Page 15 of Before Broken Vows
I look at him, contemplating his words. Is it advice, or is he trying to throw me off the trail? Damn, I wish that letter from my father never came into existence. It was easier when we didn't trust him.
"I also wanted to discuss something else," he says and sips his cloudy ouzo. "The port in Nafplio."
My eyes narrow. "What about it?"
"Now that things are clearer between us, I think it's time I return what was your father's."
"Why now? Why all of a sudden?" I ask.
He sets down his drink. "Honestly? Because there's clearly some game going on, and I don't like being a piece on someone else's board."
Fair enough. Self-interest is the most believable motive.
"But what about the letter?" I ask.
"I think your family can handle it now. And more importantly, it'll hopefully solidify our friendship—so call it a gesture of good faith if you'd like," he says and looks me directly in the eyes. "Your family has always been reasonable to work with. Your father understood boundaries. The old ways. Respect. I think I've done my part. Now I want to focus on dealing with what's coming," he says and downs the rest of his ouzo, "because something is coming."
I nod slowly. "I'll discuss the logistics with my brother, Ares. We'll find a way to make the transition smooth."
"I'm sure you will," Zervas says, moving his glass to the side. "We'll be in contact. Let me know if you learn anything from the lawyer, and I'll see if I can get access to those secure accounts."
I stand to shake his hand. "Sounds good."
George goes to turn and then stops. "Theo, whoever's behind this—it's something that's been in motion for some time. These deposits started small almost two years ago, then escalated. That's not impulse. That's cultivation. It seems like maybe your father was onto something. Hopefully, we can pick up the trail."
I nod. "That's my sole goal while I'm here."
"I'll be in touch," he says, and then he's gone, slipping out the door as quietly as he arrived.
I sit back down, turning my coffee cup slowly as I think about everything. But instead of focusing on what's in front of me, on what I'm working on, my thoughts keep slipping back to her.
I take my phone out and open up my texts to Ares. It's morning back in Chicago.
I text my brother.
You up?
I slide my phone on the table and wait for a response. Five minutes later, my phone buzzes.
Yes. Any updates?
I want to tell him who just dropped back into my life, but I know that will instantly make him think things, and I don't need anyone worrying about me.
Nothing major yet. Z is giving back port. Need to know how to proceed
You're my right hand. You're there. I'll trust you to do it
I'm more interested in why
I'll fill you in later
If you buy it, then okay. Call me tomorrow morning your time with update. Take care, brother
I put my phone back in my coat pocket, finish my coffee, and head out to my car.
I run some errands around Kalamata. Check in on some things. And when I pull into my driveway, it's a little after 9 p.m.
I sit in the car for a moment and look at the light shining in the east wing window—her bedroom.
