“She could present the deal like this. If the PLO invested with her, they would control vast amounts of raw diamonds. With that, they could undermine Israel’s economy by going into direct competition with the Israeli diamond industry and the Israeli cutters.”

“So who would cut their stones?” Rina said. “With the Israelis out, there go the best cutters in the world. And VerHauten wouldn’t dare deal with the upstarts.”

“They could develop their own cutters,” Marge said. “A good industry for a fledgling country.”

“A skill like that takes ages to learn,” Rina said. “And even if they did, the stones would be second-rate. The brilliance of a diamond is as much in the cutting as it is in the raw stone. To get any kind of competitive edge, the Arabs would virtually have to annihilate all the Israeli cutters. Even they’d have a hard time doing that.” She paused. “Unless they’re planning to blow up the Bursa.”

Decker heard her words. Then he broke out in a cold sweat.

35

Jet lag was a blessing in disguise. While the country slept, Decker was in high gear, his body fueled by urgency. He cut his conversation with Marge and began raking through his coat.

“Elhiani gave me his card.” Decker pulled something out of his pocket. “Damn! It’s his work number.”

Rina took the card. “We’ve got to start somewhere.” She dialed the digits. It took a long time for someone to answer. Not unusual, considering it was four in the morning. As calmly as she could, Rina related the emergency nature of the call, the necessity to speak to Mefakeah Elhiani directly. A moment later, Rina placed her hand over the receiver.

“I’m on hold.”

Decker covered his face with his hands, then looked up. “He’s going to think I’m crazy, you know. I’d think I was crazy. Because what I’ve got is a house of cards. If there’s a glitch in any of my suppositions, the whole thing’s going to come tumblin’ down.”

“What’s the alternative? Letting the Bursa blow up?”

“Yeah, you’re right. So I’ll look like a fool. Better that than…” Decker began to pace. “I hate being here. Out of my element. My investigation completely stymied because I don’t know the friggin’ rules!” He stopped walking and ran his hands through his hair. “Hell with the self-pity, Deck. First things first. Get hold of Elhiani.”

“I’m trying!” Rina felt her husband’s desperation. “Should I hang up and call back?”

“No.” Decker checked the clock. Four-twelve. “No, don’t hang up. If need be, I’ll call from another phone.”

He laughed softly, imagining himself trying to communicate with a night operator without Rina’s help.