Chapter 14: Quest for Clarity

Swiss diplomatic compound, Istanbul, 1 March 1990 

The sterile and controlled atmosphere of the room in a building in the Swiss diplomatic compound in Istanbul provided a neutral ground for the pivotal interrogation that was about to unfold. Canan Furat sat at a table, her gaze steady but guarded. On one side of the table sat Maxine Remington, her eyes fixed on Canan. Cemile Furat, Canan's older sister and wife of mafia boss Gökhan Behcet, occupied a seat nearby. Officer Zafer stood beside Maxine, ready to translate if necessary, while Canan's lawyer and a representative from the Swiss embassy completed the assembled group. 

The decision to hold the interrogation at the Swiss diplomatic facility was made carefully. Canan was well-known in Istanbul's expatriate community, so it was important to find a discreet and neutral location. The Swiss are known for their ability to keep secrets and maintain neutrality, so it was a good choice to hold the interrogation there. Maxine was able to get help from a local Swiss diplomat, an acquaintance of Canan's, to make the arrangements. 

The room in the Swiss diplomatic compound exudes an air of understated elegance. The plush chairs offer comfort, their leather cushions inviting visitors to sink into their embrace. Maxine's piercing eyes, tinged with a hint of steel, remain locked onto Canan, her prime source of information in the moment. 

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And so, the interrogation began. 

MAXINE: (calmly) Canan, I appreciate your willingness to cooperate. Let's retrace our steps for the sake of clarity. You approached Pyotr Rozagin after his address on the opening of the Soviet Turkish art exhibition, and you introduced a woman named Isabelle to him. Is that correct? 

CANAN: (nods) Yes, that's correct. 

MAXINE: (deliberately) Did you know Pyotr Rozagin before this encounter? 

CANAN: (pauses) No, I had never met him before the exhibition. 

MAXINE: (focused) Very well. Now, let's discuss Isabelle. Who is she, and why did you introduce her to Rozagin? 

CANAN: (chooses her words carefully) Isabelle is a young French art historian. I was instructed to introduce her to Rozagin to... to help facilitate their interaction. 

Maxine reached into a folder before her, extracting a photograph and sliding it across the table towards Canan. The photograph was the one Maxine obtained in Koray Horozoglu's photo studio, of a beautiful woman with dark red hair in front of a large penthouse window. 

MAXINE: Canan, take a look at this photograph. Is this the woman you introduced to Pyotr Rozagin? 

CANAN: (nodding after seeing it for a moment) Yes, that's Isabelle. 

Cemile leaned slightly forward, intrigued by the image. 

CEMILE: (remarks) This Isabelle is beautiful. Although, I must say, she wears too much makeup. Her appearance seems rather... extravagant. 

MAXINE: (jots down notes) Canan, I'd like to gather more information about Isabelle. Do you happen to know her full name? 

CANAN: (recalling) Yes, she introduced herself as Isabelle Luciani. That's the name I knew her by. 

MAXINE: (connecting clues) Canan, I have reason to believe that Isabelle may have stayed in one of your properties. Can you confirm if this is true? 

CANAN: (hesitating) Yes, I did provide her with accommodation. In one of the penthouse apartments. 

MAXINE: (noting) Now, I'd like to confirm. The penthouse apartment, is it the same one captured in the photograph you just identified? 

CANAN: (pauses, then nods) Yes, it's the same one. 

MAXINE: (penetrating gaze) Canan, the photo was taken by Koray Horozoglu, a photographer. It seems he was involved in capturing photographs of Isabelle and Pyotr Rozagin's meeting. Koray has confessed that you instructed him to take these photographs as a way to settle his debt. Is this true? 

CANAN: (composure wavers slightly) Yes, it's true. Koray was indebted to us (she glances at Cemile), and I offered him a way out. In exchange for erasing his debt, he was to provide me with certain photographs. The ones you mentioned. 

MAXINE: Canan, do you know the contents of these photographs? 

CANAN: (pauses, choosing her words) I've never actually seen the photographs myself, but I can only assume that they capture Isabelle and Rozagin in a... compromising position. 

MAXINE: (nodding) I see. And what might be the intended purpose of these photographs? 

CANAN: (exhales slowly) The photographs were a form of leverage. 

MAXINE: (scribbling a note) Leverage indeed. It seems you were operating with a clear strategy in mind. 

CEMILE: (interrupts, with a defensive tone) Wait a moment, Maxine. It seems like you're insinuating that my sister was orchestrating this blackmail plot. That can't be the case. Canan might have been involved, but she wouldn't be the mastermind behind it. 

MAXINE: (maintaining her focus) Cemile, I appreciate your concern. We're here to uncover the truth, and that's exactly what we're doing. 

CEMILE: (looking at Canan) Canan, tell us honestly. Were you acting on your own, or was someone else ordering you? 

CANAN: (pauses, then quietly says) …Bürküt. 

MAXINE: (confused) Bürküt? 

CEMILE: (knowingly) Bürküt is... someone we both know, Maxine. Someone from our past. 

MAXINE: (curious) Do you wish to elaborate on this, Cemile? 

CEMILE: (hesitates) Not just yet, Maxine. There are some things I need to verify. Please, continue with your questions, and I will explain further when the time is right. 

MAXINE: (nods) Very well, Cemile. We will proceed as you've suggested. 

Maxine noted "Bürküt", and continued the interrogation. Cemile's enigmatic reference to "our past" triggers a sense of unease within Maxine. It's as though the Furat sisters are withholding a deeper layer of their involvement, a secret that has yet to fully surface. 

MAXINE: (calmly) Canan, let's move forward. Koray Horozoglu confessed that you instructed him to travel to Moscow and deliver the photographs to someone there. He mentioned that you arranged for his travel. Could you please explain your involvement in this phase of the operation? 

CANAN: (nods, composed) Yes, that's correct. After he obtained the photographs, I organized Koray's trip to Moscow. I provided him with the necessary resources and contacts to ensure the secure transfer of the photographs to the intended recipient. 

MAXINE: (probing) Who was the intended recipient in Moscow, Canan? 

CANAN: (pauses) I was given a code-name to refer to the person. I never knew their true identity. 

MAXINE: (calmly) Canan, I have evidence that you made a call to a phone number in Moscow, which we traced back to a bookstore. Koray also had contact with the recipient in a Moscow bookstore. He said he met a woman. Can you confirm if you were calling a woman at that bookstore phone number? 

CANAN: (briefly) Yes, it was a woman. 

MAXINE: (continuing) Do you remember what language the woman in Moscow used when you called her?

CANAN: She spoke Turkish. 

Maxine noticed that this information corroborates Koray's account of meeting a Russian woman who can speak Turkish with him. 

MAXINE: (raising an eyebrow) Interesting. So, this Russian woman in Moscow spoke Turkish. Can you tell me more about your conversation with her? What did you discuss? 

CANAN: (pauses) We discussed the arrangements for receiving the photographs that Koray will take. 

MAXINE: (noting) I see. Can you recall her name or any other details about her? 

CANAN: (thinking) She never mentioned her name. She had a serious voice. 

MAXINE: (scribbling notes) And did you have any further interactions with her, either before or after this conversation? 

CANAN: (shaking her head) No, that was the extent of our communication. She only said she would handle the rest from that point. 

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MAXINE: (calmly) Canan, there must have been something compelling that led you down this path. Tell me, was there any personal gain you anticipated from being a part of this operation? 

CANAN: (chooses her words) You see, my family's connections, while powerful, often come with their own complications. Sometimes we are involved in … things like this out of duty and loyalties. Sister, can I explain further? (She looked to Cemile). 

CEMILE: (nods) Yes, Canan, go ahead. 

CANAN: Bürküt asked for my assistance with this plot. My involvement is to honor our bond. 

MAXINE: Your loyalties run deep, it seems. And this Bürküt seem to be significant to you. 

CANAN: (a hint of adoration in her eyes) Yes, Bürküt's guidance has been a constant in my life. There's a connection that drives me to fulfill these responsibilities. 

CEMILE: (reflective) Bürküt's role in our lives is complex, Maxine. There's more to this story, and if the time is right, we might let you know more. 

MAXINE: (acknowledging the complexity) I understand, Cemile. We'll navigate through these intricacies as they unfold. Now, Canan, let's go into another aspect. Why did the scheme choose to target Pyotr Rozagin, a Soviet official? What was the ultimate goal? 

CANAN: (pauses, considering her words) Targeting Pyotr Rozagin was not my decision. It was part of the general plan. I was just instructed to help getting compromising material to use against him. 

CEMILE: (adding) I'd like to clarify, Maxine, that our organization is not driven by geopolitical issues. We are not Turkish CIA. Our actions come from a legacy of... well, let's say, we are continuing a tradition from our past. 

MAXINE: (proceeding) Canan, in relation to this operation, are all the participants connected to your organization? 

CANAN: (shaking her head) No, not all of them. 

MAXINE: (inquiring) Can you confirm if Isabelle Luciani, the woman introduced to Pyotr Rozagin, is a member of your organization? 

CANAN: (firmly) No, Isabelle is not affiliated with our organization. 

CEMILE: Luciani... I remember the name from the past. There was a Luciani family involved with some local gangs here about 20 years ago. Not with us. I think they worked with the guys from Afyon in central Anatolia. They were transporting opium from Afyon farmers to France. 

MAXINE: (intrigued) Is it related to … the "French Connection"? 

CEMILE: The French Connection? 

MAXINE: Years ago there was an international drug trade network which spanned three countries: Turkey, France, and the United States. Opium was smuggled from Turkey to France, where it was processed into heroin and then trafficked to the United States. It was known as the "French Connection", and it was run by Corsicans. You might know Corsica, an island in the south of France. People from there often have a unique name pattern. French first names and Italian family names. Just like… 

CANAN: Isabelle Luciani. 

MAXINE: It does fit that pattern. 

CEMILE: So, you think this Isabelle is Corsican? What does it mean? 

MAXINE: (thoughtfully) If Isabelle Luciani is indeed Corsican, that complicates things. Criminal elements from Corsica are tightly organized, like the Italian mafia. Canan, I want to know... When you were first approached to help with the blackmail operation, were you asked to provide someone to seduce the target? 

CANAN: (responding) Yes, I was asked, but I could not provide someone like that. 

CEMILE: (nodding in agreement) That's correct. Our organization doesn't typically engage in using women for such purposes. 

MAXINE: (acknowledging their responses) I see. That's why Isabelle Luciani was recruited from outside. I assume she has skills in manipulation and seduction. But it also means that she might not be entirely loyal to your cause. 

Despite their ongoing interaction, Maxine sensed that the Furat sisters were still not fully open to her. She suspected that they were following the code of loyalty and silence, and that they were hiding and protecting Isabelle. 

CEMILE: (cautiously) Are you implying, Maxine, that Isabelle could be a threat to us? 

MAXINE: Well, consider this: are Corsicans usually on your side? 

CEMILE: (pausing) No. The Afyon gang might have some connections with them, but my network doesn't. 

MAXINE: I see. However, I believe that whoever is behind this scheme is setting Canan up to as a scapegoat if anything goes wrong. 

CEMILE: (surprised) How come? 

MAXINE: Cemile, think about it. Canan's known involvement makes her a prime target. If things go wrong, they might try to pin the blame on her, making her look like the mastermind while the real perpetrators remain hidden. This is a classic tactic: using someone highly visible as a distraction. Everything that has happened so far has happened in Istanbul, and all the immediate clues point to Canan. They will go after her. I know I would. 

CANAN: (shocked) I … I … 

Cemile holds her head with both hands, her brows furrowing in deep concern. 

MAXINE: (firmly) Cemile, we need to act swiftly. If we don't get ahead of this, Canan's life could be in danger. Remember, the target is a Soviet official. If anything goes wrong, maybe it will be the Russians that will go after her. We need to find Isabelle Luciani. 

CEMILE: (determined) You're right, Maxine. Canan, can you do anything to find Isabelle? 

But Canan was in a strange state of shock, her thoughts seeming scattered and fragmented. 

CANAN: (shocked) But I thought he … How can he … 

Cemile approaches Canan, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Meanwhile, Maxine's heart raced with a mix of anxiety and satisfaction. She had managed to rattle Canan enough to elicit a reaction that hinted at new information. The slip about "he" intrigued her. Maxine used the opportunity to give the sisters some respite. 

MAXINE: I think we should take a break. Let's have a drink and calm ourselves down for a moment. If you'll excuse me… 

Maxine excused herself and stepped away, leaving Canan and Cemile to their thoughts. She approached Officer Zafer. 

MAXINE: (to Officer Zafer) I need a favor from you. We need to confirm whether Isabelle Luciani has been tracked leaving the city or if she's still within Istanbul. Focus on any recent travel records or suspicious activities that could lead us to her. 

OFFICER ZAFER: Understood, Maxine. We'll get right on it. 

Maxine contacted her team to do the same thing, then returned to the Furat sisters. The tension in the room had eased, but Canan was still distressed and Cemile looked concerned. Maxine knew she had to be careful, as emotions were running high. She took a few moments to assess the situation before deciding on her next course of action. 

MAXINE: (calmly) Canan, I understand that this is a lot to take in. We're facing a complex situation, and I believe that Isabelle Luciani is the key to unraveling this entire plot. We need your help to find her. 

CANAN: (hesitating) But how can I help? I don't even know where she is now. 

Maxine's gaze remained steady as she thought carefully about her next words. She knew that Canan's connection to Isabelle could be the breakthrough she needed. 

MAXINE: Canan, you've had direct contact with Isabelle before. If anyone has a chance of locating her, it's you. Remember, she might still be in Istanbul, and we can't afford to waste any time. We need to act swiftly to ensure your safety and uncover the truth behind this operation. 

Canan's eyes shifted between Maxine and Cemile, her apprehension palpable. Cemile's presence offered some reassurance, but the gravity of the situation was undeniable. 

CEMILE: (softly) Canan, if Isabelle poses a threat, we need to know. You must try to call her. 

CANAN: (taking a deep breath) Alright. I know a number she uses here. I can try calling it. But I can't guarantee that she'll pick up or that she'll tell me anything. 

Maxine asked the Swiss embassy representative for a phone with certain specifications. The representative quickly provided her with a phone with speakerphone features. After turning on the speakerphone, Maxine took the receiver and gave it to Canan. 

MAXINE: Go ahead, Canan. Dial the number. 

CANAN: What do I have to say to her? 

MAXINE: Just speak to her naturally, as if you're continuing a previous conversation. 

Canan dialed the number she had mentioned earlier, her fingers moving with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The soft hum of electronic devices fills the air, mingling with the distant sounds of the city beyond the compound's walls. The phone rang, each ring feeling like an eternity. But there was no answer. The tension in the room grew, and Canan's expression became one of disappointment. 

CANAN: (anxiously) She's not answering. Maybe she's no longer there. 

Amidst the tension, Canan's gaze occasionally flickers to Maxine, who watches with keen interest. But just as Canan's voice trailed off, a voice crackled through the receiver, breaking the tense silence. 

ISABELLE: (in French) Allo? 

CANAN: (in French) Isabelle, c'est Canan. 

ISABELLE: (in French, surprised) Canan? This is unexpected. Is something wrong? 

CANAN: (in French, her voice composed) Isabelle, it's good to hear your voice. I wanted to discuss something important. A matter that concerns us. 

ISABELLE: (in French, intrigued) I'm listening. Go on. 

CANAN: (in French) We need to meet. Face-to-face. There are things we need to clarify, Isabelle. 

ISABELLE: (in French, contemplative) I understand. Where and when would you like to meet? 

Canan's eyes met Maxine's, and Maxine held up a note with handwritten instructions. "Suggest a discreet location." 

CANAN: (in French) How about that pop concert at Rumeli Hisarı? 

Maxine was surprised and confused. A pop concert? 

ISABELLE: (in French) Rumeli Hisari? I've heard about the concert. It does sound great. Very well, Canan. Let's meet at the pop concert. When is it? 

CANAN: (in French) It's scheduled for this weekend. March third. I know the organizer. I can arrange for us to have access to the more private areas. We'll meet near the entrance first. 

ISABELLE: (in French) Excellent. I'll be looking forward to it. See you there, Canan. À bientôt. 

CANAN: (in French) À bientôt. 

As the call ended, Canan placed the phone down, and her gaze met Maxine's once again. 

MAXINE: A pop concert? That's an unexpected choice. But if you think it would work, then we'll proceed accordingly. 

CANAN: (nodding) Yes, I have my reasons. It won't be suspicious for her, and the crowd could provide cover. 

Maxine's eyebrows furrowed slightly, her mind racing to piece together the puzzle. Canan's reasoning intrigued her, and she had a feeling that there was more to the story than met the eye. She exchanged a knowing glance with Cemile, who seemed equally curious about Canan's motivations. 

CEMILE: Canan, it seems like you know quite a bit about Isabelle. You know her number. You're suggesting a very specific location and arrangement. Is there something you're not telling me? 

CANAN: (hesitating) Please. Not now. I... I don't want to complicate things further. 

CEMILE: Fine. But you and I are going to have to talk about this. Maxine, is there anything else you want to ask from Canan? I think this session has gone for so long. 

MAXINE: (acknowledging Cemile's suggestion) You're right, Cemile. We've covered a lot of ground, and it's been quite an intense session. Canan, for now, I think we have what we need. Thank you for your cooperation. We'll continue working together to ensure your safety and uncover the truth. 

CEMILE: (addressing Canan) Come on, let's get you home. 

MAXINE: (firmly) Actually, Cemile, given the gravity of the situation and the potential risks, it's safer for her to remain in our custody for the time being. I assure you, we will take every measure to ensure her well-being. 

CEMILE: (reluctant) But she's my sister. I want to keep her safe myself. I believe my family can protect her better than you. 

MAXINE: Cemile, I understand your concern, but I must stress that Canan's safety is our top priority. We have a responsibility to ensure that she remains protected and that our investigation proceeds without any interference. I know you want to keep her safe, but there are risks involved that go beyond your family's capabilities. 

CEMILE: (still reluctant) I understand the seriousness, Maxine, but I can't just stand by and let her be kept in a cell like a criminal. 

MAXINE: I assure you, Canan is not being treated as a criminal. She is a key witness who can provide valuable information to unravel the plot. But if you insist on taking Canan home against our recommendation, I may have no choice but to reconsider the immunity from prosecution deal that we've offered her. 

The room fell silent as Maxine's words hung in the air, the weight of the situation becoming increasingly clear. Cemile's expression shifted from frustration to contemplation, realizing the potential consequences of her actions. 

CEMILE: (hesitating) I… I just want what's best for my sister. 

As Cemile's voice trailed off, Maxine's gaze softened. She understood the complex emotions Cemile was grappling with, torn between her role as a protective sister and the larger implications of the investigation.

MAXINE: I understand, Cemile. This isn't easy for any of us. But we're working to uncover a plot that could have far-reaching consequences. Canan's cooperation is important, and so are yours. 

Cemile nodded, her expression reflecting a mix of resignation and concern. 

CEMILE: All right then. Please take care of Canan, Maxine. And keep me informed. I want to be present in the next sessions. Just… promise me you'll do everything you can to keep her safe. 

Cemile offered a faint smile, a mix of resignation and determination in her eyes. With a final nod, she reluctantly left the room, leaving Canan and Maxine alone. 

Maxine observed Cemile's departure and then turned her attention back to Canan, who still wore a mixture of relief and anxiety on her face. With a soft, reassuring smile, Maxine decided to lighten the mood before concluding the intense session. 

MAXINE: (smirking) You know, Canan, your sister is one tough cookie. I don't envy you having to navigate through that. 

Canan managed a small chuckle, a flicker of amusement crossing her features amidst the tension. 

CANAN: Yes, it's always been that way. She can be stubborn, but her heart's in the right place. 

MAXINE: Canan, thank you for your cooperation today. I know this has been a lot to handle, but your help is crucial in this investigation. Take some time for yourself. We'll be in touch soon. 

As Canan exited the room, Maxine leaned back in her chair, her mind already racing with plans for the next steps. The pop concert meeting with Isabelle was just around the corner, and Maxine knew that they had to be prepared for whatever twists and turns awaited them. 

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