Babylon Rising, Chapter 13

If you thought Michael Murphy had some unlikable qualities, then it’s time to meet Levi Abrams.

Levi is Michael’s “friend,” though this is some new use of the word “friend” that I am not aware of.  The relationship seems to consist largely of the two men simply taking mutual advantage of each other.  (And no, not even in that way.  That, at least, would have been interesting.)

Levi is an Israeli, formerly with Mossad (Israeli Intelligence), who has taken an “early retirement,” though Murphy still suspects Levi works for Mossad on the weekends in his garage, or something.

Levi invites Murphy to the gym to work out together, and takes every opportunity he can to punch and shove Murphy.  You know, the guy who was mauled by a lion mere days before.  Levi knows this, and purposely focuses his punches on the left shoulder, the one the lion gashed with its claws.

But petty acts of cruelty and pain are not all that Levi has to recommend him. 

Levi had been able to help Murphy on a number of occasions with expediting papers to get himself and, more important, some objects out of the Mideast.

Nice.  Is that supposed to sound as illegal as I’m hearing it?

Here are some more gems from Levi:

“Come on, Murphy, no coffee breaks.  This isn’t government work, it’s supposed to be a workout.”  Levi Abrams pushed Murphy’s shoulder to get him started again.  His left shoulder.

“Suck it up, Murphy.”  (After Levi has exacerbated Murphy’s injury to the point that he is doubled over in pain.)

Levi’s respect for Murphy as a fighter did not exactly extend to Murphy’s choice of profession.

Levi punched Murphy’s [injured] shoulder.

So, basically, Murphy calls Levi “friend” because despite the violence and cruelty and disrespect, Levi can get things done.  And Levi calls Murphy friend because despite having no respect for his work, he agrees to stand around and let Levi punch him sometimes.

But Murphy’s needs are simple:

“…all I need is to get Laura and me into Samaria ASAP, try to find the hiding place for this piece we’re looking for, and bring it back to Preston and have no hassles with officials and customs.  Oh, and have it cost me no money.”

Levi can deliver, which Murphy apparently thinks is worth a beating.  And maybe it is.  I just wouldn’t call the man who delivered it a “friend.”