Black Harvest

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Sofia and Mount Vitosha were prominent in the view from the outskirts of Bankya as they drove in. The found the only museum.

"Maybe they'll have a dinosaur." Ronnie sounded hopeful.

There were no dinosaurs. In the museum they learned that the temple of Demeter was buried under a church outside the town. They left the museum and stood in the sunshine.

"What now?"

"Lunch, Ronnie. Then we'll check out the church."

They found a cafe. A dozen tables were set behind a low wooden fence and gate. Trees branched overhead. It was a pleasant spot.

"It's nice out." Selena took a deep breath of fresh spring air. "We can sit outside."

They ordered a spicy beef stew, bread and coffee. A large salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, roasted peppers and an unfamiliar cheese. The food was good.

Korov watched them from a bench under a tree. His car was parked nearby. He held a local paper in front of him and pretended to read. He wore workman's clothes and a cloth cap. From time to time the Americans scanned the area. Their eyes lingered on him for a moment and passed on. Arkady knew it was automatic. They hadn't made him. The woman seemed absorbed in her food.

Then he saw one of Gelashvili's men. He was talking on his cell phone.

Five minutes later two cars drove by. Zviad Gelashvili was in the second one. The man with the phone got into the first car. Korov counted five men plus Gelashvili. In the cafe, the Americans had finished their meal. They stood up to leave. They got in their car and drove off. Gelashvili and his men followed.

Korov stood and folded his paper. The others were still in sight. He got in the car, started it up and pulled out after them.

What was the American expression?

Showtime.