by Sandra Dee
Moments later I was passing the parking lot in downtown Thira. At full speed I jerked the steering wheel and pulled into an empty parking space. Jeeps are not the easiest vehicles to maneuver, so I stopped just inches from another car. Sadly, I was clearly visible in the open jeep. While I waited for the white car to round the corner, my heart was crowding into my throat. Other cars passed, and I began to wonder if it had turned onto a side street. Just as I began to relax, a white car driven by a blonde man went by slowly. I didn't get a good look because I ducked down to hide. The Santorini afternoon was pretty warm, and sweat was already trickling down my back.
The jeep shuddered and someone jumped into the other seat with a thump. I tried not to scream, but some emotions can't be controlled.
"Don't shout, Alexa. We all want to avoid the police."
When I saw Sharon sitting beside me, I started to scream again. She quickly put one hand over my mouth, and I almost bit her.
"Just wait until you hear me out, and then you can shout yourself hoarse. In fact, I'll get out and leave you alone after you see this."
Sharon pushed an electronic tablet into my lap and quickly pressed a few buttons. Newspaper articles popped onto the screen, and all the headlines were about missing funds at an investment company. It was the firm where Rex and Sharon worked!
My mouth fell open. So Rex had embezzled all that money from his firm and then fled to Europe?
"So why are you showing this to me? Did you help Rex steal a billion dollars? Are you his partner in crime? Were you with him in the white car? If he sent you to bribe me or threaten me, it won't work. I don't want to spend the rest of my life in a foreign jail awaiting trial, or any jail for that matter." While I was wondering what to do next, the white car pulled up behind us and blocked my exit. My fear level rose beyond panic, and I started to jump out of the jeep. I had one leg over the door when the strange man from the white car put his hand on my shoulder.
"Alexa Jordan, meet Eric Strang. As you can see, I was in the white car with him, not Rex. Eric is a member of European law enforcement. You know, the one that has jurisdiction all over the E.U.? They spend a lot of time trying to recover stolen art, but they also team up with the U.S. government and the FBI to catch the bad guys. Sometimes a Swiss bank agrees to help out. I'd be more specific if I could, but..."
Eric didn't speak, but he didn't take his hand off my shoulder either. I noticed he had blonde hair and was just a bit shorter than Rex. He was obviously the man Anne had seen with Sharon in Oia. I slid back into the seat and replied, "Swiss banks don't help U.S. law enforcement. They have very secret accounts."
"Things have changed, Alexa. Some of the Swiss banks are secretly helping in a lot of ways. They aren't advertising it, but there have been several stories about it on the tv news. To be perfectly honest, I had two reasons to come here. As your friend, I wanted to warn you and keep you safe. I also have something to confess. Eric and I were following Rex in Switzerland, but we lost him. He must be traveling under another name with a forged passport. We've been watching your hotel from the parking lot, hoping to catch Rex." She smiled and put her hand on my arm. Now I had two people holding me.
"Sharon, I'm not sure what is happening here, but you and Eric are scaring me to death. The other day you were working for Rex, then you were engaged to him, and after that you were a blackmailer. Now you are back on the island, and I don't know if you are a criminal, Rex's lover, or the biggest liar on earth. Did you ever go back to New York?" The sun was very hot, and I began to feel dizzy.
"No, I changed my reservations in Athens and went to straight to meet Eric in Switzerland."
"Now, explain why you would do that. I thought you were going to move up to a new job, a new opportunity. You didn't quit for a better job. Rex fired you, didn't he?"
"I left because I was an FBI informant, but now I have been accepted as an FBI trainee. When I turned over my evidence to the government, I had to leave the investment firm. Staying that close to Rex endangered everything. I had to quit. Coming here with you seemed like the perfect way to keep in touch with the situation. Then I got worried about you. It was a serious crime, and I thought you might be in danger. I phoned Rex before I left Santorini and persuaded him to break up with you. To make sure you stayed away from him, I later phoned the hotel and pretended to be engaged to him. I couldn't risk that you'd be taken in by his lies. I wanted to make sure you would be safe. Since I was already in Europe, I stayed on to help with the bank situation. Today we hit the jackpot, but..."
"Exactly what kind of jackpot? Isn't the FBI a domestic law enforcement agency? Don't you have to stay in the United States? Are you going to arrest me or something? Notice that I am not with Rex. I know he came to my apartment, but I ran away from him as fast as I could. I didn't ask him to come to Santorini. In fact, I thought he was still in New York."
"The jackpot is that I got to warn you, and we caught up with Rex as a bonus. The FBI works all over the world. The government even has FBI agents in Iraq. But right now we have a problem, and we need some help. Today Rex was predictable, but we can't afford to lose him again. He has the means to buy any identity he needs. I can't get on a plane with him. He knows me too well. Even if I wore a disguise, he might spot me. We aren't sure where he will go after he gets off the island or what he plans to do with that bag of cash." Sharon was growing red in the face.
"I can help you with that. He is going straight to Paris to pick up a large, private plane. From there he is flying to Brazil, maybe with a stopover for fuel in the Azores or the Caribbean. He will only be in Paris long enough to hire a crew. Ok, now you know everything I know. Can I go hide somewhere now? It is too hot to sit here in the afternoon sun, and Rex might drive by any minute. We are so exposed in a parking lot." I reached over and tried to take Eric's hand off my shoulder. Surprisingly, he let go immediately.
Sharon climbed out of the jeep. "Let's get in the rental car. At least it has a top. Now that you understand that Rex is a criminal, I have a proposal for you. How would you like to help your government and make some money at the same time? Oh, and can you give me the keys to your jeep rental? I'm going to return it for you."
"How will you know where to take it? What am I going to use for transportation?"
"I assume Rex came to Santorini to get you back." Sharon waved the business name tag on the jeep keys in front of me. There was an address and a phone number. She smiled encouragingly. "Can you phone and ask him to meet you here in Thira or at the airport? Someone needs to keep an eye on him between here and Paris. That will be you. We also need to know the details and the exact location of the plane purchase. I assume you could use some cash?"
"You want me to fly to Paris with Rex? I'd rather get on the plane with a snake."
"If you stay here on the island, we can't protect you. Don't worry about anything. We will be watching, and we will know what flight you take. If you have any concerns about that, you can duck into a bathroom and check with us on your cell. When you get to Paris, we will have eyes on you as you exit the plane. It will be your job to give us details about the Rex's plans. You can endure a few short flights. Eric will make sure you don't have to get on Rex's private plane."
I glanced at Eric who was still silent, not a word. My thoughts cleared slowly. If I had ever seen Eric personally, I would have never mistaken him for Rex. I didn't want to go anywhere with Rex, but I had no idea where else to go. If I tried to get off the island without help, there was a real danger of meeting Rex on the road or at the airport. At least I might have some protection this way.
It was a frightening decision. They were very reassuring, but moments ago I thought they were thieves. And how could I be sure they could find me in Paris? After all, they had temporarily lost Rex. If anyone ever needed a rescue, it was me.
"How can I be sure you will get to Paris before I do?" I was already sitting in the white car. It seemed I had agreed by changing vehicles.
"You will be flying
on a regularly scheduled flight, but Eric and I can leave on a private plane, a law enforcement plane, as soon as we know what flight you're taking to Paris. We will know your arrival gate, time, everything. Now phone Rex before he gets too upset." Sharon opened the car door and started up the hill to Thira. I was alone with Eric.
I wasn't comfortable with taciturn Eric, so I climbed across the seat and followed Sharon. I tried to stay behind the tallest vehicles, but once I was out in the open, I was puzzled whether to bend over or run. Wouldn't both of those attract attention? I settled for walking briskly. I heard footsteps behind me and hoped it was Eric.
The three of us wound up in a restaurant at the top of the hill. I wanted a cocktail, but ordered a soft drink instead. We were close enough to the cliff to see the water shining in the afternoon sun. I sadly realized these might be my last moments in this special place. Forced into the jaws of the enemy, searching for truth from a liar, and leaving the island at the same time, I felt like bursting into tears.
I persuaded Sharon to phone Anne at the hotel because I had to rush to the restroom. This was a half-truth because my nerves had alerted every inch of my bladder. I explained to Sharon how Anne was supposed to get Rex some real security. Sharon agreed to see if Rex was still at the hotel, and then have Anne give him directions. The plan was to meet Rex here at the restaurant while Sharon returned the jeep rental. Eric would stake out my meeting with Rex and then follow us to the airport. The hired security was supposed to meet us in Athens. I didn't cope too well with my emotions, and I knew what to do.
When I emerged from the water closet, I retreated to an unseen corner near the back of the restaurant to call Robert. He answered his cell quickly, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Alexa, I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you. Are you getting a lot of work done on your novel?"
I was trying not to cry, but my voice was trembling. "Robert, I need help. London isn't very far from Paris, is it? Don't people drive there using that tunnel, or chunnel? Please tell me you can stop what you are doing for part of a day and drive to Paris to save me. Please..." I fought the sobs, but some whimpers escaped.
A short silence followed. "My God, Alexa, are you hurt, in trouble? What? I don't understand what you are trying to say."
I was acutely aware I had kept my problems from Robert. Now I realized I'd made a big mistake. He knew absolutely nothing about the island return of Sharon. I had no idea how he would react to the unexpected appearance of Rex. His knowledge of the whole affair ended when I told him about the engagement of Sharon and Rex. What would he think of me, the fiance of a criminal? I hesitated, realizing the situation might be enough to drive away the most honorable of men. I had forgotten that he used to shelter refugees from unsympathetic governments and dictators.
Before I could speak again, Robert almost shouted, "Darling, it doesn't matter. I'll meet you in Paris. Will you be landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport?"
"Yes, I will. I don't know if I'm truly in danger, but Rex has turned out to be a thief and a criminal. Right now, I'm with the FBI and possibly Interpol. I'm helping them catch Rex, who is here on Santorini. I'll give the authorities your cell number, and they can keep you informed about the details. I'll be in touch with them when I get to Paris. Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you. Do you remember Sharon? She was my roommate at the hotel. Believe it or not, she is working for the FBI. In fact, I am too! Well, I just started a few minutes ago."
"I have to admit that's certainly a shock. But don't worry about a thing. No matter what happens, I'll find you. In fact, I'll be leaving in an hour or two. Please, darling, take care of yourself. I need you."
"Yes, I'm holding my breath until I see you again. We should be together in hours." I said the last part to comfort myself. Everyone kept telling me over and over not to worry, and I wasn't worried. I was sick. The thought of flying for hours with Rex made me literally nauseous. I hung up the phone so Robert wouldn't hear me sobbing. The waitresses stared as they passed, so I grabbed a napkin off a supply cart and rubbed my eyes.
Back at the table I quizzed Sharon, "What did Anne say?"
"She said she found Rex sitting in your room waiting for you. He thought you were coming back because your clothes were still there. She did manage to hire a bodyguard, some ex-military from Yugoslavia. And yes, he will meet both of you at the hotel in the Athens airport. I gave Anne directions to our current location, and right now Rex is on his way here to meet you. She told him it was your idea to rush off to return the jeep rental because it would save time. He did ask why your clothes were still in your room, and she told him you had an overnight bag with all your essentials. Now I need to get out of here in a hurry, so Rex won't see me. Eric is already outside, watching you."
"Sharon, take this phone number. It belongs to Robert Smythe, and he is meeting me in Paris. Please, please make him aware of my every move."
"The Brit you met at the hotel?" Sharon raised a questioning eyebrow as she left the restaurant. I nodded and waved goodbye.
Chapter Nine
Much of that last night is still a blur, thankfully. At the Santorini airport before boarding, Rex was on his phone arranging a seat for the bodyguard on the Paris flight. The calls took a long time because of language difficulties. I remember sitting quietly and trying to make plans. I was vaguely aware of climbing the stairs to the plane. When we landed I remember having supper at a hotel in the Athens airport.
I pulled out my best acting skills and tried to be excited about the new plane. I managed to discover the size of the plane and where it was landing. It seems Rex bought a used plane from a French company. It was in a hanger adjoining de Gaulle, apparently too large to take off or land at smaller airports. I continued my subtle questioning until we were joined by a large man in camo pants and a dark green shirt. I still can't pronounce the name. His hair was clipped short in a military manner, and he spoke with a strong accent. Most of the conversation centered around why he couldn't carry a gun on commercial flights and how he might obtain a weapon in Paris before we left for Brazil. He explained his pilot license and acted as if he might continue with Rex to South America. I wondered how he and I would be able to enter Brazil. Did we need visas? A voice in my head reminded me I wouldn't be going to Brazil. I suddenly wished someone had asked Anne how she knew camo man.
At that point it was easy to take a bathroom break and phone information to Sharon. She tried to reassure me and urged me to call again as soon as the flight landed. I didn't need the reminder.
On the flight to Paris Rex relaxed enough to gloat. I began to wonder if he had changed or if I had been blind to his true character. I decided it was a bit of both. He smiled at me with pure lust and started to openly fondle my breasts, pinching my nipples. My face turned red.
His touch was frightening and revolting. My skin betrayed me, and goose bumps popped up on my arms. Rex interpreted it as sexual excitement.
"Mmm, are you hot for me? Never mind, I can see you are. Did you miss me?"
"Rex, please, we are on a commercial flight. People can see us. Let's wait until we get on our own plane." I moved his hand away, but he immediately slipped it down to my leg. He was working to pull up my sun dress and get his hand on my thigh, my inner thigh.
"Oh, and what are we going to do on our plane? Are you going to give me some? It's been so long. I haven't had any since you left for Santorini."
"Don't pull up my dress. In a minute I'm going to be half naked in front of all these people." I pulled away and tried to stand up in spite of the seat belt. Rex laughed.
"Aww, come on, Alexa. They can't see us. When we get the private plane, I want to see those nipples naked and available. It's all I can do to keep from untying that dress and sucking those delicious tits. You really don't have on underwear, do you? No panties either? Are you wet for me? Let me have a quick feel." The flight attendant came up behind Rex and offered us a glass of wine. He quickly removed his hand and accepted a glass.
I exhaled audibly. I thought about how different this would be if it had been Robert instead of Rex. I would probably be giggling right now. Rex immediately sensed the conflict in my emotions.
"Rex, they sometimes arrest people for getting too intimate on planes. Don't do anything to prevent us from getting to Brazil. I know you don't want to attract unwanted attention."
"Sugar, we'll be landing in France, the home of accepted scandal. Europeans don't have the same ridiculous sense of modesty we do." He smirked and sipped his wine. It seemed he always had to have the last word. Rex had no idea about my adventures on the island. Suddenly regret swept over me. Robert and I had never experienced a fully naked return to the beach. I admit we had time, but I never had the nerve to go topless. I was certainly too shy to go totally naked. Given the chance to return, I intended to adopt European customs.
"Alexa, tell me again. Why did you leave your clothes at the hotel?" Rex seemed suddenly tense. He was obviously irritated at my rejection.
"It was all so sudden. I needed time to adjust, some time alone to think. I grabbed a few things and went to return the jeep. I knew Anne would mail anything else I needed. I trust her."
"You didn't trust me? You had to leave in such a hurry that you left part of your jewelry, your art, and all of your underwear?"
"Rex, have you forgotten that you dumped me? I was hurt and unsure. I don't have underwear because you arrived while I was in the shower. There was no reason to pull around the huge suitcase I brought to the Greek Islands. I'm certain I can buy wonderful lingerie in Paris. It's the best in the world. I'm not sure they wear much of anything in Brazil, a practice I intend to acquire. I'll need a huge supply of skimpy beachwear. It will be fun to shop for new dresses." I tried to smile seductively. I was supposed to be the predator in this situation, but I felt like the prey.
