Free The Schliemann Legacy by D.A. Graystone Page A

to show you the major points of interest, while giving you a clue about where you are going. And what thanks do I receive? After this morning, you should be able to tell me where the treasure is located. I thought you were smart enough to solve the puzzle. You disappoint me. Possibly, I overestimated you?"
    Katrina stared at the man in front of her as she remembered her vague and seemingly unconnected wanderings. A pattern began to emerge from the twisted route. She'd been so frustrated with the delay that she had paid no attention to what she was doing. Mardinaud could see the dawning realization in her eyes.
    "You did not understand, did you?" the Frenchman asked. "Extremely dangerous for one in your profession. Did you learn no lesson from the death of your partner?" Mardinaud's smile widened as Katrina exhaled a small sound of surprise. "Did you think I would not know of that? Give me more credit."
    Pudgy fingers opened a manila file folder and thumbed through the sheets. "Yes, here it is. New York. A little over three years ago."
    "Don't bother. I know the details," Katrina said coldly.
    "Yes, I imagine you know them all too well. I also see you haven't been active since the…incident." Mardinaud shut the folder and looked up at her. "I should think you're a bit rusty. Nikolas Stefandis doesn't give a damn about this mission, does he? He might even find it preferable if you failed." The information broker shrugged. "Stefandis never did believe women should be in his organization. Personally, I can't understand his attitude. But to each his own."
    "Could we get on with this? Just give me the information."
    Mardinaud finished chewing a mouthful before he answered. "Don't you want to display your superior intelligence and feminine intuition by guessing where you are going? It shouldn't be too hard."
    Katrina watched him fork more food into his mouth. His habit of chewing with his mouth open was beginning to nauseate her. "If it will hurry you up, I'll go along with your…"
    Katrina broke off suddenly as she realized Mardinaud was staring past her. She tensed and laid her hand on the closest weapon - a serrated table knife. She turned and scanned the crowd behind her, but could see nothing amiss. Most people were staring in the same direction as Mardinaud. She followed their gaze to the Glockenspiel above the town hall across the street. The dancing figures had begun to move.
    Mardinaud watched as one of the figures moved slowly around the circle. The jester's bright outfit shone in the summer sun while the tune played flawlessly. Necks craned throughout the square as young and old watched with rapt attention. Except Katrina. Mardinaud glanced at the bright brown eyes glowing with impatience.
    "Is it not magnificent?" asked Mardinaud. "I never tire of hearing its clear tones or watching the regal promenade. I find it difficult to believe the object is not French. Do you know its history?"
    "No, I don't. Does it involve my mission?"
    "No, I suppose it doesn't," he admitted. "You have come to hear of Ulrich Kadner and his ill got possessions."
    Katrina waited while the fat man continued. "I'll start you out, shall I? I sent you to the train station first. Obviously, you must travel. Not by train, though. You have to go over water, as you did at the Olympic pool. I wanted to be sure you saw that building. A true treasure demonstrating nature's mix of strength and beauty. Such an architectural vision. But I digress. Just be glad I didn't send you to your departure point, the airport in Frankfurt."
    Katrina glared at him. "I assume from the trip to the zoo, I'll be going to a tropical zone."
    "Yes, yes. Very good. You see? You can enjoy the game. All you have to do is try. Can you narrow it down even further?"
    "You sent me to the shop specializing in Pre-Columbian art. The bakery. Clumsy reference with the art but everything leads to Colombia, so I assume that is my destination. However, nothing tells me who has the