After Amir was gone, Yuri made a call. “Captain, this is Yuri.”
“Do you know what time it is?” The scratchy voice on the other end of the phone answered a little annoyed.
“It depends on where in the world you are. Do you want to share that with me?” Yuri was straightforward with her request. She was ready to meet the Captain. The hard part of her task was complete and now it was time to start arranging payment.
“No, not yet. When the time is right we can meet. I assume you have news one way or the other or you would not be calling.”
“I have the plate and will have it translated tomorrow, assuming this guy can translate it.” Yuri explained.
“I have given him what he needs to translate it.” Yuri heard the Captain shuffle through a few papers and then he continued, “Stephanie, you must contact Ricardo Martinez personally to sell the plate after you have the translation. He will have a buyer. I will get the translation directly from you. Is this clear?” The Captain said in a clearer tone.
“I will make sure Ricardo brokerages the sale of the plate.”
“No, you must personally sell the plate through him. It is part of the bargain.”
Yuri was silent for a moment. “I don’t like it. You sound like you are setting me up for something.”
“You can assume what you would like. However, I need the translation and you control that. If you sell before we meet, you know you will be able to disappear forever if you would like.” The Captain chose his words carefully.
“And payment?” Yuri still felt a trap but would have a little time to prepare for that.
“You will get half when the plate is sold and half when I get the translation. It will be wired to the agreed to account.”
Yuri reluctantly agreed and took down Ricardo’s number. She knew that she would have no need to talk to the Captain again until the plate was out of her hands.
Yuri’s acquaintance Steve had already brought this opportunity to her. She would have to cut him out. She would have to have one of Amir’s people text Steve in the morning on the change of plan. But the real complication was that Steve had alluded to the fact that Jim Conrad was the client. He hadn’t come out and said that–but the implication and understanding was there that this was the eccentric and elusive billionaire, Jim Conrad. Yuri didn’t care about eccentric billionaires, but when she had tortured those responsible for her parent’s death so many years ago, one had told Yuri that Jim Conrad had funded the organization responsible for the murder her parents. More importantly though, she was told that Jim could tell her what the key around her neck was for. The terrorist pig that shared this thought the information might save his life. He was wrong. Yuri needed to confront Jim, determine the truth and execute proper judgment if necessary.
For now, she sent Ricardo a text message. “Ricardo, I have an item that might interest your client. Would transact in person with the three of us only. Yuri.”
Chapter 34 – Ricardo awoken
The text message woke Ricardo up a little after 2:00 AM. It wasn’t his daughter, she had a special tone. But he always checked it just in case she was using a different phone. He never wanted to miss a call or text from her.
The text he got was almost not believable. If it were true, he would have the chance to meet another “invisible” person. He was already in the big leagues, but this might help him make the all-star team. Of course, getting Jim to agree to meet might take a little persuasion–but it would be well worth the effort. He knew he was ahead of himself. Somehow he had to verify that this was Yuri and that what she had was worth trying to sell to Jim.
While contemplating what to do next, he texted his daughter. “Hey sweetie, not sleeping over here so thought I would drop you a good morning. Daddy”
He started two or three texts to Yuri and finally settled on “How do I know you are who you say you are?”
Almost as soon as he hit send there was another text. This had the familiar tone from his daughter. “Daddy, breaking into your house sometime today to decorate it for your bday. Surprise. Get some sleep.”
That was Mary, feeling guilty for breaking into her own father’s house to surprise him. He got a good laugh out of that. “LOL, don’t call the police on yourself, have a good night or day I guess.”
Then another response, “I will send proof and pictures of item via courier to your hotel in Paris sometime tomorrow. Yuri.”
Whoever it was figured out he was in Paris and knew how to find him. Now he would just need to wait and see. He wouldn’t sleep the rest of the night. Tomorrow promised to be eventful and he had an early meeting at the Louvre to start the events.
Tuesday
Morning Paris
Chapter 35 – Morning Briefing
Frank had already been up for nearly two hours. He was an avid runner and decided that he would jog around the city for an hour before getting ready for the day. When he finished, he contacted everyone he needed to give the appropriate reports and was waiting downstairs in the lobby of the hotel at least 30 minutes before he expected Jim and Jenny. Trevor joined him about 15 minutes later.
Frank yawned as they stood waiting for the car to be pulled around. He was hailing a taxi and pretending to have idle chat with another American–just in case they were being watched. It was a prelude to the day and a brief briefing on expectations.
The CIA had surmised that Ricardo would bring several potential items for Jim and Jenny to consider. Frank was sure that Ricardo would get some piece of furniture but wasn’t convinced that would lead them to any real criminals. He wanted “real” terrorist brought out in this scheme. He also made it clear to Jenny that she needed to lead Ricardo in that direction–her future career might just depend on it.
It was all said politely and in a matter of seconds, but the message was clear.
Jim and Jenny were dressed well and stepped into the car like they owned the town. The early morning ride to the Louvre was uneventful.
Chapter 36 – The Louvre and Bonaparte’s furniture
As they stepped out of the car near the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel just outside of the Louvre Jim paused for a moment. “Ah, the Musee du Louvre.”
Jim gave Jenny a brief history lesson on the Louvre. He explained that in front of them was the court yard of the palace. It was originally built as a fortress by King Philippe-Augustine in 1190 AD to protect the city from the ransacking Vikings. The Louvre had been changed over the following years most notably during the reign of Francois who turned it into more of a palace than a fortress. But this, and the additions by other French kings over four centuries, gave it the charm and beauty it had today.
The modern addition, the glass pyramid provides an astonishing entrance for visitors. It is hailed and loved by some and the “scourge of the museum” by others.
Jim knew the museum history well. His wife had wanted to go to Paris so badly they had completely planned their trip. She wanted to see the Louvre more than anything else.
Jim and Jenny walked to the other side of the arc, built to honor Napoleon’s victories in 1805. Jenny pointed out that she saw the arch. “That is similar to the one we saw last night.” She was as excited a tourist this morning as she had been last night.
It was out of her character. Jim found it charming. “That is the Arc de Triomphe, it celebrated Napoleon’s victories.” Jim then pointed between the arch and said, “If you look close enough you can see the one we walked by last night.”
“Wow, it is amazing.” It was early and the museum was just getting ready to open. Jim and Jenny made their way to the main lobby. Ricardo was in the lobby waiting. Jim could see the line already winding around to get into the Louvre. He had never had time to go to this sight, could never squeeze it into the day and really wanted to save it. This was one of the places Jim had wanted to wait to see with his wife. She loved the art museum in Chicago and the one in Milwaukee. They made a yearly trip to at least one of these (and usually both) every year sin
ce they had been dating.
Ricardo cheerfully greeted them, “Ah welcome my friends,” he said as he reached to shake Jim’s hand. “This is a marvelous place, do you have time to walk part of it with me or do you want to get right to business.”
Jim did not hesitate, “Let’s walk it together–just to see some of the highlights. Can you be our tour guide?”
“Can I?” Ric’s smile got even bigger. “This is one of my favorite places to come.” He led them to a side entrance where security entered and said “We will go this way, it is good to know people.” There was no line and the head of security seemed to know who Ricardo was. He was given a special security pass and two more for his guests. The museum still had not opened and they were now in the halls of the Louvre. “We will go see the lovely lady before the crowds come.”
Ricardo walked quickly down the great hall and to a side room where in the center room was the Mona Lisa. “Ah, she is so exquisite. Leonardo da Vinci was a genius when it came to certain things and this was one of those things. Her expression conveys nothing and yet conveys everything. It is believed that da Vinci started painting her in 1503 and after four years had stopped. He started again 10 years or so later.”
Jim jumped in, “Could explain the expression. That is a long time to sit still.”
Ricardo turned and looked at Jim. “Ah, the invisible man has a sense of humor. It is not just all business for him.” He paused. Ric was good at reading people and wanted to be sure that the well-intended comment hit the mark. He was sure that it did. “She was stolen once from here you know.”
Jenny looked at him. “Someone you know?”
“No, it was in 1811. It could not be stolen now.” He paused for a moment and then adjusted his story slightly. “It would not be wise to remove this picture. There has been a lot of damage– acid thrown on her, red paint and moisture causing her frame to warp. I think that where they have placed her is good for her and for people to see her.”
Ricardo walked through the main hall and explained several other paintings with as much passion and enthusiasm as he had the Mona Lisa. He even pointed to another da Vinci. However, it was clear that his favorite painting was of the lovely lady. Even some of the battle scenes that had been painted and he loved, Ricardo would comment that the artist captured the moment of turning in a most superb fashion, but missed on some of the symmetry that you find in the da Vinci piece.
Jim paused, “Yes, this is one of my favorites.”
Jenny looked as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened, but inside she was puzzled. One of the quiet tips given to Jenny and Jim was to not show their ignorance of art. It was expected that in their circles they would have at least a reasonable understanding. So listening and not talking was the best approach, at least Frank felt so. Jenny wholeheartedly agreed and was perplexed at this offer of information.
“Yes, that is a nice one,” Ricardo chimed in.
“Gericault’s ‘Raft of Medusa’ captures hope after tragedy. I can nearly imagine the lost destitution of a few survivors from a frigate at sea. No hope in sight and then alas, land. They are not there and tragedy could still befall them. But there is that hope after a disaster that nearly ends their life as they know it.” Jim went on to explain a little about 1800 frigates and the desperate time at sea for a ship that went down. He talked a little about Gericault and his life as a painter.
“Yes, it is a great lesson to all.” Ricardo’s phone then rang. “Excuse me for a moment.
As he stepped away Jenny turned to Jim, “And how do you know about this painting. You are no expert.” She spoke firmly but in a very quiet voice.
“I am an expert on tragedy and looking for hope. Not sure I have seen the ‘hope’ yet, but I at least hope to find hope.” Jim concluded.
“Yes, but how did you know about the painting.” Jenny retorted.
“I googled Medusa a few months back to do an object lesson at a work function. This was one of the results. The story intrigued me so I studied it a little further. Kind of hit home with me.”
Ricardo had started back and Jenny just said, “Well, you just be careful with what you know it could get us in trouble.”
Ricardo was still putting his phone back on his belt clip when he said, “French people are so funny about schedules and process. If you let the French rule the world you wouldn’t know what rules to follow or even how to break them.”
“Trouble?” Jenny asked. “We will need to leave if there is any problem.” She was baiting him, but not really wanting to leave.
“No trouble, just a slight change in plans. I need access to a certain part of the museum without any eyes on us. But it will have to wait a little while now.” Ricardo paused hoping he had not lost his audience through his honesty. He perceived that he hadn’t. “There are still more highlights I can show you. Let’s go to the sculptures for a few minutes. Then, if time permits, I will show you my favorite spot.”
“Something you like more than the lovely lady?” Jim asked.
“Yes, something more precious than the lovely lady.” Ricardo answered.
The museum was quickly starting to fill as Ricardo took them to some of the sculptures. He did not fancy the sculptures with as much enthusiasm but had comments on a few of them. One gentleman was videotaping the Venus de Milo and Ricardo just whispered into Jenny’s ear, “I have come for years and the thing has not moved. He may video tape all day and I do not believe it will ever move. A still picture would do.”
Jenny laughed. She would explain it later to Jim.
Jenny enjoyed the sculptures much more than the paintings. They seemed more lifelike to her. She would not share this with Ricardo. However, the questions she asked about the sculptures’ period and purpose would keep them in this section longer than Ricardo wanted.
Chapter 37 – The Teaser
Yuri’s text went to Ricardo. “Bronze plate with what is probably ancient Egyptian writing on it. Courier will be there in 3 hours to prove who I am.”
Ricardo received the text while at the Louvre in the sculptures. It hastened his desire to get to the antiquities. He now had two reasons to visit that part of the museum. Neither of these reasons were even the main attraction of taking Jim to the Louvre.
Yuri also informed Steve that she would not have a piece to sell to Ricardo. Steve was disappointed, but it just kept him focused on the other potential items he could sell the eccentric billionaire.
Chapter 38 – Arthur in Paris
Arthur did not know it but he had checked into a hotel just two blocks from Dragos. He also used an assumed name. He wasn’t sure why, but was just afraid for his life. He went to the lobby to get a London Times before calling Dragos. It was in smaller print but sure enough, the Times had corrected the story of who had been murdered. Then there was the ominous line “Professor Arthur Borden sought in questioning in attack.”
How could he be a suspect? He was there and there were plenty of witnesses that could testify that another man came and did the stabbing. Then he thought that maybe he was reading too much into the story. Perhaps the police are also concerned for his life.
It crossed Sir Arthur’s mind that perhaps the bronze plates and the attack were related. But he felt it almost too bizarre to really think there was a connection. However, there were too many coincidences for there not to be a connection. In the end, this could be his distraction for the day and then he would just go back to London and talk to the police. At this point, there was not much more he could do. He made his call.
“Hello, this is Dragos.”
“This is Professor Borden. I am in Paris and when you and Professor Bucky get in town I can meet. I assume sometime today?” It was a hope. Arthur knew that they may have made it last evening but was not sure on their time schedule.
“Professor Bucky did not make the trip. But I am ready to meet.”
“And you have the plate?” Arthur inquired.
“Yes. Can you meet me at the Café Amer
ican Pie restaurant in an hour for lunch?” Dragos suggested.
“I do not know where that is but I will find it and meet you there. How will I recognize you?”
Dragos gave an address and then major cross roads to the restaurant. “I will be carrying a green bag with a red bow tied to it.” Dragos would need to find a red bow, but figured he could pick one up along the way.
Chapter 39 – The Louvre Main Attraction
Ricardo would need to rush his guests through the antiquities but would pause at two key locations. He would do this as though it were just part of the plan. “This is my favorite spot in the museum.” Ricardo said as they stood near some ancient Egyptian antiquities.
Jim looked with a slight tilt to his head and eyes squinted slightly. “Ric, come on. You like this better than the lovely lady? What makes this such a great place?”
Ric smiled a genuinely big smile. “Jim, this is the sight of another beautiful lady that is not here right now. My daughter was proposed to in this very spot.”
“Then this is a special spot,” Jim exclaimed.
“Are proposals common in the Louvre?” Jenny asked out of pure curiosity.
Jim knew someone from his church who got engaged at the Louvre so he figured it was probably fairly common.
“Yes. It is quite common for proposals to occur here. It is also common for propositions and the such. But, hopefully unique for my daughter and her husband.” He pulled his phone out and took a picture of the spot. Then he sent a quick text to his daughter. “Honey, at that spot again. Thinking of you. Love Daddy.”
“A note to your daughter I presume.” Jim asked.
“Yes, always when I am here I send her a note.” Ricardo started to walk towards an Egyptian exhibit. Jim and Jenny followed. “See those markings?”
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