Jihad

CHAPTER 72

Since Asad had already left Istanbul, Lia stayed with the Saudis, trailing them as they traveled on the train toward Turkey’s capital. A CIA paramilitary undercover officer got on at EskiŞehir, the second stop out of Istanbul. He got into the coach directly across from the Saudis, leaving Lia free to stretch her legs and go to the snack car without worrying too much about what her subjects were up to.

The Süper Ekspresier, also known as the Blue Train, was considered a luxury express, but that was only in comparison to most Turkish trains. The first-class compartments were on the small side and were almost all empty. The coaches, on the other hand, were packed, with people crowded into the seats. The cars dated from the 1970s, and while they had been refurbished, their dull carpets and poor lighting were a reminder why train travel had flagged in that era.

It took six hours for the train to get to Ankara. Lia spent the time haunted by memories of Pinchon, dozing off once only to wake with a start, convinced that he was leaning next to her in the seat.

“We’re pretty sure they’re getting off and going to the airport,” Marie Telach told Lia as the train neared the Ankara station. “It looks like they’re bound for Riyadh.”

The Art Room had identified their aliases and booked a pair of the CIA people onto the flight. In the meantime, a trail team was already covering the train station, tasked to stay with the Saudis until they got on the plane.

“Mr. Rubens would like you to go to Riyadh,” Telach told her. “We’ve alerted the CIA station chief there as well as the Saudis. You’ll have plenty of backup.”

“What exactly do you want me to do?” Lia asked.

“Continue surveillance. The next move may have to be up to Saudis because of diplomatic considerations,” Telach added. “That’s still being worked out.”

“Goodness knows we wouldn’t want to upset the Saudis.”

“Heaven forbid,” said Telach, for once as cynical and sarcastic as Lia. “We don’t want you to take the same plane as your targets. Do you want to catch a nap at a hotel?”

“Not worth it.”

“Are you all right, Lia? You haven’t slept.”

“I don’t feel like sleeping. I’ll get something to eat at the airport. Book me onto the earliest flight you can.”