Assassins of Athens

'Meaning?'

'They knew who the important people were in society and loved to be even a tangential part of that crowd.'

'Don't you think their experiences here soured any interest in further social climbing?'

'To some extent sure, but I tend to think not completely. From what I understand, these people kept their wealth, at least part of it, and had children to educate. They weren't likely to simply go off and hibernate in some cave until the day they all died.'

He took a sip of coffee. 'You might be right. One family is in Paris, and the two others we know of are in Switzerland. Plus, wherever the Kostopoulos family ends up.'

'A lot more than three families have left suddenly. I have no way of knowing if any of them were banished but, if they were, I'd bet their children are in the finest, and most secure, private schools. Where some of their classmates, maybe even friends, are likely part of families-'

'At the top of the world.'

She smiled. 'Exactly.'

He took another sip of coffee, then put the cup down on the table between them. 'You know this could be dangerous?'

'It will come up as just fishing for idle gossip. Everyone does it all the time in Athens.'

'Now you're beginning to worry me. If people are being banished, the ones most likely behind it are from the very pond you're about to fish in. If they find out you're snooping around… do I have to tell you what's likely to happen?'

She drew in and let out a breath. 'No, you don't. I guess I'm being naive.'

'What you're being is very helpful. I just don't want you doing something that might get you hurt.'

She blushed. Perhaps she sensed he wanted to add something more.

'Just promise me you won't do anything without clearing it with me first.'

'Do you promise to return my calls?'

'Promise.' He smiled.

She looked at her watch. 'Oh, my god, I was supposed to be at the museum fifteen minutes ago.'

'Come on, I'll give you a ride. Even use the siren and the lights.'

'As long as you don't make me sit in the back. I can imagine the field day the paparazzi would have with that picture.'

Andreas imagined a headline: Socialite Held by Police. On the way to the museum they talked about nothing important… to the case. She talked about her husband, how they met while she was at college in Boston, and how his death affected her. Andreas talked about how tough it was losing his father when he was eight, and growing up watching his mother endure all the rumors. Lila spoke of how difficult it was being a single woman in Athens 'even at my level.' He spoke about his sister's children, Nikos, Mihalis, and Anna, as if they were his kids and how his life made it unlikely he'd be having a family of his own anytime soon. She said her own job kept her 'safe from that sort of thing, too.'

He wished the ride had taken longer. He liked hearing her voice. He liked talking to her.

But for now, he was left to talking to Kouros about the four names he just wrote on the marker board on the wall behind his desk. Andreas stared at the names. 'Okay, Giorgio, you're the muscle, but what's your connection to the Kostopoulos family, and Athens society?'

'Maybe it's the drugs?' said Kouros.

'Yeah, there's certainly drugs in that crowd, and if you're looking to find someone to do a murder he's the one to talk to.' Andreas hesitated. 'But suppose, just suppose, that there really is a lot more going on here than an isolated murder. I don't see bringing a notorious drug dealer onboard as a confidant in something so big-time and serious unless you're willing to be blackmailed for the rest of your life. Whoever's running this is too smart to take such a risk.'

'Maybe there's a middleman,' Kouros pointed to Marios' name, 'and he's the link to Giorgio?'

'Or it's the one who forced Marios to talk to us. Marios certainly is connected to both worlds. Everyone likes the press. Especially a press that can be discreet.'

'For a price.'

Andreas nodded. 'Linardos. What are you doing up there on my board? You've got a big name, big power, big money, and a big likely hate for Kostopoulos. But you also have an impeccable reputation.' He fluttered his lips as he let out a breath.

'And then there's Anna,' said Kouros.

'I can't imagine she's anymore than what she seems, but why was she chosen? Who picked her out of all the possible-' he was about to say hookers '-choices available?'

'It's a strange mix.'

Andreas got up, walked around his desk, and stared out the window. 'If this really is something bigger, where's the money coming from? This kind of muscle doesn't come cheap. And who's the son-of-a-bitch tying everything together? The money, the muscle, the messages. He might not be at the top of the pyramid, but he's sure as hell making it all happen for whoever is.'

'Which of our four do you think it is?' Kouros pointed at the board.

Andreas turned from the window, walked back to the wall, and picked up a marker. Touching a spot in front of Giorgio's name he said, 'This one,' then drew a huge question mark embracing all four names. 'Someone who links all of them together. And I don't think we've found him yet.'

'Or her.'

'Yes, or her.' Andreas looked at his watch. 'Let's take a ride over to Linardos' office, just drop in unannounced.' Andreas smiled. 'Who knows, maybe he forgot to tell his secretary he's back in town.'

'And, if he is, maybe we can ask him to join us for a drink at the Ramrod.'

'At the what?' asked Andreas.

'That gay bar. I guess it gets its name from the long, stiff rod used to pack gunpowder, wads, and balls into the end of an old musket.'

Andreas stared at him. 'You really could use some sensitivity training.'

Kouros shrugged.

Great, thought Andreas. Three ramrods to deal with: a ramrod bar, a ramrod-minded cop, and a ramrod-stiff Athenian patrician. This was going to be some afternoon.

11

'Mr Linardos, there are two gentlemen here to see you, sir.' It was his secretary calling through on the intercom.

'Do they have an appointment?'

'No, sir, and I told them you just arrived from London and are very busy, but they said it's very important.'

'Who are they?'

'Chief inspector Kaldis and officer Kouros of GADA.'

It was a full thirty seconds before he answered. 'Okay, I'll see them in five minutes.'

Andreas smiled at the woman. 'Thank you for being so helpful.' She had little choice. Before she knew who they were, she'd kept them waiting by her desk while she finished some tirade with a restaurant over how it 'dared' to deliver such a 'horrible lunch' to 'the Sarantis Linardos.' Andreas never would forget the look on her face when they identified themselves. Kouros actually had to cough to cover up a laugh.

Andreas guessed Linardos was using the five minutes to call his lawyers. But how could he explain to them why he was afraid even to find out what the police wanted? Besides, he always could cut off the interview at any time. There was nothing Andreas could do about that.

This guy's life was right out of one of Maggie's magazines. He was isolated from the day-to-day demands made of virtually everyone else on earth: valets to choose and lay out his clothes, cooks to prepare his meals, personal shoppers to obtain whatever product or service he desired, maids to launder and clean up after him, chauffeurs, private pilots, and sea-captains to whisk him door-to-door to anywhere he wanted, and assistants anxious to arrange it all. Andreas wondered if he had any idea of the efficient, ruthless nature of the oh-so-many predators lurking about in the real world. Or maybe he was one of them.