Refugee

Chapter Four - Edmund.

Gaziantep is a modern sprawling metropolis that on the surface looks like any other city. High-rise apartment blocks spread out in all directions, two big shopping centres with Starbucks, Novotel, and all those other well-known western trademarks, there's even a Marks and Spencer.

The streets are crowded with people going about their business, just like you find anywhere in the world, but this city is unique. Unique because of where it is, not because it's in Turkey, but because it's only forty kilometres from the Syrian border.

The original population has expanded to accommodate 300,000 refugees from the neighbouring country and this has seriously impacted life in Gaziantep. The city has become the Casablanca of Turkey; a dangerous place where refugees mix with locals, aid workers, spies, jihadists, and the local mafia.

Nobody can feel safe because everyone is at risk, in particular Westerners, opponents of ISIS, or the Syrian regime. You could be killed just walking down the street; shot in the back. Or you might happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, when the terrorists strike.

It's difficult to know who is who. Throw into the melting pot the sweat factories that put children to work twelve hours a day, making clothes and shoes for a couple of dollars pay. Then add the hidden sex trade that exploits these displaced children. It is not difficult to see why the city is a seething body of corruption and suffering.

Ten months here and Edmund knows his way around. He is very careful where he goes, never taking the same route twice between home and office. More often than not these days working from home, in his large air conditioned apartment on the fifth floor of a modern building.

If he does need to go somewhere he is always accompanied by Asil or Tad. The two young men are his eyes and ears - his protection. One or the other is always around. It makes Edmund smile when he thinks of the two of them, because if you translate Asil from Turkish it means nobleman. Edmund thinks that description fits him well. Tad on the contrary means God given, and that has never been more true. This young man is beautiful, an Adonis, with fine bone structure and a perfect body.

Of his two protectors there was no doubt which one Edmund preferred, but whilst he admired the stunning good looks of the young man, his real preference was reserved for much younger boys.

Firas was the name of the last boy that Graham had brought from the camp. A striking boy who had, according to his friend, only just turned thirteen. That had been nearly ten months ago, and he had really enjoyed that boy.

The first month with Firas had been the best. Edmund had to confront a strong willed and very proud boy. He had not submitted easily, which made the conquest all the more pleasurable.

Edmund had his own way of dealing with such a strong willed boy. A mixture of discipline and reward, pain and pleasure. It was something he enjoyed like a drug. The addiction had built up over the years, to the point where he found himself pushing things to the extreme.

Over time the pleasure would wane, although Edmund would continue to have sex. It was then he would turn to Graham who would always be able to find a new boy. Edmund had told him over a month ago he was getting rid of Firas.

As Edmund moved around his apartment, shuffling reports, and sipping his morning coffee, he was reflecting on what type of boy Graham would bring him next. He knew it was not for this visit, but he was still looking forward to their meeting this morning, and Graham's news from the camp.