“Please don’t give me a lecture on taking the moral highroad after what we’ve just seen.”
Andreas gestured no. “Here’s my thinking. If there is anything in this world that will motivate Tassos to get better, it will be knowing that the sick bastard who did all that to him was still breathing.”
Kouros smiled. “Okay, I’ll take that as an acceptable answer.”
“Hey, don’t lose heart, Yianni. We still have to figure out what we’re going to do about the guy who’s really behind what happened to Tassos.”
“Yeah, mister blowtorch did get real chatty.”
“I don’t think he realized how much he was telling us when he said his only order was to find where a ‘briefcase’ was hidden.”
Kouros drew in and let out a deep breath. “I feel it’s my fault they did what they did to Tassos. If I hadn’t hidden what they wanted he could have told them where it was. He really didn’t know.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re probably the only reason he’s still alive. If Tassos knew where it was he’d likely have told them and they’d have killed him as soon as they had it. No way they would let him live.”
Kouros nodded. “Thanks.”
“No need to say that. It’s true.”
“So what are we going to do about the Albanian mob? They’re obviously working with Sergey.”
“Quite a risk they took siding with a stranger against a cop as important as Tassos. This must have meant one hell of a big payday for them.”
“It will get them run off the island,” said Kouros.
“You really think so? For sure it will turn the heat up high enough to nail the others involved in snatching Tassos on Syros, but more than that, I doubt it. Albanians are a convenient scapegoat for a lot of problems on Mykonos. It’s too easy to blame them for hotel-room thefts during tourist season, private home break-ins during the off-season, and car thefts year-round. If we get rid of all the Albanian bad guys, whom are the Mykonians going to have left to blame? Their druggie nephews? No one wants to hear that. They prefer the excuse, ‘Albanians did it. Or the Pakistanis, or the Tsigani. Anybody but us.’”
“What really pisses me off is that with so many locals and cops knowing who’s behind most of that shit, why haven’t they been arrested? It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out how to catch them.”
“No, just an honest cop doing his job.”
“The truly bad guys on this island probably think they can get away with just about anything,” said Kouros.
Andreas waved his finger. “Except kidnapping a cop.”
“So, what are we going to do about mister blowtorch’s Albanian mob boss? He said that’s who ordered him to torture Tassos. Want to go shake his tree?” Kouros waved his knife.
“I doubt we’ll get him to admit he ordered the torture of a cop. And once ‘mister blowtorch’ is safely in jail he’ll clam up and deny everything he told us. We’ve got to get a direct angle on Sergey and the only way I see for doing that is by finding out who the hell is bankrolling him.”
“He’s certainly not going to tell us.”
“Wish we could use your Bowie knife on him.”
“Which reminds me,” said Kouros. “We better get the prisoner down to the coast guard. They won’t wait for us forever.”
Andreas smiled. “Don’t worry about it, they’ll wait.”
“How do you know that?”
“That lieutenant whispered something to me just before he left us alone with the prisoner.”
“What was it?”
“‘Take your time, Tassos is my godfather.’”
Chapter Twenty-six
Andreas hadn’t been to sleep and it was approaching noon. He’d been summoned from the harbormaster’s office to Mykonos police headquarters by the minister of public order and had spent the better part of fifteen minutes listening to Spiros rant on at eardrum splitting decibel levels. Luckily, it was delivered by telephone so most of the volume was directed at the police chief’s office walls though a handset Andreas had put down on the chief’s desk.
“How dare you organize such an operation without telling me? Without telling the local chief of police? And involving the coast guard without my authority? Just who do you think you are? Andreas, do you hear me? Answer me!”
Andreas picked the phone up from the desk. “Well, Minister, since you asked so nicely and the august chief of the Mykonos police force who played such a large part in your decision to suspend me is sitting here enraptured by our little conversation, I’ll give you an answer. I did what I did to spare you both the embarrassment of having your names linked with mine.”
Spiros screamed, “I’ll see that you’re prosecuted for murder!”
Andreas laughed. “Good luck with that. Why don’t you suggest that to your colleagues in the party? My guess is you’ll be out of government before you finish the conversation.”
“Are you insane?”
“Obviously you’re not keeping up with the latest news. Why don’t you turn on one of those big screen TVs in your office? It’s just about time for the news. Try Antenna.”
Andreas waved at the police chief to turn on the television in the corner of his office.
Andreas watched as Greece’s number one television anchor reported on Antenna Network news, “In a daring pre-dawn raid against a cliffside island fortress, Greek police overcame a heavily armed and numerically superior terrorist cell to rescue their kidnapped comrade, a hero cop who had uncovered the terrorists’ plot to blackmail some of Greece’s most prominent citizens.
“In a joint operation conducted by representatives of the police and coast guard, GADA’s legendary chief of Special Crimes, Andreas Kaldis, and former navy seal, now detective, Yiannis Kouros, succeeded in freeing Cyclades Chief Homicide Investigator, Tassos Stamatos. Chief Stamatos remains in critical condition in an undisclosed Athens hospital under heavy police protection.
“I’m certain all of Greece joins us in praying for Chief Stamatos’ speedy recovery, and gives thanks that in the midst of our country’s crises we are still blessed with heroes on the order of Chief Kaldis and Detective Kouros who make us proud to be Greeks in the truest tradition of those who battled to the cry, ‘We are Sparta!’
“The Minister of Public Order is to be congratulated for a job well done.”
Andreas muted the television. “I’m sure you get the idea, Spiros. It’s playing on all the channels and I understand the newspapers actually have some terrific photos of Yianni and me.”
“I’ll ruin you,” said Spiros.
Andreas looked at his watch. “Can’t imagine why you’d want to do that. But you’ll have your chance in about ten minutes down in the pressroom. The film crews are waiting for you.”
“Pressroom? I didn’t call any press conference.”
“But they’re down there. I guess you could tell them to go home. Or you could present your ideas on prosecuting the three cops who’ve just given you the chance to look like a national hero.
“Maybe you should discuss this with your fellow ministers. See how they feel about your turning the first unifying good news this country’s had in a long time into shit.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to Athens.”
“Andreas…” Spiros voice fell off.
“Yes, Minister?”
“Goodbye.”
Andreas left the police chief’s office without saying goodbye. Kouros was downstairs in a group of cops watching television. They were slapping Kouros on the back and congratulating him.
“Let’s go, Yianni. The plane leaves for Athens in twenty minutes.”
“How the hell did the news channels get the story so quickly? And they’re all using their big gun anchors to tell it.”
Andreas said nothing, just waved for Kouros to follow
him, and started walking the hundred yards or so to the airport.
When Kouros caught up, Andreas said, “You liked it, huh?”
“Loved it! What did the minister have to say? I could hear his screaming all the way downstairs but couldn’t make out what he was saying.”
“Forget about what he had to say. It’s what he’s about to say that matters.”
“So tell me, already. How did you pull off all that television coverage?”
“Me? I had nothing to do with it.” He put his arm around Kouros’ shoulder. “It wasn’t my fault Spiros decided to piss off my wife.”
***
Lila and Andreas sat on the bed in front of the television flipping back and forth between channels like kids jumping between cartoon shows.
“I can’t believe this, I just can’t.” Lila was bouncing up and down on the bed. “I’m going to have to throw the absolutely biggest thank-you party ever. Every single one read it exactly as we wrote it.”
“As you wrote it. That ‘legendary’ was a bit much.”
“Not to me it wasn’t. Besides with television if you say it’s so, it is so, and I didn’t want to give Spiros any wiggle room. I wanted him to know that if he didn’t embrace you completely he was fucked.”
“Whoa, such language.” Andreas smiled.
“He’s the one who decided to mess with my husband.”
“Didn’t you love it when Spiros said that the entire operation was carried out precisely in accordance with a contingency plan developed under his personal direction for just such a situation?”
“Spiros is a piece of work,” said Lila, “but my absolutely favorite moment was when the Prime Minister jumped in on Spiros’ act with a surprise appearance and kept praising you, Yianni, and Tassos by name. Spiros’ cheeks were literally twitching from forcing a smile for so long.”
Andreas wrapped his arms around Lila from behind. “You’re terrific. Thank you for coming up with the idea and making it all happen.”
“When you called and told me Tassos was safe, I wanted to make sure you were, too. We had to strike first, before Spiros had the chance to spin the news.”
“Remind me never to cross you.”
“Every day.” Lila smiled.
“And to make a copy of all this for Tassos.”
“How is he?”
“Maggie said it’s still touch and go. No visitors allowed yet. Fear of infection.”
“She must be hysterical,” said Lila
“Inside, maybe. Outside she’s a rock. She told me to give her a call when I have the chance. She said I should spend the afternoon with you and Tassaki and not think about work. Can’t imagine what she thinks could possibly interest me home alone with you in our bedroom.”
Lila clicked the remote and turned off the TV.
“Okay, it’s time to prove why you’re a legend.”
***
There had to be places that were more depressing than hospitals, but Andreas couldn’t think of any at the moment. He saw Maggie sitting on a hard-back chair in a dull green hallway outside the burn unit. A cop leaned on the wall across from her; another stood back by the elevators.
Maggie stood when she saw Andreas. She said nothing, just put her arms around him and squeezed. He hugged her.
“They’re not sure he’ll make it.”
Andreas kissed her forehead. “That tough bastard will make it. Don’t you worry. When we found him he promised me he’d make it. He said, ‘Tell my Maggie not to worry.’”
She pulled back and looked at Andreas’ eyes. “Did he really say that?”
“Absolutely. He didn’t say much, but you were his first thoughts. It’s what kept him going.”
Why shouldn’t I tell her that? I’m sure it’s true.
Maggie smiled. “Even if he didn’t, thank you for saying that he did.”
Andreas kissed her again and dropped his arms.
“If you think there’s a better hospital or other doctors that should see him, just ask.”
Maggie gestured no. “This is the best place in Greece for burn victims. There is no where else to take him.”
“Perhaps a hospital in another country has better facilities?”
“I understand they’re doing all that can be done for now. Perhaps later. But not now.”
“I know I don’t have to say this, but if money ever becomes an issue––”
Maggie put her finger to his lips. “You’re right you don’t have to say it. I know.”
“Lila sends her love. She’ll be here as soon as you want to see her.”
“You’re a lucky man.”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“Good. Don’t ever forget it.”
Andreas smiled.
Maggie’s face turned serious. “For the past thirty-six hours I’ve been living someone else’s life. This couldn’t possibly be happening to me…to us. Finding happiness together after all these years and then…” Maggie shook her head.
“Yesterday morning, after you called to say you’d found him, I rushed to church and thanked God for answering my prayers.
“As I sat there, I realized I must go on believing Tassos will recover, and live my life as if he will be home any day.”
“Sounds like a healthy approach.”
“Healthy or not it is the one I’m taking.”
Andreas nodded.
“One of the first things I did when I got back to my apartment was check the messages on Tassos’ answering machine in Syros. I didn’t want anyone who might have called to worry, now that we knew he was safe.”
Andreas nodded again.
Maggie opened her bag and handed him an envelope.
“This is a transcript of one of those calls. I think it’s important. It came in after he was kidnapped. It may have to do with the people who did this to him.”
“Who’s the caller?”
“Whoever it was refused to identify himself or herself.”
“Himself or herself? You couldn’t tell from the voice?”
“The caller used a voice scrambler. I made a tape of the call if you want to listen to it, but I typed a transcript because I knew you’d want one…Chief.” Maggie smiled. “Welcome back. I hear the suspension was lifted.”
“And Spiros has promised all of us a raise.”
“Good luck with ever seeing that any time soon. About the most you can hope for these days is that your hero pay won’t be cut as much as we commoner public servants’ pay.”
“You’re always my hero.”
“Enough with the bullshit.” Maggie waved the backs of her hands at him. “Now go read the transcript and find the bastards who did this to my guy.”
Andreas smiled. “Seems I’m not the only ‘lucky man’ when it comes to finding the right lady.”
“Damn straight, and don’t forget to tell him exactly that.”
“Can’t wait.”
***
Andreas sat alone in his car in the hospital parking lot, air conditioner running. He opened the envelope and began reading the transcript.
“Hello, Chief Stamatos. I’m calling at the request of your good friend, Europol Inspector McFaydean. He said you’re a man who can be trusted to respect confidences, and as I owe our mutual friend a very serious favor, I am repaying him with this call. But I cannot risk calling again, and so I must leave this as a message.
“As Inspector McFaydean appreciates and I trust you will as well, I cannot reveal who I am because I prefer living, and being identified as having provided this information would be inconsistent with that preference.
“I understand your question is, ‘Who is Teacher?’ Obviously, Inspector McFaydean did not know. Which is why you’re receiving this call from me.
“My answer requires somewhat more of an
introduction than you might think warranted, but it is necessary if you wish to understand the phenomenon that is Teacher. And I say ‘phenomenon’ because she is far more than just a mortal being. At least in the world to which she belongs. And rules.
“The world is no longer linear. There are no straight-line rules to follow, or confining borders to observe. Not in communication, not in business, not in political loyalties, and certainly not in crime. Those who seek to retain parochial influence within strictly drawn political borders fail to appreciate the implications of this new order. Today vast numbers live within various countries’ legal borders but owe their allegiances elsewhere, to leaders outside borders and beyond a government’s reach. Their loyalty is to a thought, an idea, one not offered in any embraceable form by the land in which they now live.
“It is the West’s greatest nightmare. An insoluble situation many say. And one Teacher has exploited as ruthlessly as anyone on earth. She has convinced an army of the exploited that they have the power to change their lives. That any who desire simple protection from those who would do them physical harm should join her on the path to a better life.
“She preaches that words alone are not enough for those in mortal fear, and that praying for a better life is not the way. She proves her point by telling them what they already know: that the criminal beast can never be killed off in this world. Far too many want the sex and slaves and drugs that it offers. What she offers, on the other hand, is to tame the beast a bit. To teach those who traffic in evil that it is far wiser to pay the small share she asks for on behalf of her flock than face the assassination and torture she would bring upon them and their families.
“She lives in no one place. She has no family. She lives a private life away from prying eyes. It is said she has no vices because she’s done them all and has attained a state far above what they promise.
“That is all the information I have to offer except for this bit of gossip.
“Virtually all in Eastern Europe who fear her are praying the rumor that she’s terminally ill is true. They believe no one who assumes her role could be as ruthless as Teacher.
“Good bye, Chief Stamatos. I hope this is of help to you.”
Mykonos After Midnight Page 20
