The Minoan Cipher

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Abby had just begun to doze off when she heard the soft knock. She got out of bed, and after a quick look through the peephole, opened her hotel room door and greeted Hawkins with a warm smile.

“What a nice surprise! I thought I had wasted my time with all the eye flutters and knee bumps at dinner. Come to bed while the sheets are still warm.”

“The sheets may have to get cold for now, Abby. Calvin called a few minutes ago with bad news. Kalliste’s been kidnapped.”

The smile faded. “Come in.”

Hawkins stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “Salazar and his men grabbed her outside of her house. They tried for Calvin, but he got away with the translating device and the scroll.”

“Thank God Calvin’s not hurt. I feel awful about Kalliste. I know how much she means to you. I’ll do everything I can to get her back safely. How can I help?”

“I need Calvin back here as soon as possible. I told him I’d send a plane to pick him up. The person who helped him escape from Salazar will be coming in with him.”

“That’s not a problem. Who’s the other passenger?”

“His name is Chad Williams. We met him before when he was calling himself Pouty.”

“The mysterious British tourist we met in Crete?”

“Mr. Pouty gets around. He’s the guy who sank Captain Santiago’s boat and sent Falstaff to the bottom.”

Abby searched his face for any sign that he was joking. Seeing none, she said, “Are you crazy? That man is a killer.”

“I had the same reaction. But he’s got another agenda that evidently involves coming to my rescue. I want to find out what it is. He says he can help us find Kalliste.”

“I can see your reasoning, Matt, but it could be a trick.”

“Yes it could, Ab. But I have to go with what I’ve got.”

“In that case, you should talk to him. I’ll get a plane to Santorini.”

“There’s something else. I’d like to check out the Salazar castle. Which means I’ll need a helicopter.”

Picking up her phone, she made a number of calls. Minutes later she hung up. “I found a company plane in Frankfurt. I’ve talked to the pilot and he’s on his way to the airport. Plane will be gassed up and ready to go pick up Calvin and company in Santorini. We’ll have them back here by morning. My people are still working on the helicopter.”

“Incredible as usual, Abby.”

“I’m not doing all the work. You’ll have to come up with a safe meeting place. Having a chat with the man who tried to kill you doesn’t seem like something you would do at a café over lunch.”

“I was thinking of a more private setting where we’d be in control. The Santa Maria is docked at the harbor and we’re still paying for her lease.”

“Sounds perfect. Do you want me there?”

“Might be simpler if it’s just Calvin and me.”

“Okay. Now tell me why you want to look at the castle.”

“From what we know about the deed Father Francisco translated, the Salazar castle seems to be the key to this mess. I want to see it in the flesh. Just a feeling.”

“I understand. I’ve had a feeling that there might be something we missed when we talked to the captain’s brother. I think I should see him again.”

“Good idea, Abby. Thanks for all you’re doing.”

“No problem. Well, then, I guess we’re done for the night,” Abby said.

There was an awkward moment when no words were spoken. Abby was standing close and he could feel the heat from her body. Hawkins had the mental discipline that was a holdover from his days as a Navy SEAL. But his mind belonged to a healthy male in the presence of a beautiful woman whose nightie failed to hide the curves he knew so well. He glanced over at the bed.

“Maybe not,” Hawkins said. “We’ve got some time before Calvin arrives. I’ve been thinking what a shame it would be to waste those warm sheets.”

Abby raised an eyebrow. “I totally agree.”