33 |
Oroscopo Restaurant
Athens, Greece
“At least let us pay for Tommy and Mai!”
Antoniou shook his head emphatically. “Absolutely not. I said lunch was on us, and I meant it. Your grad students were always included.”
Laura frowned with a sigh. “Very well. But next time lunch is on us.”
Antoniou grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Acton patted his stomach. “That was a fantastic meal. What were those pastry things called?”
“Spanakopita.”
“They should just call it ‘crack.’ I could eat those all day.”
Tommy did the old stretch fake, ending with an arm around Mai who didn’t seem to mind. “Me too. When we get back to the States, I’m checking UberEats for a restaurant that has those. Pair those with some samosas, and I’d be in heaven.”
Mai’s eyes narrowed. “Samosas?”
Tommy eyed her. “You’ve never had samosas?”
She shrugged. “Never heard of them.”
He grinned. “Then you’re in for a treat when we get home.”
Acton had to agree, and made a mental note to track some down when they returned.
The bill paid, they headed for the exit and stepped into the early afternoon heat, the sun baking down on the concrete jungle surrounding them. Acton groaned. “I never thought I’d say it, but I’m looking forward to London’s weather.”
Laura patted his chest. “You never did like the heat, did you?”
Acton shook his head. “Why do you think I chose to study the Incans in the mountains of Peru, rather than the Egyptians in the deserts of Africa?”
Laura stared up at the sun, shielding her eyes as she drew in a slow breath. “I love the heat. It’s just so unlike England.”
Acton eyed her, a bemused smile on her face. “With your fair skin and auburn hair, it’s a wonder you don’t turn into one big freckle.”
She rubbed her face. “Never had that problem, thankfully. Poor Jenny though, she was not made for the sun.”
Acton chuckled, thinking of Terrence Mitchell’s wife. “She definitely shouldn’t have married Terrence, especially now that you’ve relegated him to the desert for most of the year.”
Laura shrugged. “She seems happy.”
“She does that.”
A van pulled up rather quickly, causing Acton to pause, instinctively stepping in front of Laura. The van doors all opened at once and four armed men, their faces covered by hoods, jumped out. Mai screamed and Acton spread out his arms, ushering Laura, Mai, and Tommy back toward the restaurant entrance as Antoniou and his wife stood frozen.
“Basil! Get back!”
But it was too late. The armed men grabbed Juno by the arms, hauling her toward the van as she screamed, struggling against them. Laura took over, grabbing Tommy and Mai by an arm each and hauling them back through the doors as Acton advanced, reaching for a weapon that wasn’t there. He grabbed Antoniou as he began after his wife, hauling him back as two weapons were aimed at them. The doors slammed shut and the van squealed away as Acton raced into the middle of the street after it, trying to read the license plate, but it was of no use. He turned to find Tommy recording the scene like a typical millennial, and pushed him back toward the sidewalk as the others emerged from the safety of the restaurant. He pointed at Laura.
“Call Cameron!”
She nodded and had her phone out moments later as he dialed Reading’s number.
I guess we’re not leaving today after all.
34 |
King George Hotel
Athens, Greece
Leather stared at Adelaide, content. The past two hours had been a lot of fun, beyond the sex. The past hour had just been spent talking, discovering the likes and dislikes of a new lover, the broad strokes of life that had created the person he now shared a bed with.
And hers had been a fascinating life, and she seemed equally enthralled with his own, though much of it was classified and would be a black box to her. She seemed fine with that, her position at the embassy exposing her to the concept of compartmentalization on a regular basis.
It was something his ex-wife could never comprehend.
But Adelaide didn’t seem to care about that at all.
“This has been nice.”
She smiled at him, running a finger through his chest hair. “Really nice. When can we do it again?”
He sighed. “I’m not sure. Maybe in a month? How long are you in Cairo?”
“For the foreseeable future. I’m stationed there now, so it’s not a temporary assignment. How long are you at that dig?”
“That won’t be shutting down any time soon. I’ll be in and out of there for years, probably. Where I go in between though isn’t set in stone.”
She grinned. “So, Cairo could be in your future?”
He leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss. “It’s a definite possibility.”
She sighed, lying back on the pillow, a smile on her face as she closed her eyes. “Can I confess something?”
His stomach flipped. “Umm, sure.”
She reached out and blindly took his hand, her eyes still closed, as if she were afraid to look at him. “I think I’m falling for you.”
His stomach flipped again and his heart hammered. No one had said anything like that to him since his ex-wife, and he had forgotten how exciting and terrifying it was. He let go of her hand and slid his arm under her neck, rolling her toward him, then hugged her hard. “Me too.”
She returned the hug, a sigh of relief escaping at the reciprocated sentiment. It was early, probably too early, yet there was no denying there was something there between them. Nobody had said anything about love, but the intensity between them was unlike anything he had ever experienced, she dominated his thoughts beyond just the sexual, and he genuinely enjoyed talking to her, even though most of those conversations had taken place in a bed.
He couldn’t wait to spend more time with her, getting to know her, discovering whether they truly were compatible, whether there truly was a future to be had here. He just prayed his job didn’t get in the way once again.
“You realize that what’s happened the past couple of days is likely to happen again.”
She pushed away from him gently, giving herself space to look at him. “What do you mean? Armed madmen storming a dig site is normal?”
He grunted. “You’d be surprised, though that’s not exactly what I meant. What I meant was that my job means I get interrupted. It means plans that are made could easily need to be broken. Like here. I didn’t think I’d have to be away so much.”
She smiled. “No apology necessary.” She leaned closer. “Actually, I think it’s kind of sexy.” She attacked him, and nothing else was said until they both collapsed beside each other, finally spent.
He smiled at the ceiling. “You make me feel like a young lad again.”
She rolled over on her side, facing him. “You mean you did this when you were a boy?”
He chuckled. “Okay, young man.”
“That’s better. I was beginning to think I’d have to call the police on myself.”
He laughed, then frowned, a heavy sigh escaping as his thoughts returned to what he had been saying before he was wonderfully interrupted. He rolled into a cross-legged position. “I have to warn you, right now, that getting involved with me can be unpredictable.”
She grinned. “Why, are you a little sick up here?” She tapped his forehead.
He took her hand and held it. “No, I mean my job. I’m the head of security for a very wealthy woman, who though very pleasant, is quite demanding when it comes to the safety of her students.”
“As she should be. They are, after all, children.”
“University students, but yes, they are young. We may not see much of each other.”
She smiled and pushed him onto his back, climbing on top of him. “Then how about we just focus on the sex?�
�
A Cheshire grin spread across his face when his phone vibrated on the nightstand. He reached over and checked the display. “See?” He held it up for her, the phone showing a photo of Laura. “Told you.” He swiped his thumb. “Hello?”
“Cameron, Juno has been kidnapped at gunpoint. We need you.”
He became all business, gently pushing Adelaide off him as he left the bed, his eyes roaming the room for his clothes. “Are you in immediate danger?”
“No, I don’t think so. They’re gone.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“No.”
“Then get inside a public building. Bank or government. Something with lots of people. Send me your location as soon as you’re secure. I’m heading out now.”
“Okay. I’ll send you the location right away.”
The call ended and he turned to Adelaide to find her deliciously naked, collecting his clothes and placing them on the bed. He smiled. “Have I told you that you’re the best?”
“I am, and no, you haven’t.”
He gave her a quick peck as he grabbed his underwear. “I’m pretty sure I told you last night.”
“That was sex. You always tell your partner they’re the best you ever had, even if it isn’t true.”
“But in both our cases it is, of course.”
She grinned. “Of course.” She handed him his Kevlar vest. “So, what’s going on?”
“The professor’s wife has been kidnapped.”
She froze for a moment. “Professor Palmer?”
He shook his head. “No, Juno, the Greek professor.” He finished stuffing his pockets with the accouterments of the trade, then gave her a quick hug.
“You’re right, life with you will be interesting.”
He smiled at her. “Will?”
She pushed him away, wagging a finger. “Don’t read too much into things.” She winked at him. “But I do like interesting.”
35 |
Athens, Greece
“What are you doing? Why did you take me?”
Rafiq smacked the woman with the back of his hand, turning her cries of protests into less annoying whimpers. “Keep your mouth shut, woman!”
She wiped away a trickle of blood from her lip with the back of her hand before it was grabbed, along with the other, and bound with zip ties by Zaman. “Please, my husband is a professor. He’s not a rich man. We have no money.”
“I said, shut up!” He raised his hand, but she cowered before him, his dominance established. He shoved a rag into her mouth, then jabbed a finger into her chest. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t say another word, or your husband will be getting you back in pieces.” He squeezed one of her breasts. “But not before we have our fun with you, kafir.”
Her eyes widened with horror and fear, and his mind flashed back to the sex slave he had been honored with for several months back in the Caliphate. It had been an incredible time. He had never understood until then, the pleasures that came with complete and total control over a sexual partner. The Koran in Sura 4:24 said, “And all married women are forbidden unto you save those whom your right hands possess,” and he was merely following the word of Allah, which made it all the more wonderful. During those days of bliss, he often wondered if Jannah was like that. Seventy-two virgins, under his complete control and dominance for eternity.
I can’t wait to get there.
And the way his man was driving, that might be sooner than planned.
“Slow down, there’s no one following us.”
“Sorry.”
He stared at his prisoner, trembling in the corner, and sneered. “You’re mistaken about your husband.”
She stared at him, her eyes suggesting confusion.
“He has something I want. Which makes him a very wealthy man.”
She shook her head, shouting something into the rag, something he couldn’t care less to understand. For before this night was over, he would either have what he wanted, or he’d have her.
Either way, he’d be satisfied.
Though both would be better.
36 |
The Red Lion Pub
London, England
Reading drained the last of his pint, calling for another, as his son Spencer failed to keep up.
“I didn’t know you could drink a beer that fast.”
Reading tapped the table. “Decades of practice, lad. One day, you’ll be tossing one back and impressing my grandson.”
“What if it’s a granddaughter?”
Reading paused. “I don’t know how to impress a daughter.”
Spencer grinned. “Then good thing you had a son.”
Reading laughed, smiling at the barmaid as she delivered his fresh pint. “I’m glad we’re doing this.”
Spencer nodded, wiping his upper lip free of the froth from his last large gulp. “Me too. I’m sorry I wasted so many years.”
Reading shook his head. “You were just a boy. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Yeah, well, mother kind of had a hand in that too.”
“We’ll not speak ill of your mother.”
Spencer stared at the bottom of his glass. “Sorry.”
Reading leaned closer. “Even if you’re telling the truth.” He patted him on the arm then leaned back. “I’m proud of you, son. You’re making something of yourself. From what I’ve been told, you’re doing extremely well at Hendon.”
Spencer eyed him. “Have you been checking up on me?”
“Absolutely.”
Spencer wagged a finger. “Don’t interfere.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. And from what I’ve been told, there’s no need to check up on you anymore. But if you ever need help, you let me know. Your old man has a lot of connections still. Even at the police college.”
“I want to do this on my own.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. You don’t need my help, you’ll do just fine.” Reading sighed. “My son, a copper. Fantastic!”
“Did you ever think you’d see the day?”
Reading roared with laughter, raising his glass. “If you had told me a year ago that my son would be at Hendon Police College, I would have called you barmy!”
His phone vibrated beside his glass and he leaned over to see Acton’s smiling mug on display. “Uh oh.”
“What?”
“Jim.” He swept his thumb across the display. “Hello?”
“Juno’s been kidnapped!”
Reading’s eyebrows shot up and he pressed the phone harder against his ear, a pub not the best place for important conversations. “Are you safe?”
“Yes, I think so. We’re heading into a bank right now.”
“Has someone called the police yet?”
“I think some bystanders did. I hear sirens now. Laura is on the phone with Cameron right now.”
Reading cursed. “He’s not with you?”
“No, he’s at the hotel.”
“What the bloody hell good is private security if they’re not with you?”
“We all thought it was over. It was just lunch, then we were getting on the plane.”
Reading shook his head. “Never mind all that. Secure yourself, then call me back. I’ll head to the office now and make arrangements to join you.”
“Use the account.”
Reading frowned, always hating accessing the private account his friends had set up for him in case of emergencies. But this was one of those times it truly was an emergency. “I will.”
“And don’t skimp. Do whatever it takes to get here as fast as you can.”
“Just secure yourself, then call me back.”
“Okay, talk to you soon.”
Reading ended the call, pushing his beer aside. “I really hate to do this. We just got here, and the match hasn’t even started yet.”
Spencer chuckled. “With friends like yours, it’s a wonder that you can ever keep an appointment.”
Reading grunted. “You have no idea. Are
you okay?”
Spencer nodded. “You’re a cop. Your friends need you. You wouldn’t be the dad I know if you didn’t go help them.”
Reading smiled. “You’re a good son.”
“And you’re a good dad. I, umm, know we had our problems, but I like to think everything is good between us now.”
Reading’s chest ached at the words. “So do I.”
“Now, go to Greece before people start crying.”
Reading laughed. “You are definitely my son.” He rose, as did his son, and they exchanged a thumping hug. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Be careful.”
Reading left the pub with mixed emotions, worried about his friends, but pleased things were going so well with his son after so many years estranged. Spencer was a changed man, and was finally making something of himself.
And there wasn’t a prouder father in all of London.
Life is good.
37 |
Alpha Bank
Athens, Greece
Acton stood with the others near the rear of the bank, a quick explanation from Antoniou as to what was going on garnering action from a sympathetic manager. Through the glass doors, they could see half a dozen police cars, and at least a couple of dozen officers, securing the area, but he wasn’t going out there.
Not yet.
His phone vibrated with the call he had been waiting for.
Leather.
He answered. “Cameron?”
“Where are you?”
Acton spotted the man striding through the doors. “We’re in the back.” He gestured toward the manager standing nearby as Leather was challenged by the on-edge guards. “He’s with us.”
Something was shouted and Leather was let through. Acton and the others rushed out to join him.
“Is everyone okay?”
“They took my wife!”
Leather ignored the Greek professor, instead giving the once over to the people he was responsible for. “I want you to stay in here. I’m going to go outside and find out who’s in charge, then we’ll go from there. Expect this to be a long day. There will be a lot of questions, especially after last night.”
The Cylon Curse Page 11
