Page 88 of Tom Clancy Line of Sight

“And your father, the bureaucrat? People in government here steal so much money, and they get very rich, very fast.”

“Some of our politicians are crooked, too. It’s amazing how many ‘poor’ congressmen become millionaires while in public service,” Jack admitted. “But there are more honest people in government than not, and my dad is one of those.”

They folded the last shirts and Aida led them outside. Jack nodded at a group of kids kicking a soccer ball around, laughing and shouting.

“My company, Hendley Associates, has a charitable foundation. You should apply for one of their grants. This would fit in perfectly with Gerry’s vision.”

Aida’s eyebrows lifted. “The senator, yes?”

“Yeah. Now, that’s a rich guy. But he worked hard for it, and he came by it honestlyafterhe left office.”

“You admire him.”

“Yes. He’s like a second father to me.”

As if on cue, Jack felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He was sure it was Gerry. He ignored it.

Aida smiled coyly. “Then I can count on you to put in a good word for us with your foundation?”

“Sure. Excuse me a minute.” Jack bolted off to the soccer game and jumped into the middle of it.

Aida saw Jack laughing and smiling as much as the kids. She decided to join the game, too, and a few minutes later, more kids came out to play.

Jack was a big hit. When lunchtime came around, the children begged him to sit with them, and of course he did. The rest of the day went the same way, with Jack helping teach an English-language class, and peeling potatoes back in the kitchen. Whatever needed to be done, he did it, working shoulder to shoulder with Aida.

It was a total contrast to his normal life, not that his life could be considered normal by any stretch. He was proud of what he did back home with The Campus and Hendley Associates.

But he had to admit he hadn’t been this happy in a long time.

—

They were back outside playing with the kids again when Aida checked her watch.

“There will be another bus arriving here any minute. We should greet it.”

“Let’s go.”

They left the kids and their teacher kicking a soccer ball around and headed for the front gate just as a gleaming black Audi A8 sedan pulled up to the front office. The driver’s door opened and a suited chauffeur leaped out, then opened the rearpassenger door. Ambassador Topal unfolded himself from the sedan and stood.

“Ambassador, it’s so good to see you,” Aida said.

Topal smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling beneath his steel-rimmed glasses. He stretched out his hand. “My dear Aida, hard at work as usual, I see.” He glanced at Jack. “And I see you’ve recruited another volunteer.” He extended his hand to Jack. “Good to see you again, Mr. Ryan.”

“Please, Your Excellency. It’s just Jack.”

“What do you think of our little oasis?” Topal asked.

Aida explained, “The ambassador is the chairman of the Peace and Friendship Association. He has raised nearly all of the money from private contributions in Turkey for our facility.”

“It’s a wonderful place, and a very generous thing you are doing for these people.”

Jack saw over Topal’s shoulder that a giant Happy Times! tour bus was making a wide turn from the road toward the gate. Jack felt a tug on his shirtsleeve. An eight-year-old girl, dirty-blond and green-eyed, stared up at him, smiling.

“Please, Jack? Come play more?”

Jack shrugged and said to Topal, “I think I’m being drafted into service.”

“Then you should serve, as any good soldier does,” Topal said, smiling.