by Jules River
“You will get the journal, Mr. Samuels, if this is a solid lead. I always keep my word,” Faye assured him. Walt paused for a moment before he gave her the information. “I found a man in Greece who has dealt with this book, and he knows which family bought it in a private sale when he was starting out as a young assistant in this business around fifty years ago. I am sending you his information now, so that you may go and speak with him in Corinth, Greece. He will not discuss this matter with you over the phone.”
Faye pulled up the email. “Thank you, Mr. Samuels, it is a pleasure doing business with you. I will make arrangements for the journal to be delivered as soon as this information has been verified. Good day to you,” she said cheerfully as she hung up with a huge smile on her face, turning to the group with “Score!” Faye quickly relayed details of the conversation. Then she called the Greek named in the email, Dimitri Christofi, and set up an appointment for the following afternoon. The ball was rolling. Everyone felt the excitement.
***
The next day Faye and Cenric took a private jet to Corinth to meet with Mr. Christofi. The research they were able to gather about him was favorable. He was said to be eccentric but honest. Dr. Campbell vouched for Mr. Christofi, saying he had worked with him in the past.
On the flight to Greece, it did not take Cenric long to adjust to his first time in the air. He spent much of his time in the cockpit quizzing the pilot and co-pilot on everything about flying. Once again, Faye was somewhat surprised at what a sharp and quick mind Cenric had, as did his brothers. They were adapting incredibly well to all that the modern world had to offer. It sure beat them being suspicious or fearful of everything, and she had to admit it made working with them much easier.
In Corinth they had just enough time to grab a bite to eat at a lovely outdoor bistro before making it to their appointment a couple of minutes early. They were immediately shown to where Mr. Christofi awaited in his study. “Greetings to you, Mr. and Mrs. Faust. Please come in and have a seat. Ah, here are some refreshing drinks for you.” He was a model of old-world politeness as he shook each of their hands.
When Mr. Christofi greeted them as Mr. and Mrs. Faust, Cenric wanted to take Faye right there on the desk; he liked the sound of it almost too much. He could not help but give Faye a heated look, and was pleased to see her blushing as she ignored him and shook hands with Mr. Christofi.
“Hello, Mr. Christofi, thank you for seeing us on such short notice,” Faye said smoothly, even though Cenric knew she was flustered by the assumption they were married. He couldn’t help reaching over, holding her hand, and caressing it with his thumb. She squeezed his hand in return, trying to get him to stop playing around.
“It is my understanding you are searching for information on a book of spells from the ancient Roman Sorcerer Empedocles. Is that correct?” Mr. Christofi asked, straight to the point. “Yes, that is correct. What can you tell us about the book?” Faye asked politely.
“Well, as a young man I was an assistant to a dealer who brokered the sale of a book that had spells from Empedocles in it. I am the one who handled the paperwork. I can give you the name of the person who purchased the book, but mind you, that was fifty-one years ago,” warned Mr. Christofi.
“It is my experience that an object of such rarity is often kept in the family for generations, or at the very least the purchaser’s lifetime,” explained Faye. “But whatever information you have would be most helpful.”
“Yes, I must agree with you. It was purchased by Sheikh Saeed Gaz of Dubai. I hope that helps you. I must tell you, it is said the book is very powerful and could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.”
“Thank you, Mr. Christofi, we will be cautious.” Faye glanced toward Cenric, and they rose. “Thank you so much for the refreshments, Mr. Christofi. We truly appreciate the help you have given us, but we will not take up any more of your time.”
As soon as they were outside, Faye was on her phone texting the pilot to let him know to have the plane ready to fly to Dubai. They got into the car waiting for them, and Faye said somewhat dejectedly, “I was hoping for maybe an Englishman, since Arab is not a language I am fluent in speaking. Let’s hope Sheikh Saeed Gaz speaks English, and we’ll cross our fingers that he will even see us at all, much less sell us the book.”
“Do not worry yourself, I have seen how well you handle your business. You and your sisters have a mind for strategy and are capable of putting it to practical use,” Cenric encouraged as he pulled her close and wrapped her in his arms. “So, Mrs. Faust, when are we going to consummate this marriage?” he purred in her ear.
“Ugh!” Faye said as she pulled out of his arms to glare at him. “I only told him that because your name is untraceable. I was being cautious. Surely you can see the importance of using an untraceable name.” She was somewhat embarrassed, so proceeded to ignore him as she texted Lyra the information to research the sheikh so they could try to set up a meeting with him or figure out some way of getting the book.
“I like the name Faye Faust. It suits you exceedingly well. That will be your name,” he stated firmly. Faye was startled by what and how he said that, but did not show it as she shrugged with an attitude of indifference, “Whatever.” Cenric did not like that at all. In seconds he had her in his lap as his mouth took possession of hers in a demanding kiss, meant to show her she would be his. Only after she accepted his kiss and started kissing him back did he let her go. “You can deny the truth all you want, but your body knows who it belongs too.” Faye kept quiet, and thankfully they pulled up to the plane.
During the flight Faye kept busy on her computer, a little frazzled after the intensity Cenric displayed in the car earlier. She booked a room in one of the insanely luxurious hotels Dubai was known for having. It would be too late to meet with the sheikh today, and she hoped they could get an appointment for tomorrow. She would like to get this taken care of and get back to her sisters, thinking to herself that sometimes, there was safety in numbers.
They checked into the hotel, showered, dressed, and went out for dinner. Cenric did not like it in Dubai, no matter how nice the suite was; he’d had a feeling ever since they disembarked the plane that they were being watched. He suggested they stay in for dinner, but Faye had been adamant about going out. All went well at dinner and they were back in the hotel suite before Cenric felt like he could finally relax. He took off his jacket to get comfortable. Something just did not feel right to him. While Faye changed for bed, Cenric went into the living room to call Warin. “Brother, how goes holding down the castle? Is all well there?”
“All is well here...Cen, what’s wrong?” Warin was in tune with his brother’s disquiet immediately.
“You know me well. I don’t know exactly, but since we stepped off the plane here in Dubai, I have had a feeling that we are being watched. I have not seen anyone out of the ordinary, yet. We are in the hotel for the night and I will stay alert for any problems. I wanted to let you know so you and Dun will be alert as well,” Cenric said tensely.
“You take care, and we will do the same. I think we are getting close and making our unknown enemy nervous,” Warin speculated.
“I agree, brother, my dagger would sure be a comfort right now.”
“Check the bottom of your suitcase. Mira says there is a hidden compartment that contains something for you. Be well, brother.” Cenric immediately went back to the bedroom to check out his suitcase. Faye was in bed texting on her phone. “Do you know about the hidden compartment in the bottom of my suitcase?” he asked Faye.
“Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you it was there. Here, let me show you how to open it.” She got out of bed and proceeded to show him the compartment. “It has not been detected in any airport so far, thankfully.”
As soon as it opened Cenric had a grin on his face, for inside was his dagger. He took it out, seeing his shoulder harness as well. He took off his shirt and put on the harness with the dagger in place. Faye was staring at him, se
eing how magnificently savage he looked again so easily. She must have had a dreamy look on her face, because Cenric wrapped her in his arms and kissed her soundly, then walked her over to the bed and tucked her in and started toward the living room.
Faye was getting a little worried, “Hey where are you going like that?”
“I will be right here in the living room keeping watch.”
“Why are you going to keep watch? You have continually insisted you sleep where I sleep,” Faye said, confused. Cenric thought before he answered her. “I have had the feeling that we are being watched, ever since we got off the plane here,” he finally informed her.
“Yes, I know, I felt it, too. But no one is going to do anything until we get the book. That is when we need to be very careful.”
“You do surprise me, Faye,” he said on a laugh. “But I am still going to keep watch. Get some rest. I will be here on the couch,” and he left her to go to bed.
Much later, she was still tossing and turning. She finally jerked the covers off, got up, and took the comforter with her into the living room where Cenric gave her a lazy smile and held open his arms. Faye walked over to the couch, laid down on him with her head on his chest, and pulled the comforter over them. She heard a light, rumbling laugh from his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, and she cuddled into him more deeply and fell asleep.
Cenric had heard her tossing and turning for a couple hours, and was elated that she came to him on her own. He had been about to go to her, to comfort her. He missed her in his arms. Now, all was as it should be. He settled into the couch, arms full of his woman, and dozed lightly off and on, just enough to keep from being exhausted the next morning and still keep watch for intruders.
When Faye awoke, she was grumbling to herself. “I get one of the most luxurious -- and expensive, I might add -- rooms in Dubai and we both end up sleeping on the couch.” She went to get ready for the day, and Cenric smiled at her grumpiness and how adorable she looked this morning. After Cenric was dressed, Faye informed him, “My sisters have sent a team for our protection. They will be here within the hour. So maybe we can get some sleep tonight.” He gave her a cocky grin. “You did not seem to have any problem sleeping once you were on me.”
Faye just glared at him. “Lyra was able to get us an audience with the sheikh’s oldest son in a couple of hours. You will have to do all the talking, more than likely the son will not discuss business with a woman. That is the culture here.”
“That will not be a problem, you can tutor me on what we might trade him for the book.” Faye nodded her agreement. Later, they met the security team in the lobby, all of whom were well-groomed and wearing nice suits; they were going to discreetly fit into the background. Bodyguards were so common in this country no one even acknowledged them.
At the meeting with the sheikh’s son, only two guards were allowed to accompany them. The son was a pleasant-looking man in his early thirties, very polite, and to Faye’s relief he spoke to them in near-perfect English. “Welcome. I am Khalid Al Gaz, Sheikh Saeed’s eldest son, and you are a very fortunate man, Mr. Faust, to have such a lovely woman. Come, sit,” and he gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk.
“Hello, thank you for meeting with me. Yes, I am most fortunate, my woman is lovely,” Cenric replied, with slightly less politeness than their host. Faye remained quiet as she sat beside Cenric.
“I was informed you are interested in an ancient book of spells my father may have purchased many years ago. I am afraid my father is very busy and cannot tell us if he still has the book you seek. I might be able to look through his many purchases, if there was something to trade for the book that is of more interest to me,” Khalid stated boldly.
“What did you have in mind?” Cenric asked, not liking the way his eyes kept looking at Faye.
“We shall have refreshments to discuss this further,” Khalid decreed as he stood and walked to a set of doors that were instantly opened for him, ushering them inside an opulently furnished lounge area with floor pillows for seating. They rested on the piles of jewel-toned pillows while servants served a cool, sweet nectar. After some small talk Khalid told Cenric arrogantly, “I desire a new woman, and I believe your woman will do nicely, in exchange for the book, of course.”
“So you do have the book of spells we are seeking and are willing to make a trade?” Cenric calmly asked Khalid. Too calmly, Faye thought, since she was about to burst with anger, and all she wanted was to get up and beat the hell out of the spoiled, egotistical, chauvinistic ass they were dealing with. Cenric watched him closely, and squeezed Faye’s hand to calm her.
Khalid took another sip of the nectar, all the while staring at Faye, before answering, “My father has mentioned the book in the past, he could easily still have it.” He never took his eyes off Faye when he answered Cenric. Now Cenric was squeezing her hand rather too tightly, so she tried to calm him in return by rubbing her thumb across the hand squeezing hers.
Finally he relaxed his grip and addressed Khalid,, “When you find out for certain, feel free to contact me.” Cenric helped Faye stand. “I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time,” and they walked out with their guards. They were all the way down the long corridor before a servant hurried up behind them, “Mr. Faust, his highness the sheikh’s son bids me to tell you he has found the book. If you will follow me, please,” and he started walking back down the hall.
Cenric and Faye looked at each other. Her green eyes were spitting mad, and she whispered, “I am not sleeping with that spoiled…” Cenric interrupted her, put his arm around her shoulders to bring her close, and growled, “No! He will not have you. I have a plan. If he really has the book, you will distract him and I will just take -- borrow -- the resurrection spell from the book. You must follow my lead and do as I say.” He whispered the demand close to her ear as he tightened his hold around her shoulders. Faye met his eyes and saw the barely contained violence in them toward Khalid and nodded her head in agreement.
Entering the pillowed lounge, Khalid said, “I had a servant search for the book and bring it here.” He gestured to a very old large book that looked like it was actually scrolls that had been placed between two pieces of wood to make a sort of book. Cenric pointed Faye toward Khalid as he approached the table behind them that held the book of spells.
Khalid took Faye's hand and told her to sit next to him on the pillows as he gently pulled her down. He did not let go of her hand and asked her, “What is your name, woman?” as he stroked her cheek with his other hand. “Faye,” she answered in a near whisper. She was so angry at him that it was difficult to hide her disgust when he rubbed his fingers over her lips. His staring at her was really unnerving, and truly pissed her off, but she knew she needed to distract him, so she didn’t stop him when he slowly started to drag his hand down her cheek, down her neck. He was nearing the swell of her breasts when Cenric loudly growled, “This is not the book I was seeking!” Faye grabbed Khalid’s hand, poised above her breast, twisted his wrist and pushed his hand down, and pushed off of his twisted wrist to get herself up. He gave a startled yelp and reached for her as Cenric pulled her behind him, saying harshly, “We do not have a deal. Good day.” They started toward the door, Khalid’s guards with drawn guns facing off with their own armed security.
Khalid angrily said, “This is the book you requested.”
“No, you are mistaken. It is a compilation of spells, but not all by the sorcerer I am looking for,” Cenric insisted.
Khalid walked up closer to Cenric and demanded, “Guards, take him now!”
Cenric grabbed Khalid by the throat so quickly everyone stood still for a moment, until Cenric spun him around in front of him and commanded the guards, “Put down your weapons or I will crush him,” and he started to squeeze, causing Khalid to gasp and struggle even more. The guards put down their weapons. “Now lead the way to our car.” They slowly did as instructed, Khalid wheezing in Cenric’s grip, Faye at h
is back and her own guards protecting their exit.
At the waiting vehicles, Cenric instructed Faye and their guards to get in, and only when he was half in the car himself did Cenric give Khalid one last squeeze and a very hard shove as the doors slammed and they took off at high speed. Khalid’s guards failed to prevent his falling flat on his face, and he lay in the dirt coughing out orders to shoot them and go after them, slapping out at those who tried to help him. Other guards ran out to join the melee, shooting at their cars as they drove away. Cenric and Faye’s two cars were several minutes ahead of Khalid’s caravan of guards. They drove straight for their private jet, and Faye called ahead to alert the pilots to the danger on its way, instructing them to be ready for immediate takeoff.
On the fast ride to the airport, Cenric took his handkerchief out of his suit pocket and poured water on it. He held Faye behind the neck as he wiped the cloth over her lips, down her cheek, and down her neck to the top of her breast where that man had dared touched her. Then he kissed her mouth, her cheek, he kissed down her neck and the top of her breast. Faye was helpless to stop him once he started, nor did she want to.
As they arrived at the airport and began climbing the stairs to board the plane, Khalid and his entourage came around the corner of the hangar and started shooting at them. Faye, Cenric, and their six guards quickly made it into the plane after the guards returned fire, while the plane began taxiing down the runway, then they grabbed available chairs once they were taking off, Cenric looked across the aisle to Faye, expecting to see her beautiful smile and laughing eyes, triumphant after their escape.
But she appeared to be sleeping.
Something was not right; she should be hyped up on adrenaline after the car chase and shootout.
Cenric hurriedly knelt in front of Faye and saw that she was not asleep. To his horror, blood was running down her cheek and onto her shoulder.
