Tess Awakening (15 page)

Chapter 21

Tess came down the staircase wearing a
simple, revealing Missoni dress that probably cost a fortune.

Amir was waiting for her, and led her to the
car waiting outside. The driver negotiated the winding lanes
leading to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and dropped them off in front of a
charming restaurant. They were led to a nice table next to a large
window affording a look at the busy street full of people enjoying
the evening.

Jacques, the owner, came to the table, and it
was obvious that he knew Amir. Tess noticed a raspberry dessert
delivered to other diners. Jacques noticed Tess’s interest and said
he would save a serving of raspberries for them and serve them in
the way they preferred after dinner. Tess chose dark raspberries
and vanilla ice cream.

Jacques’ daughter came to serve them. Tess
noted that she was beautiful, intelligent, and probably a past
conquest of Amir’s. The waitress approached their table and greeted
him with an affecting smile and a knowing, seductive look,
confirming Tess’s suspicion. “I guess that Amir would expect
nothing less than gorgeous,” she thought.

The waitress started speaking in flawless
English, but Tess told her in French that it was not necessary. The
woman smiled and proceeded to suggest several dishes that were
particularly good tonight. She then brought a nice bottle of
Sauvignon Blanc. Tess ordered an appetizer of scallops with pumpkin
risotto for both of them. She had an entree of stuffed octopus and
Amir had venison medallions in red wine sauce. Predictably, the
food was delectable.

The ambiance along the bay overlooking the
boats in the harbor and the hills in the background completed the
picture of a perfect evening.

They kept the conversation light. Amir talked
a bit about himself.

“I am proud of my heritage. My family
originated in Turkey, that’s why my middle name is Alkan. During
the time of the Ottoman Empire, my ancestors rose to prominence by
serving the Sultans well. They held important government and
military posts. They participated in the conquests of
Constantinople, Anatolia, and Greece. They were even present at the
siege of Vienna in 1683. The Ottomans almost succeeded in taking
the city. Had that happened, Europe today would be Muslim.”

Tess shuddered at the thought but forced
herself to avoid unpleasant remarks. She was always a voracious
reader and added her two cents’ worth to the topic.

“From what I know, the Ottoman Empire at one
time consisted of an amazing amount of conquered lands. I believe
they ruled Anatolia, Greece, the Balkans, and Hungary, not to
mention most of North Africa, Egypt, the Middle East and coastal
Arabia.”

Amir was impressed. “Well done, my dear. You
have a brain behind that pretty face.”

“And you are patronizing, Amir. Anyway, my
point is that it’s hard to determine what a Turk’s bloodline really
is today.”

“We are not Arabs if that is what you are
trying to say.”

“That’s my point. European lands
significantly contributed to what we now call the gene pool of
Turkey. This goes beyond the Sultan’s predilection for women that
they imported for the imperial harems. Also, for years, as you
know, the Sultans formed legions of crack troops called
Janissaries. These were made up of Christian boys recruited
specifically to become warriors. The Ottomans scoured their empire,
especially the Balkans every five years for the strongest sons of
the sultan’s Christian subjects. These boys usually were between
the ages of 6 and 14. They were then taken from their parents and
given to Turkish families to learn the Turkish language and
customs, and the rules of Islam.”

“That’s true, added Amir. “The Sultanate
indoctrinated the recruits into Islam and had eunuchs supervise
them 24 hours a day. The boys were subjected to severe discipline,
were prohibited from growing a beard, taking up a skill other than
soldiering, and marrying. As a result, the Janissaries developed
into extremely well-disciplined troops.

Tess continued. “I remember history classes
that portrayed the Janissary troops as relentless and ferocious.
They rarely gave up and became one of the first models of a
professional army.”

Amir took a sip of wine. “They also became
too big for their britches and were eventually dissolved as a
military organization, but they remained as administrators and
dignitaries.”

“My point, Amir, is the Turks today are for
the most part of Aryan blood, closer to the European than the Arab
peoples.”

“Tess, you are a treasure. I have never met a
woman that could talk about such things as comfortably as you do. I
was right…you are special.”

“Hold the flattery, Amir. I just like
history.”

“Let’s talk about you, Tess. Tell me more
about yourself. What do you like to do when you are not shooting
people?”

Tess made an effort to control her temper.
The patronizing bastard can’t resist pushing buttons. “I don’t have
much time for frivolities. When I can, I like to ride horses and
drive nice cars. My father bought me a convertible Mercedes that I
like to drive in the country, admittedly too fast. I love the feel
of power, and I enjoy controlling the machine.”

Amir now felt that he might have a bait to
use. “I have personal contacts at Ferrari and Aston Martin. If you
like fast cars, they can build one just for you, including
beautiful interiors to suit your taste.”

“They do make great cars.”

“And what else do you like to do?”

“I like to read poetry and sometimes I play
the piano.”

“Marvelous. I love music. Perhaps you can
play for me sometime.”

After dinner, their driver picked them up and
drove them to the house. Tess nostalgically reflected that Jake
would have insisted on walking through the town, enjoying the
people, sights, and smells. She also felt guilty.

Amir and Tess retired to a magnificent salon
in the house. He offered her a brandy which she accepted. Tess
asked him if he knew what was happening in Iraq. Amir shook his
head. “Iraq is destroyed. The government and the Army are
dissolved. I am no longer a General. Chaos has started, and I don’t
know if it makes sense to go back.”

“Don’t you want to help rebuild the
country?”

“I don’t know if I can. I am afraid that the
invasion has unleashed Armageddon. The Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds
are at each other’s throats. Iran is working on nuclear weapons.
Assorted terrorists have been unleashed not only in Iraq but Syria.
I have no ready answers.”

Amir’s mood had visibly darkened. “Perhaps we
should retire for the night. Rest well, Tess.”

“Amir, may I see Aara?”

“I will have the nurse take you to her.”

Tess was led to the child’s room. Aara was
sleeping, hugging a stuffed toy. Tess leaned over and softly kissed
the child. A desire to nurture and love the innocent, helpless
little creature overcame her.

Almost angry at herself for succumbing to
feelings she never knew she was capable of having, she returned to
her suite. She quickly changed into nightclothes and sat in the
dark with a glass of Cognac.

Confusion started to possess her. She thought
that she came here to fulfill a promise to a woman that had saved
her life—nothing more. Now she confronted an unwanted redefinition
of who she was. She had always controlled her emotions. She was a
warrior. She was always in charge. She was not a mother.

Yet she could no longer curb her emerging
maternal impulses. To her distress, her body was transforming. She
could no longer control a pulsating feeling in her loins. She
started to panic. She felt a longing in her body and soul. She felt
completely lost. “Jake,” she cried.

Chapter 22

Breakfast was served in her room. Tess felt
that she was not presentable enough to join Amir in the breakfast
room overlooking the gardens. Her eyes were swollen and her face
was pale.

She had to work more than usual to apply
makeup. The plan was to fly to Paris for a couple of days. Amir
wanted her to do some shopping.

They boarded the Gulfstream jet. Amir
presented her with the plan.

“I have arranged for a private showing at
Chanel, Dior and Balmain so you can get decent clothes. We will
also visit a jewelry store.”

“Amir, I said before that I don’t want
anything!”

“You agreed that during your time here, you
will do as I please. I only associate with people that meet
exacting standards and dress and demeanor. I want to display your
beauty. It pleases me.”

Tess folded her arms, seething.

The jet landed in Paris, and a limo picked
them up at the tarmac. “Certain people don’t want to waste any time
at the terminal,” Tess observed.

They quickly sped off. Tess had been to Paris
several times. During high school, she spent a year there studying
French. As much as she loved the city, she was conscious that the
grim, dilapidated surrounding suburbs were in stark contrast to the
impressive downtown neighborhoods. The outlying areas were mainly
populated by Muslim immigrants from Algeria, and the environment
exuded decay and desperation. The limousine quickly passed through
the wretched areas and sped through the glorious streets of the
central city. Tess observed loudly: “Napoleon the Third did a good
job, or perhaps the credit should go to his architects.”

“It is very beautiful,” responded Amir,” but
I prefer London.”

‘I am sure he does,’ Tess thought, ‘the first
time I talked to him in Iraq he was bragging about his splendid
English mistresses.’

The limo stopped in front of the Hôtel Plaza
Athénée. With its views of the chestnut trees lining the full
length of the avenue Montaigne, panoramas of the Eiffel Tower,
Montmartre and the sweep of Paris rooftops, the hotel was the
epitome of luxury. ‘Of course, nothing but the best’ thought
Tess.

Some bellhops and attendants quickly brought
them to their rooms. The baggage followed. Tess felt increasingly
managed. There was virtually no room for spontaneity in the
routine. Everything was defined in advance and executed flawlessly
by Amir’s employees, working almost anonymously.

Amir came into Tess’s luxurious room and made
sure everything was satisfactory to her. He then announced that
they were to meet his younger sister in the hotel’s famous
restaurant. Tess instantly reacted. “Amir, I am not sure it is
appropriate for me to see your family. It’s not that we are getting
married.”

“Alas, true. But my sister wanted to see me,
so it can’t hurt if we have lunch with her.”

“Here we go again. You are still controlling
everything.”

“Not to worry, my dear. My sister is a lovely
person.”

There was nothing to do but take the elevator
to the dining room. Amir saw his sister and embraced her. Then he
introduced her. “Tess, this is my sister Fadime.”

“Very pleased to meet you, Fadime; you have a
beautiful name.”

“And you are Tess. Amir can’t stop talking
about you. Now I see why.”

The women checked each other out. Fadime was
gorgeous. Perfect round face, beautiful figure and eyes like Aara
might have in the future when she grew up. She also had raven black
hair, and deep pools of mysterious black pupils framed by enormous
eyes; an exotic beauty, exuding class.

Fadime invited them to sit. A waiter poured
glasses of Cristal Champagne.

“I have asked Fadime to make appointments for
us at Chanel, Dior and Boucheron for jewels. We are good clients of
theirs.”

Fadime raised her glass and looked at Tess.
“Tess, you should be happy. Clothes and jewels make every woman
happy.”

Tess took a sip of expensive champagne. “I
have simple tastes, Fadime. In the Army, you do not get to indulge
in such fine things.”

“How interesting; do tell me about your
adventures. I can’t imagine a beautiful woman like you shooting
people from a helicopter.”

“I am more on the search and rescue side.”
Tess declined to elaborate.

The food arrived, and the trio engaged in a
casual conversation about Paris and its many pleasures. Fadime knew
the city very well. “I like to come here often. Hotel Plaza Athénée
is surrounded by Paris’s most exclusive designer shops on Avenue
Montaigne. You can go to Christian Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton,
Prada, Céline, Valentino, and Hermès. This location is also close
to Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré and several Paris museums and
galleries including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Grand Palais
and the Eiffel Tower. I just love it.”

‘This woman has no clue that there are real
people out there,’ Tess thought.

Eventually, Fadime suggested that the ladies
should freshen up their makeup.

Seating on beautiful upholstered chairs in
the splendid ladies’ lounge, Fadime lit a cigarette. “I am
impressed with you, Tess. Usually, Amir’s women are very interested
in beautiful things; acquisitive I suppose.”

“Fadime, I am not one of Amir’s women. I am a
friend that will help Aara, the little girl, find a permanent
home.”

“I apologize. Amir did not explain your
relationship very well. I just assumed that there was a romantic
vibe between the two of you. Many of his conquests look the same:
tall, thin and blonde.”

Tess bristled. “Well, I am not one of those
women. I am a soldier.”

Fadime continued as if Tess said nothing.
“Turkish men adore foreign girls, even today. It must be in their
genes. The Ottoman sultans always had foreign women. They took
beautiful girls as slaves from the lands the Ottomans conquered,
which at the time was practically half of the world. The prettiest
and smartest of these girls ended up in the Ottoman Palace and
became concubines and mothers to Sultans.”