Free The Collectors Book Two: Full Circle (The Collectors Series 2) by Ron Sewell

years in the army before they threw me out. I think you’d better tell me what’s bothering you.”
    “I have a friend who has lost something. He knows where it is but recovery is difficult.”
    “Headmaster, your use of the English language is perfect. Why are you acting like a London taxi driver and driving around the houses? Tell me what you want?”
    “You’re right. In 1974, the Turks invaded Cyprus. During the invasion my friend hid many icons in a secret place and he now wants them recovered.”
    Petros chuckled. “Sounds interesting but what’s he willing to pay? The services of my friends start at a quarter to half a million pounds, plus expenses.”
    The line went silent.
    “The price is far too high.”
    “Headmaster, the border is open between northern Cyprus and the south. Maybe the Russian Mafia in Limassol will be cheaper, but can you trust them? You talk to your friend and if he reconsiders, give me a bell. Perhaps we can meet and chat. Unknown faces I can do without.”
    Petros returned to his breakfast.
    “My old headmaster might have a job for Bear and me.”
    ”That’s good. Alysa, open your mouth,” said Maria.
    Charlie sat at the side of Alysa’ chair, drooling.
    “What are you doing, Dog?”
    Petros patted Charlie’s head with one hand while pouring another cup of coffee. Finished with the morning paper he tossed it into the bin.
    “Charlie eats more of Alysa’s food than she does,” said Petros.
    “No, Alysa, no.”
    Alysa screamed, waved her arms, knocking the spoon from Maria’s hand. The bowl of cereal clattered onto the floor. Charlie barked and ate every scrap.
    “You’re a naughty girl. Here, hold your bottle.”
    Alysa grabbed, laughed and dropped it. Charlie waited for more food.
    “Yesterday, you and mama had a long discussion on the phone. Problems?”
    A frown spread across Maria’s face. “We want Alysa christened in Cyprus and I must check my farm.”
    Petros nodded, his face not giving anything away. “I have a decision to make.”
    “No. Alysa will be christened in Cyprus.”
    He shrugged but said nothing.
     

Chapter Nine
     
    Petros peered out of a lounge window as the incessant wind and rain pounded the upper deck of Dream Chaser . Maria and Alysa were out visiting his mother, and Charlie was scrounging food from Andreas’s bistro. Bored, Petros picked up The Times and studied the crossword.
    The telephone buzzed. “Good morning. Petros Kyriades. How can I help you?”
    “Good morning, Petros. Georgiadis. Do you remember our discussion on missing icons?”
    Petros didn’t answer straight away. He asked himself, did he need another collection?
    “Yes, I remember.”
    “Good news, the bishop wants me to reach an agreeable conclusion.”
    “Why me?”
    “Perhaps you underestimate your reputation. I trust you, people trust you. I simply need to agree a price.”
    “Headmaster, I never do business on the phone. I’ll come to your school and we’ll discuss the details over a cup of tea or a genuine Cyprus coffee?”
    “Today I have a staff meeting. Tomorrow at eleven?”
    “No problem. I’ll be there.”
    Petros replaced the receiver. Cyprus, he mused. Alysa’s christening and a collection. What would Maria think? He folded the newspaper and placed it in the wastebasket.
     
    *  *  *
     
    The weather remained bleak, and forsaking his motorbikes Petros chose the comfort of his ancient BMW to visit the Greek school. He parked in the playground, pausing for a moment as he looked at the once familiar scene. It hadn’t changed. He followed a sign which declared in bold black lettering Headmaster’s Secretary’s Office .
    At his arrival, Mary White stopped typing. “Good morning. Can I help you?” Her mouth opened wide as recognition dawned. “Petros Kyriades.” She smiled. “What on earth are you doing here?”
    In one movement, he sat on the corner of her desk. “You remember me. I’m flattered.”
    “Of course I do, and so do the many