The contact man

An excerpt of my third book and second thriller, which deals with the conflict beween Israel and the Arabs of the West Bank.. The plot is told by the protagonist, an Arab and an Israeli citizen.

The contact man

The Death Sciences

An excerpt

A man was

approaching their table, while Samir was engulfed in his thoughts, with his eyes fixed upon Leila's face. He did not notice yet the approaching man.

The stranger was a lean middle aged man of medium height, attired in a summer suit as befits the last fashion of a light green color and a pink shirt, which made a fine contrast with his dark complexion; a flimsy dark line of hair adorned his upper lip, and the top of his head glistened with oily brilliance. He came to offer them a sightseeing tour deal, he said, right after having introduced himself. He was the hotel's touring office manager.

He was invited to join their company and sat down next to their table, and without waiting to any reaction or comment of theirs; he said he had an available car for them to rent, but could not offer them the services of a chauffeur. That is all he could offer them right now, he said. They will have to drive the car themselves and they may leave the car at the Cairo Company's office on having arrived there.

At first Samir did not grasp the significance of that “coincidental” meeting, and he had no intention to make up his mind on the whole issue. But he wished to postpone the matter, have lunch first and decide later. There was enough time for such an issue yet. But one look on Leila's stern face, her pursed lips, made Samir realize the very bare truth. It was their contact man and his offer was one more piece in the puzzle of his escape route! The stranger’s message was simple and very obvious: They could have their lunch and leave straight afterwards for Cairo!

‘By the way’ wondered Samir aloud. ‘Isn't the driver that picked us at the border, your man?’

‘Of course he's, but he isn't dispensable, I can't do without him as a matter of fact. His duty is to serve the hotel guests exclusively, and within the hotel's periphery not beyond it,’ the touring manager explained to them patiently.

Although the comparatively feelings of safety returned to him gradually, Samir would have rather drive on without delay. The Israelis vindictive long arm was notorious, and if they did by that time solve the murder case his stay in Tabba on Egyptian soil, would not stop them from catching up with him. The threatening faces of those two huskies at the border, was a very fresh reminder of that long and ruthless arm. On the other hand even if Leila was a good and experienced driver, nobody can expect him to sit idle at her side while she will be driving... But if that contact man would recommend them to leave right away, would it be wise at all? If anything happens, if some car failure would stop them, in the middle of the desert, without a mechanic, or at least a skilled driver. No! We'd better stay at the hotel, and wait for the services of a skilled driver, or hire a team of two; a driver and a skilled mechanic, to escort us. That was his decision and he declared their intentions to the polite stranger. Another glance at Leila's face assured him that he made the right decision.

Their contact man did not express any unusual comments, but reminded them that their demand would be met only in twenty four hours time.

‘It isn't a bad idea to start your vacation right at this luxurious hotel.’ He added with a warm and friendly smile. ‘And I do recommend to you the hotel's restaurant with all my heart. It’s simply superb, I am sure you will enjoy it! You'll find many more advantages, that this modern complex has to offer you �" especially now after we got rid of all the remnants of the Jewish personnel... Allah be praised!’ He raised his face upwards thankfully, expressing his deep satisfaction. ‘Tomorrow I'll have several drivers available.’ He continued undisturbed. ‘By the way have you by any chance heard their latest broadcast in Arabic?’ He asked pointing his thumb towards the Israeli border. ‘An Israeli professor was murdered this very morning in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), a researcher of international renown they say; and they as usual are raising hell,’ he added with a short content laugh.

‘What has exactly happened?’ Leila asked him with an apparent innocent curiosity.

‘Well, he crossed on foot some deserted grove on his way, and there his corpse was found. Some kind of a doctor Jekyll and mister Hide I dare say!’ He added scornfully. ‘Nobody knows what he was doing there, while he was on his own; in short they're lost in thick fog. It isn't clear yet whether it was a common criminal act, or whether we did the job? But though it might surprise you, it doesn't hinder our business down here, it won't stop the Israelis rush to the Sinai. They kept coming right after the "Ras-Burka" massacre. Well they're a nation of sheep bound for slaughter, that’s what they really are. But first of all we'll empty their pockets and when the right time arrives, in no more than two more decades "inshalla" (with God’s will); we'll uproot that alien plant, and shake the earth off its short roots! “Taieb” (good) see you at my office tomorrow morning at eight thirty I'll have my best driver at your service, and do enjoy yourselves as much as you can meanwhile.’ He advised them with a warm smile, and getting up left their pleasant company.

Copyright © Haim Kadman 2013 �" all rights reserved.