CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Petros Andriopoulos stood in front of the man behind the desk. His quarters on the ship were sheer luxury. The rest of the ship appeared to be just the usual cargo vessel. Rusted steel and heavy doors made it feel industrial, and it was.
But this man’s quarters were filled with dark wood, fine carpets, massive furniture pieces and that damn desk. They’d actually had to cut the doorway to allow for the furniture to be placed in the cabin. The new door was twice the size of the others.
“Why is this taking so long?” he growled at the Petros.
“I’m trying, sir but we’ve had setbacks. I just received word that our storage facility that houses the dynamite and drilling equipment has been destroyed by lightning. It’s not something we can control.”
“Lightning,” he spewed. “And I suppose those ignorant islanders believe it was their gods that interfered.”
“Yes,” he nodded. “And, and my foreman was injured quite severely. While speaking to the villagers, objects flew at him, ramming him in the abdomen. He had to be transported to the hospital with internal injuries. Three of his men left on a small fishing vessel. We believe they drowned in the storm.”
“Good. Three less people to worry about.” Petros said nothing, just waiting for orders from the man.
“Sir, we need more time and I can’t keep those people out there forever. Plus, we still don’t know where Nicolai is. He could be alive and causing problems for us.”
“He’s not alive. He’s a simple man who has never lived anywhere other than that damn island. If he’s out there, he’s lost as a goose and probably starving to death.”
“If you say so,” said Petros. He stood to leave and the man called out to him.
“Petros? Get this done or you’ll find yourself in the same boat as Nicolai.”
Petros said nothing, leaving the quarters and making his way toward the small boat that would take him back to the island. Until he could find another foreman, he would be forced to handle things himself, staying on the island.
He disagreed with his boss on many levels, not the least of which is his underestimation of Nicolai and his will to survive. Petros knew he was out there somewhere and he doubted that the man was dying or starving.
“I cannot eat another bite, ladies. Please, I’m going to explode,” said Nicolai laughing at those around the table.
“Our wives seem to think a man is only happy if he’s well-fed and well-cared for,” said Wes. “You’ll get used to it.”
Nicolai had a sad look on his face and Virginia reached out, squeezing his hand.
“You’ll be used to it while you’re here, Nicolai. You’ll be back home soon enough. We promise.”
“I wish I had your optimism,” he said. No sooner had the words left his lips when Code and Hiro walked in and took their seat at the table.
“They’re getting everyone off the island tonight,” said Hiro. “We’ve got everything we need, but the situation is getting more and more dangerous. Once we have them off and safely on the mainland, we’ll board that ship and see what the hell is so important.”
“They must be so frightened,” whispered Nicolai.
“The men said they are scared but also incredibly brave. They were happy to hear that you are well and will return to them,” said Hiro.
“Are the others still there? Luke, Eric and the others?” he asked.
“They are. They’ll help to get everyone to safety on the mainland and then assist the men in finding out what’s happening there.”
“I’d like to join them,” said Nicolai. “Surely I can get there now and show them that I’m still here, supporting them.”
“We should be able to get you there,” said Wes. “A few of us will be going with you. This may require a larger team.”
“Wonderful,” he smiled. “I’m so ready to be home. Grateful beyond belief for your hospitality and care but I miss my home and my people.”
“We understand that better than most,” said Nathan. “This is our home and this is where we want to be, where we want to come home to every single day. Not everyone has that privilege and we know how lucky we are.”
“Thank you for understanding,” said Nicolai. “What do I need to do?”