Page 26 of Samson

“But your family fled the Ottoman Empire during that time.”

“You think someone is trying to finish what they started back in World War One?”

“It’s one thought I had, for lack of a better explanation. We’ve got someone with ties to the Turkish embassy taking out Armenians.”

“That’s a long grudge to keep.”

“I thought you might know someone.”

“My mother’s background is very American. English and Irish way back. Besides some Armenian DNA, I have nothing to do with Armenia.”

“I thought you had something going years ago.”

“Where’d you hear that?”

“People talk. Rumors that have substance tend to stick around.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“About ten years, wasn’t it?”

“Fanatics were targeting Armenian businesses. People were being killed. I intervened.”

“And?”

“And more people got killed.”

“Christians?”

“Some.”

“How come I haven’t heard more about this?”

“It was very low profile. Strategic murders. It was more about who than how many, and it wasn’t confined to one state.”

“But it’s still happening?”

“People all over the world are killed for their beliefs every day. I did what I could to help those on American soil, and now I’ve moved on.”

“Do you think your thing could be connected to this?”

Samson’s jaw flexed. “No.”

“Well, this thing I’m working on has a pointy end on it. Once they’ve got what they need, they’re going to make their move. No more drive bys. It will be big. I had hoped you knew Demir, but I still want you involved.”

“The name’s familiar, that’s it.”

“Familiar?”

“Demir is a common name in Turkey. What about Marc Rubin? That’s not a Turkish name or Armenian.”

“He’s not either. That’s why we think he’s hired muscle.”

“Then how is he hiding behind immunity?”

“They’re protecting him.”

“You’re sure?”

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