A Perilous Eden by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online Page B

advantage,” Tchartoff said simply.
    â€œThey’re on an island in the Caribbean,” the president continued. “The Death Squad has an entire complex of buildings and bunkers there.”
    â€œI assume,” Tchartoff said, sipping his Scotch, “you’re not intending to blow up the island.”
    â€œWe can’t blow up the island—and you damn well know it. I’d kill my own people. And if this operation isn’t carried off perfectly, it will be seen as more aggression on our part.”
    â€œI see.” Tchartoff lit another cigarette. “You know who they are and where they are. What do you intend to do about it?”
    â€œWe don’t have time to get a man on the inside. But you’re already there—and we want your help.”
    Tchartoff remained silent for a moment; then he laughed. “You want me to sacrifice the progress I have made to date and rescue your men? One man—against how many?”
    â€œTwelve on this island, we’re almost certain.”
    â€œYou have a lot of faith, sir.”
    â€œYes, I do. I’ve studied you.”
    â€œExactly what do you want?”
    â€œWell, that’s rather obvious, isn’t it? I want you to release the American men—and then I want you to blow the compound sky-high.”
    Tchartoff whistled softly, then laughed. “Why should I risk my life?” he asked. “Hell—it’s almost certain suicide. I’m not an American—I’m an Israeli.”
    â€œYes, I know. And if you’re caught and your real identity discovered, they, too, will know that you’re an Israeli.”
    Tchartoff slowly started to laugh again. “I see. If I bungle the whole thing, the United States will have had no involvement.”
    â€œYes, that’s it”
    â€œIf I cause those poor patsies to get bullet holes through their heads, you’ll be able to commiserate with the families.”
    â€œThat’s right. But you’ll have all the help the American military can provide at your disposal.”
    Tchartoff shook his head. “This is crazy. You haven’t answered me yet. Why should I become involved?”
    â€œYou were an American once. The United States gave you and your family a home when you had none elsewhere.”
    â€œI settled that debt, sir. I paid it off with three years of tramping through godforsaken rice fields.”
    â€œThe United States taught you how to fight.”
    â€œAnd how to kill. I grant you that. I even learned how not to be afraid for my own damn skin.”
    â€œI don’t think the United States did that, son.”
    Larkspur watched the president, who was still holding his trump card. He had to play it carefully.
    The president leaned toward Tchartoff. “The men holding them are your … allies, members of the Death Squad.”
    â€œWe’ve already established that.”
    â€œThey’ve not only blown up half of Israel, but your wife and child, as well.”
    The pulse was beating in the hollow of Tchartoff’s throat, and his face had taken on an ashen pallor.
    The president leaned back. “Mr. Tchartoff, we have proof of that, and I’ll gladly see that you’re supplied with it. I grant you, I’m after revenge. I want it so badly it’s like choking, night and day. I think you want it, too. And I think I’m supplying you with the one and only real chance you’ll have.”
    â€œYou have proof?”
    â€œI do.”
    â€œI want to see what you’ve got.”
    â€œOf course.”
    Tchartoff rose casually, stuck his hands in his pockets and ambled toward the lawn. He turned to the president with a shrug. “Want to tell me what you’ve got in mind?”

3
    New York
    May 20, 11:30 p.m. EST
    A dam shoved his hands into his pockets as he moved along the street, smiling slightly at the garish beauty of the bright neon lights. It was late, but the usual