Free Into the Black by Sean Ellis Page A

Kismet's assistance.  But why did the former Admiral Grimes think that he was essential to the recovery effort?  For that matter, why was he interested in something as obscure as an ancient Greek legend?
    "You look up hawk in the dictionary and you'll find his picture," continued Lyse.  "He pushed hard for pre-emptive military action against Iran and North Korea, and advocated a more aggressive posture toward Russia and China.  You remember all the controversy about torture of inmates at Gitmo?  Well, Grimes was doing stuff that even the former administration didn't approve of.  He finally became too much of an embarrassment and they canned him.  I'm not sure what he's been up to since then."
    "How do you know all this?" Kismet whispered over his shoulder.
    Lyse's face went blank. "Gee, Nick, don't you read the newspapers?"
    He shook his head in amazement. "I thought I did," he murmured, then focused his attention on the conversation below.
    "My investigators," Grimes was saying, "have traced the sale of the artifacts back to Mr. Kerns.  It seems that before he left his homeland, Kerns—or should I say Chereneyev—was a prominent petroleum engineer, and a good communist.  Then, without warning, he emigrated to the United States, changed his name, and sold a number of ancient Greek antiquities for a great deal of money."
    "You found it, didn't you?" accused Harcourt.
    There was a moment of muffled speech, in which Kismet guessed a prisoner's gag was being removed.  Then, a thickly accented voice replied:  "Please, don't hurt us.  I'll tell you where to look."
    "You'll do more than that Comrade Chereneyev."  It was Grimes that spoke, filling his last two words with contempt.  "You will direct Sir Andrew to the site where you discovered the artifacts.  If you attempt to mislead him, I assure you that the consequences to your daughter will be most grave."
    "Yes, I will show you.  Only please do not hurt—" He was silenced once more by the gag.
    "Chereneyev has already given us a starting point," Grimes continued.  "I've seen to your travel arrangements." 
    The burly guards moved toward the seated captives and loosened the bonds of the male hostage.  He was helped to his feet and half-dragged to stand beside Harcourt.
    Kismet leaned back.  "Harcourt is about to leave.  Get back to the car and follow him.  I want to know where he's going next."
    “Nick, I love you, but I didn’t come here to be your errand girl.  I need that statue back.”
    Lyse's whisper was growing louder, and Kismet feared she might attract the attention of the men below.  He held a finger to his lips, and then took a deep breath.  “I think this is important, Lyse.  Do this one thing for me, and then we‘ll be square.  I’ll text you the name and location of a safe location.  You'll get the statue then."
    "I'd better," grumbled Lyse. "What about you?"
    "I'm going to get the girl."
    Lyse flashed a grin. "Don't let little Nick get you in any trouble."
    "You're hilarious."
    Her smile slipped, replaced by something more sincere. "Good luck, Nick.  And be careful."
    "You too, Lyse."
    She squeezed his shoulder then turned and deftly darted down the length of the beam.  Her touch had triggered an unexpected surge of pleasant memories. Kismet's gaze lingered on her for a long, wistful moment.  Shaking his head to clear away the nostalgia, he returned his attention to the scene below.
    Harcourt and Grimes continued to converse, discussing details about the impending expedition, without ever revealing the ultimate destination.  "I have a few matters to attend to before I can join you," Grimes said, "foremost of which is to persuade Nick Kismet to lend his assistance in our project."
    "I still fail to understand why you want Kismet along," Harcourt complained.  "He's entirely too skeptical."
    "Thank you for your opinion, Sir Andrew," was the caustic reply.  "In the future, refrain from offering it until you are asked to do