Chapter 10: Koray’s Confession

Istanbul, 25 February 1990, early hours 

Time seemed to freeze as Koray Horozoglu's eyes widened in shock. Fear gripped him, and his mind raced through a series of possibilities. Was it the Turkish mafia, harassing him once again for the debt he owed? Or perhaps someone from the Russian side, coming to eliminate him because he had hidden one crucial picture from the woman he had met in Moscow? 

Koray's thoughts spiraled as he struggled to process the situation. His mind raced, and he blurted out, "Wait! I can explain! You have to understand..." 

The person holding the gun maintained a steady gaze, their identity concealed by the dim light. Koray's voice shook as he spoke, his words tumbling out in a panicked stream. He thought the person pointing the gun at him was a member of the mafia, and he said, "I already took the pictures and delivered them! You said my debt would be cleared if I cooperated!" 

The tension in the room was palpable, and Koray's heart pounded against his chest. His thoughts raced, considering his options. Should he try to make a run for it? Or should he beg for mercy, hoping that this person might spare his life? Or if these are the Russians, would they understand what he had just said? 

Suddenly, a woman's voice cut through the silence. "Lower your weapon," she said calmly. 

The gun was slowly lowered, and as Koray's eyes adjusted further, he realized that he was not facing the Turkish mafia or the Russian woman. Instead, he was confronted by a group of individuals, led by a woman with a determined expression, who spoke in English. 

Two local police officers arrived and apprehended Koray. Maxine gave them a signal, and they took Koray to their police car. 

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Maxine and her team had pieced together parts of the puzzle of the covert blackmail operation. The photograph found in Koray Horozoglu's photo studio, the letter for a Soviet visa requirement in Canan's agency, and the debt payment note signed by K.H. were all threads that needed weaving into a coherent narrative. 

Maxine's team worked with Turkish intelligence and local authorities to find Koray's name on the passenger lists of flights between Istanbul and Moscow. With the help of local police, they planned to intercept Koray when he landed in Istanbul. They would wait for him to leave the airport and then follow him. When they realized he was going directly to his studio, they prepared to arrest him there. 

Their plan worked perfectly. They observed Koray's actions and then moved swiftly to arrest him when he entered his studio.

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Istanbul, 25 February 1990, morning 

Koray Horozoglu was taken into an interrogation room at the police station. Maxine, along with her team and a local police officer who could translate, were present. Koray was handcuffed and looked visibly shaken. The local police officer, Officer Zafer, began translating as Maxine started questioning him. 

"Koray Horozoglu," Maxine said in a firm but not hostile tone. "We have reason to believe that you are involved in a significant criminal operation. We also believe that you have crucial information that could help us dismantle this operation." 

Koray's eyes darted around the room, his apprehension evident. 

Maxine leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady on Koray. "Listen carefully. We know about the debt you owe and the pressures you're under. You're not the main target here. We're after the ones pulling the strings. Your cooperation can make a difference, not only for us but for your own safety." 

Koray's eyes flickered with a mix of fear and uncertainty. He took a deep breath, his voice quivering, "Why should I trust you? How do I know you won't just use me and leave me to the wolves?" 

Maxine's expression softened slightly, her voice reassuring. "We're offering you a chance to come clean, to turn the tables. We'll ensure your protection, and if you help us, we can help you. But you have to make a choice, right now, about which side you're on." 

Koray hesitated, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. After a moment, he nodded, a faint hope in his eyes. "Alright, I'll cooperate. But you have to promise to keep me safe." 

Maxine's gaze held steady as she nodded in response to Koray's agreement. "We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety," she assured him. "Now, let's start by talking about the photographs. You mentioned that you took pictures and delivered them. Can you tell us more about that?" 

Koray swallowed hard, his eyes shifting between Maxine and Officer Zafer as the translation took place. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. He cleared his throat, his voice shaking slightly as he began to recount the events that had led him into this dangerous situation. 

"I... I took the photographs because I was forced to," Koray stammered, his eyes avoiding Maxine's gaze. "The mafia... I borrowed money from them for my business. But then... my business started to struggle, and I couldn't keep up with the payments." 

Maxine nodded understandingly, her tone sympathetic. "And that's when they started to coerce you into working for them?" 

Koray's gaze remained fixed on the table in front of him as he spoke. "They started making threats. Even beat me up once when I tried to resist.. They mentioned my family, my sister..." 

Maxine listened intently, her expression conveying both compassion and understanding. When Koray was finished, she spoke softly. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, Koray." She paused for a moment, then added, "By the way, does the name Canan Furat mean anything to you?" 

Koray looked up at Maxine with a mixture of surprise and wariness when she mentioned Canan Furat's name. He hesitated for a moment, his fingers tapping nervously on the table, before finally speaking in a cautious tone.

 "Canan Furat... Yeah, I know her. She's the one who got me into this mess." 

Koray's fingers traced the edge of the table nervously as he continued. "Canan approached me about a month ago. She said she had a special project that required someone with my photography skills. She promised that if I completed the tasks, she would make sure my debt to the mafia would be wiped clean." 

Maxine raised an eyebrow. "How did Canan know about your debt to the mafia?" 

Koray's gaze remained fixed on the table, a conflicted expression on his face. "I don't know how she found out." 

Maxine had her suspicions about how, but she decided not to pursue this line of questioning for now. Instead, she asked Koray to tell her more about the project Canan had offered him. 

Koray took a deep breath and explained. "Canan told me she needed someone to take pictures of a secret meeting between two people. She gave me the location: a penthouse in Beyoglu. She told me to survey the location so I could plan how to discreetly capture the meeting without being noticed. She said she would inform me of the time and date later." 

Koray continued his account, his voice becoming more confident as he provided more details. "After Canan told me about the project, I went to the penthouse in Beyoglu to survey the location. I needed to plan how to position myself to discreetly capture the meeting. The penthouse had large windows that overlooked the Bosphorus, which I thought would be very helpful for the photography." 

Maxine's eyebrows furrowed in thought. "Tell us about when you received the information about the time and date of the meeting. How much notice did you have?" 

Koray's expression shifted, his eyebrows furrowing as he recalled that crucial moment. "It was... just a few hours before the meeting itself. Canan contacted me and gave me the details. It was all very last-minute." He then mentioned a specific date and time. 16 February, night. 

Maxine and her team exchanged glances, their minds racing. The information Koray had just provided matched the date Rozagin had left his office early for a "quick trip." 

Maxine leaned forward, her expression focused. "Tell us about the meeting itself. How did you manage to capture the photographs without being detected?" 

Koray shifted in his seat, his gaze distant as he recalled that tense moment. "I set up my camera and equipment at a distance from the penthouse. The large windows provided a clear view of the interior. I used a telephoto lens to capture the details without getting too close." 

Maxine's interest deepened. "And who were the individuals in the photographs? Can you describe them?" 

Koray's brow furrowed as he recounted what he had observed. "I... I saw two people in the meeting. One was a middle-aged man, wearing a suit. The other was a woman, younger than him, with long, dark red hair. She was wearing a black dress and had a lot of makeup on. She looked like she was ready for a photo shoot." 

Maxine thought that the man must be Pyotr Rozagin. And about the woman… 

"Did you notice anything else about the woman? Any specific details or behavior that stood out?" Maxine inquired, her voice steady. 

Koray hesitated, his gaze unfocused as he recalled the scene. "She... she often stood near the large windows. It was like... like she wanted to be seen. Like she was putting herself on display. She had this... this air about her, like she knew she was being watched." 

Maxine's mind was filled with possibilities. The woman seemed to be intentionally positioning herself near the windows, perhaps aware that she was being photographed by the paparazzi.

 "Did you interact with the woman at all?" Maxine asked, her curiosity growing. 

Koray shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I... I didn't interact with her directly. I was busy taking pictures. She was there for the meeting, and I didn't want to get caught." 

Maxine nodded, taking in Koray's information. "Thank you, Koray. You've been very helpful. Now," she paused as she pulled out a photo from her folder, "is this her?" She slid the photo across the table towards Koray, her gaze fixed on his reaction. The photo showed a woman with striking dark red hair and bold makeup. It was the photo Maxine had discovered at Horozoglu Fotograf. 

Maxine observed a subtle, involuntary reaction from Koray as his eyes widened and a faint blush graced his cheeks upon glimpsing the photograph. 

"Yes, that's her. That's the woman I saw at the meeting," Koray responded. 

Maxine's intuition told her that there was more to Koray's reaction than met the eye. She leaned forward, her tone gentle but probing. "Koray, is there something else you want to tell us about this woman? Something that perhaps you didn't mention earlier?" 

Koray's gaze shifted away from the photo, his fingers tapping nervously on the table. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice quieter. "I... I just... she was... beautiful. It's hard to explain, but she had this presence about her. Like... like she was meant to be in front of a camera. I couldn't take my eyes off of her." 

Maxine's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. She had suspected as much. "Do you know her name?" she inquired gently. 

Koray shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the photograph. "No, I don't know her name. I never spoke to her directly." 

Koray couldn't help but think about the flight back from Moscow when he had planned to get rid of the photograph. He had been worried about the trouble it could cause him in the future, and now his fears had come true. Someone had anticipated his move and had been monitoring his actions, leading to his arrest. 

Maxine continued the interrogation, her focus unwavering as she delved further into the details of Koray's involvement. 

"Koray," Maxine said, "we appreciate your cooperation. Now, let's talk about the photographs you took. Can you provide more details about the kind of photographs you captured during that secret meeting?" 

Koray's restlessness was evident as he shifted in his seat. After a deep breath, he spoke in hushed tones, his voice subdued. " I captured moments that were... intimate, private." 

Maxine pressed on. "So, you took photos of these people together, in compromising positions?" 

Koray nodded, his gaze remaining fixed on the table's surface. "Yeah, that's right. I... I took pictures of them... when they were... together … in private." 

Maxine continued. "What did you do with the photographs after you captured them? Did you develop them?" 

Koray's fingers tapped nervously on the table. "I... I did develop them, yes." 

"And then?" Maxine prompted, her gaze unwavering. 

Koray's voice grew even quieter, laden with guilt and apprehension. " They told me to travel to Moscow and deliver developed photographs. Canan arranged everything. I didn't know what was going on, but I was afraid to say no. I went to Moscow." 

Koray's voice trembled as he recounted the events that followed his trip to Moscow. "When I arrived in Moscow, there was a car that took me to a discreet location." 

Maxine was curious about the discreet location in Moscow that Koray had mentioned. She leaned forward, her gaze focused on him. "Can you tell us more about it?" she asked. 

Koray looked down, his unease evident. "It was a small bookstore," he said. 

"Bookstore," Maxine noted, remembering an earlier clue: Canan once called a bookstore in Moscow. encouraging him to continue. "And what did you do in the bookstore?"

 Koray took a deep breath. "I went inside, and there was a woman there." 

"And what did this woman look like?" Maxine inquired, her tone measured. 

Koray recalled the woman's appearance. "She was... tall, taller than me, short blonde hair, and blue eyes. I couldn't bear to look at her eyes, her stare was very intense. And she was scary. I just wanted to get away from her." 

Maxine was startled by Koray's description of the woman. Something about the details he provided seemed to spark a long-forgotten memory, a faint glimmer of recognition that lingered at the edge of her mind. There was something about the description that was eerily familiar. 

"Did she say anything to you?" Maxine probed further. 

Koray's brows furrowed as he recalled their initial interaction. "She... she spoke to me in Russian at first, but I didn't understand. Then she spoke in English, but I didn't understand too. Then she switched to Turkish, and we could finally understand each other." 

Russian, English, Turkish. Maxine took note of the woman's language capabilities. "Did she introduce herself?" Maxine asked, hoping that Koray might provide a name. 

Koray shook his head, his brows furrowed as he recollected the encounter. "I don't know her name. She just asked for the photographs. I gave them to her, and she looked through them carefully. Then she asked me if I had given her all of them. I said I did." 

"But we know you didn't, Koray," Maxine continued. She pointed at the photograph that was discussed earlier. "Why did you keep this particular photograph?" 

"I... I don't know why, but I just kept it. I felt like I didn't want to part with it," Koray admitted. 

"So, let's go back to the photographs. Do you have any idea what happened to them after you gave them to the woman? Did she say anything about what the photos were for? Any idea what she might use them for?" Maxine asked. 

Koray shifted uneasily in his seat, his fingers fidgeting as he considered Maxine's question. "I... I don't know what she was going to do with the photographs. She didn't tell me anything. She just took them and said she would handle it."

 Maxine's eyes narrowed as she pressed him further. "As a paparazzo, you know the potential impact of these photographs. They could be used to manipulate, threaten, or expose people. Did she give you any indication of what she might do with them?" 

Koray's eyes shifted, a hint of discomfort crossing his features. "She... she didn't elaborate on the consequences. But, well, I've seen how photographs can create scandals and destroy lives in my line of work. I can only imagine what kind of power those photographs could have in the wrong hands." 

Koray's expression grew even more troubled as Maxine emphasized the potential consequences of the compromising photographs he had taken. He fidgeted in his seat, his guilt and unease evident in his demeanor. The weight of his actions was becoming increasingly apparent, and he realized the gravity of his role in capturing those private moments. 

His voice trembled as he spoke, his words laced with regret. " I... I didn't think about the consequences. I was so desperate, so focused on getting out of debt. I didn't think about what those photos could do to other people. I'm so sorry. I can't believe I was a part of this." 

Maxine's expression remained compassionate, her tone gentle but unwavering. "Koray, it's important to acknowledge the mistakes we've made and take responsibility for our actions. You're showing courage by cooperating with us and sharing this information. It's never too late to make amends and help set things right." 

Koray nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line as he absorbed Maxine's words. He felt a mix of relief for finally opening up about his involvement and the uncomfortable truth of his own actions. He was beginning to understand the intricate web of deceit he had unwittingly become entangled in and the serious implications it carried. 

Maxine leaned forward slightly, her eyes meeting Koray's with understanding. "Koray, you're not alone in this. We're here to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Your cooperation is a crucial step towards that goal." 

Maxine leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering as she addressed Koray. "Koray, I want to assure you that your safety is our top priority. We understand the risks you're facing, and we're committed to ensuring that you're protected throughout this process. We have resources and measures in place to keep you secure." 

Officer Zafer, who had been translating, added, "We have a witness protection program that can provide you with a new identity, a safe place to stay, and constant monitoring to prevent any harm from coming to you." 

Koray's tense shoulders seemed to relax slightly as he absorbed their words. A glimpse of hope flickered in his eyes, mingling with a sense of gratitude for the lifeline they were extending to him. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice shaky but sincere. "I never thought I'd be in a situation like this. I just want to put an end to this nightmare. I'll tell you everything I know." 

Maxine stood up, signaling the end of the current session. "Thank you, Koray. We'll make arrangements for your safety and keep you updated on our progress." 

Officer Zafer translated Maxine's words, and Koray's gratitude was palpable. As he was led out of the interrogation room, he cast a glance back at Maxine and her team, a mix of apprehension and newfound hope in his eyes. 

As the door closed, Maxine turned to her team. "Let's make sure the arrangements for Koray's safety are in place as soon as possible. And we need to intensify our efforts to uncover the identities behind this criminal operation. The woman in Moscow, Canan Furat, the red-haired woman, and anyone else involved – we need to connect the dots." 

Her team nodded in agreement, a sense of urgency filling the room. Maxine's determination burned even brighter as she realized that they were inching closer to unraveling a complex web of deception, power, and danger. And with Koray's cooperation, they had a vital ally in their quest for justice and the truth. 

Maxine couldn't help but reflect on the significant role that women seemed to play in this intricate web of intrigue. The Russian woman in Moscow, Canan Furat, and the enigmatic Isabelle – all interconnected pieces in a dangerous puzzle. Isabelle, particularly, had managed to charm not only Pyotr Rozagin but also inadvertently Koray the photographer. While she admired Isabelle's cunning and resourcefulness, a sense of wariness lingered. 

"I wonder who she really is…" Maxine mused. 

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