we wanted. No other way it could have made this morning’s edition.’
‘I’m sure the other papers are crazed over being scooped. He must owe this one a big favor.’
‘Or want one.’
‘Shall we see what the TV is saying?’
‘No, I don’t need to hear how our minister’s “hands-on approach to confronting threats to our way of life” once again saved the planet.’
‘At least he gave you the day off.’
‘No, I gave myself the day off. And I gave Yianni the rest of the week off.’ Andreas lifted the fruit plate off his chest and put it on the bedside table, then rolled over so they were face-to-face. ‘So let’s make the most of it.’
‘Oh you sweet talker, you. If only-’ she jumped. ‘Whoa, baby’s really kicking, guess the little one wants out.’
‘Is it time?’ There was alarm in Andreas’ voice.
‘No, I’ve been getting soccer-style kicks for the last few days. The little bugger just wants to let us know there’s someone in there.’
He kissed her on the forehead. ‘You’re going to make a great mother.’
Lila smiled. ‘I’d also make a terrific wife.’
Andreas froze. She’d never said it directly before, though she’d hinted at it many times. He didn’t know what to say so he let the moment pass. He knew she wouldn’t push it. Why should she? She could have any man in the world she wanted. Once the baby was born and Lila faced the reality of what her life would be like with him, she’d come to her senses and move on. It was just her maternal hormones talking now. Andreas was certain of that. How could it be otherwise?
Lila rolled over and pressed the intercom. ‘Marietta, could you please pick up the tray? Thank you.’ She rolled back over and faced Andreas. ‘So, my man, what would you like to do today?’
‘This works just fine for me.’
She patted his chest. ‘Not really.’ There was a knock on the door. ‘Come in.’
The maid entered and started gathering up the plates and cups. ‘Mr Kaldis, your office would like you to call as soon as you have the opportunity.’
‘I guess that answers what you’ll be doing today.’
‘Not a chance. Today, I stay home.’ He picked up the phone, ‘I just have to call Maggie,’ and dialed. ‘Morning.’
‘Hello, next-to-last-paragraph star.’
‘Glad to see my glamorous life hasn’t affected your view of me.’
‘But you’re all over TV. Well, sort of. You’re getting promin ent mention under the code name “key personnel,” as in, “the minister was assisted in his operation by key personnel of the police and military.”’
‘What else is new?’
‘As a matter of fact, you have a call from that guy you met on Patmos.’
‘What guy?’
‘The ex-spook, Dimitri.’
‘What did he want?’
‘Wouldn’t say, but said it was very important, something some farmer wants you to have. He left me his number.’
Andreas was tempted to say don’t bother. ‘What is it?’
She said the number and hung up.
He looked at Lila. ‘Just one more call.’
‘Sure.’ Her voice was flat.
He dialed and waited. Then heard the unmistakable voice of a salesman. ‘Hello, Dimitri here.’
‘Hi, I understand you’re looking for me.’
‘Sorry to bother you, Chief, but I have something for you from that farmer you saved. Or rather your minister rescued.’ He laughed. ‘Bureaucrats are all the same.’
Andreas was not about to discuss his boss on a public phone. ‘The farmer and his family have been more than kind. Thank them, please, but I really don’t need any more of their food.’
‘It’s not food. But something I’m pretty sure you’ll want to chew on. Is this line safe?’
Jokes and drama, this guy knew how to sell, thought Andreas. ‘Yes, but is yours?’
‘Yep, I’m talking from an old friend’s office.’
Then I’d better be real careful with what I say, Andreas thought.
‘In all that excitement the farmer’s hens got out and started laying eggs everywhere. After you left, the little girl was looking for the eggs and found something hidden under empty feedbags in the shed where the three men had been working. Her grandfather called me. He thought it might be something you’d be interested in seeing.’
‘How did he know to call you?’
‘Because I’d told him I was the one who sent you in the first place. You think I was going to let your minister take all the credit? Besides, it might get me a better price on eggs.’ He laughed.
Andreas shook his head. Always an angle with this guy. ‘Well, just send it on to my office.’
‘Better yet, I’ll drop it off.’
‘Huh?’
‘Just got into Athens this morning. Spending today and Good Friday with my sister.’
‘No need to rush. I won’t be in today.’
‘Yes, you will.’
‘Don’t bet on it.’
Dimitri laughed. ‘Let’s put it this way. I wouldn’t wager anything you really care about.’
Andreas wanted this to end. It was old news. ‘Okay, what did the little girl find?’ He waved his hand in the air to Lila, as if to say, I want this guy to get off the phone already.
‘A laptop computer and a pile of disks. I didn’t look at them, but I have a hunch you’ll want to.’
Andreas didn’t respond.
‘Hello, did you hear what I said?’
This is old news. I don’t want to know what’s on Vassilis’ computer. ‘What time can you have them in my office?’
Lila rolled over and got out of bed.
Holy Thursday’s morning Ceremony of the Basin was a powerful moment in Zacharias’ monastery. The abbot played the part of Christ washing his disciples’ feet after the Last Supper, but the monks cast in those roles knew better than to view this as anything but a brief, ceremonial exercise by the autocrat who ruled within these walls.
Zacharias had been through more than a decade of these ceremonies. He watched the abbot move along the row of bare feet. Amazing how much he’d aged. He was very lucky I came along when I did. He needed me. Someone had to organize this place and speak enough different languages to communicate with the world beyond these walls. Still, the abbot never would have taken me in if I’d not sworn to reject all my worldly possessions — and turn them over to his monastery. To Zacharias that just proved anyone could find a place in the world, assuming of course you had the price of admission, which in his case was a very expensive ticket.
The abbot was about to wash Zacharias’ feet. How fitting he’s doing this, Zacharias thought. After all I’ve done for him without taking a bit of credit… or a euro or a dollar or a ruble. But then again, that’s our arrangement, the same as I have with all I’ve helped rise to power in our monasteries. I get them what they want without seeking anything for myself, except of course, their friendship and access to them whenever I want. What more do I need of money? I have all I’ll ever require in life safely away in Swiss bank accounts. The vast wealth of the Ecumenical Patriarch shall serve another purpose, for with it will come the earthly power to bring much needed order to the world, once he is on our Holy Mountain… and under my guidance.
Zacharias smiled.
The abbot noticed the smile and smiled back, as if reflecting on their past together.
Oh, yes, Your Holiness, I remember our first ceremony together, thought Zacharias. I was the youngest, and that meant I played a special role. I was your Judas.
Lila didn’t act upset when Andreas said he had to go to the office ‘just for an hour or so.’ She said she’d call
