Order of the Black Sun Box Set 4

by Preston William Child

  “So when do we go to this warehouse?” Costa persisted, answering the urgency of his curiosity while Don watched enthusiasm of the newcomer in silence. He smiled at Purdue as if saying ‘Check out this zealous puppy’, and Purdue returned his sentiments with an almost imperceptible nod. They were amused at the interest shown by the art professor, clearly not accustomed to such adventurous endeavors. It was refreshing.

  “In two days. Tomorrow the statues will arrive from London, and Don’s analyst should be here in the morning to check the substance of the damaged piece. The day after we should be ready to travel to the Czech Republic, to Ostrava,” Purdue enlightened them. “From what we managed to get there, I will map our next move, but you will be informed well in advance.”

  “So you are not sure how long we will be engaged in this venture, Dave?” Heidmann asked.

  “I’m afraid I do not have a definite time frame yet, James, but we should know soon enough,” Purdue assured him.

  “Right!” Don groaned as he stood up to get another stout. “Is class dismissed, sir?”

  “It is. Enjoy recess, Master Graham,” Purdue chimed.

  “Many thanks!” Don exclaimed and headed for the couches in front of the large flat-screen mounted on the wall. “I believe we are playing Denmark.”

  After catching up on the details, Heidmann and Purdue played a game of billiards while Costa joined Don. They watched the football match on Sky Sports 1, quickly realizing to their delight that they were fans of the same sport.

  “I hope the power holds out,” Heidmann remarked as the windows shuddered under a particularly great clatter of thunder.

  “It will. I have an independent source of backup electricity generated by one of my own inventions,” Purdue smiled with his usual laid back demeanor that could put anyone at ease. He was always in control, and it showed in his movement, his voice, and his eyes. It was a relief for James Heidmann to be in the company of such a powerful ally, contrary to the worrisome situations he typically found himself in.

  Heidmann always inadvertently plunged himself into the company of unsavory people with bad intentions. Perhaps it was his constant desperation to survive in his world, or maybe he was just a bad judge of character. Yet he found that most of the time he was alone against the world, alone against those who managed to find their way across those carefully burned bridges he could never flee. Now he felt relatively safe for the first time in his long career as a collector.

  Though everything was vague in the background of the intense football game, Purdue heard the front door opened by the butler. He was curious about the caller and excused himself from the merriment to investigate. Costa, Don, and James carried on drinking and arguing about everything from sports to the paranormal until the new guest accompanied Purdue into the billiards room.

  Purdue raised his voice above the voices and the television broadcast to announce the last member of the expedition.

  “Gentlemen, I would like to introduce Dr. Nina Gould, last member of our party. She is an invaluable member of this group, an expert on German history, specifically Nazi Germany and World War II.”

  “Jesus!” Don growled unwittingly. Costa slapped him on the back to remind him of his crudeness, which he instantly took note of and made an apologetic gesture.

  All three men looked frozen when they laid eyes on the beautiful historian. As Purdue introduced them one by one, they managed basic speech and some form of propriety, but it was evident that the petite 40- year-old with the big, brown eyes had them all weak at the knees. In her one arm, she held a gigantic ginger cat, and when Purdue was done, she lifted the cat slightly and smiled, “And this is Bruichladdich. But he will be staying here at Purdue’s house while we are gone.”

  She looked at Purdue and said softly, “I could not get a cat sitter. You know how my neighbors hate me.”

  Purdue just chuckled, “It’s perfectly alright, Nina. I don’t care if you brought the Ark with you, as long as you are here.” He kissed her to seal his welcoming but made sure it did not feel romantic for the sake of their colleagues and also because she made it clear that she still resented him.

  Nina could not take her eyes off Costa. It was a strange familiarity for a stranger she had not felt since she met Sam. In fact, the Greek’s dark long hair and eyes almost matched Sam’s to a T. Had she not been so smitten by the elegant professor’s charms, his appearance may have dumped her into another bucket of Sam-yearning. But she was feeling great. A renewed excitement for the expedition now fueled Nina’s demeanor.

  13

  At the British Museum, the place was bustled with cleaning crews and officials. Professor Helen Barry and her assistant Claire were watching the commotion from a distance while taking a quick cup of morning tea.

  “The place almost looks as good as new,” Claire remarked. Realizing how ironic the statement was for a museum, she added, “For a museum, the place looks as good as new?” Claire cringed, of the mind that it still did not sound right. Helen’s stare turned into laughter at Claire’s silly confusion. “I get it, Claire. I agree too,” she said. After some pause, Helen looked a bit more disappointed. “Looks like we’ll be on our feet again soon. Just a pity about the Greek Art exhibit. It was our best in a long time.”

  “I know, Professor. It sucks that of all our displays, the best and most lucrative was the one we had to break up and remove,” Claire replied, looking thoroughly bummed about it. She quite enjoyed that particular exhibit, because of her interest in mythology and ancient gods. Naturally she never had a shortage of the subject in her line of work, but it was the first display that gave her the creeps – but in a good way. Never before had she felt so present in the ancient world as when she stood alongside those pieces. It was as if their authenticity reached way beyond just their provenances and carried a certain aura of their era to anyone who cared to bask in it.

  Claire was one of those people who allowed the pieces to infiltrate her personal space, her mind, and her admiration. What a feeling they lent her as if their essence reached out and caressed her skin until it grew taut and forced her hair to stand on end. If ever there was an exhibit Claire could call ‘living history’, The Mythos Paradigm was it.

  “Mrs. Fidikos called, by the way,” she told Helen. “Her people will be here to crate and load her pieces later today.”

  Helen looked distraught. “God, she must hate me. She did not even say goodbye after she got the news of the destruction, you know?” Helen sighed and put her empty mug down on the trolley. “She will probably never speak to me again.”

  “Oh rubbish,” Claire consoled her boss. “Besides, how is it your fault that God broke London? You had no way of saving the contents of the museum, Professor. If she thinks that, then she is daft. What, did she expect you to buckle in the artifacts in their baby seats?”

  Helen glared at her assistant for a long while until Claire started feeling she had overstepped her boundaries.

  “My God, Claire, you have a way of making me feel better…” Helen shook her head as she ran her hand down the girl’s upper arm, “… by the absurd shit you can utter!”

  They two ladies shared a good laugh under the newly connected ceiling lights that illuminated the hallways beautifully.

  “Good to hear some laughter in this awful situation,” a female voice halted their merry release. They turned to find the big black-clad queen standing there.

  “S-Soula,” Helen stuttered, completely taken aback by the sight of the last person she had expected to see here. “I thought your people will be coming alone.”

  “What?” Soula Fidikos scoffed. “Have you ever seen the speed at which those bastards work when they are not under a whip? I always accompany my deliveries and collections, dear. I am so glad to see you two are alright!”

  Dumbstruck in their amazement, Claire and Helen found themselves in Soula’s embrace. Helen felt much better now that she knew there were no hard feelings between her and the Greek millionaires.

>   “I’m so sorry about some of your items, Soula,” Helen apologized.

  “Are you serious? I had no idea you were to blame for that earthquake, Helen,” Soula exclaimed with her big black eyes stretch frighteningly wild.

  Helen looked at her assistant, silently acknowledging the exact sentiment she had just voiced a few moments before. Claire smiled and winked.

  “I know, but still. I feel responsible because we invited you to exhibit here and all that,” Helen explained.

  Soula waved her hands dismissively. “Och, just stop,” she ordered cordially. “It is not your fault. I am insured after all, and the artifacts that suffered damage were not exactly the best pieces. They are replaceable, so no more worry, okay?”

  “Alright,” Helen sighed in relief.

  “Now, tell me, what are you doing tonight?” Soula asked, as Claire took the hint and decided to leave their company.

  “Excuse me, ladies. I have to meet the people from the Evening Post,” Claire said, looking at her watch and marched off.

  “I was going to go to bed early, actually,” Helen answered. “Why?”

  “Well, now you are not,” the loud Greek insisted. “I leave tomorrow morning on my private jet, and you have the day off tomorrow, no?”

  “I do, yes. How did you know?” Helen asked.

  Soula just smiled. “I have sources,” she smiled, refusing to reveal her source – Claire – to the flabbergasted professor. “Anyway, I was hoping my husband and I could take you to dinner tonight. I will not be back in England until next time I have an excuse to come, so it would be nice, don’t you think?”

  How could Helen say no to such a proposition? She was recently divorced and very lonely. For now, she had no work or social life to drown herself in.

  “I would love to, Soula,” she smiled. “Efharisto. Is that right?”

  “Perfect! And thank you,” Soula smiled. Her huge nose bulged under the force of her smile, yet she looked debonair and lovely.

  For a change, the London night was serene with no threat of rain or earthquakes looming. In fact, it resembled a Parisian evening with a mild, temperate breeze breathing through Stoke Newington. It was Helen’s idea to have dinner at her favorite restaurant, although she told Soula that it was just a nice place she picked from a list Claire made. Since Helen got divorced, she had not allowed herself to eat there anymore. It was the painful reminder of where her now ex-husband had proposed to her, and where they had celebrated subsequent anniversaries together.

  Helen was on her way to the Royale Masters Hotel to meet her friends. She took the taxi to Albion Road and walked from there. It was only three or four blocks to Knight’s Lance Tavern from the hotel, so Helen found it so convenient she almost thought it an uncanny coincidence. It was just before 9 pm when she entered the cushy hotel lobby where a single receptionist smiled from behind the long marble and silver desk.

  “Good evening, Madam,” the lady smiled.

  “Good evening. I am just waiting for two of your guests, Fidikos,” Helen informed her. “Could you call up to let them know I am here, please?”

  “Certainly, Madam. Just a moment,” the receptionist said. “Please, feel free to help yourself to some tea or coffee over by the lounge area.”

  “Thank you so much,” Helen smiled and headed to the lounge to wait on one of the lavish couches.

  Before long Soula found her.

  “You look stunning, Helen. Have you waited long?” she asked. Helen noticed that Soula was alone, and what was more shocking, dressed in something other than black for a change.

  “Thanks, Soula. You look fantastic yourself, and in red no less!” Helen raved as they kissed cheeks. “Where is your hubby?”

  “Oh, he asked me to apologize to you, but I think he has food poisoning or something. He has been throwing up since 2 pm this afternoon, and I must confess, I am getting worried,” she explained.

  Helen was sympathetic, but she was a little relieved that she did not have to feel like a third wheel at the restaurant where she used to go with her husband. Having Soula’s husband in her company did make her wonder if the staff who knew her so well would see her alone in the company of a couple.

  “I’m so sorry to hear that, love. I hope he will be alright. Did you have a doctor check on him?” she asked Soula.

  “No, we decided to see how he feels in the morning,” the Greek millionaires replied. “Now are you ready or shall we just have tea and biscuits in the hotel lounge?”

  Helen laughed, “No, absolutely not. I intend to get hammered tonight.”

  “That is what I want to hear!” Soula cheered, and she pulled Helen clumsily against her.

  “Just another block?” Soula moaned. “You do know I am wearing Prada, right?”

  “Have some adventure, foreigner!” Helen giggled. “When last did you not drive somewhere?”

  “Uh, never,” Soula gawked at her, occasionally wincing from the sting of her uncomfortable heels. “God, you are killing me with your adventures.”

  The two of them strolled along the short, well-lit streets toward the inviting restaurant. It was a pleasant atmosphere all round, with the sidewalks full of couples just walking under the night sky and groups of students out to one of the clubs in the area.

  Because of the streets being alive with the delicious smell of food and crowds drinking and having a good time, Helen and Soula did not notice the men following them on foot.

  “They are going to the Knight’s Lance,” the one man reported on a device hidden under his cuff links.

  “Keep a close eye and maintain your distance,” the voice on their ear pieces commanded. “Don’t take them until the streets are emptier. There are too many witnesses in the vicinity. Do you understand?”

  “Roger that,” the stalker said, nodding to his colleague.

  “I suppose we are not going to acquaint ourselves with them after all,” the other man said. “Pity. I was looking forward to smelling that witch’s perfume.”

  “All in good time,” his partner smiled. “I’ll buy you a pirogue dish that will blow your mind.”

  From their table on the cobbled sidewalk, the two men could see the red and green Knight’s Lance sign board under which the two women had entered. As the night drew on, they grew weary of waiting, but their mission could not be deserted at any cost.

  Eventually, at 1 am, their patience paid off. Helen Barry and Soula Fidikos exited the tavern, properly intoxicated judging by their loud laughing and slightly impaired gaits. Most of the smaller establishments had closed by now, including the various shops that stayed open later for tourists and sightseers. Just like the streets died down into a lonely stretch with half a dozen souls traversing it at any point, the heavens dampened the stars and the crescent moon.

  Clouds were gathering to usher in the wee morning hours. Below the darkening sky, the voices of the two intoxicated women reverberated against the walls of the flanking buildings of the small street they navigated to get back to Soula’s hotel. Soula kicked off her red heels, and Helen carried them as her friend walked on her silk stockings. Half a block behind them, two dark male shadows melted in and out of the shade in between street lamps, appearing and vanishing as they stole along the pavement.

  “Stop! Stop!” Soula shouted suddenly.

  “What’s wrong?” Helen frowned as her friend cowered toward a dark patch under the tree in front of the St. Mary’s Charity Center. “Soula?”

  Helen could hear Soula puke her guts out in the dark patch.

  “Oh,” she said, waiting patiently with Soula’s shoes in her hand. “Oh, that. Okay, well, I’ll just wait over here.” Helen felt the wind grow stronger, whipping her dark blond hair with its cold hand. “Soula, hurry up.” But she did not hear Soula anymore. Helen got a chill at the lonesome hiss of the leaves blown along the yard. Then she heard the Greek woman throw up again.

  “Um, Soula, do you want me to hold back your hair?”

  14

  Sou
la and Helen continued to the hotel, having no idea that they were being followed. Helen supported her ill friend by holding her up under her right arm.

  “Are you alright, Soula? Your husband is going to be so upset with me for getting you so sick,” Helen mumbled as the sound of their feet clacked through the barren street two blocks from the front door of the Royale Masters Hotel.

  Soula was coherent, to her companion’s relief, but she sounded like a patient waking up from a horrendous surgery. “No, he will not. He often sees me like this,” she told Helen, leaning heavily on the much thinner professor’s arm. “Besides, since I puked under that tree I have been feeling much better.”

  “Really? That is good to know. I thought you were going to collapse at my feet a block back,” Helen admitted.

  They staggered over the next street, ignoring a few passers-by laughing and pointing. “Oh, sod off! You’ve all looked like this! Wait till you hit your 30s. Gits,” Helen cussed them out, but her friend just groaned under the burden of another threatening outburst.

  Soula muttered something, as she had been doing on and off. But this time, she looked at Helen with more urgency.

  “Almost there, love,” Helen reassured. “To tell you the truth, I am going to have a bit of a purge too before I head home tonight.”

  “Helen,” Soula puffed, “will we make it to the hotel before they catch us?”

  “Sure we wi…wha…before who catches us?” Helen inquired quizzically.

  Nonchalantly Soula replied with some blood-curdling words. “The two men that have been following us. They are getting too close for my liking.”

  “What?” Helen frowned, feeling her blood run cold. Just then she first discerned the sound of infrequent footfalls behind them, footsteps she had not heard before because they were not this close. She elected not to look behind them because then their stalkers would know that they had been made. And that would only lead to a full-blown chase the ladies could not afford, so they soldiered on, attempting to quicken the pace to where the bright blue and white lights of the hotel poured out on the sidewalk in front of it.