The Evolution of Fear (Claymore Straker #2) - Paul E. Hardisty Page 0,93

Cyprus, for its government and people, must be whether this issue makes any material difference to our prosperity, to our economy. Frankly, I do not believe that the majority cares, or is even aware.’ He smiled across the table at his improbable companion. ‘What do you think, Katia?’

The redhead looked at him as if surprised to be invited into the conversation. She glanced around the table, settled her witch-hazel eyes on Clay. ‘Animals have as much right to exist as humans,’ she said in good, slightly accented English. ‘Sometimes, I like animals better than people.’

Clay smiled at her. He guessed Poland, Ukraine perhaps, mid-twenties but she looked older.

‘An emotional response,’ said Dimitriou. ‘Illogical.’

‘Not at all, Minister,’ said Hope. ‘The concept of animal rights, of other species’ unalienable right to exist, is firmly entrenched in modern ethics. We cannot be so arrogant as to assume that we are the only form of life worthy of the right to exist, nor can we be so ignorant as to believe that we can exist without the web of life that supports us.’

‘Noble sentiments, Doctor.’ Chrisostomedes motioned for glasses to be refilled. ‘But here in Cyprus, as long as illegal invaders remain – invaders who have murdered our people, stolen our land – there will be few who will have the inclination to bother with such matters. Conservation is failing here, Doctor, because the Turk has no regard for nature. Examine the history of Ottoman rule, from Iraq to Lebanon, and you will find a story of plunder, waste, devastation and murder.’

Clay looked at him across the length of the table. ‘Have you ever been to Kizildag in Isparta?’ he said.

Chrisostomedes looked up at him. ‘Pardon me, Doctor?’

‘Drop the Doctor,’ said Clay. ‘I said: have you ever been to Kizildag in Isparta?’

Chrisostomedes took a sip of wine, placed the glass on the table, looked down at it as he twirled the stem around on the tablecloth. ‘No, Mister Greene, I have not been to Turkey.’

‘A sixty-thousand hectare national park. Some of the best remaining cedar forest in the world. Great hiking.’

Hope beamed at him. So did Katia.

Dimitriou frowned and Katia’s smile disappeared. ‘The point is this,’ he said, clanking his spoon into his empty bowl. ‘Most people are ambivalent at best. But when it becomes a choice between protecting a bunch of reptiles and economic progress, then most reasonable people are going to choose progress. That may sound harsh, but it is the truth.’

Hope hung her head. ‘You know, Minister, ten years ago I would have argued against you until all the wine was gone, and then some. I would have told you that tourists come to a beautiful place to see beautiful things, to swim in clean seas, to see marvellous creatures in their natural habitat, to walk in unspoiled forests. I would have argued, and have on many occasions, that those tourists generate huge revenues, and that unlike oil, or gas, or coal, which you dig out once and then it’s gone, a country’s natural ecosystems are renewable assets that can continue to generate economic benefits as long as they stay healthy and functioning. But now, I’m not sure anymore.’

‘I’m in that business, Doctor Bachmann,’ said Chrisostomedes. ‘And I can tell you that the modern tourist is too exhausted to aspire to anything more than a comfortable bed, sunshine, a pool, a white sandy beach to lie on, and a good meal at the end of the day. The vast majority have no interest in wildlife, particularly if it requires some effort to see. It’s dangerous and messy. And while personally I am very fond of nature, as you can see,’ he moved the blade of his hand from left to right, ‘I am afraid, Doctor, that your newfound cynicism is absolutely warranted.’

Katia drained her glass, put it down. ‘I love hiking,’ she said. ‘And scuba.’

‘Shut up, Katia,’ hissed Dimitriou.

‘Well I do.’

Dimitriou shook his head and waved for more wine.

‘So do I,’ said Clay.

‘I’ve never seen a sea turtle in the wild,’ she continued, bending down to adjust her shoe. ‘But I would love to.’

Dimitriou glared at her. ‘Stupid girl.’

‘Well I would,’ she pouted.

‘It’s unforgettable,’ said Hope. ‘They are beautiful creatures, perfectly evolved over millions of years.’

‘Evolution,’ laughed Chrisostomedes. ‘The Earth and everything in it was created, my dear, by God. Nothing evolved.’

Hope put her spoon down, open-mouthed.

Something bumped Clay’s leg. He moved his hand under the table. It was a foot, bare, surprisingly soft. Katia beamed at him, wiggled her toes.