by Kim Baldwin
“I get that, too,” Allegro said. “But she’s never going to show in person.”
“She never does. That’s why we need to figure something out. I have an idea, so get back here so we can work out the details.”
“Have they contacted Lykourgos yet?”
“I suspect she will very soon.”
“Okay. I’m on my way.”
Switch wanted to be present when TQ called Lykourgos to make sure she heard all instructions for herself, so she went back into his office and took the armchair opposite him. She grabbed a magazine from the table and tried to look relaxed for his sake, but nothing could be further from the truth. Switch wanted to bolt out the door, have the EOO move heaven and earth to find Ariadne, and to hell with the icon and TQ.
*
Ariadne ran her tongue over the corner of her mouth, tasting blood. The kidnapper had split her lip when he’d struck her, and her cheek and neck still ached from the ferocity of the blow.
“Are you okay?” Melina asked.
“No.”
“Do you think they’re going to kill us?”
“How should I know?”
“They never answered me,” Melina said. “You know—about being serial killers.”
“I think if they wanted to torture and kill us for kicks they would’ve already done it.”
“So, we’re basically waiting for your father to bail us out.”
“I think so.”
“That’s just fucking great.”
“I thought you were all prepared for this scenario,” Ariadne said sarcastically. “You seemed to have all the answers earlier.”
“I was trying to stay optimistic, which is more than I can say for you.”
“I’m being realistic, Mel. It’s not like I’ve done this a million times. And we wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t insisted on ditching Lambros.”
“Yeah, sure, go ahead and blame it all on me.”
“I’m not. All I’m saying—”
“Is that it’s my fault,” Melina said loudly.
“Keep your voice down.”
“Don’t tell me what to do. I’m not one of your lackeys.”
“Where the hell did that come from?”
“Just because you have money doesn’t mean you get to tell everyone what to do.”
“I’m not even going to answer that.”
“Of course not. You don’t need to answer to anyone because you’re your father’s daughter.”
“What is wrong with you?” Ariadne craned her neck to look at Melina. “Where is all this coming from?”
“You think that just because you’re rich, you get to call the shots, tell everyone what to do and when. Get away with anything. Well, I’m sick and tired of it.”
“Are you deranged? I’ve never told you what to do or how to live.”
“Really? Because unless someone took your body over, it was you who insisted I stop smoking, drink less, party only occasionally, and sleep with whoever you deemed appropriate.”
“I said all that for your own good. I’m sorry if my opinions interfere with your need to cut your life short.”
“I may not live long, but at least I actually lived. It’s not all about quantity, you know. Or is that hard to imagine when your life revolves around numbers?”
“Screw you, Mel,” Ariadne shot back. “You know that’s not true.”
“Isn’t it? Do you think you have what it takes to live like us simple folk? You know, with a nine-to-five, struggling to put food on the table, and that’s if your employer actually pays you? We live in a country that takes everything we earn to make up for its deficit, sweetheart, or did Daddy not tell you?”
“I read the financial papers.” Ariadne sounded deliberately callous. Of course she was aware of the unfair and dire situation the politics of the country had created. And, true enough, she’d never had to suffer the consequences, especially since ship owners were exempt from luxury taxes, a fact that created even more bitter feelings from the rest of Greece. But it was not her doing, or her decision. She had agreed to take her father’s place on the throne when he stepped down, and that was a position she welcomed and dreaded at the same time. She’d have to devote the rest of her life to an empire, and the sacrifices would be insurmountable.
Alex was right. Any woman who would put up with her and her life would be doing it because of what she could offer and not for her, never for her.
Ariadne’s previous relationships had been simple and to the point. Fun, sailing, barhopping, and sex, until she felt the other woman get too close. When they did, Ariadne pulled away, fearing they’d ask for more. She’d never be able to give them the unconditional and full attention they’d eventually ask for, and she’d never be able to remain with someone who settled for her money instead of her time.
“Nothing like newspapers to give you a taste of reality,” Melina said. “Do you read the horoscopes for advice on what to do with your lonely existence?”
“Stop it, Melina.” Ariadne would never admit to anyone just how lost she really was or how bleak her emotional future. “Enough.”
“Oh, God spoke, so I guess I’ll just stop now.”
“What is this really about?” Ariadne asked quietly.
“It’s about you calling the shots regardless of what anyone else thinks or feels.”
“I’ve never disregarded your feelings.”
“What do you call what you did with Alex? You knew I liked him. I’d told you I wanted to get to know him and not just in bed. But did that stop you from jumping his bones?”
“A, I did not jump his bones, and B…are you kidding me?” Ariadne replied, exasperated. “We’ve been kidnapped and you want to talk about Alex. I mean, seriously?”
“Alex is an example.”
“No, he’s not. You truly mean it and that’s shocking, considering we’re being held captive by a couple of thugs who didn’t hesitate to smack me and are capable of doing God knows what else.”
“You knew I liked him, and you had to go and make a point.”
“Have you gone nuts? What point?”
“That you can have anyone…anything you want.”
“I kissed him to prove to him that…that…” That what?
“I mean, seriously. What were you trying to prove? Because I’ve witnessed countless guys coming on to you, and you’ve never felt the urge to prove your lesbianism before.”
“I wanted to—”
“Hell, I’ve seen gorgeous women come on to you and you’ve never given them the time of day. Why Alex?”
“Because I…I think I’ve fallen for her,” Ariadne blurted out, frustrated more with herself than Melina.
“Her? You have your genders confused, sweetie. Also, what the fuck do you mean you’ve fallen for him?”
Ariadne stared at the floor for a long while. “I…I’m not sure when it happened, but I think I’m in love with Alex,” she finally whispered.
“Holy fuck. That’s messed up.”
“And Alex wants nothing to do with me, because of who I am and what that means.”
“So why in the hell did Alex kiss you?”
“I started it.”
Melina exhaled loudly. “I guess the rich and famous aren’t for everyone.”
“Alex said he’s not made for the backseat.”
“Is it weird that I know exactly what that means?” Melina asked.
“Not really. You’ve made very clear how self-absorbed and bossy you think I am.”
“Had you considered the fact that he would have eventually wanted to get intimate?”
The mere thought made Ariadne’s temperature rise. “Yes.”
“And your abhorrence for male parts and lack of boobs?”
“I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m not the type of woman who could make someone like Alex happy. He’s right. He deserves more than a sideline.”
“Don’t talk like that,” Melina said. “You have so much to offer, and he’s an idiot if he can’t see t
hat. You’re more than a company or an heir. You’re a beautiful, smart woman who’d kill for those she loves.”
“Would I?”
“You’ve always stood up, front line, for your friends and family. You never take shit or put up with anyone who insults, either.”
“That’s not what you said a little while ago.”
“Screw what I said. You know I get bitchy when I’m stressed.”
“I wish Alex would see it that way,” Ariadne said. “See me for who I really am.”
“When we get out of here, I’m taking you out in Athens. We’re going to find you a nice girl to remedy your misplaced attraction for Alex, and all this will be nothing but the memory of a bad summer fling.”
*
Lykourgos paced the room with a red face, the sweat starting to show on his shirt. “What’s taking that bitch so long? Why won’t she call?”
“She will,” Switch replied calmly from the armchair. “I know you’re worried, but trust me. She won’t touch your daughter as long as she doesn’t have the Theotokos.”
Lykourgos stopped to look at Switch. “I can’t just sit here and wait.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
“I—” The phone rang. Lykourgos stared down at the cell. “Unknown number.”
Switch ran over to him. “It’s her. Take a deep breath and put her on speaker when you answer.”
“Hello?” Lykourgos tried to remain composed.
“This phone can’t be tracked, so don’t waste my precious time with silly conversation.”
“Theodora?”
“Were you expecting someone else?” she asked playfully.
“How can I help you?” He tried to compose himself.
“I have something you want.”
“Oh?”
TQ laughed. “Your daughter, namely.”
Lykourgos was silent for several seconds. He started to pace again. “What are you telling me, Theodora?” His voice shook.
“That I’m interested in an exchange.”
“Where is she?”
“That’s a silly question.”
*
Colorado
Cassady kicked her shoes off and dropped on the couch. She’d been rehearsing all day for an upcoming concert, and Jack knew that the long hours and repetitions to get it just right were making her wish she were on an assignment.
“Rough day?” Jack sat next to her.
“My fingers feel numb. I can’t even count the amount of times I had to play the same stupid eight-bar pizzicato.”
“How about a massage and a glass of wine?”
Cass smiled. “How about a kiss?”
Jack planted a deep one on her and sighed. “How about sex, massage, and then wine?”
“I think I need that wine first.”
Jack frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Monty called me earlier today.”
“So?”
“He said TQ was in the wind. We don’t know if she moved for safety measures, or if she found out she was being followed. Either way, she got past Dilbert.”
“And what are they doing about it?”
“They don’t expect her to leave until she has the icon. She kidnapped the Greek’s daughter and has already set up the exchange.”
“She’s never going to show up in person for that.”
“I know.”
“So what’s Monty going to do about that?”
“He didn’t say. He has Dilbert looking for her.”
Jack took a deep breath and sat back. “This is fucked.”
“Hey.” Cass caressed Jack’s arm. “They’re doing their best.”
“Well, their best isn’t good enough, is it?” Jack shot back. “She’s going to get away again.”
“Think positive.”
“Thinking positive is not what makes things happen.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jack shrugged. “Nothing.” She smiled. “It just sucks that she keeps getting away with everything.”
“Well, you know what I believe, don’t you?” Cass rested her head on Jack’s shoulder.
“Yeah, I know. That she’ll get what’s coming to her, sooner or later.”
Cass nodded and kissed Jack on the neck.
Jack caressed Cass’s cheek. I’m going to make sure it’s sooner than later.
Chapter Twenty-four
Santorini Island, Greece
“I haven’t heard anything from out there for a long time,” Ariadne said in a low voice. “Do you think they’re gone?” She’d struggled to loosen the ropes tying her to the chair until they’d cut painfully into her wrists and ankles, but she was still no closer to getting free.
“Why are you asking me?” Melina replied. “Does it look like I have a crystal ball?”
“Try scooting over here again to see if you can untie me. But for God’s sake, try to be a little quieter this time.”
“I thought we were just going to wait until Daddy paid up. You know he will.”
“Of course. But that’s presuming this is all about money, and even if we’re right, that doesn’t mean these two might not intend to have some fun with us in the interim. The one didn’t hesitate to hit me. Who knows what else they might do? Do you want to stick around and find out?”
“Not so much,” Melina said. “We’ll cover the distance between us in half the time, though, if you try to scoot toward me, too.”
They both moved in small increments, just a couple of inches at a time, pausing now and then to see whether the noise they were making was alerting their kidnappers to what they were up to. But there was nothing but silence from the outer room.
After twenty minutes, they’d managed to maneuver their chairs so they were back to back. Ariadne’s shoulders and arms ached from the effort and uncomfortable position, and her hands were beginning to go numb from the tight bindings around her wrists. “Can you reach the rope around my hands?” she asked, as she splayed out her fingers and groped around blindly behind her back for Melina’s hand.
“I can’t—” Melina did the same and stopped when her hands found Ariadne’s. “Okay, got it. Now what?”
“Find where the knots are. See if you can unfasten them.”
“I’m trying. Not like I can see what I’m doing, and I have a hard enough time just keeping my sneakers tied.” Melina pulled and tugged at the cord around Ariadne’s wrists until it was digging unbearably into her raw flesh.
“Stop! You’re cutting off the circulation.”
“This was your idea, not mine.”
“Just take it easy. Don’t pull on that same cord again. Just try to find the knot.”
“Bitch, moan, groan. Okay, wait. I’ve got it.” Melina started working on the bindings, and before long, Ariadne could definitely tell she was making progress. “Got one of them,” Melina said, “but there are more.”
“You’re doing great. I can feel them getting looser.” Ten minutes later, Ariadne’s hands were free. She quickly untied her feet and the rope binding her to the chair, then did the same for Melina.
Ariadne went quietly to the door and put her ear to it. “Still don’t hear anything from out there. Come on, let’s see if we can get out that way.” She pointed to the only window.
They peered out the heavy wooden blinds.
Ariadne could see they were somewhere in the mountains. The landscape beyond the window was forested and rolling, and rose to a high peak in the near distance. Very close to the building were a few olive trees, a couple of bee hives, and a long-neglected patch of garden, suggesting this had once been someone’s home or hunting cabin, but not for a long while.
She could see no other buildings or man-made structures of any sort from their limited perspective: no electric wires, or cars, or roads. But the forest seemed thick enough to easily get lost in, and at least they were on the first floor, close to the ground.
Ariadne tried the window. It wouldn’t open, though it wasn’t latch
ed. She looked closer and saw that it had been nailed closed. “We’re going to have to break this. Once we do, they’re sure to hear it if they’re anywhere around, so we’ve got to get out of here fast and into those trees.”
Melina looked down at her two-and-a-half inch pumps, then over at Ariadne’s sneakers. “Leave it to you to come prepared. If you leave me in the dust with those two, you know I’m never, ever going to forgive you.”
Ariadne put her arm around Melina’s shoulder. Despite her bluster and false bravado, Melina was just as afraid as she was. “You know I’m not going to leave you. Now, we better get going. No telling when they might come back.”
She grabbed the hard, wooden chair she’d been tied to. “Stand back and cover your eyes.” Once Melina did, Ariadne got a good grip on the rungs of the chair and used it to break the window. Shards of glass flew everywhere, and the noise was even louder than she expected. If the men hadn’t left, they’d be in here in a hurry.
Ariadne used the legs of the chair to clear away the broken pieces of glass still clinging to the frame. “Go! You first!” she told Melina, no longer caring how much noise they made.
Melina crawled through the open space, cursing when she dropped awkwardly onto the ground a few feet below and cut her hand on a piece of glass.
Ariadne followed, dropping safely feet-first in time to help her up. They ran for the trees as fast as they could, Melina hampered by her footwear. Neither looked back until they’d made it there and paused to catch their breath.
The men weren’t pursuing them, and she saw no sign of a car or whatever vehicle had brought them here. Ariadne relaxed a little.
“Now what?” Melina asked.
“We get away from here. We’ll figure out the rest later. Come on.” She led Melina deeper into the woods, climbing higher toward the peak she’d seen from the window.
“Slow down. What are you, part mountain goat?” Melina complained a short time later as they neared the rock outcropping that looked to be a good vantage point to survey their surroundings.
Ariadne didn’t reply. She was anxious to see whether they might be able to judge how far they were from help, or at least determine which direction to take to get back to civilization. But when they emerged from the trees, they could see only a better overview of the small house where they’d been held and a half mile or so of the crude two-track road leading up to it. The rest was all trees and rolling terrain.
