The Betrayers Read Online Free Page B

were no raised voices, no scowls. Not the least sign of agitation. Thus was such business conducted.
    Amnon said, I’m here on behalf of an interested party.
    —What party might that be? Kotler asked.
    —It’s of no consequence.
    —Is that so?
    —Mr. Kotler, you’re a politician. You’ve taken an unpopular position. You must know that many people are unhappy with you. Some of them contacted me. Who specifically? Avi, Yossi, Moshe, Dudi. What does it matter? If I told you who, it would only be a distraction.
Who
isn’t important.
    —So then.
    —So then these people wanted to give you one last chance to change your mind.
    —You see? You say
who
isn’t important, but it is important. Clearly, if these people knew me at all, they would know that this here is a waste of time. With me, this road leads nowhere. I am a famously stubborn person, Mr. Amnon. Famous for being stubborn. I assume you’re aware of this.
    —I am, Mr. Kotler. I am a great admirer of your stubbornness. But I assume you are aware that, even without your cooperation, the vote will still go in favor of the withdrawal. In this instance, your stubbornness won’t change the outcome.
    —So then why bother with me?
    —Because the people I represent would like to see everything go as smoothly as possible. They are concerned about the safety of the soldiers and the settlers both. It is an emotional issue. And you are an influential person. People respect you. They listen to what you have to say. If you continue to speak out against the operation, you could incite a bad reaction. You yourself may not be aware of the consequences.
    —If the people you represent fear the consequences, they should be the ones to reconsider. We live in a democracy, Mr. Amnon. This is Israel, not Iran. In a democracy a man can speak his mind. When I speak out against this plan, it is not to incite a bad reaction, it is to prevent my country from making a bad mistake.
    —That is all very well, Mr. Kotler. But you have had your say. You have had it in the Knesset and in the pages of the
New York Times.
Now you are being asked to be quiet for a little while. You are being asked not to make a big production by resigning from the cabinet. Nobody is even asking you to say you supportthe operation. You are just being asked to step into the shadows for a moment.
    —Mr. Amnon, I will be as clear as I can. I spent thirteen years in Soviet jails and camps fighting for my right to come to Israel. If you or the people you represent think that I can be intimidated by this sort of KGB thuggery, you are mistaken.
    —Mr. Kotler, I didn’t expect you to say otherwise. In fact, I confess that I would have been disappointed if you had. But since your opposition will not materially change the outcome, I ask why you should martyr yourself in vain?
    —Now we’re speaking of martyring?
    —Believe me, this gives me no pleasure.
    —Mr. Amnon, the KGB read from the same script.
    —The truth is, I am trying to protect you.
    —Line for line.
    At this, Amnon let his hand fall upon the envelope that he’d rested in his lap.
    —No pleasure at all, he said.
    —Let’s try without the theatrics, Kotler said.
    Amnon smiled ruefully and tapped the envelope with an index finger. He proceeded to slide it from his own lap over to Kotler’s. He did so as if with profound regret, as if under duress. Kotler let it lie there without touching it.
    —You can feel free to open it, Amnon said.
    —I haven’t the least interest, Kotler replied.
    —Now who is being theatrical?
    Kotler picked up the envelope, felt the slickness and pliancy of its contents, and returned it to Amnon.
    —They are photographs, Mr. Kotler.
    —So they are.
    —I encourage you to take a look before you dismiss my proposal.
    —Mr. Amnon, I hope I haven’t given you the impression that we are engaged in a negotiation. There is nothing in those photographs that would lead me to change my mind. Rest assured, I have a healthy