“I’m doing well, thank you. Are your men in Greece yet?” They hesitated, not wanting him to know just how quickly they could move to a target.
“Not yet, but close,” said Hex. Cade and the others stared at them, knowing they were lying. But why?
“Nicolai, we need to dig in a bit further on this precious island of yours,” said Eric. Nicolai stared at the man, recognizing the tone. He nodded, steeling himself for the onslaught of questions.
“You’re not in trouble, Nicolai, but I suspect that there is something on that island that you either knew about or knew it was there but told it was something innocent,” said Hex. “Armed men are going back and forth to your island. You have roughly two-hundred permanent residents, none of which are working in security or the military from what we know. So why? Why are armed men going to the island? And why are people being denied the right to travel to the island?”
Nicolai just stared at the men, unsure of how to answer the question. He should have been upfront about what was happening on his island. But the lives of every man and woman were at risk. If he told anyone, they would die.
“Nicolai, we can’t help you unless you’re honest with us,” said Eric.
The silence was unbearable. What Nicolai did not know, was that these men were experts at embracing the silent treatment. Silence was uncomfortable. Silence was deafening. Most people couldn’t stand to endure it. Nicolai was one of those people.
“They said they could help to prove my lineage,” he said quietly. “They said if I allowed them access to the island, they would prove that I was a direct descendant of Alexander. I was a fool.”
“Who are these people, Nicolai?” asked Luke.
“They said they work with a historical commission based out of Türkiye. Türkiye and Greece have a long contentious relationship. Sometimes we love one another, sometimes we hate one another. They said that they could prove I was related to Alexander and the island would become famous.”
“Did they say how they would do that?” asked Eric.
“They said they needed to dig on the eastern cliff face to find what they needed. It was to be done quietly. At least, at first.”
“What do you mean?” asked Hex.
“It was a handful of men coming over every day and digging into the cliff face. First hanging from ropes, then once there was a carved-out section, they would lower to the small caves and dig further and further into the cliff.
“One morning I woke to the sound of an explosion.” The men all leaned back, staring at one another. “The people were coming toward my house, asking me what happened. I tried to calm them, and I ran toward the cliffs to see what had happened. When I arrived, I realized that they were using explosives to dig into the cliff-face.”
“Did they say why?” asked Eric.
“No,” he said shaking his head. “They only said it was necessary and that I should calm the people and go back to bed. Of course, I didn’t. I mean, I calmed the citizens but I didn’t go back to bed. It became louder and louder, shaking the earth, the buildings, everything. My people, our people were concerned that it was damaging the island somehow.”
“Did you confront them again?” asked Eric.
“I did and they threatened me.” He stared down at his hands, shaking his head. “I was such a fool. Such a complete and utter fool. I was told to mind my own business.”
“Did you sign something allowing them to dig on the island?” asked Luke.
“Yes. I-I must admit that I didn’t have a solicitor review it. I’m an old fool. A very old fool.”
“Nicolai, this hole in the side of the cliff, how big is it?” asked Hex.
“When I left, when I was taken, it was easily big enough for a house to be placed inside. I couldn’t believe it. You can’t see it from the cliff top. You can only see it from the water. As they were taking me away, I looked back and couldn’t believe what they’d done. It’s as if they’re digging to the center of the island or something.”
“Have there been deliveries to the island or near the cliff?” asked Hex.
“Maybe. I’m not sure. Remember, I haven’t been there in months.”
“Is there anyone that you can call, maybe someone you trust?” said Eric.
“I can try but service on the island is all land based. Cell phones don’t work very well. Marguerite. Marguerite Clinopolis. She’s eighty-seven but sharp as a tack, as you Americans say. She knows everything that’s happening and keeps her eye on the people.”
“It’s the middle of the night, will she answer?” asked Luke.
“She’s a night owl, as we say. She should answer.”
“Call her.”
