An Aegean Prophecy - Jeffrey Siger [60]
‘If you didn’t complain, you wouldn’t be Greek.’
Andreas kissed her on the cheek. ‘Okay, how’s this: The minister must have told the paper to hold the presses for a major story, written it for them, and released it the moment I told him the three guys were the ones 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