FLASHBACK –
Avalon sat at a table in Prague, just a few days before the rescue. She was looking down into her coffee cup. Her finger tips tapped the wooden table in a nervous rhythm. A chair scraped the floor. There was Dr. Ashby sitting right across from her. She has always been like a motherly figure to Avalon, one of those stern and solid mothers.
"So, Max told me that you were having second thoughts about being here."
Avalon’s eyes stayed on her cup. She was embarrassed for bailing on her friends earlier, skipping out on their post-rescue meeting. She needed some time to herself. Was she going to actually go through this? Avalon wanted to help Dr. Ashby and Morgan. She just didn't believe that she could rise to the occasion.
Max was ready to go no matter what. Taira is Morgan’s best friend and former roommate; so she's in. Avalon was Morgan’s friend too, but fear had a tight grip on her. She was not the best physical fighter.
"Avalon, look at me please."
Avalon mustered up the will to look at Ashby—eyes were clouded in embarrassment and unease.
"You can handle this mission," Ashby smiled with that determined sparkle in her eyes, "I have every confidence that you will do a solid job."
Ashby was right. Avalon's contribution after that talk was solid. Very good. In fact, Morgan emailed her to thank her for her help, courage, and friendship.
Back to the New York cafe.
Dr. Ashby continued her instructions with Avalon and Silas.
"From this point on, your status will change. You’re no longer undercover as student researchers from Aberdeen."
Silas' was confused. "What are we now?"
"Buyers."
“Buyers?”
Ashby nodded. "Okay, Silas. I need you to bear with us for awhile. Avalon and I are going to have a pleasant conversation. She'll explain what it means later.”
Silas complied. “Sure, I'll just enjoy some more coffee."
"Let's all have coffee and a little dessert." Ashby smiled.
After fifteen minutes, the slices of dark chocolate cakes with raspberry sauce arrived at the table. The blond waiter poured fresh coffee for the three. Everything was nice and relaxing. Nothing to see here. It’s just a few friends catching up. That was the outside appearance. The real conversation underneath the surface, however, was quite a spectacular.
As the three leisurely ate their generously-sized cake slices, the two women began chatting away. The only thing Silas could do now was to enjoy the scenery.
Ashby started, “A friend of mine heard about you.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, She’s a world-class art dealer and is in the market to acquire a special Faberge egg."
"Faberge? She must have some money to burn.”
"You can say that," Ashby responded, "and a small collection of her own."
"What does she know about me?"
"She knows about your research on the university's Faberge collection. She's looking for a temporary buyer to help beef up her own. That's why we need you to travel to Prague."
"I see." Avalon thought about it for a few seconds. She took a long sip of coffee. “Although, I thought about becoming a buyer for a coffee connoisseur."
Ashby grins very wide. "Coincidence. She has a passion for coffee.”
Ahhh, just as Avalon guessed. The woman is Morgan.
"Then, we'll get along fine. How long will she need me?"
"About three weeks, and there is a stipend."
Silas perked up, "Stipend?"
"$50,000 total."
Avalon blinked in surprise. She wasn't expecting pay. "That is quite an opportunity. I can, of course, bring my assistant?"
"Sure, she says it's okay to bring one. I take it that Silas will be accompanying you?"
Avalon asked Silas. "What do you think?"
"Are you kidding? I would love to go,” exclaimed Silas.
Avalon turned back to Ashby. "Has she given you instructions for what she need us to do?"
"Of course, she asked me to relay them to you."
"Let's hear them."
"She wants you to go the gallery in Prague and ask to see Eileena Simeon.”
Avalon pressed for details. “Is she a curator?”
“A visiting seller of the Faberge egg in question.”
“So, we’re indeed buying the egg.”
“You’re buying it’s value. Too bad her niece couldn’t make it from Tel Aviv.”
Both Avalon and Silas now knew. Simeon’s niece was the young Israeli girl who Ezra mentioned in the letter.
Avalon asked, “Will our employer be there?”
“She will come a few days after you arrive. She has to plan another project, but it's related to your work."
"Oh okay. So, I take it that she’s making sure things are set up appropriately for us to get the job done?"
"Right.”
"That's good, but we can still expect some competition from other groups in acquiring the Faberge egg."
Ashby slowly answered, "Yes—tremendous amount of competition. That's why she will be in Prague to check on your progress."
"Alright. We're in."
Ashby's stone cold expression broke into a jubilant smile. "Brilliant, I knew—.”
"Not so fast,” Avalon interrupted.
"Uh oh, a tough question.”
"Just a small request," replied Avalon. She’s known for digging deep for answers.
"I can't guarantee an answer to your satisfaction."
"Which division are we working under?”
"Division four, on the low end.”
“The sharks will be out,” said Avalon. She took another sip of coffee—eyes directly on Ashby.
“Some. You two will be well taken care of.
Division four is a level of risk associated with Avalon and Silas’ upgraded assignment. The risk puts them in twice as much danger than before. Prior to this upgrade, their risk level was a Division two.
Division 2 = less than 20% chance of serious bodily injury or death. The terrorists who were after Avalon or Silas thought they were merely gophers chasing after the blood—with little knowledge of what it’s all about. Since Avalon and Silas were assigned directly under Morgan’s supervision, the terrorists—who knew Morgan and who she was—would stage direct attacks on the two young runners. The terrorists knew that working under Morgan meant they were part of an elite-trained shadow organization, which could destroy terrorist network. The shadow organization will be explained in Book Two of the Damascus Code.
"I'm glad you and Silas are on board,” said Dr. Ashby proudly.
Silas expressed his gratitude,"Thank you so much for this opportunity."
"My pleasure. I will send your portfolio to you tonight. It will have the buyer’s instructions to get you started."
The meeting has ended.
Now for the translation.
What was this discussion really about? Let's start with the obvious.
Avalon and Silas would go undercover as two high-end art buyers to acquire a special Faberge Egg for the Morgan. The owner of the egg is the aunt to the Israeli girl who Ezra examined for her supernatural encounter. The egg must have something of value pertaining to the girl’s experience, which was needed for the research.
Avalon and Silas would go to one of Prague's premiere galleries, The Evolution Gallery.
The people who would come for the egg were from the network who was after Dr. Amahl and Ezra.
Chapter 7
The festivities have begun.
The Evolution Gallery was located behind a castle near the Charles Bridge, which was known for hosting rare and storied treasures. The Gallery was lit for a mysterious affair—the identities of who bought and sold the art pieces there were even more mysterious.
Through the wood carved front door, two young art buyers rolled in. Avalon and Silas were now undercover as Ariel Dakota and Julian Grant. They breezed in through the gargoyle accented entrance, which opened up
to a candlelit hallway.
Avalon's hair was pulled back in a sleek and braided ponytail loop with a green jeweled beret holding it in place. Her strapless dress, of the same green color, hugged her lean figure. As they walked in, Silas fought himself to not stare too long at her.
Avalon's lightly olive-toned shoulders made it very difficult for him to keep his eyes straight ahead. Silas, by the way, turned from a slightly awkward guy to a jet-setting playboy. Not your obvious boisterous upstart, but the sophisticated type who the ladies would call mysterious. His hair was combed away from his face and softly held down with a little gel.
He was effortless and very comfortable ushering the lovely Avalon into this lively affair.
Off to the left was the pre-Columbian gallery. Further on the right had the lost coins of Rome. Down the hallway was a much larger room, which held a spectacular collection of rare jewels and adornment of antiquity.
From Egyptian pharaoh crowns to the lost jewel boxes of Babylon, this was a dazzling exhibition made of legend. Avalon and Silas entered the gem exhibition. One person after another noticed the two attractive strangers. Some whispering began kicking up. They haven't seen these two before, but they looked important.
Who were they? Celebrities from London or the USA? Were they children of prominent collectors or ambassadors?
One very chatty woman, in her late 60's, made the first move to meet the newbies. She broke away from her little group of entitled gallery groupies and approached Silas and Avalon. Her smile was wide, while looking them over with an amused and skeptical eye.
"Hello there,” she said with s slight Russian accent, “I couldn't help but notice two new faces to our little gathering!"
Avalon smiled coyly and extended her hand first. She knew that this woman was sniffing them out. Morgan and Taira were much better at handling a situation like this and would have a witty comeback. Avalon was able to put out a good one, nonetheless.
She smiled looked around with slight interest. “Well, it's nice enough for our smaller purchases,
Ms—.”
"Barbara Mischenka. I am on the board of this gallery.”
“Mmm I see.”
Silas introduced them. “I am Julian Grant, and this is my partner Ariel Dakota.”
He took her hand and kissed it.
Barbara blushed profusely. “It is a pleasure meeting such a charming young man.”
Avalon looked away for an epic side eye. “Barracuda,” she mouthed.
Not to be ignored, Barbara drilled into the young buyers’ business. “You said smaller purchases. Are you a buyer?"
"Yes, " Avalon exhaled finally turning her attention to Barbara, "We're here to acquire an item for our client."
Barbara was suspicious. These two looked too young to be dealing with million dollar rare treasures. “Who is this client.”
Avalon smiled, “She wants to keep anonymous.”
“Really? Is she a gallery owner or a personal collector, dear?”
“Private, of course.”
That comment brought a split second crinkle to Barbara's brow. Her reddish hair was pulling pretty tight away from her face, so that crinkle had to make some effort to appear.
Silas looked around the room to give a quick scan of the exhibited pieces. His stare quickly came back to Barbara after she cleared her voice.
"I must say that I am very intrigued with this exhibition Ms. Mischenka.”
Barbara stopped him, "Call me Barbara, please."
"Barbara,” Silas continued, "Can you walk with us, show us around?”
Avalon’s eyes nearly popped out of her sockets. “Julian, I don’t think she—.”
“I would love to,” Barbara answered before Avalon could finish.
And on that note, Barbara led Silas by the arm to a Babylonian neck piece, while Avalon followed behind. The shameless flirting Barbara was unloading on Silas was maddening to Avalon. I guess it might as well happen. Silas went through the same when Sheldon was hot after Avalon.
Barbara led the two through royal tiaras, South American anklets, Ethiopian bracelets, and an Egyptian royal staff. Avalon looked hard for a Faberge egg, none appeared. She may have to use a more direct in her approach.
Avalon patted Barbara on the shoulder. As Barbara turned to her, she asked “Who curates this exhibit?"
"Heinrich Meyer.”
“We want to see him about a purchase.”
Barbara was skeptical, but she would entertain the two. If they were blowing smoke, then Heinrich would break them.
“I'll bring him to you,” said Barbara as she disappeared into the mingling crowd.
While Silas studied a Babylonian bracelet, he casually commented “What do you have planned?”
Avalon gave him a side-eye as Barbara made her way back with a tall older man.
“Just watch and learn,” she smoothly commented. “Oh, and one more thing.”
“What,”
“Barbara Mischenka.”
“What about her?”
“Be careful. She may not be as loopy as she appears.”
“Point well taken.”
Here she comes.
Barbara breezed back in with the very the dignified Heinrich Meyer. His gray hair covered the sides and much of the top and back. He had hints of his original sandy brown color. Avalon caught his eyes from the start.
"Julian and Ariel,” said a cheerful Barbara.
Earlier when Avalon and Silas first entered the room, this gentleman immediately spotted her. He was struck by her. He has dated, and married, quite a few women. He’s known to not the settling down type.
He was no stranger to beautiful women, but this one! Avalon gave him pause. A man like him almost never paused in confusion of what to do next. It was a good thing Barbara caught hold of him to make the introductions.
"Julian Grant and Ariel Dakota, I would like for you to meet Mr. Heinrich Meyer."
On that cue, Heinrich lifted up Avalon’s hand, cupped them in both of his, and kissed it. That kiss was a bit longer than Silas’ hand kiss for Barbara. Silas immediately noticed, and he snorted his dislike.
It’s Avalon’s turn to blush. Heinrich smiled broadly.
"I noticed your entrance earlier Ms. Dakota. You caused quite a stir in the room,” Heinrich said with a smooth Austrian accent.
"Oh, it is pleasure to meet you Mr. Heinrich,” responded Avalon.
"No, I will hear none of that. Call name is Heinrich, please."
"Then you must call me Ariel.”
"Of course. A fitting name for such a beautiful and sharp woman."
Heinrich is much better at this charm thing, Silas thought. What else can you expect from a man who has been around the block and back for 50 years. That rusted buzzard!
The charm, however, didn't last long. One statement would change the game completely.
Barbara interrupted the Heinrich mating dance by saying "Both Ariel and Julian are here on a special art acquisition."
Heinrich—eyes locked on Avalon—made his proclamation, “I am at your disposal.”
Avalon held onto Heinrich’s gaze. It’s now or never.
“We want to see your Faberge eggs.”
Heinrich stopped her right there. “My dear, we don’t have any Faberge eggs.”
Barbara added, “Who told you we had those?”
Silas began to fidget with his Rolex watch, compliments of their new employer. Avalon noticed his nervousness.
Still locked in Heinrich’s enchanted gaze, Avalon went further. “Heinrich, my client has long admired your gallery. She said you are among the best connoisseurs of art treasures.”
“You must tell me her name.”
Barbara told Heinrich about the client’s anonymous identity.
“I can’t do that.”
“Well, lovely Ariel. There is only so much I can do.”
Avalon reached into her Gucci purse—also compliments of their new employer. What she pulled out alarmed Heinrich. Aval
on pulled out a black card—looked like a credit card to the average person. It had purple numbers and letters. She flashed it to Heinrich. That fixed his face—no more pompous expression. Only a handful of people had that kind of black card.
Heinrich stuttered, “Miss, I..I deeply apologize.”
“That’s quite all right,” Avalon reassured sweetly.
Barbara recognized that card too. The bold and catty redhead shrunk from view.
“Come with me,” Heinrich directed the two young buyers. Barbara was about to follow. Heinrich stopped her and shook his head no. She wasn’t allowed to come.
Heinrich led Avalon and Silas into the hallway and to a side room in the back of the gallery. The room looked like a meeting space. There was just small table, chairs, and a black portfolio on the table.
Heinrich picked up the portfolio and was about to give it to Avalon. She waved it away.
“No, I don’t need that.”
Heinrich was confused and grew uneasy. “What are you after?”
Silas could feel the rising tension. He stepped up closer to Avalon.
Avalon planted both feet on the cold hard floor.
“We’re here to see Eileena Simeon.”
Heinrich’s flustered expression turned stone hard. It was as if a very dark cloud rose above his head. He straightened his back to become even taller, towering over Avalon and Silas.
Heinrich now demanded, "Who is your client?”
It was now Avalon’s time to buck up. She wasn't going to let some overgrown stork intimidate her.
"No.”
Heinrich's body clammed up. His eyes narrowed. "Why on earth would she think she could even acquire something that exclusive?"
Avalon met Heinrich narrowed eyes with a hiss, "Oh, she’s a very resourceful lady. She can get just about anything she so pleases. Like the other ten Faberge Eggs she already has in her possession."
"Ten. "No one would believe such a thing.”
Avalon cackled, "Well, maybe not you,” she didn't flinch one bit, "Julian and I only assist the highly influential art collectors. They aren't the boastful bunch, but like to remain under the radar. That’s how you get the truly rare pieces."
Heinrich had no idea the real value of the Faberge egg that Eileena Simeon had for Avalon and Silas. He was under the presumption that Eileena was there to meet privately with a handful of buyers for her prized Faberge egg.
Damascus Code Page 10