The Mark

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Prime Minister Rabin sat across from Magorum on the patio of his Haifa villa overlooking a clear blue swimming pool, the warm June sun graciously deflected by the large floral umbrella that shaded the table. Beside him, wearing sunglasses and a white cardigan, was his wife, Devorah. Elise sat opposite her, enjoying the warmth on her bare arms. Three of Israel's security detail joined them as well as Agent Vasiliev, all taking great pains to keep just enough distance to maintain the appearance of a quiet, intimate lunch between friends. Rabin's Russian was nearly flawless, which made the conversation flow much smoother.

"There are times I look at the mount and shake my head in dis belief," Rabin said, lifting his china teacup to his lips. He took a sip and continued. "Someday you must share your secret with me." He smiled.

"Befriending the Palestinians is not a secret, it is just a matter of knowing how to communicate with them." Magorum met eyes with Elise and nodded toward his cup. She reached across the table and re filled his tea, adding two lumps of sugar and a drop of cream. "It was unrealistic for them to believe Israel would cease to exist. Once they accepted that fact, then negotiations became effective. And may I say it again, your temple is truly splendid."

Rabin leaned toward Magorum. "I still fear the Syrians. They may have a good relationship with you, but I have no confidence they have accepted your terms."

"They are an emotional people but I know how to work with them," Magorum replied. "Historically speaking, your surrounding neighbors have all been difficult people. But now that they have the right leadership in place, we are all desiring the same result-a peace ful coexistence."

Elise fully believed everything Magorum said. She smiled as she jotted down Rabin's ongoing concerns.

"I do believe you are generalizing volatile personalities," Rabin cautioned. "My people have not been successful with communica tions and relations with Syria, let alone Iran and Lebanon or even Turkey for that matter. Even our relationship with you is a new expe rience for us. History has taught us to rely on no one."

Elise could sense a tension in the conversation and did not raise her eyes to look at the faces of the conversing men. She glanced at Rabin's wife, but though she was listening attentively, her face re mained expressionless.

"Oh, Prime Minister! You offend me!" His voice was not angry but amused. "Have I not delivered every promise I made to you? Ev ery time you look at your beautiful new temple, you should think of my faithfulness and goodness to your country. If your intelligence overhears some rumbling from time to time around you, that's just your neighbors voices, not their strength, being exercised. My aides labor day and night, maintaining good communication with your neighbors. We keep them happy and we keep you... safe. Magorum paused. Elise loved how he could always hold the at

tention of his audience in his hand. She suppressed another smile.

"What do you think about a Russian Diplomacy Headquarters

in Jerusalem?" Elise glanced up from her notes. This request was not expected. She looked over at Rabin, who raised an eyebrow. "You have an office in Tel Aviv. What would one in Jerusalem ac

complish?" Elise sensed speculation in his voice. "It's just a thought. Jerusalem has so much... history."

"As long as the other embassies are located in Tel Aviv, Russia's place is among them."

Magorum took a slow sip of his tea and set the cup back on the ta ble. "Of course, this is true. I know I am speaking from my heart, not my head. Jerusalem has always been of great interest to me. Someday I will find the time to enjoy it in a manner that will suit my curiosity. Perhaps then I will have the opportunity for a second home there."

Devorah stood and all eyes turned to her.

"I must see to the details of tonight's dinner." She extended her hand to Magorum. "Alexander, we will serve at seven, if that suits your schedule."

Magorum stood and took her hand, and Rabin and Elise fol

lowed suit.

"Thank you, Devorah. I am looking forward to it."

"Elise, you may enjoy a swim in the pool, if you like." Devorah looked kindly at her.

"Oh, thank you. It is very inviting." Elise glanced at the pool and knew that she would never feel the coolness of the water on her warm arms. This was not a vacation. As a matter of fact, she wasn't even sure what that word actually meant. There was always work to do, and at the bare minimum, she needed to start to transcribe her notes and tapes before the day got away from her.

Elise examined her arms as she picked up her pad of paper from

the table. A slight pink hue was appearing, and she smiled.

Sunburn? Now, there's a new sensation. Perhaps I could work out side on my computer and get another hour in the sun.

The thought passed and she returned to her work. Magorum and Rabin headed back into the house. She took a deep breath and smiled. "Never a dull moment, that's for sure," she said to Agent Vasiliey

under her breath as she walked past him into the villa. She tossed him a smile but got none in return. He turned and followed her inside. Elise knew he would not let Magorum out of his sight on this trip, except for sleep.

A home in Jerusalem? What was he thinking?

She climbed the stairs to her suite, updating her to-do list in her head.

Thomas hung up the telephone and walked back into the family room from his kitchen.

"Durbin again?" Robin asked with a frown.

"You know he always calls when I take a day off. It's like a part of his routine-shower, coffee, newspaper, find out if Thomas is home and then call him. Why are you frowning?" Thomas sat down next to her on the couch, a little too close apparently because she gave him a shove.