The Stone of Archimedes by Trevor Scott Page B

were two others who followed me from the university to the train station, first in a Fiat van and then on foot. Pretty decent tactics with their pass off technique, but not flawless. So, tell me why you just exposed yourself to scrutiny?”
    Now she was embarrassed and confounded. “I needed to let you know that you were being followed. Your cell phone no longer works.”
    â€œMy cell phone is probably in a landfill in Sicily by now,” Jake said. “I sure hope you haven’t been trying to call me since Trapani.”
    â€œI’m sure you did not see me that far back,” Elisa said.
    â€œLet’s see. When I got off the ferry you were wearing a dark green top and black slacks with nice leather pumps, pretending to read a map of Trapani. On the plane this morning you changed into your current ensemble. I really like how the tan slacks accentuate your fine backside.”
    She shook her head, a cross between further embarrassed and totally pissed off. “So, I’m a total. . .how do you say it. . .hack?”
    â€œNot at all, Elisa. Your tactics are far superior to those men. You did a nice job of staying under the radar. But let’s face it. With your stunning good looks, did you expect me not to notice? Of course I don’t think you could do anything to disguise this.” He smiled and motioned his hands in front of her, meaning the whole package.
    God he was frustrating. But she had read that about him also.
    â€œWhat’s your interest in me?” he asked her and then before she could answer, he gave her another kiss. This time she embraced him like an old friend.
    She pulled back reluctantly, with a coy smile. “Would you please stop that?”
    â€œHey, I want these Greeks to finally notice a beautiful woman. I suppose if you had been a young boy, they would have been on you like a priest on an alter-boy.”
    â€œThat’s offensive,” she said. “But probably true.” She tried her best not to smile but failed.
    â€œWho told you to keep track of me?”
    â€œI don’t know where it came from. I was working a case in Sicily and was just told to get to Trapani to catch up with you and keep an eye out.” No need to mention the fact that she had been assigned to find the American woman ever since she first contacted Professor Bretti weeks ago. Or the fact that the Greek billionaire, Petros Caras, was somehow involved.
    â€œRight. I’m guessing our State department had something to do with it. How long have you been looking for Professor Sara Halsey Jones?”
    She slumped into her chair just as she heard the boarding call for the flight to Malta. “That’s our flight.”
    He stopped her from getting up. “Just a minute. Answer my question.”
    Elisa considered her choices. She had to trust this man. Had been told to do so anyway. “Since she first contacted Professor Bretti and then went to Venezia. I lost her after that.”
    Jake Adams finally looked confused. “What flagged her as a target for your agency?”
    She couldn’t tell him at this time about Petros Caras. “I can’t say. Let’s just say that Bretti used to work with one of our intelligence agencies in the past. He brought her to our attention.” That was close enough to the truth. “Can we catch our flight now?”
    He took his hand in hers and said, “Wait just a minute. I want to see if the men from Greece will be with us.”
    Now she smiled. “They will. I’ve already reviewed the manifest.”
    â€œNice work,” Jake said. “Okay, then let’s go to Malta. Where are you on this flight.”
    Laughing, she said, “Right next to you.” She got up and pulled him to his feet.
    The two of them wandered to the gate like a real couple. She was starting to think she should have simply observed this man from afar. After meeting him, he sounded like trouble.

8
    Brock Winthrop