Page 145 of Tom Clancy Line of Sight
“It’s rather late.” Topal glanced past him, confused.
“I gave your security team the night off, if that’s who you’re looking for.”
“I don’t understand,” Topal said with a self-effacing smile.
“Invite me in and I’ll explain.”
Topal waved him in. “Please. I’m all ears. Something to drink?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
Topal pointed Jack toward the garish living room with its overstuffed red velvet couches and gold silk chairs. It was a room worthy of a sultan.
“Cigarette?”
“Those things will kill you,” Jack said, taking a seat. His face was still scratched and bruised from his brawl with the Chechen.
Topal sat on the couch. “First of all, congratulations on stopping Brkic and his plot. You’re a hero.”
“I don’t know about that. I was just trying to keep another maniac from murdering thousands in the name of Allah.”
“An unfortunate desire among too many fanatics these days.”
“Did you know Brkic?”
“No, not directly. I’ve heard of the name. It’s common enough.” Topal leaned forward. “I thought you were already back in the States?”
“I’m extending my stay a few more days. I have some things I want to clear up before I leave. That’s why I’m here.”
“Obviously you want to clear up something with me. How can I be of assistance?”
Jack slid a cell phone across the ornate rosewood-and-brass coffee table that separated the two of them. Topal picked it up.
“What is this?”
“That burner phone belonged to Aida.” Jack smiled. “I pulled it from her corpse.”
“Aida is dead? How?”
“I shot her.”
Topal shifted uncomfortably on his couch. He’d misjudged the young American.
“That’s quite unfortunate, Jack. I’m sorry to hear it. But what does all of this have to do with me?”
“We didn’t find any burner phones on Brkic, Emir, or anybody else. Just that one, on Aida.”
“I still don’t see the connection to me.”
“Funny thing about that phone. It’s got a voice scrambler and encryption software. Real high-tech. Mil-spec, actually, according to my guy.”
“So you weren’t able to pull anything off of it?”
“Not yet, but my guy is real good. He’ll crack into it eventually.”
Topal’s even smile betrayed his relief.
“No offense, Jack, but do you have a point? It is rather late.”
