“It’s called reconnaissance. You should have known.”
“I checked the night before. You were with me! Those guards weren’t there.”
“Obviously a lot can change in twenty-four hours, and now six of our team is dead because of you.”
Rafiq, seething with rage at the betrayal shown by a man he thought his friend, pulled his Vektor CP1 semiautomatic and put two holes in Mustafa’s chest. “Make that seven.” He placed his pistol on the table, turning to the shocked team that remained. “Now, what are we going to do about this?”
Everybody nervously eyed each other, none daring speak.
“Forget him. I asked, what are we going to do about this? I need ideas.”
Zaman, a competent member of the cause, tentatively raised a finger. “Umm, well, someone stole it.”
Rafiq stared at him, unimpressed. “Obviously.”
“And it wasn’t us.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re wasting my time.”
Zaman paled. “Well, if it was stolen, and we didn’t do it, then someone else obviously did.”
“You’re telling me nothing I don’t already know.”
“Yes, but who did it? The Russians the sheik usually uses?”
Rafiq grunted. “I doubt that. They lost the job. And from what I understand, they’re not the type that would go and complete a contract they lost, just to prove themselves.”
Zaman nodded. “Exactly. I think somebody piggybacked off our operation.”
Rafiq was about to dismiss whatever came out of Zaman’s mouth as idiocy, but stopped, instead letting the train of thought play out. “They would have had to know we were coming, and when.”
“Yes. Damos the fence knew. We had to tell him, so he could tell the inside man.”
“Woman.”
Zaman spit. “It was probably her, the bloody kafir.”
“Possibly.” Rafiq pursed his lips, leaning back in his chair, his fingers drumming on his thigh. “Damos seemed nervous when I talked to him.”
Zaman chuckled. “You tend to make people nervous.”
Rafiq grinned, tugging at his beard. “This does seem to make Westerners nervous, doesn’t it?”
“They’re pathetic and weak.”
“True, though perhaps not Damos. He is, after all, a criminal, and in our line of work.”
“Perhaps he wanted us to fail so it didn’t interfere with his little operation he’s had going there.”
Rafiq shook his head. “I can’t see it. Our success would have kept him in business. Now, he’s likely to die.”
“Yes, but this was a big score. I think he sent his own people in to grab it, while we were attacking. That way he gets more than a finder’s fee.”
Rafiq’s head slowly bobbed. “Possible, but again, he’d have to know if we found out, he’d die. Horribly. And his finder’s fee is already more than he’s probably made in the past five years. This is an eight-figure deal. Would he risk his share of that?”
Zaman frowned. “If it’s not him, then it has to be the woman on the inside. There’s no other possibility.”
Rafiq leaned forward. “She knows when we’re coming. The attack starts, she takes the artifact as she was supposed to, and places it where she said she was going to. The attack fails, and she takes the opportunity to complete the job herself, cutting us out of the deal.”
“Then who does she take it to?”
“Damos.”
Zaman grunted. “So, we’re back to him again.” He scratched behind his ear. “I think we have to pick him up and find out who this woman is. One of the two of them stole from us, it has to be.”
There was a coded knock at the door then it opened, the gofer carrying a bunch of papers, dropping them on the table. “It’s all over the news. The radio is talking about it non-stop.” He sank into his chair, his cheeks flush with excitement. “And I think I know who did it.”
Rafiq stared at the gofer. “Please, enlighten us.”
“The guy running it.”
Rafiq’s eyebrows shot up. “Huh?”
“Apparently, there’s been funding problems. You know how messed up this country is. His wife has been out fundraising non-stop, and now there’s talk of shutting it down until they can figure out what’s going on there. I think he’s the one who stole it. Think about it. If he takes advantage of the situation, hides it somewhere and sneaks it out later, he can sell it on the black market, and get enough money to fund his dig.”
“That’d be pretty ballsy.”
The gofer’s head bobbed furiously. “Yeah, but those scientist types are nuts. They’ll do anything to keep their work going.” He shrugged. “At least that’s what I’ve heard.”
Zaman snorted. “That’s what you’ve seen in the movies.”
Rafiq leaped to his feet, pacing the small room as he pulled at his hair. “I’m through guessing.” He spun toward his team. “This is what we’re going to do.”
30 |
Unknown Location
Alexie Tankov stared at the call display, the routing system that made any calls to or from his phone impossible to trace, identifying who was on the other end of the line.
He smiled, then answered the call. “I told you you’d be calling me. What’s happened?”
The anger in the sheik’s voice was out of character, indicating a man out of control. And dangerous. “The item was retrieved, but they’re denying they have it.”
Tankov chuckled, already fully aware of what had happened, the news unavoidable. “You expected something more from terrorists?”
“I want them dead, and the item recovered and delivered to me. Double your normal price.” There was a pause filled by heavy breaths. “Unless you have qualms about killing thieves.”
“Thieves, not likely. Terrorists like these, none whatsoever. In fact, on my time off, I like to rent a boat and sail along the coast of Somalia and kill would-be hijackers. It’s my way of giving back to the world.”
Khalid sighed, a burst of static erupting in Tankov’s ear. “You’re a complicated man, Alexie. Just remember that I’m Muslim.”
“A Muslim thief.”
“Collector. There’s a difference.”
“Not in my books, but I’ll leave it to your Allah to judge you.”
“My Allah is the same as your God.”
“I’m an Atheist.”
There was a grunt. “That explains a few things. Do you want the job or not?”
“Wire the deposit, and we’ll be happy to clean up your mess.”
The call ended and Tankov looked at the rest of his team. “We’re back in business, boys. Just as I predicted.” He rose and stared out the window of their hotel, the Acropolis dominating the view.
Good thing I planned ahead.
31 |
Phaleron Delta Necropolis
Athens, Greece
Acton stood beside their SUV, outside the dig site. The police still had it sealed off, and were letting no one inside. The talk last night was that they thought this was just petty criminals biting off more than they could chew, but something had changed, and he was guessing some of the bodies had been identified.
His phone rang and he checked the display, smiling. He showed it to Laura. “It’s Hugh.” He swiped his thumb, taking the call. “Hey, Hugh, how are you?”
“Are you somewhere you can talk privately?”
Acton looked around at the large number of people. “Not really.” He stared at the SUV. “Just a second.” He opened the passenger door for Laura. “He wants to talk privately.”
Leather stepped over to join them. “Is that Agent Reading?”
Acton nodded, pressing the phone to his ear. “Can Cameron listen in?”
“Yes.”
They all climbed inside and Acton started the engine, firing up the air conditioning, the heat already oppressive outside, and even more so inside. The Bluetooth pairing he had set up earlier connected.
“Okay, you’re on with me, Lau
ra, and Cameron.”
The back door opened and Mai then Tommy hopped in.
“Ahhh, air conditioning,” sighed Tommy who paused, noticing everyone was staring at them. “Umm, did we interrupt something?”
“You’re also on with Tommy and Mai.”
“Fine. Lock your bloody doors.”
Acton grinned and pressed the button to comply. “Done.”
“Good. First, let me say that you should have told me you were involved in a firefight. I could already be there.”
Acton winked at the others. “I figured we should only let you know when something out of the ordinary happens. And with us, well, you know…”
“Uh huh. I do know, and that’s the problem. Anyway, I can be there late afternoon. It’s my day off, and I can probably convince my boss it’s official business and stay until this is cleared up.”
Laura leaned closer to the microphone. “No, Hugh, you enjoy your day off. If we had known, we wouldn’t have sent you anything.”
“Don’t you ever use my day off as an excuse not to let me know when you’ve got yourselves knee deep into it once again. Colonel, I assume they’re secure?”
Leather leaned in from the back seat. “Relatively. More so than last night. We were still getting established, and I had just arrived. The Greek team I had brought in took heavy casualties, but were able to wipe out half a dozen of the hostiles. Replacements have already arrived, and more are on standby, awaiting a decision on what happens to this location.”
“But you think they’re safe?”
“For now. I don’t think we have to worry about another attack. A few got away, and we don’t know if there are more, or if they have the capacity for reinforcements. The site is swarming with police now, so it is protected. We’re going to head back to the hotel, right?”
Acton and Laura both nodded.
“Once we get there, they’ll be safe.”
“Good. If you need me, just let me know.”
Laura patted the dash as if it were Reading. “You enjoy your day off and don’t worry about us. Plans with Spencer?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. And if I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late. Oh, before I forget. All but one of those numbers you sent me led to nothing.”
“And the one that didn’t?” asked Acton.
“A local fence. His name is Karan Damos. Be careful, he’s got quite the record, so don’t go looking for him. Just let this go, and consider yourselves lucky to have gotten out of this alive.”
Acton nodded. “That’s our thinking too. We’re going to talk things over with Professor Antoniou and see if there’s anything we can do to help from a funding perspective, then head back home.”
Laura squeezed his thigh. “Maybe we’ll drop by and visit with you tonight if you don’t mind?”
Acton could almost hear the smile through the phone. “You know you’re always welcome.”
“Fantastic.”
“Wait, just a second.”
Acton’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
“Michelle just brought me the files on your dead thieves.” The start of a whistle was replaced with a burst of static. “Okay, I definitely want you guys out of there ASAP.”
Acton tensed. “Why?”
“They’ve all been linked to the Suqut Brigade. It’s an offshoot of ISIS that has been hawking a lot of stolen artifacts on the black market. They’re vicious, brutal thugs, and won’t hesitate to kill. If they’re involved, you don’t want to be.”
That settled things in Acton’s mind. “Understood. We’ll let you know when we’re leaving, and what time the jet will be landing in London.”
“Do that. Maybe we’ll order Chinese.”
Laura smiled. “As long as it’s from our favorite place!”
“It’s a date.”
Acton patted his stomach. “Mmmm, moo shu pork.”
Tommy perked up. “I love moo shu!”
Acton looked back at him and Mai. “Umm, you better set two more places for dinner. Tommy and Mai are coming too.”
“Ahh, have you seen my flat?”
Acton laughed. “Maybe we’ll meet at Laura’s. It’s bigger.”
“Good idea. I’ll see you tonight.”
The call ended and Acton was about to suggest beating a hasty retreat to the hotel when there was a knock at his window, causing him to flinch.
Calm down!
He lowered the window for Antoniou who peered inside. “Everything okay?”
Acton nodded. “Yes, we were just on a call with our Interpol friend.” He gestured at the scene out the front window. “What’s the word?”
Antoniou frowned. “They’re not letting anyone in today. So, my wife and I would like to take you all to lunch. Our way of apologizing for everything that has happened, and to thank you for your offer to help.”
Laura smiled. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“We insist. Please, let us do this for you.”
Acton’s stomach rumbled. “Well, I’m starving, so let’s do it.”
Antoniou beamed. “Splendid. Let me go get her, she’ll be so happy.”
Antoniou disappeared and Leather opened the rear door. “I’ll take my leave now. I want to go over some new security protocols just in case you decide to stay.”
Laura shook her head. “Oh, we’ll be leaving this afternoon.”
Leather smiled. “Ma’am, I know you well enough to always expect the unexpected.”
Acton laughed. “Well, just this once you’ll be wasting your time. After last night, we’re outta here. Guaranteed.”
Leather gave a casual salute along with a bemused smile. “Enjoy your lunch.”
Acton looked at Laura. “I don’t think he believes us.”
Laura shrugged. “Would you?” She turned to Leather. “Cameron, do what you must, but spend some time with your friend. I doubt she’s too happy being left alone.”
Leather frowned. “You might be right.” His frown deepened. “This is not the job if you don’t want to remain single.” He gave them another salute then shut the door.
Laura sighed. “Now I feel terrible.”
“You didn’t choose his job.”
“I know, but I’m the one who has him all over the world, protecting our sites, insisting he be the one that’s actually there.”
“Well, maybe we should back off on that. All of his men are excellent.”
She nodded. “I know. You’re right, of course.”
“I always am.”
She patted his cheek. “Don’t get cocky, mister.”
He gave a toothy grin. “You’re right. I’ll save that for—”
“James!” She motioned toward the back seat with her eyes. Acton turned around, facing Tommy and Mai.
“Sorry kids, adult talk, close your ears.”
Tommy snickered and Mai held his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. “I sooo want to be like them.”
32 |
Damos Residence
Athens, Greece
Damos took the final bite of his moussaka then put down his fork, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied groan as he swallowed. He smiled appreciatively at his wife.
“Another masterpiece, as usual.”
She batted a hand at him. “You say that every meal.”
“And I mean it every time.” He leaned in and tickled his daughter’s stomach, eliciting a squirm and a giggle. “Don’t I!”
“Mommy’s the best cook ever!”
“And Daddy agrees.”
A bang downstairs had his eyes narrowing and his wife staring toward the staircase that led to his shop below. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and rose. “I’ll check it out.”
His heart hammered when he heard footsteps on the stairs.
Multiple sets.
He took two steps toward the buffet and pulled open one of the drawers, retrieving his gun. He pointed at the bedroom down the hall. “Take her, now. Go out the window if I don’t signal you in thirty se
conds.”
His wife, pale and trembling, grabbed their daughter and rushed down the hall as three men rounded the corner, stepping into the small kitchen.
Damos kept the gun at his side, but it didn’t go unnoticed. “What do you want? What is the meaning of this, coming into my home?”
“We’re here to discuss what went wrong last night.”
His eyes narrowed, then he finally put two and two together when he noticed the thick beards. “You’re from the Suqut Brigade.”
They all nodded as one, the leader stepping toward the side, staring down the hallway Damos had sent his family. “My boss is not pleased with you. We lost six—”
“Seven,” interjected another.
“—men last night. My boss thinks it’s your fault.”
Damos paled slightly, shaking his head vigorously. “Absolutely not. How could I know they had that extra security? Nobody knew.”
“She knew.”
Damos’ shoulders sagged, realizing he shouldn’t have lied to them. “She must have. But I swear, she didn’t tell me.”
Why stop lying now?
“I don’t believe you.”
“It’s the truth. I swear.”
The man took several steps down the hallway. “Perhaps if I asked your wife and daughter. Perhaps they might tell me what I want to know.”
Damos’ lower lip trembled as he remembered the stories about what ISIS did to women in their so-called Caliphate, and how even the Koran endorsed the sexual enslavement of the women of their enemies. “Please don’t hurt them. They’re innocent in all of this. They don’t even know what I do.”
“I find it hard to believe that your lovely wife has no idea how this wonderful food is put on your table.” The man rubbed his thumb through the sauce left on Damos’ daughter’s plate. He sucked it clean, nodding appreciatively. “Your wife is a fine cook. I wonder how she is in the bedroom.”
Damos’ arm raised swiftly, the gun now mere inches from the man’s head. “You won’t touch her.”
“Perhaps, but you’ll never know.”
Something hit him hard on the back of the head and he collapsed, his world going black almost instantly.
Please don’t touch them!
The Cylon Curse Page 10
