Читать книгу Deadline Istanbul (The Elizabeth Darcy Series) - Peggy Hanson - Страница 44

CHAPTER 40

“And do you know what I’ll do, Resul Efendi? I’ll go straight to Ankara, to the Ministry and tell them what I’ve seen with my own eyes. I won’t give up the fight.”

Yașar Kemal, Anatolian Tales

“I suppose it is time to talk about Franklin,” Haldun Kutlu muttered. He went to the window and scowled out at the sodden day.

“You probably think Franklin learned too much and was, shall we say, disposed of,” Haldun said, turning back to me.

“Of course I think he was murdered!” I was surprised at the conviction in my voice. Journalists are like cops—they hate to see one of their own get taken out. And they can’t stand to see false evidence tainting a good man’s reputation after he can no longer defend himself.

Kutlu sat back down, his broad gestures rumpling his hair and suit even more. “I happen to agree with you,” he growled. “Franklin was a good journalist and was getting close to some stories plenty of people could have taken exception to. My guess is someone took violent exception. Now is that person—or group—Turkish or foreign? Or some kind of mix? Without the police behind us, it won’t be easy finding out. I have a couple ideas regarding people we need to see.”

We? Looked like I was getting a colleague. Or being deputized. Haldun had obviously planned a strategy that predated meeting me.

“One of our first contacts should be a woman by the name of Leila Metin who works at Topkapı Museum. She’s an expert on Iznik tiles and ceramics. There are rumors that her brother might be a member of the Silver Wolves.”

Aha. That was in Peter’s notes, too.

Haldun’s voice was matter-of-fact and his expression bland. “She probably will not tell us about that.”