kemal and Tom were sitting in the American Bar at the Park Hotel Tom thought carefully for a moment before answering yes he said slowly yes I do you probably think I imagined it I understand that but I'm convinced I saw her that's all c'mon nodded I can't stop thinking about yesterday Tom continued I closed my eyes and I can see Angela there on the pavement I can't forget that listen Tom said Kemal we only met yesterday but already we're friends you're in my country you're my friend and you need help if you think you saw Angela that's enough for me I believe you now we have to decide what to do there are two things I want to do as soon as possible said Tom I want to go to the street where I saw Angela then I want to go to the British Consulate I have an appointment for this afternoon ok said Kemal the street where you saw Angela do you think you can remember where it is no problem said Tom we can drive along the same route as the airport bus I'm sure I'll remember it and what do you think you will find there I'm not sure but she was going into a building with two men I maybe that will something okay said kemal my cars outside let's go Tom and Kemal were driving through the city it was a wide street said tom we came to a roundabout after the traffic lights we turned left and then we passed an old aqueduct aksar they said Kemal it's near here Kemal drove over Ataturk bridge after a few minutes they saw the old aqueduct then they came to a large roundabout and turned right this is it said Tom it's somewhere near here they were approaching some traffic lights Tom looked out of the window at the buildings on the left no he said not here they drove on to the next traffic lights this is it said Tom this is the place Kemal stopped the car you get out I'll find a parking place Tom got out and looked around him he was in a wide street of shops and offices a newspaper kiosk a travel agency he remembered them from the day before he stood looking at the building's opposite until Kemal arrived Tom pointed across the street to the entrance to an office building that's it I think he said they crossed the street and looked at the nameplate beside the entrance to the office block there were many names there a lawyer a dentist a doctor and many other offices Tom stood looking at the names for a few moments well he said finally I'm sure she went into this building but which office was she going to was she going to see a lawyer or a dentist or a doctor how do we begin to find out Kemal took his arm gently and they walked slowly back to the car listen Tom he said you are going too fast you can't expect to find out everything immediately wait until you see the man at the consulate after that we'll think about it then we can decide what to do we know she was going into that building that's something anyway no look it's lunchtime you must be hungry I know a good restaurant near here you're right said Tom we have to be patient Chapter six visit to the consulate after lunch Kemal drove Tom to the British Consulate in mezra th Street he stopped the car at the gate will good luck he said I'll wait for you Tom opened the car door it's very good of you to help me like this Kemal thanks very much not at all said Kemal see you later Tom went through the consulate gates the old consulate with beautiful gardens around it looked like a palace tom pushed the big door open and went in I'd like to see mr. David Pennington please he said at the reception desk my name's Tom Smith I have an appointment after a few minutes a tall man wearing glasses came to meet him mr. Smith my name is Pennington how do you do said the man holding out his hand Tom shook mr. Penningtons hand how'd he do he replied come into my office please mr. Smith mr. Darnay told me you were coming they walked up the beautiful staircase of the consulate and went into mr. Penningtons office sit down please said Pennington mr. Smith I'm very sorry about your fiance it was a great tragedy please accept my condolences thank you said Tom mr. Pennington took two files from his desk this is our report on the accident he said and this is the police report I can give you copies of these but perhaps you'd like to ask me some questions first Tom thought for a moment mr. Pennington he said I think I saw Angela yesterday Pennington stared at Tom there was silence in the room Pennington looked down at his desk then he looked at Tom again tom was able to hear the noise of the traffic in the street outside the gardens for a long time Pennington said nothing at last he spoke mr. Smith he said I don't think you fully understand your fiance I know Tom interrupted Angela was killed in a road accident last weekend her funeral was last Wednesday mr. Dona told me that this morning but I'm telling you I saw her yesterday mr. Smith I think you should read these reports carefully before you say anything more he passed the files over to Tom can I get you a cup of tea or something a cup of tea would be nice thank you Pennington left the office he came back a few minutes later with some tea there was silence in the room while Tom read the reports presently he looked up after the accident Tom asked Pennington how did they identify the body that was difficult Sep Pennington as you know the accident happened on a dangerous road about 200 kilometers from here your fiance's car crashed through a wall by the side of the road and fell down the hillside the car burst into flames and was completely burned out the the body was very badly burned so identification was difficult but the found your fiancees handbag lying near the car her passport and papers were in the handbag the police found out that the car was owned by a car hire company miss Thompson had hired the car for the weekend what about Angela's parents Tom asked I'm afraid her parents don't know about the accident yet they're on a camping holiday in France the police are trying to contact them what was she doing on that dangerous road she spent the weekend in Bursa sightseeing it's a very interesting old town she was on her way back to Istanbul Tom thought for a moment and other police quite satisfied Tom asked yes said Pennington the police are convinced that it was an accident the file is closed and you people at the consulate said Tom quietly are you satisfied for a moment Pennington said nothing yes mr. Smith we are he said our job among other things is to look after British citizens in Turkey we have looked into this matter very carefully and we are satisfied that it was an accident Tom said nothing I really am very sorry Pennington went on I understand how you must feel you've had a terrible shock my advice to you now is to leave Istanbul there is nothing you can do here I'm beginning to think you're right said Tom perhaps I should go home you know I really thought I saw Angela but now where are you staying ask Pennington the Ankara Hotel near Taksim Square will you be alright do you know anyone here I'm alright thank you I have a friend here well mr. Smith please think carefully about what I've said I hope you'll take my advice if you need anything before you leave contact me I'll be glad to help you thank you said Tom standing up thank you for all you've done not at all said Pennington I'm sorry your visit to Istanbul wasn't a happier one have a good journey home goodbye the two men shook hands and Tom left the consulate Chapter seven the man in the grey raincoat Kemal was waiting in the car outside the consulate gates What did he say Kemal asked as Tom got in the car the same as Dona tom replied it was an accident Angela's dead the file is closed Kemal started the car and drove away from the consulate mr. Pennington advised me to go back to London Tom continued I'm beginning to think he's right Kemal said nothing the police think Angela is dead and the people at the consulate do too I'm the only person who doesn't think she's dead so what am I going to do stay here in Istanbul go home really I just don't now wait a minute wait a minute Tom said Kemal how long have you been in Istanbul not very long you've been here less than 24 hours and what has happened to you in this time you've had a terrible shock you've been told that your fiance was killed in an accident a week ago but you are sure you saw her from the bus last night so now you are confused and you don't know what to do that's right isn't it Tom nodded his head slowly in agreement well I'll tell you what you are going to do Kemal went on you're going to come with me to the Topkapi Palace we can walk through the beautiful gardens there think about everything carefully then we can decide what to do next Tom smiled you're right of course it has been a difficult day exactly said Kemal now it's time to relax a little they were driving down narrow streets to the Golden Horn this is the galata bridge it crosses the Golden Horn said Kemal look isn't it beautiful they drove slowly across the bridge in the bright sunlight it is beautiful said Tom looking out across the Bosphorus very beautiful they continued across the bridge turned left and drove past the railway station a few minutes later they came to Santa Sofia one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Istanbul it was once a church then a mosque and now it is a museum we'll leave the car here said Kemal first I'm going to show you the palace of topkapi they got out of the car in a large park they were standing in front of the first gate of the palace the Sultan's of Turkey used to live in topkapi palace Kemal explained Kemal and Tom bought an entrance ticket they walked through the gate into the gardens of the palace this is the first courtyard of the palace when Tom Kemal over there are the Royal kitchens and over there the harem that's part of the palace where the women lived they were walking down a wide path Kemal looked round and then he took tom by the arm walk a little faster he said quietly Tom saw that there was a strange look on Kumar's face is anything wrong he asked keep walking said Kumar and don't look back they walked across the courtyard towards the second gate of the palace kamal what's wrong said tom quickly someone is following us answered Kemal someone following us said Tom what do you mean there's a man in a gray raincoat walking behind us I saw him when we came into the palace I wasn't sure at first but I am sure now they walked on and then ran through the second gateway Kemal looked back the man was still following them this way quickly Kemal led Tom to the entrance of the Treasury inside it was very crowded and it was also dark after the bright sunshine we're going to separate now said Kemal the man won't be able to follow both of us you take a taxi back to your hotel have you got some money yes said Tom right I'll phone you this evening what are you going to do asked Tom I'm going back to my car be careful said Tom you too said Kemal see you later chapter 8 a surprise phone call it was 7 o'clock when Tom arrived in Taksim Square he got out of the taxi and walked towards his hotel he felt nervous was someone watching him was someone sitting in a car watching his hotel he hurried inside good evening said the woman at reception good evening said Tom he took his room key and went upstairs he locked his door took off his shoes and lay down on the bed he felt tired but nervous and excited at the same time for a long time he lay on the bed listening to the noises in the street outside and thinking about one person Angela the phone rang it rang loudly and Tom jumped nervously Kemal he thought and picked up the receiver yes this is reception mr. Smith I have a call for you thank you said Tom hello is that Tom Smith it was a woman's voice yes who is that Tom asked his heart was beating fast you don't know me mr. Smith but I'm a friend of Angela's I have something to tell you can we meet somewhere who are you my name is Julie as I said I'm a friend of Angela's listen I don't want to talk on the phone can we meet somewhere yes yes sure said Tom thinking quickly do you know the American Bar at the Park Hotel and it I'll be there in 20 minutes there was a click and then there was silence Tom put the phone down and jumped to his feet I must tell Kemal he said to himself he picked up the phone reception can I have Istanbul three six eight two four five Tom waited impatiently sorry sir there's no answer said the woman at reception okay I'll try later Tom put the phone down and left the room there were only a few people in the American bar when Tom went in he sat down at a table by a window from there he could see everyone who came through the door Tom sat drinking a beer and watching the door who was Julie what did she want Tom would soon find out a girl came in a few minutes later she had long blonde hair and was wearing jeans the girl looked round the bar then walked over to Tom's table hi she said I'm Julie hello he said I'm Tom please sit down she sat down the waiter came over would you like a drink said Tom a coffee please she said the waiter nodded and left so you're Tom Julie said you look just like your photograph Angela showed me a picture of you but how did you find me Tom asked I went to the Consulate today Julia explained I spoke to mr. Pennington he told me the name of your hotel I knew you were coming to Istanbul and I wanted to speak to you she looked round nervously listen Tom she went on there's something strange going on what do you know about Angela's accident only what the consular told me today said Tom he told Julie about his conversation with mr. Pennington and are you satisfied she asked Tom looked at her tell me what you think he said slowly all right said Julie let's start at the beginning Angela came to Istanbul two months ago I met her at a party soon after she arrived and we became good friends at the beginning she was happy she enjoyed her job she liked working for her boss Dona that's right everything was fine I saw her quite often we used to have lunch together and go sightseeing and then two weeks ago something happened Angela seemed worried about something something to do with her work I asked her what was wrong but she didn't want to talk about it then one lunchtime we were together in a restaurant and suddenly durniak a min the moment she saw him she became nervous I think she was afraid of him go on Tom said well I don't know anything else she never told me what she was worried about I saw her a few more times and then she had the accident she looked at Tom but it is strange isn't it Julie went on she was worried about something her job her boss or something but she wouldn't talk about it and then she had an accident she stopped that's all she said that's what I wanted to tell you Tom leant across the table shall I tell you something he said quietly yesterday on the way into Istanbul I saw her Julie stared at him where she asked I was in the airport bus coming into the city we were in millet Street near AXA ray Angelo was going into a building with two men what do you mean going into a building which building well I don't know there are a lot of offices in the building I went there today there was a dentist and a doctor doctor so Julie that's interesting what do you mean Conger had a virus two weeks ago bad attack she was getting pills from a doctor that explains it she needed more pills or treatment she was going to a doctor Tom thought for a moment so that where she was going he said to the doctors maybe I can go and ask the doctor a few questions Julie looked worried be careful tom she said what do you mean just be careful she repeated something strange is happening it could be dangerous for you if you ask too many questions okay said Tom and I'm sure Angela is in this city somewhere she's in trouble the police and the consulate say she's dead so they won't help but I think she's alive she's in Istanbul somewhere and I'm not leaving until I find her chapter 9 goodbye mr. Dania later that evening Tom phoned Kemal he told him about his meeting with Julie Kemal listened while Tom explained what had happened okay he said when Tom had finished listen I think I understand what's happening Angela was working for dunya right yes and then she was worried about something something at work right yes okay and then she had her accident but it wasn't an accident Tom you know what I think I think Angela is alive she's here somewhere in Istanbul Dona is holding her prisoner what think about it Tom Angela was worried about something at work we think it was something to do with Danya and his export business and now she has disappeared but she isn't dead there was no car accident Danya is holding her prisoner I'm sure of it but began Tom I don't listen Tom continued Kemal what about the man in the Topkapi Palace today the man who followed us you know what I think Tom I think dunya and his friends have been watching you since you arrived in Istanbul they know where you are staying they know you went to the consulate and that's how they followed us to the palace today they know everything about you Tom God said Tom quietly my god Kemal I think you right you must be right but what are we going to do now I'll tell you said Kemal they know where you are staying and they know you're looking for Angela that's why they're watching you they want to find out what you do next well I'll tell you what you're going to do next you're going to leave Istanbul now listen next morning Tom checked out of his hotel thank you he said to the receptionist and goodbye leaving Istanbul yes I'm going home goodbye sir have a good journey Tom took a taxi to der Nia's office the driver stopped outside wait here please said Tom I'll be back in a few minutes he went into the office good morning he said to the secretary is mr. donaghy I've come to say goodbye she went to the office mr. Dona came out ah mr. Smith good morning mr. Dona I've come to say goodbye leaving so soon yes I went to the British Consulate yesterday and spoke to mr. Pennington it seems there's nothing I can do here I'm going back to London thank you for your help you're welcome mr. Smith once again I'm very sorry about your fiance I'm sorry your visit to Istanbul wasn't a happy one thank you and goodbye my plane leaves at midday at midday I see goodbye mr. Smith have a good journey the two men shook hands Tom turned and left the office his taxi was waiting the airport police he said as he got in the taxi moved off another car parked 20 meters away moved away from the pavement and started following at the airport Tom walked over to the British Airways desk he asked about the flight to London but he did not check in then he bought a newspaper and sat down to wait he looked round the busy airport somewhere among all these people he thought someone is watching me he opened his newspaper and started reading then there was an announcement over the loudspeaker British Airways announced the departure of their flight TK 979 for London will passengers please proceed to gate six were boarding Tom picked up his things and walked towards passport control there were lots of people at the entrance to passport control Tom went into the crowd of people and moved towards a large man whose relatives were saying goodbye suddenly he turned and went into the men's toilet in the toilet he took off his jacket and started to wash his hands and face no one followed him into the toilet then there was another announcement British Airways flight TK 979 for London this is the final announcement will passengers please proceed immediately to gate 6 this gate is now closing Tom heard the announcement but didn't move he looked at his watch and smiled to himself the man in the gray raincoat walked over to the telephone kiosks and dialed a number hello I saw him leave yeah he's on the plane the man put the phone down and walked away towards the exit half an hour later tom was in a taxi on his way to Kumar's flat in Sicily Kemal opened the door hello Tom he smiled everything okay no problem smiled tom I went into the crowd at passport control then I hid in the toilet at the last minute well done Dona and his friends will think you have gone back to London now you can stay here in my flat and we can start looking for Angela and we know where to start don't we yes Durr Nia's office replied Kemal chapter 10 an important discovery Kemal and Tom had something to eat then they sat down and made their plans for the evening we'll watch Turner's office this evening said Kemal when he comes out we'll follow him then we'll find out where he lives won't that be dangerous for me asked tom he knows me remember what if he sees me Kemal smiled and stood up I've thought about that and I've got just what you need look Kemal opened a drawer put this on he said a wig said Tom and a false mustache to go on try them on Tom put on the wig and mustache he looked in the mirror no one will recognize me now he laughed not even my own mother good said Kemal and if you also wear dark glasses you will be completely disguised it was seven o'clock and the shops and small businesses in the quiet street were closing Tom and Kemal sat in the car waiting patiently he'll be leaving soon said Tom further down the street they could see the entrance to derniers office they sat in silence watching time passed slowly ten past seven quarter past then suddenly Thais whispered Tom that's him Dona came out of his office and locked the door carefully behind him he looked along the street then walked over to a gray Mercedes car and got in the Mercedes moved away from the pavement and drove along the street it turned right onto the main road let's go said Kemal and drove down the street they turned right following the Mercedes the main road was busy and they drove along in the traffic there it is said Kemal about 50 metres away in front of that taxi careful said Tom don't drive too close stay behind the taxi they drove along the main road watching the Mercedes he's turning left ok Tom and Kemal followed they were now driving along the wide street beside the C for 20 minutes they drove towards the suburbs of the city now they were outside the city centre and the traffic was moving faster the Mercedes turned off the main road slowed down said Tom you too near they slowed down until the Mercedes had turned the corner then drove faster when they turned the corner the road was empty damn said Kemal and drove faster they crossed another side street and looked quickly right and left left said Tom there he is they turned and drove along a quiet Street of private villas this was the most dangerous part because there was not much traffic if Daniel looked round now he would see that someone was following him he's stopping said Kemal as he saw the Mercedes brake lights going on Kemal drove slowly the Mercedes was now 15 meters in front of them he's turning said Kemal the Mercedes turned off the street and drove through the gates of a large villa the villa was surrounded by trees and bushes already the gates were closing behind it as the Mercedes drove up to the house Tom and Kemal drove past the closed gate and continued along the street well said Tom that's where dernier lives that's a start said Kemal come on let's go home now back in Kumar's flat they discuss what they had seen I think that Angela is in the villa said Tom Kemal agreed what do we do now asked Tom we can't get into the villa there are probably men guarding it I agree said Kemal we think she's in the villa but we can't get in there he doesn't matter the villa isn't important said Tom what do you mean think about it Tom replied remember what Julie said Angela was worried about something at work she worked in the office she never went to the villa so what we're looking for is in the office the villa isn't important you're right said Kemal he stood up and walked over to the window listen you've been inside the office what's it like when you go in the door tom told him there's the window and a small reception desk then there's an office and a door Tudor Nia's private office at the back anything else Tom tried to remember the inside of the office yes he said there's a door another door at the back ok said Kemal they must have a workshop or a store through that door that's where they'll keep all the things they export so somehow we have to have a look inside Kemal thought for a moment I've got an idea he said suddenly dernier exports onyx ornaments to England my parents sell things like that in their shop so if I had a box of ornaments and I wanted to sell them very cheaply who would buy them from me Tom looked at him then smiled Danya he said exactly smile Kemal now let's think carefully Chapter eleven a clever trick ibrahim dona was alone in his private office he was working at his desk finishing some paperwork he always did his paperwork alone before going home he looked at his watch another ten minutes then he would be finished there was a knock at the door Daniel looked up from his papers he didn't move there was another knock louder this time he put the papers in his desk and locked it then he got up and went out into the office he could see a man outside standing in the doorway we are closed he said through the glass door come back tomorrow I'm sorry said the man it's urgent please dona was annoyed he unlocked the door and opened it we're closed can't you see I'm very sorry to bother you said Kemal but I was hoping to find someone here I have a problem you see I need some money quickly I must have it tomorrow morning early it's 4:00 well it doesn't matter why I need the money that's my problem but I have some onyx ornaments to sell and I heard you would be interested he held out a beautiful onyx ashtray would you be interested in buying 50 of these Dania took the ashtray and looked at it carefully Kemal could see he was interested very good quality said Kemal 50 did you say that's right they are in the car outside how much do you want Daniel asked fifteen thousand lira 450 said Kemal that's too much said Daniel I'll give you five thousand please I need the money urgently said Kemal then you will accept five thousand said Dania Kemal looked disappointed all right he said you can have them for six thousand lira they're in a big box in the car could you help me carry them they're very heavy Dona went with him to the car together they carried the box into the office this is really very kind of you said Kemal they are heavy they carried the bar to the back of the office Kemal looked quickly at the door have you got to store somewhere he asked I'm sure you don't want the box in your office Dona thought for a moment he looked at the large box in his small office and said one moment he took a key from his pocket and unlocked the door they picked up the box and carried it through into the workshop it was a long wide room with windows on one side there were a lot of articles in the room onyx tables lamps ornaments brass and leather articles on a workbench there were rows of tools and cutting equipment this is fine said Dona put it down here they put down the box Dona took out his wallet six thousand lira he said at that moment the telephone in his office rang Dona looked annoyed excuse me one moment he said to Kemal he went back to his private office Kemal looked at his watch and smiled as Dona disappeared through the door quickly he looked round the workshop there was a door at the other end he looked out of the windows outside there was a small courtyard and at one end of the courtyard a wall 2 meters high on the workbench at the end of the workshop there were several onyx table lamps Kemal looked quickly at them they had been cut in half with a cutting instrument the inside had been removed Kemal looked closely suddenly Kemal heard ernia say goodbye he turned quickly away from the workbench sorry to keep you waiting Danya said as he came back in not at all said kemal I can see you're a very busy man dona counted out six thousand lira thank you said Kemal I really need this money well I won't take any more of your time Daniel walked with him to the door into the street thanks again said Kemal goodnight goodnight said Dania and closed the door Kemal went back to his car and drove home tom was waiting for him did it work he asked as Kemal came into the apartment perfectly smile Kemal my brother phoned just at the right moment when we were in the workshop dernière believed my story too and he gave me a very low price for the Onyx what did you see in the workshop Kemal looked serious well not very much I'm afraid it's just a workshop or a store there were lots of Onyx and leather articles brass and tools and there were some onyx lamps being repaired I think but there's a courtyard outside and another building opposite I'm sure that it belongs to dunya and more important there's a wall at one end of the courtyard which isn't too high meaning meaning that it wouldn't be too difficult to climb over it chapter 12 disaster the next morning after breakfast Tom and Kemal sat looking at a street map of Istanbul look here Kemal said he pointed to a small street derniers shop is in this street now look at the street behind his shop we'll have to find a way into the courtyard from that side do you know that part of the city asked tom not very well as far as I remember there are only offices warehouses and workshops there at night it will be quiet but we'll have to be very careful okay we'll do it tonight said Tom they left Kamal's flat in Sicily at 10 o'clock and drove across the city to derniers shop they parked the car two blocks from the workshop there were not many streetlights there and it was dark come on said Kemal we must walk from here they walked along the dark streets they were both wearing dark clothes they came to the street which ran behind dounia's workshop and courtyard you see said Kemal quietly only offices warehouses and workshops nobody lives in the street the courtyard must be up this alleyway behind these buildings they looked up and down the dark street no cars no one in sight let's go whispered Kemal they walked quickly up the alleyway Tom's heart was beating fast his mouth dry with fear they stood behind one of the warehouses beside the courtyard wall somewhere in the distance a dog barked help me up whispered Kemal quietly Tom stood with his back against the wall he held his hands together Kemal put his foot in Toms hands and reached up okay Kemal whispered Kemal looked carefully over the wall the courtyard was empty Kemal pulled himself up and sat on top of the wall give me your hand whispered Kemal don't Tom I'll pull you up Tom reached up Kemal took his hand and pulled Tom put his other hand on the top of the wall and climbed onto the wall beside kamaal kamaal dropped silently to the ground in the port yard suddenly there was a noise it came from inside the workshop Kemal pointed to the side they hurried silently over to the wall and waited another noise a door opened and closed inside the workshop a light came on in the workshop and Shawn out across the courtyard Tom and Kemal stood frozen against the wall they expected a door to open and men to run out into the courtyard but nothing happened they heard peep all talking and moving about inside Kemal put his mouth close to Tom's ear this is her only chance he whispered we have to try to see what they're doing in there they moved very slowly towards the window it was so quiet that Tom could hear his heart beating at last they were going to find out what was happening there was some men in the workshop one of them was working with an onyx table lamp the lamp had been cut in half he put a small plastic bag inside the lamp then he fixed the two halves of the lamp together again Tom looked at all the Onyx and brass ornaments the cutting tools the pile of plastic bags on the table suddenly he understood what was happening all immense for export to England and inside the ornaments opium so that's it he whispered to Kemal the smuggling drugs in the ornaments Tom stepped back from the window perhaps he was excited by what he had seen perhaps he forgot where he was but suddenly he put his foot on a stone and slipped he put out his hand and knocked against a piece of wood the piece of wood fell to the ground with a loud crash a light came on a door opened and men rushed out run shouted Kemal stop shouted a man catch him second later Tom and Kemal were at the wall they jumped but tom was too slow one of the men caught his legs and pulled him to the ground Kemal turned to help tom then it was too late the other men jumped up and hold him back into the courtyard a few seconds later it was all over Tom and Kemal were prisoners chapter 13 journey into danger this way hurry up said one of the men pushing Tom and Kemal towards the door of the workshop get inside said the man Tom and Kemal stepped inside and stopped shocked Danya was standing in the workshop he had a gun in his hand for a few seconds he stared at them silently well well he said slowly our friend the Englishman very clever oh yes very clever and you his face was red with anger as he looked at Kemal he stepped forward and hit Kemal in the face Tom moved forward don't move or I'll kill you now said Danya the gun was pointing at tom get over there Tom and Kemal stood beside the workbench Daniel looked at them both for a long moment so he said finally you have seen all this he pointed to the plastic bags and the Onyx ornaments very clever of you we should have killed the English girl before then this would never have happened where is she asked tom where is Angela oh don't worry about her she's okay let's say she is a guest at my villa you'll be able to speak to her very soon I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about before you all die he laughed a cold cruel laugh okay let's go said Dania to his men we're taking these two with us the men pushed Tom and Kemal out of the workshop and through the shop to the door the Mercedes stood in the street get inside said Dania Tom looked up and down the street but there was no one there to help them don't try anything foolish Englishmen you can't escape get in Tom and Kemal sat in the back of the car with a man on each side of them the others got in the front they drove away from the shop turned on to the main road and drove across the city towards the suburbs take a look said Dona smiling is Stan bull by night so many people so much life take your last look at it you foolish young men it's the last time you'll see it what began Tom as Angela got to do with this we needed her at the beginning replied Tania she was very useful she helped us to arrange the export of the things to England she didn't know anything about our our other business but one day she left something in the office and came back for it in the evening most unfortunate for her she saw what we were doing after that I could not let her go where is she asked urgently ah I'm not a cruel man replied Dona I did not kill her I have kept her in my villa that's because you didn't know what to do said Tom exactly but we have no choice now you know too much about us what about the drugs when they arrived in Europe asked Tom that's easy replied Dania we have friends in England the goods are delivered to dealers in England and our friends buy them your fiance helped us a lot I shall soon be rich very rich the Mercedes turned off the main road and drove along the small street towards dounia's villa the car drove in through the gates of the villa up to the house it stopped near the front door it was a big villa with three floors there were steps leading up to the front door out said dona they got out of the car there was one small light above the front door of the villa the rest of the house was in complete darkness Tom looked around he was looking for a way to escape Dania saw him if you try to escape I'll shoot you he said now get inside they started walking up the steps to the front door stop shouted a voice suddenly a blinding light came on the garden of the villa was full of men running towards them for a second Dona stood frozen on the steps shocked then he ran towards the door it opened suddenly and two men jumped out they had guns pointing at Dania stop this is the police stop or we'll shoot Dona dropped gun and slowly put his hands above his head his men did the same the police Kemal said was safe at that moment the door of the villa opened and a girl ran out Tom she shouted Tom Tom turned round quickly Angela for a long time they stood unable to speak holding each other Oh Tom said Angela you're here at last he looked into her eyes and shall my love he whispered are you all right oh yes I'm all right I'm fine the police came here to the villa about an hour ago we knew you were coming the police were following you Oh Tom I was so worried that Dona would kill you she put her arms round him again Oh said Tom suddenly Angela my love I want you to meet a very good friend of mine he turned and smiled at Kemal Angela this is Kemal hello Kemal nice to meet you said Angela hello he said I've never met you before but I feel I know you very well they laughed Kemal has been wonderful said Tom without his help we wouldn't be here now oh I only helped you a little said Kemal little said Tom they watched as Derner and his men were taken to a police car how did the police know what was happening asked Tom at that moment a car drove up to the villa a man got out of the car and walked towards them he smiled hello mr. Smith he said we meet again mr. Pennington smiled tom chapter 14 time for a holiday later that night Tom Kemal and Angela were relaxing they were sitting in mr. Penningtons flat in the consulate building David Pennington was telling them what had happened Julie came to see me here at the consulate he explained she told me about her conversation with Tom then I was convinced that Tom's story was true I contacted the Turkish police again after that I tried to contact you Tom but you had left your hotel we thought you'd gone back to England no smiled Tom he looked at Angela I had some urgent business here in Istanbul they all laughed how did they treat you in the villa asked Tom they treated me very well replied Angela when my virus was very bad they took me to the doctor but I was terribly worried on the Monday you were arriving in Istanbul durn you knew you were coming because I had told him earlier and I knew he was going to send someone to follow you I was terribly worried they made a big mistake when they took you to the doctor said Tom if I had not seen you from the bus don't said Angela don't even think about it what about the car accident said Kemal how did they arrange that I wonder whose body was in the burnt-out car there was silence why they thought about that the police will have to find that out said Pennington finally it was a very clever plan of darkness said Tom very clever yes agreed Pennington and drug smugglers like durniak an make millions of pounds well it's over now said Angela she turned to Tom do you remember the letter I wrote to you Tom I said that life here in Istanbul is very interesting I was right wasn't I they all laughed yes said Tom a little bit too interesting for me after all this do you know what I want what I want a really dull uninteresting holiday in Istanbul you

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Length: 96min 50sec (5810 seconds)

Published: Fri Nov 17 2017