felt certain that he was part of something that was continuing to grow. “We live in a time when most citizens do not know their own leaders or even their own government policies. These people just take and take, not contributing to the country they are graciously allowed to live in. They have become too lackadaisical in their view of the world. If they are allowed to continue, unchecked and unguided and unpunished, they will empty the world, and future generations will starve or prey on themselves. They must be brought to heel, and the world needs to look to a strong leader.”
“You think the man you work for is that man?”
Linko shook his head. “He is the man for my country, comrade, but he is not the man for your country.” There, he’d set out the bait. “Who will lead your country in the future has yet to be determined. But whoever it is must be strong enough to stand up and seize the reins. Then he will join with my leader so that the West can encroach on our world no longer. This is what it will take. I have been told to tell you this.”
Aigle took in a breath and let it out.
“There is already much unrest in your country, comrade. Without guidance—and soon—there may be no chance to be yourselves. What would happen if Turkey decides to expand its borders? Who will protect you then?”
“Russia also supported the Republic of Macedonia’s recognition as a country. I have not forgotten that.”
“I am aware of this. But the president that was responsible for that is not the man who sent me here. He is looking for an ally, and he is willing to fund your operations against the corrupt government that bleeds your people dry.”
“What your president wants done will take time.”
“He understands that. But it must be done. He wants to build an ally here, and I assume you want one as well. We both want the United States gone from your country.”
Aigle was silent for a moment. “I will think about your offer. We will meet again in a few days.”
“That is fine.” Linko didn’t like being brushed off by the man, but he knew he had no choice. Still, he couldn’t let it go without firing a salvo back. “I have a list of other people to contact. Probably you should be contacting them as well.” He named them off on his fingers. “The Revolutionary Nuclei. The Sect of Revolutionaries. The Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei. The Revolutionary Struggle. All of these groups and more will be interested in what I have to say on behalf of the man I represent.” He took a breath. “So take all the time you need. Comrade.“
43
Museum of the University of Athens
Plaka, Athens
Hellenic Republic (Greece)
February 20, 2013
It was almost closing time when Lourds and Captain Fitrat and his team finally made it to the museum. At the door, Lourds asked to speak to Dr. Adonis Marias, the president of the museum. He had called earlier, and Marias was expecting him. They stood in the shade of the palm trees out front while the docent went to send word to Marias that his guests had arrived.
The museum had begun life as a large three-story dating back to the Ottoman period, making it easily one of the oldest buildings in Athens. Colloquially, it was known as the House of Kleanthis, named after one of its two previous owners, Stamatios Kleanthis, a famous architect. The other man was Eduard Schaubert, another architect. In 1833, the two had developed the first city plans for a modern Athens. Houseguests, artists, and intellectuals came and went the whole time, and Lourds had sometimes fantasized about what meals at the house must have been like.
Fitrat looked at the museum. “It is a lot smaller than I had imagined.”
“At one time, this was the University of Athens. That lasted for six years, until the university was moved to its present location in 1841.”
The matronly docent Lourds talked to at the door quickly returned. “Professor Lourds? President Marias said to show you right up.”
“I know the way, if that’s all right.”
“Of course. Enjoy your visit.”
Fitrat stationed three men outside the building and two more remained with their rented SUVs. Two of the men and Fitrat accompanied Lourds as he led the way into the museum.
***
Dr. Adonis Marias waited for Lourds on the third floor of the building. The room was filled with antiquities from the time of Jason and