CHAPTER SEVEN
“What are the Greek authorities saying?” asked Ian Robicheaux. He and Frank joined the group in trying to find more information about Nicolai and his attackers.
“It doesn’t look good for Nicolai. The authorities are saying that he is not a prince, and that there are no royals in Greece. They said he was the unelected mayor of the island and informally a community leader. That’s all.”
“Do you believe that?” asked Frank. Luke stared at them and shook his head.
“No. There are no cameras or security features on the island for us to tap into. If we want to know more, we’re going to have to go to that damn island. The Greek authorities are not going to like that but honestly, I don’t give a damn.”
“I’ll go,” said Ian.
“Me too,” said Frank.
“Do either of you speak Greek?” asked Cam.
“Not me,” said Frank. Ian shook his head as well.
“I do,” said Devin.
“I do as well,” said Bodhi.
“Then it’s the four of you. The challenge will be that you need to get on that island without the authorities knowing about it. There are no airports and only one ferry from the mainland out there. I think we’re going to have to use our own resources to get on that island,” said Luke.
“Maybe we try the conventional way with a ferry ticket first,” said Bodhi. “No one will think anything of it if we simply say we’re going out there to explore and dive. There’s great diving off the coast of Greece, especially if you’re looking for history.”
“Okay,” nodded Eric. “Try it the normal way first. Then just make it up as you go along if they don’t play nice.”
“I do have a question,” said Frank. “How are the Greeks erasing hundreds of years of history with his family, when it’s well-documented that they were royal?”
They all stared at one another, then back at Frank.
“Great fucking question,” said Luke. “Even if they claim he is no longer a prince, they cannot erase the fact that his ancestors were royals. Something is seriously fucked up here.”
“Isn’t it always?” frowned Bodhi.
“Take whatever equipment you need, additional men if you think it will help. Keep comms and tracking on at all times. Do not turn that shit off or I will come and get you myself,” said Hex.
“Yes, daddy,” they grinned leaving the room.
“I hate when they do that. It was funny when we did it to the elders. Not funny when we’re suddenly the elders.”
“You look as though you have something spinning in that big skull of yours,” smirked Cam, looking at Eric. He flipped him off and then nodded.
“We need to figure out what’s so important about a little, tiny island with nothing of note for the economy. No one kills the leader of an island, informal leader or not, just to have the island under their control unless there’s something on that island that needs to be controlled.”
“Or someone,” said Hex.
“Keep going,” said Luke staring at him.
“What if that island has a resident that knows something very important that the government doesn’t want anyone to know about?”
“Wouldn’t Nicolai have known that?” asked Cam.
“Let’s go ask him.”
The men walked out of the offices, following Cam toward the gardens. They stood on the fringe as Mama Irene spoke about the importance of the soil and ensuring that it doesn’t vary.
“If you ever think something is amiss here, you need to let Rachel know. She’ll know how to fix it.” Irene looked up to see Hex, Cam, Luke, and Eric. “I assume you boys aren’t here about the gardens.”
“Grandma, we need to speak with Nicolai,” smiled Luke.
“Go head. He’s right here,” said Irene daring them to shoo her away. They all just grinned and nodded.
“Nicolai, you said there was nothing of importance on your island. No minerals, gold, gems, nothing of tremendous value. But what about a person? Is there someone on the island that has some information, value, or something that the Greek government would be interested in?”
“No,” he said emphatically. “I know every man, woman, and child on the island. Most are so old they can barely survive by themselves. I’ve worried every minute since this happened that they will be forgotten.”
“No new tenants?” asked Eric.
“I know what you’re asking but if you saw my island, you would understand. There is nothing there for young men such as yourself. No industry. No excitement. It is quiet. We only just got satellite dishes to receive news from the mainland. We like it this way.”
“Alright,” nodded Luke. “We’re going to send a team to see what they can find on the island. They’re going to go in as tourists.”
“That’s the best way,” nodded Nicolai. “Most will spend one-night simply because of the lack of regular ferries. There are some wonderful ancient ruins on the island. An old temple, remnants of a civilization we believe was both Greek and Roman. It’s just old rocks, but it’s ours.”
“I’m going to bet it’s amazing,” said Eric. “As Americans we have nothing manmade that’s older than two or three hundred years. My wife’s people, and other indigenous people, left behind things much older but so much of it has been destroyed.”
“That’s very sad,” frowned Nicolai. He looked around, lifting his head.
“Are you alright, Nicolai?” asked Gwen.
“I’m embarrassed to say this but I smell something wonderful and my stomach is growling to have at it.”
With laughter filling the gardens, they all nodded, pointing the way to the cafeteria. Gwen just laughed.
“Get used to it Nicolai. It happens like clockwork around here.”