The Schliemann Legacy Read Free

be almost incapable of movement, he had forsaken everything physical and become a passionate player of mental games. Ordinary parlor games bored him. Dealing with world-shaping events spoiled him for such mundane pursuits. Henri began using his information to play out complicated games with real people, learning to mold the gathered intelligence and create authentic predicaments for his players. He employed unsuspecting players to amuse him as they traveled his playing board - the shadowy world of international espionage. The skills and abilities of the players brought uncertainty and excitement to the game. Once he had assembled the players, Henri could sit back and watch the progress. The game invigorated him and he played as often as an opportunity presented itself.
    "Martin, a scenario begins to unfold. The players introduce themselves. I see many different paths converging in Colombia. We will have great sport."
    Erhart grimaced and waited for the standard lecture from his pompous employer. It always began . . .
    "Who deserves to amuse me by accepting this morsel of information?" The fat man struggled to his feet and paced across the suite. After several steps, he began to wheeze. He stopped and lowered himself into the creaking desk chair. "We will ignore the so-called "Superpowers". They offer so little enjoyment. Instead, we limit ourselves to the smaller organizations," Mardinaud continued. "Those directly involved with the treasure or the Nazis. We must invite the Israelis to our little game. Obviously, they do not know of Kadner's whereabouts or Assi Levy would have sent a team after him. I am sure he will be ecstatic to hear about this old acquaintance. Yes, Assi Levy will pursue the matter."
    "Who else would you suggest?" asked Martin, scribbling on his pad.
    Mardinaud examined his fingers for residue butter as he spoke. "The next most obvious would be the Greeks. The treasure substantiates much of their civilization's ancient history. At the very least, the Greeks could goad Turkey with the artifacts. I look forward to seeing who they send after them. Contact Nikolas Stefandis."
    Martin frowned at the mention of the head of Greek Intelligence. "Stefandis opposes Greece's preoccupation with antiquities. He wants the Greeks to abandon the past and create an even greater present. Surely, he is not the man to contact."
    Henri chuckled. "Yes, he's rather vocal about his countrymen resting on the laurels of their ancestors, isn't he? Which is exactly why you must contact him. No matter how much he may wish to, Stefandis won't be able to ignore this task. The news of the treasure will destroy his weekend. Contact him at his home on Saturday afternoon."
    "Very good, Monsieur," the assistant sighed. "Will there be anyone else?"
    "One other. Contact Duman."
    Erhart nearly dropped his notepad. "Are you sure it would be wise to bother Duman?" he asked weakly.
    Henri looked at Erhart's pale face and understood the fear he saw there. Mardinaud, himself, felt uncomfortable around Duman. However, Henri had his reasons for wanting this particular terrorist. "Duman is important to the game. Someone must represent the Turks if the Greeks have a player. He's as good a representative as any. Besides, Duman will add the missing spice to the game. A measure of danger - especially for the Greek player." Mardinaud chuckled once more.
    "I . . . I just don't like the man," Erhart said. "He's a sadistic killer, a psychotic, a maniac…"
    "Nonsense. There is no reason to distrust him. He's not psychotic. He's simply a man with a passionate dream. It just happens he believes violence is the key to realizing his dream. He is a killer, but he has integrity and honor. The only danger is in betraying him. Believe me, I have no intention of doing that. Try Paris," Mardinaud suggested.
    "I still don't know about him," Erhart persisted. "He's uncontrollable."
    "Nonsense!" Mardinaud roared. "I control the information. Through the information, I