The Atlantis Stone

CHAPTER 45

General Basu Karimi's enormous gut was only the outward sign of his large appetites. Food was the least of his addictions. Karimi was fond of thin women, morphine and expensive liquor, though the last two were frowned upon by his religion. His face was broad, pocked with acne scars, his lips swollen and purplish from the digestive problems that arose from his gluttony. Thick black hair was slicked back on his moon-shaped head. His hands were almost dainty for such a coarse man, the nails manicured and covered with clear polish.

General Karimi was chief of the Egyptian secret police, the most feared and hated man in Egypt, a man whose name was used to frighten disobedient children. His uniforms were tailored to fit his huge girth and adorned with rows of medals. He looked like an Egyptian version of Hermann Goering. Like Goering, Karimi was a shrewd and dangerous man.

In the great political game playing out in the Middle East between America and Russia, Karimi was an important player. He'd grown rich accepting what he called "charitable donations" to secure his influence. Washington and Moscow both thought he was on their side and useful, if corrupt. The only side Karimi was on was his own.

When his aide told him Elizabeth Harker was on the phone, he felt a glow of satisfaction. His bank account was about to grow fatter. Whatever she wanted, it would not come cheaply. That she wanted something, he was sure. Why else would she call?

"Director Harker. It has been too long since I had the pleasure of hearing your voice."

In Virginia, Elizabeth put the Egyptian general on the speaker so Stephanie could listen. Karimi's voice oozed false charm. Stephanie pointed a finger at her mouth and made a gagging gesture. Elizabeth almost broke out laughing but stopped herself in time.

"General. Thank you for taking my call. I trust you are well?"

"My health is good, Allah be praised. Director, you have been very naughty. Your operatives created many problems for me in Marsá Matruh. It was very bad for business. I am unhappy."

"I am desolated by your unhappiness, General. Please accept my apologies. I'm sure some compensation can be arranged for your inconvenience. Perhaps a donation to one of your charities would help soothe your discomfort?"

"Your generosity is not unappreciated, Director."

"A contribution will be made in the regular way," Elizabeth said.

"Excellent," Karimi said.

"I'm glad to clear up any misunderstanding about what happened before. However, that's not why I'm calling. We have information ISIS is planning an attack near Cairo. I felt that because of your official role you should be aware it."

ISIS was a sore point for General Karimi. They were a spreading cancer, creating problems throughout the country. Karimi was under pressure to expose their followers and arrest them.

"Those lunatics are always planning trouble. We have handled them successfully in the past. How accurate is this information?"

"Of the highest accuracy. The attack will come soon. We believe it is aimed at your president. It's to our mutual advantage to prevent them from succeeding. I would like to assist you."

Now we're getting to it, Karimi thought.

"What kind of assistance?"

"I would like to send in my team. After the unfortunate events at the hotel, I need your cooperation for them to enter your country. They will not get in your way. Whatever they discover will immediately be made available to you."

"What do you think they can find out that my agents cannot?"

"ISIS has ties into the Western community in Egypt. My people have a much better chance of rooting out those connections than you do."

"I would say that depends on the situation." Karimi's voice was hard.

Elizabeth was well aware of Karimi's interrogation methods.

"We believe ISIS is ready to put their plan into action. There isn't much time for, uh, traditional techniques to be effective. My people are very good at what they do. You have nothing to lose and you will have the assistance of my government helping you without any appearance of dependence on the West. Needless to say, a large contribution to your favorite charity would be appropriate."

It was what Karimi needed to hear.

"I'm sure something can be arranged."

"In that case, I'll arrange the transfer of funds immediately. My team will arrive tomorrow. It's a pleasure to do business with you, General."

"I am always happy to help, Director."

After the call, Karimi leaned back in his chair and considered his options. He didn't believe for a minute that Harker wanted to assist him in thwarting a possible terrorist attack. She had some other goal in mind. The Americans were usually quite obvious in their manipulations but Harker was a different sort. Of course she was a woman, and all women were devious in their thinking.

Whatever she was after was certain to interest the Russians. Karimi had no reservations about playing one side against the other. He took out a small, black notebook and turned pages until he came to the entry he was looking for, a man who could be counted on to make a sizable donation in return for useful information.

He picked up his secured phone and called General Volkov in Moscow.