Chapter 13: Yesterday’s Alliances

Canan Furat was well aware of the gaps between the laws of her homeland and the principles that echoed from across the Atlantic. In Turkey, the right to legal representation during interrogation was not guaranteed, but Canan had seen enough American films to know that the presence of a lawyer could wield formidable influence. It was a calculated maneuver, a card drawn from the deck of international perceptions. 

Canan's demand was a shrewd move. It showed that she was familiar with American law and that she was not afraid to stand up for her rights. It also put Maxine in a difficult position. If she refused to allow Canan to have a lawyer present, she would be seen as violating Canan's rights. But if she agreed to Canan's demand, she would be giving her an opportunity to lawyer up and avoid incriminating herself. 

Aware of the legal intricacies and the implications of their cross-border operation, Maxine and her team complied with Canan's request. The interrogation was postponed, arrangements were made, and a day was given for Canan's lawyer to arrive. 

As Canan sat in her holding cell, a sense of unease gnawed at her. She knew that the situation had escalated beyond her control. The involvement of foreign operatives indicated that the stakes were much higher than she had initially thought. She had danced on the edge of danger, and now the abyss yawned before her. 

Meanwhile, Maxine seized the opportunity to consult her superiors on the geopolitical matters at play—how the unraveling of this blackmail plot could impact the delicate balance between the United States, Turkey, and the Soviet Union. The potential consequences weighed heavily on her mind as she navigated the complex web of alliances and power dynamics. 

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Istanbul, 28 February 1990, morning 

The next day arrived, and with it came Canan's lawyer. But what caught Maxine off guard was the unexpected presence of Canan's older sister, accompanied by a retinue of formidable-looking men. The atmosphere grew tense, as if even the walls recognized the aura of power that emanated from this formidable family. 

Canan's older sister, Cemile Furat, exuded an air of controlled power, a force to be reckoned with. She shared the same captivating dark eyes as Canan, but where Canan's eyes held a glint of mischief, Cemile's eyes bore a weight of experience and calculation. 

Dressed in elegant yet understated attire, Cemile's clothing spoke of a refined taste and a keen awareness of her status. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her posture was regal, betraying her upbringing and the confidence that came with it. 

Cemile's lips curved into a subtle, enigmatic smile as her watchful eyes swept across the room, each second of her gaze lingering on Maxine just a heartbeat longer than protocol dictated. It was a calculated display of dominance, a silent assertion of her command over any situation she entered. 

Maxine's mind flickered back to the photo of the Furat sisters she had seen in Canan's office. In that photo, Cemile's expression had held a mix of warmth and pride, a stark contrast to the formidable demeanor she now projected. 

"Distinguished officers, I am Cemile Furat," she announced, her voice carrying a subtle undertone of authority. "And my husband, Gökhan Behcet, holds a position of great influence in our city. You should be aware of this." 

The mere mention of Gökhan Behcet's name cast a subtle but tangible shadow, triggering an uneasiness among the local police officers. Nervous glances exchanged like whispers in a secret conversation. Cemile's words carried a veiled threat, a reminder of the murky power structures lurking within the city's depths. 

Cemile's voice broke the silence. "I demand the immediate release of my sister, Canan. She should not have been subjected to this treatment." 

Maxine signaled to Officer Zafer to help her translate, then approached Mrs. Furat with a composed expression and respectful tone. "Mrs. Furat, I understand your concern for your sister," she said. "However, the charges against her are serious, and we are obligated to conduct a thorough investigation." 

Cemile's gaze remained fixed on Maxine, her dark eyes sharp and unyielding. "And who are you to pass judgment on my sister? What evidence do you have to justify her arrest?" 

Maxine took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "My name is Maxine Remington, and I am an agent of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. Our investigation has uncovered evidence that suggests your sister's involvement in a complex international blackmail operation." 

Cemile's eyebrows arched, a mixture of surprise and skepticism crossing her features. "International blackmail? This is quite the accusation. And what evidence do you have to support it?" 

Maxine's mind raced as she considered her next move. The room was tense, with Cemile's imposing presence and the implicit power she wielded through her husband's connections. Maxine knew that she needed to tread carefully, especially if she wanted to secure Cemile's cooperation. With Officer Zafer at her side, Maxine took a deep breath and decided to reveal her secret weapon. 

"Mrs. Furat," Maxine began, her tone taking on a reflective quality, "you and your sister, as well as your husband, are from Trabzon, right?" 

Cemile's eyebrows furrowed slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "Yes, that is correct. What does our hometown have to do with any of this?" 

Maxine took a breath, her words deliberate and measured. "Decades ago, during the height of the Cold War, there was a CIA agent, much like myself, who was assigned to Trabzon. Its location near the Turkey-Georgia border and its access to the Black Sea made it a crucial point of interest." 

Cemile's eyes widened, a glimmer of recognition dawning. "I've heard stories about those times—of spies and secret operations." 

Maxine nodded, encouraged by Cemile's engagement. "Indeed. This agent saw the potential for collaboration with certain groups in Trabzon, groups that held a deep understanding of the region and its complexities. These groups, much like your husband's, operated within the city's shadows, utilizing their influence to maintain a delicate balance." 

Cemile's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and realization crossing her features. "You're saying that the CIA worked with such groups?" 

Maxine inclined her head. "Yes, to counter the threat of Soviet agents attempting to move through the area, spreading communist ideology. It was an alliance of necessity, a partnership born out of shared interests in safeguarding the region and preventing unwanted elements." 

Cemile was intrigued by the historical narrative unfolding before her. "Did this alliance lead to success?" she asked. 

Maxine nodded. "Indeed, it did. Trabzon's strategic position and networks played a crucial role in preventing the unchecked spread of communism through the region. The shared efforts of these groups, including your husband's, contributed to a balance that not only protected Turkey's sovereignty but also shaped the geopolitical landscape we see today." 

Cemile's gaze was fixed on Maxine. "So, you believe that the actions taken in those times have played a part in preventing Turkey from falling under Soviet influence?" 

Maxine smiled. "Yes," she said. "The CIA's partnership with these groups helped to keep Turkey aligned with the United States and NATO, rather than the Soviet Union." 

Cemile was silent for a moment, taking in this new information. The room seemed to hold its breath, as if the past and present were converging in this moment. 

Finally, Cemile spoke. "Agent Remington, your words are intriguing. But how does this relate to my sister?" 

"Mrs. Furat," Maxine addressed, her tone appealing for cooperation rather than confrontation, "let's not be adversaries here. Our best course of action is to collaborate, just as our predecessors did when they encountered similar challenges. It appears that your sister, Canan, may be entangled in a scheme that has ties to the Soviet Union." 

Cemile Furat's gaze shifted between Maxine and her sister, Canan. There was a contemplative silence that hung in the air as Cemile processed the information she had just learned. Cemile turned back to Maxine. "You've given me a new perspective," she said. "My family has a history of working behind the scenes for a common cause. If there's a chance to set things right and prevent potential upheaval, I'm willing to collaborate." 

She turned her attention to Canan. In Turkish, she addressed Canan in a firm yet measured tone, "Canan, it's time to speak the truth. What is your involvement in all of this?" 

Canan was stunned by her sister's resolute tone. She hadn't anticipated that Maxine would successfully enlist Cemile's aid in this interrogation. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, leaving her with no choice but to finally confront the reality. 

Cemile asked Canan again, her voice firm and unwavering. "Canan, I need you to tell me everything. What exactly were you doing in this scheme with ties to the Soviet Union?" 

Maxine sensed Canan's hesitation and stepped in, providing more details to encourage Canan to tell the whole story. "Canan," she said, "we know that you met with Pyotr Rozagin, a Soviet official, at a recent exhibition of medieval Turkish art from Soviet lands in Istanbul. You introduced him to a woman named Isabelle. We believe that this interaction was important to the blackmail plot." 

Cemile's eyes shifted between Maxine and Canan, a mix of concern and curiosity in her gaze. "Canan, explain. What happened between you, Rozagin, and this woman?" 

Canan took a deep breath, her voice shaking slightly as she began to recount the events that had unfolded. "I... I approached Pyotr Rozagin after his speech at the exhibition. I introduced him to Isabelle, a woman I had been instructed to involve." 

Cemile eyed Canan suspiciously. "Why did you introduce Isabelle to Rozagin? What for?" 

Canan replied in a shaky voice, "To help them get to know each other better. It seemed like they needed to build a relationship." 

Cemile's expression remained intense, her focus unwavering. "And who is Isabelle? Why were you instructed to introduce her to Rozagin?" 

Canan hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting as she wrestled with her conscience. Finally, she let out a sigh and answered, "Isabelle is a French woman, someone I had to cooperate with. I was told that she had certain skills that were crucial for him."

Cemile's eyes narrowed, a mixture of concern and frustration on her face. "Skills? What skills are we talking about, Canan?" 

Maxine was pleased to see the pieces of the puzzle coming together with Canan's confession and Cemile's cooperation. However, Cemile seemed to be too agitated. Before Canan could answer, she posed another question. "And who instructed you to do this? Who was behind this plan?" 

Canan's frustration began to boil over, and she snapped back at her sister, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Sister, why are you siding with her? She's not on our team! She's an American agent who's accusing me of crimes I didn't commit!" 

Cemile's eyes softened, but her resolve remained firm. "Canan, I love you, and I want to protect you. But I also need to know what's going on. If there's any chance that you're involved in something dangerous, I need to know." 

Cemile turned back to Maxine. "Agent Remington, I appreciate the new perspective you've given me on history and alliances. However, words are not enough. We need something more concrete than past alliances and history. We need practical assurance that our cooperation will lead to a favorable outcome for us." 

Maxine thought about Cemile's request for a moment. She understood why Cemile wanted tangible reassurances, especially given the power dynamics at play. After a brief silence, Maxine nodded. "Mrs. Furat, I am willing to discuss potential compensation for your cooperation, something that takes your family's interests into account. However, the details would need to be negotiated and approved within the law." 

Cemile's gaze remained steady as she addressed Maxine. "Agent Remington, I appreciate your willingness to discuss compensation. Here's what I propose: first, my sister, Canan, must be granted immunity from prosecution. She will not be tried for any involvement in this plot, provided she cooperates fully and truthfully." 

Maxine considered Cemile's proposal carefully. Granting immunity to Canan would be a significant step, but it could potentially yield crucial information that would help unravel the entire scheme. After a moment of contemplation, Maxine nodded. "Immunity for Canan is on the table, Mrs. Furat. However, the details and legality of such an arrangement would need to be worked out with legal experts." 

Cemile's expression remained serious as she continued. "Secondly, my husband's organization has certain interests and operations that intersect with our cooperation. I expect that, in exchange for our cooperation, the CIA will provide certain favors that align with those interests." 

Maxine understood that Cemile was referring to her husband's mafia syndicate, and this request added a layer of complexity to the situation. She hesitated for a moment before responding. "Mrs. Furat, I understand your concerns, but I cannot make promises without knowing the specifics of these activities. We can certainly explore areas of mutual benefit, but any collaboration would need to adhere to the law." 

Cemile's gaze bore into Maxine's, her demeanor unyielding. "Finally, if my sister decides to fully cooperate and provides sensitive information about the plot and its participants, I want to be involved in her further interrogation. I want to ensure that her rights are protected and that any sensitive matters are handled appropriately." 

Maxine weighed Cemile's final demand. It was clear that Cemile was fiercely protective of her sister and wanted to have a direct role in ensuring her well-being. Maxine nodded in agreement. "I understand your concern, Mrs. Furat. We will work to accommodate your presence and input in the interrogation process, as long as it adheres to legal protocols." 

Cemile's expression remained resolute, her conditions clearly outlined. "These are my terms, Agent Remington. If you can provide written assurances of these conditions, signed by an authorized representative of the U.S. government, we can proceed with our cooperation."

Maxine looked at Cemile and nodded. "Thank you for your willingness to collaborate, Mrs. Furat. We will work on formalizing these terms and ensuring that all parties involved are satisfied. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice." 

Maxine extended her hand towards Cemile. "You have my word that I will do everything in my power to fulfill these conditions. Let's work together to bring this investigation to a satisfactory conclusion." 

Cemile shook Maxine's hand, a firm and definitive gesture. "Agreed, Agent Remington. Let the collaboration begin." 

Cemile's gaze shifted from Maxine to her sister, Canan. She spoke to Canan in Turkish, her voice carrying a blend of authority and sisterly affection. "Canan, I need to hear it from you. Are you willing to fully cooperate with Agent Remington and reveal the truth about your involvement in this scheme? If you do, you will be granted immunity from prosecution." 

Canan's eyes met her sister's, and for a moment, the weight of their shared history and bond was palpable. She nodded slowly, her voice trembling as she responded in Turkish, "I... I agree, Cemile." 

Cemile reached out and gently embraced her sister, a reassuring gesture that spoke volumes of their unbreakable bond. "Canan, whatever it is that you've been involved in, it's time to come clean. We will face this together, as a family." 

Maxine observed the interaction between the sisters, perceiving the intricate emotions in play. She then turned to Officer Zafer and spoke, "Please translate everything that's been discussed here for the official record." 

Officer Zafer nodded and began translating the conversation, ensuring that every detail and agreement were accurately conveyed. 

With Canan's agreement, the investigation moved forward with Cemile, Canan, and Maxine's team. They discussed the terms of cooperation, immunity for Canan, and Cemile's involvement in Canan's interrogation. By the end of the day, they reached a preliminary agreement and started the next steps. 

The investigation had taken a new direction, and Maxine was determined to navigate this challenging landscape and uncover the truth. 

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