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not sure. We think he boarded a ship on the Black Sea. There were sixteen vessels within one hundred miles of Akçakoca in the 24-hour period before we raided the place he was staying. There was no way for us to effectively track every one of them.”
    “And what does this have to do with the attacks on our people in Germany?”
    “You know how these religious nuts oppose Turkey’s membership in the EU.”
    It was Hakan’s turn to sigh. “Well not all of them, but the more mentally handicapped ones do for sure.”
    Yusuf understood the code all too well. There were plenty of devout Muslims who felt like membership in the European Union was the best way to reach that continent with their message, as it provided unrestricted flow of not only ideas, Europe had always been open to those, but also of people, most notably Muslim missionaries.
    “The only thing those dimwits don’t oppose,” continued Hakan, “is a return to seventh century Arab culture and a perpetual jihad. In their mind, Western society is a corrupting influence and we would be better off without the “inventions of the infidel,” although I have yet to see one go without TVs and telephones. Nor, do they have a problem using American rocket launchers and surface to air missiles.”
    “Well, the timing of Bekir’s arrival in Turkey and his boarding a ship in the Black Sea make me wonder if there could be a connection with what happened in Germany. Maybe he is planning a terrorist attack as a reprisal. It would certainly lead to a deterioration of relations and heightened tension. It might even inspire some of the more radical Turks and Muslims in Europe to conduct copycat attacks. It could spiral out of control very quickly.”
    “And it would put the brakes on what they view as an unholy alliance or at least slow down the process of negotiating Turkey’s membership in the EU. Bekir would jump at the chance. Besides, revenge would certainly win them support here at home in some circles.”
    Hakan’s stopped for a moment and then said, “How can I help?”
    “Well, I know that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is heading up both the investigation and the diplomatic efforts related to the attacks in Europe. A copy of the files would at least give me a starting place.”
    “Easy enough. Anything else?”
    “Bekir is already being sought on a red notice. I think we should post an additional green notice now too. All of the countries on the Black Sea must be put on the alert through official diplomatic channels. I’m finishing up my report today. It will be on your desk in the morning and you can use that as a basis for any recommendation you want to make to the Minister.”
    “That is a pretty bold step. I’m not sure the Minister will agree, but I will look at the report.”
    “Look, I know there is a fair amount of conjecture here and this could be put down to coincidence, but, in my line of work, assuming coincidence can get you killed. My job is to prove coincidence, not assume it.”
    “I understand, but I may need more than this.”
    “Give me some time. Oh, and one more thing.”
    “Yes.”
    “If we could keep a really tight lid on this I would appreciate it. We all know that Hizbullah had people on the inside before we made the big bust in 2000. There may still be sympathizers in intelligence. Plus, underneath the brothel he was using as a safe-house, we recovered video of various officials in what you might call compromising positions. We don’t know if they have been blackmailed and are working with Hizbullah, but we still have to be extra careful.”
    “I understand.”
    “Then, you’ll understand why you must forget what I just said.”
    Hakan understood. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, absolutely deadpan. “The only person I will talk to is the Minister. If he agrees with your plan, though, there will be a lot more people involved.”
    Yusuf had already checked and at least this Minister was not on