Sabbatical In The Sun

By Jackie Ullerich

Jessica Slater would seem to have it all. She's young, personable, good looking and is making strides in her career as an educator.

Her personal life, however, is in disarray. Recently divorced, she's also coping with the loss of her mother to cancer. What better time than now to take sabbatical leave, to shake the blues and escape wintery Northern Virginia.
Jessica's choice for a sabbatical in the sun is Southern California where she is hired to housesit the showcase home of George and Lydia Papas whose import-export business has taken them out of the country. She also elects to take graduate courses at USC and it is there she meets John Martin, a university administrator who, unknown to Jessica, has orchestrated their chance meeting and subsequent dates for a very specific purpose: He must gain access to the Papas home.

Later the reasons become clear but at this point, Jessica, despite certain misgivings falls hard for John, and eventually they become lovers.
John is able to persuade Jessica to accompany him during spring break on a business-pleasure trip to Athens, Greece, and then to a resort town in the Peloponnese where, as guests of John's friend, Denis Angelides and his family, the two are swept up into the exuberance of Easter festivities.

But then everything falls apart as Jessica learns she has been brought to Greece under false pretenses, that she has been a pawn in a scheme to recover an heirloom--a priceless coin belonging to the Angelides family--which Denis believes has been smuggled out of Greece by his brother Alex and into the home of George and Lydia Papas. John has used her to gain entry to that home. Worse, their entire relationship has been built on lies, on deceit.

Denis does recover the coin, but it turns out to be a fake. That he has been betrayed either by someone at home or in Los Angeles sets in motion a series of events in which Jessica plays a major role. She becomes the focus of Denis' romantic intentions, as well. John, however, is never completely out of the picture, and after a harrowing adventure involving the coin that nearly costs her life, Jessica and John reconcile.

Among the supporting characters, Alex Angelides is a prominent figure. Unlike Denis, his brash but principled brother, Alex is a conniver, a master at manipulating others. He also hoards a secret about the coin that he shares only when he thinks he is dying.

Of concern to Jessica is the continuing presence in her life of her ex-husband Andrew whose obsession with her turns ugly.

In the face of calamitous events, Mort Abrams, an attorney-advisor for the Angelides family, is the voice of reason, a solid presence. He also becomes a father figure to Jessica, filling a void in both their lives.

If Mort is a stabilizing influence, Bill Warner is its antithesis. A seedy-appearing eccentric man in his sixties, Warner runs the housesitting agency that has hired Jessica, though his more important role is of go-between for parties in Athens and John Martin in Los Angeles. A truly devious person, he appears throughout the story in ever-changing guises and behavior that reveal him in an increasingly sinister light.

Sabbatical in the Sun is a novel of intrigue that deals with the consequences of selfishness and greed. But it is also about love--familial and romantic, about relationships that fall short of perfection. Mainly, it is about forgiveness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Apr 20, 2013

Jackie Ullerich

A native Californian, Jackie Ullerich was born in Los Angeles, grew up in San Diego and attended UCLA, where she graduated with honors, earning a secondary teaching credential in theater arts and English. She also attained Master Teacher status, which qualified her to train and supervise student teachers at the high school level. In a major change of venue, Jackie left the classroom for the world stage to travel and live in a variety of places, both in the U.S. and overseas, with her Air Force husband. Her years of living in Turkey and Greece coincided with changes in government, including tanks in the streets. But hostile environments were offset by exploration of ancient cultures and the colorful tapestries of contemporary life. Of her many experiences, teaching English as a foreign language at the Turkish War College in Ankara, was an adventure in itself. While her novels reflect first-hand knowledge of exotic and historic locals, California provides a backdrop for most of her writing. Presently, Jackie and her retired Air Force JAG husband reside in Palm Desert, California where her husband golfs while Jackie writes.

Book preview

Sabbatical in the Sun

by

Jackie Ullerich

Published by

Brighton Publishing LLC

501 W. Ray Rd.

Suite 4

Chandler, Arizona 85225

brightonpublishing.com

Copyright © 2013

ISBN: 978-1-621831-16-7

eBook

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Other Books by Jackie Ullerich

The Bride Stands Alone — At Risk — Invitation to Death

Reviews and Comments:

A Page Turner!

"The Bride Stands Alone is a page turner filled with love, mystery, and deception. The story begins with a beautiful romance that leads to an exotic wedding in Acapulco. Then the unthinkable happens. The bride’s new husband disappears. Her heartbreak only deepens when it appears he was living a double life. Confusion and intrigue follow. I highly recommend this book!"

***

Interesting Twists!

"First of all, the cover says a lot about this book. One of the most interesting and well-done covers I have seen. If you can’t figure it out, it’s not necessarily an everybody lives happily ever after, the author takes us yet again to exotic places, and turns the story with some interesting twists. I don’t want to spoil the story, so read it yourself!"

***

Talented Author!

"In the early chapters of The Bride Stands Alone, author Jackie Ullerich introduces an array of characters, each of whom has his or her own complex story. The characters are then neatly woven into the mystery that is unfolding, leading ultimately to a surprising ending. In reviewing this second Jackie Ullerich novel it is clear to me that this talented author will be heard from again."

***

This Is A Fantastic Read!

"Imagine finding your true love. Next comes a fairy-tale wedding. Everything seems perfect, but then your whole world turns upside down. Your new husband disappears and you begin to find out he might be very different from the person you thought you knew. The Bride Stands Alone takes the reader through the excitement of new love, the heartache that follows, and unexpected twists that continue to unfold. The author’s beautiful, exotic, and dramatic descriptions make the story come to life. This is a fantastic read."

***

Great Book... I Hope She Writes More!

I’ve never taken a cruise, but now I’m pretty sure I’ll just stay home and read more books from Jackie Ullerich! Imagine being trapped on a cruise ship with people who suddenly decide they hate you... and there isn’t anything you can do about it? No way out! This was a pretty great read, and always fun to read novelist I haven’t read before. Good suspense, good dialogue, great intensity!

***

Great Suspense—Fun Reading

"At Risk is a page turner filled with suspense. The cruise ship provides the perfect backdrop for an exotic adventure that, for some passengers, leads to romance—and for others… takes an unexpected murderous turn."

***

Compelling New Author

"I found author Jackie Ullerich’s book At Risk to be a compelling read. Her in-depth development of a diverse group of characters made their intriguing experiences come alive. The sharp dialogue held my interest from start to finish. The research and knowledge of the variety of locales brought reality to this suspenseful story. I recommend this book and will seek out additional works from this new author."

***

An Intriguing Plot

Jackie introduces several couples that will be taking the same cruise, each with a challenging situation in their marriages. The complexity of the plot challenges the reader to visualize the reasons behind their motives. The development of the characters and their interactions keeps the reader involved. A great read.

***

Talented Author!

I enjoyed this book very much! New author and talented. Am looking forward to her next book.

***

Romance, Intrigue, Suspense!

"This sounds like a lovely, exotic cruise but has some nice twists and turns. Romance, or is there more to this than meets the eye? Will read her next book, The Bride Stands Alone, for sure."

***

Her Own Voice!

She has created a voice all her own in mystery fiction, unmistakably her own, down to every plot twist, every barb, every bit of wit and wry humor which keep the pages turning and readers guessing what might possibly happen next.

***

Impossible To Stop Reading!

Jackie delights in stringing together a series of twists and turns that make it impossible to stop reading until yet another page has been feverishly read.

***

As Good As Anything Published In The Last Decade!

Jackie Ullerich weaves a tale of high seas suspense as good as anything published in the last decade, with a plot that will keep readers turning the pages wondering what she’ll come up with next.

***

Wow!

"As soon as I saw the fabulous cover on this book (At Risk), I had high expectations and was not disappointed. Filled with great dialog and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this book is a great read and highly recommended."

***

Sets the Standard!

"With lively dialog and a myriad of duplicitous and dynamic characters, author Jackie Ullerich once again sets the standard in this engaging and absorbing novel. Sabbatical in the Sun is crafted with both remarkable skill and the utmost respect for her reader’s intellect and senses."

***

Another guilty and utterly decadent indulgence!

"With an uncommon degree of balance and a rare understanding of human nature, author Jackie Ullerich delivers yet another guilty and utterly decadent indulgence. Readers can add Invitation to Death alongside other fine romantic-suspense novels such as J.D. Robb’s Naked in Death and Nora Roberts’ The Witness. A fine addition to every mystery lover’s library."

Prologue

February, 1974

Los Angeles, California

Bill Warner closed the top drawer of his battered filing cabinet and moved slowly to his desk.

He viewed with distaste the heavy maroon drapes that nudged a faded beige carpet in the house-sitting agency he owned. Plants, paintings, even a silk flower arrangement would have enhanced the room. But why bother? he asked himself. After all, I conduct most business by phone and I won’t be renewing my lease.

His musings were cut short by the ringing of his phone. Bill felt his stomach tighten, and then felt a rush of adrenaline as he recognized the voice. Denis Angelides was calling from Athens, Greece.

Did you get the picture? Bill asked.

I’m looking at it now. She’s lovely. Sculpted features, ravishing blue eyes, blonde. I could go for her myself.

Let’s hope this man you told me about feels the same.

John Martin doesn’t have to care, one way or the other. But, it helps that she’s attractive.

It helps too, Bill said, that she has other qualifications.

How so?

Jessica Slater is perfect for the Papas household—beyond having excellent references.

Bill glanced at the resume opened before him on his desk. She teaches at the college level, specializing in early Greek and Middle Eastern history, and she has a knowledge and appreciation for Modern Greek culture.

A match made in heaven. Especially since the Papases will be traveling over an extended period.

Their home with its many treasures will be accorded the proper respect. Now what about John Martin?

I’ll meet with him in a day or so, assuming he hasn’t changed his mind.

How can you be sure he’s trustworthy? You don’t really know this man, do you?

Ioanis, my partner, is convinced that Martin is the man for the job.

I don’t know, Denis, you seem to put a lot of faith in the unknown.

Denis chuckled. "Haven’t you ever opted for an unconventional strategy?

More than you would dream, was his silent response.

If it makes you feel any better, Denis went on, I’ll make the final call after John and I have met. In any event, we must move quickly.

You may have to give it some time.

For God’s sake, Bill, we can’t afford the luxury of time! Alex is a devious, conniving bastard. Believe me, I know the lengths my brother will go to satisfy his greed.

Trust me, we can stop Alex.

Yes, yes. Of course, you’re right. Well, I’ll leave the Los Angeles part of our undertaking in your hands. You’ll hear from me soon. Good luck.

Bill hung up, glanced at his watch, and let his gaze stray to his yellowed shirt cuffs and frayed jacket sleeve. Save for the large onyx stone he wore on his ring finger, he felt colorless, grayed from the top of his head to the tips of his scuffed slipper shoes. The image was not how he perceived himself. However, that would all change. Two months, three months tops and he would begin a new life.

He frowned, drawn again to Jessica Slater’s resume. He did not anticipate trouble, but the woman was bright, informed and, he suspected, knowledgeable about antiquities.

What if this paragon became a nuisance, or even a threat? No matter. Ms. Slater was expendable.

Bill reached for the phone, dialed the operator and asked to be connected to Athens, Greece.

Chapter One

January, 1974

Alexandria, Virginia

The storm was imminent. Leaden skies hung over the landscape, leading late afternoon toward the brink of darkness.

Jessica Slater smelled the wetness and felt the heaviness in the air as she left her car for her apartment building. The steps leading to the lobby were difficult to see in the enveloping gloom. She proceeded cautiously, balancing her shoulder bag and briefcase against her arm.

In the elevator, Jessica thought about the glistening world of snow she would awaken to in the morning. The downside would be frigid cold, icy streets and slush, leftovers from the snowplow. She shivered, picturing herself as part of that bleakness.

At her floor, as she walked down the hall to her apartment, images that had darkened her spirits were dissipating, replaced by visions of palm trees, of sun and sea. In days she would be off to Southern California on sabbatical, and she was ready for change. Her mother’s recent death from cancer and the failure of her marriage to Andrew had taken their toll.

Jessica set down her briefcase and reached into her purse for her key, only to hesitate as she noticed the ribbon of light from under her door. Had she left the lights on this morning?

She tried the doorknob. It turned at her touch. As the door swung open, Andrew stood before her, a sheepish look on his face.

Hi, hon. I didn’t mean to startle you. He picked up her briefcase and made an after-you gesture.

Jessica bit her lip to stifle a comeback. What in God’s name have I gotten myself into?

I don’t understand, she said, as Andrew closed the door behind her. What are you doing here now?

He gave her a playful poke on the arm. Not even a hello? How are you?

She raised a protesting hand. We had an agreement.

I know. Water the plants, check for mail or packages, keep an eye on things.

When I’m gone, Andrew.

Jessica, calm down. I had to see you, to talk to you before you left.

She looked at him closely. His eyes were clear, his speech was not slurred. Everything appeared normal except that Andrew did not have a glass in his hand.

As if reading her mind, he pantomimed walking a straight line. See? Cold sober.

I can tell. She managed a smile. Let me hang up my coat.

Jessica hung her coat in the closet, and then joined him on the sofa. This sounds urgent. What did you want to talk about?

Us?

His boyish charm, the warmth of his hazel eyes that crowned chiseled features, had enticed her more than once in the past. But all that was over. What more is there to say? She tried to keep the edge out of her tone.

While you’re away, he touched her cheek lightly, I hope out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind.

I’ll always want the best for you. You know that.

That sounds so final.

It is final. We’re through. Divorced, for God’s sake. Andrew, this is not a good time. Jessica motioned to her briefcase. I have final exams to correct, a million and one things to do before I leave.

Where in L.A. will you be? I might need to reach you.

You can contact me through Warner House-Sitting Agency. I’ll leave you the number. She paused. I’m sorry I snapped at you. I do appreciate your offer to keep an eye on things.

It’s okay. He appeared bemused. You, my classy ex-wife, a house sitter?

I won’t be scrubbing toilets, for heaven’s sake. I’ll be living in an elegant home instead of a cheap apartment. Lucky for me the ad for this job was placed in our university newsletter.

I guess these people you’re house-sitting for travel a lot?

She nodded. Something to do with his line of work. Import-export, I believe.

When you’re not guarding the mansion, what then?

I’ll be hanging out in Malibu. Skinny-dipping in Warren Beatty’s pool. Trying out my act at a comedy club on Sunset Boulevard.

Very funny.

I’ve signed up for a couple of graduate courses at USC, a seminar on western civilization and an ancient history class. I still intend to earn my doctorate someday. She smiled and crossed her fingers.

Oh, you’ll make it, Jessica. You have the drive, the energy to succeed. You’re very good at taking charge, at making decisions. He raised his hands. I, on the other hand, take things as they come. I think that was our major problem. We were constantly out of step, out of sync. And you, he gave her his sidelong look, outpaced me at every turn.

That was not our primary problem, and you know it.

Well. He patted her hand. You’ve always pushed too hard. It shows. You look tired, and you’re obviously on edge.

Jessica rose to her feet. I think it’s time you left. She held out her hand. And I want my keys back.

Andrew stood, looking bewildered. Why? What have I said or done?

This was a dumb idea, Andrew. I’ll make other arrangements. She continued to hold out her hand.

He reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out her keys and dropped them into her palm, all the while shaking his head.

Good-bye, Andrew.

He shrugged, and then strolled to the door. He stood for a moment with his back to her; then turned. I wasn’t snooping, but I noticed the brochure on Greece. He pointed to her desk. Planning a trip after your sojourn in L.A.?

Perhaps.

His smile was brief. He shut the door behind him.

Jessica’s hand closed tightly on the keys. She had hurt him, but he had hurt her, too. They were always in sync in that way.

It had been that kind of year. She would always miss her mother, but she was tired of grieving, tired of Andrew with his snide put-downs, tired of the cold, of the unrelenting downbeat to her life.

She stared at her crowded, claustrophobic room. The handsome but too-large sofa, the chairs, the intrusive bookcase dwarfing everything. She crossed the room to open the drapes. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed falling snow. It was the winter wonderland of song and verse, paradise as seen through a child’s eyes.

The scene blurred as she considered Andrew’s words. Saying she looked tired was a dig, but he was probably right. Andrew had once raised his glass to her, to toast eyes as blue and serene as a mountain lake at dawn. Now, she supposed, he saw only dark smudges under her eyes, the fatigue that appeared at the end of a difficult day. Jessica reached back to tuck escaping strands from her usually neat chignon. What a sight she must be.

She turned from the window, her gaze sweeping the room. When she returned from her sabbatical, she would find a larger apartment or get rid of some of the furniture she had salvaged from the home she had shared with Andrew.

The idea of change, of moving on generated energy, excitement. At thirty-two she was still young and now free to rebuild her life, travel to Greece, perhaps. At her desk, she picked up the brochure, glossy and enticing in the lamp’s halo of light. Better times are ahead. She would make that her mantra.

The Acropolis pictured inside the brochure caught her eye. To tour the monuments and historic sites would mean the realization of her dreams, invoking the awe and mystery of ancient times. But the contemporary world beckoned as well. She pictured herself dining at a seaside taverna under the rays of a Mediterranean sun, tempered by gentle breezes. Add the strains of bouzouki music, and the picture was complete. She closed the brochure.

"Better times? Make that great times ahead," she said aloud.

***

Zilokastron, Greece

Denis Angelides had found shelter in the family cottage, thankful to take cover from the punishing wind—a force in contention with the churning sea—that whipped through the resort. Ioanis and John Martin were still a good half hour away, the others would be arriving later. Darkness was in their favor, as they did not want to call attention to themselves.

Denis frowned and walked to the front window. Drawing back an edge of the curtain, he peered into the dusk. Had he been seen? Few residents lived year-round in this resort community, but he had spotted a passing automobile as he’d parked a block away. Now lights appeared in the house directly across the street.

He turned from the window. A fire and kerosene lamp provided ample illumination, casting elongated shadows of a cabinet and sideboard onto the opposite wall. Denis stared at the dancing images, and then turned away and unzipped his jacket as he moved to the comfort of the fireplace.

Settling on the sofa, Denis thought back to his conversation with Bill Warner. He was particularly pleased with the Jessica Slater strategy. If he felt a twinge of conscience, it was only a twinge. In all probability, Ms. Slater would be none the wiser as to her role in the forthcoming skirmish.

Bringing John Martin, a stranger, into their little scheme was risky, but it made sense. Martin lived in Los Angeles, was unattached, and met their qualifications for appearance and personality. Finally, Denis trusted Ioanis. His good friend and business partner was an astute judge of character.

Time to put another log on the fire, Denis thought as he stared into the flames. The blaze triggered memories of another time and place: this past December in Athens, a family dinner party, the gem-like dining room luminous with reflected firelight, the long table bathed in a warm amber from the glow of the chandelier, his mother, as ever, the gracious hostess.

His father? Vassos had looked tired, aged since the death of Nikolas, the eldest of his three sons. Worse, Denis suspected his father sensed the animosity between himself and Alex.

He had stared across the table at his brother, Alex, as he had poured his fourth glass of wine. His excesses showed in the puffiness around his eyes, in reddened facial veins, and in his increasing bulk, which would soften into fat by the time he reached his forties. Denis could still hear his brother’s laughter, too loud for the small room, see Alex’s wife responding to his anecdote with a polite nod, his father’s tight smile.

The dinner party had been the turning point. Cold reason and resolve had replaced all the anger festering inside him for weeks. Despite these feelings, he had tried to establish a measure of civility with Alex.

As was his custom, Alex had escaped to the terrace with a cigar while the women had cleared the table to make room for dessert and coffee. Denis had followed Alex and found his brother standing at the edge of the terrace, peering over the balcony onto the street several stories below.

As Denis had approached, Alex had gestured over the railing, the lighted tip of his cigar a red swoop in the moonless night. I see you’ve brought your new car, he had said. Or is it the old one? They look the same to me. He had puffed on his cigar, the tip glowing. So. Is this an official visit or are you joining me out of fraternal devotion?

I wanted to talk to you. Away from the family.

Why? You want my advice on business affairs? You’ve made your fortune. You want to know about women? What can I tell you about women? They fall at your feet. Even my Leah makes moon eyes at you. He had assumed a falsetto pitch. Oh, we’re all so proud of my brother-in-law.

Alex, for God’s sake, will you listen to yourself?

Why should I, when I can listen to you? He had laughed softly. Arrogant little ass. That’s what you are.

Oh, come on, Alex. If I’m arrogant, what does that make you? You invented arrogance, for Christ’s sake. Denis had stopped, afraid his words had carried inside. Both men had looked back to the glass doors, which, to Denis’s relief, revealed an empty dining room. His tone had softened and he continued. We’ve both prospered. Think of what you’ve achieved for yourself, your wife, your children.

I could have achieved more, but now I’m back in my safe little rut, working for our dear father.

You should be grateful to have a father in the import-export business. Vassos gave you a second chance, for God’s sake.

Why don’t you say what you’re thinking, Denis? That I cheated my partners at the winery, that I manipulated the books, forged checks. All hogwash, of course.

That may be. All I know is that for whatever reason, you screwed up.

Let’s drop this. You said you wanted to speak to me privately.

Denis had glanced at the softly lighted dining room. Their father had taken his place at the head of the table. He had dropped his voice to a whisper. Alex, the coin. Where is it?

What makes you think I have it? He had questioned as he stabbed his cigar against the railing. Sparks fell into the darkness.

You were with Nikolas at the end; you were by his side when he died. I don’t have to tell you the coin was not found among his effects.

For that matter, Denis, you went to see him a week before his death. Alex had paused. Well, you are welcome to search my home or my person. He had smiled. But you won’t find anything. He had flicked the butt over the railing, watching its descent, and then turned. It’s time to go in.

Denis had stood firmly in place, blocking his brother’s exit. What about the couple from America?

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

I’m talking about George and Lydia Papas. I’m talking about the time you met privately with them at their hotel. In fact, I remember when that meeting took place. It was within the right time frame.

Alex had lifted an eyebrow, his expression registering ennui. What are you babbling about? The right time frame for what?

For the coin to be smuggled out of the country, for you, you greedy bastard, to sell your soul to the highest bidder. Can we pick a place? What about Beirut, Basel, New York? Or how about Los Angeles? That is, if you could convince your friends to do your dirty work.

Nonsense. What a lot of drivel. We were engaged in business. Strictly business.

Alex had stepped back to the edge of the balcony, staring out into the night, the ancient Acropolis illuminated in the distance. If— he had turned to his brother. If I were to have hidden the coin with those people, it would be without their knowledge.

What are you saying? That you concealed the coin in their belongings?

I’m saying no such thing. He had raised his hands. What kind of scoundrel do you take me to be? Really, Denis, if I were cursed with your overactive imagination—

A loud popping noise, followed by flying sparks, came from the fireplace and brought Denis back to the present moment. There was something more; he listened. Was someone at the door, or had he imagined a rapping sound? He crept around the table to the window, his shadow looming before him, to draw back the curtain. Ioanis and John Martin had arrived.

Good! He briskly moved to the door. Let the games begin.

Chapter Two

January, 1974

Athens, Greece

Hotel Grand Bretagne

Mort Abrams enjoyed practicing law. Even after thirty years on the job he welcomed the challenge. Still, he was relieved his work in Athens was finished, that he and Alice would depart in the morning for New York. He was not fond of overseas travel, nor in recent years, travel of any duration.

Mort thrust aside his report and with no small effort pushed himself back from the desk. Damn hotels made everything in miniature. The beds were too small, the chairs too puny to accommodate his six-foot-two, bulky frame. He sat for a moment, ruminating on these complaints, and then looked at his watch. Alice wasn’t due back until around three. If weather permitted, he’d take a walk along Constitution Square. Otherwise, he’d settle for a stroll through the lobby.

At the door, Mort paused, hearing footsteps outside his room. There followed a tentative rapping at his door.

Who is it? Mort asked.

Vassos Angelides.

Vassos? Mort opened the door wide. What a surprise. Come in, my friend. Here, let me take your coat.

Please don’t bother to hang it up. I’m on my way to a meeting and can stay only a few minutes.

Mort placed Vassos’ overcoat on the bed and removed his own jacket. He led Vassos to the couch in the sitting room.

I apologize for not calling first. I remembered you would be in Athens on business this week, and I acted on impulse. Vassos looked down at his hands, and then met Mort’s gaze. I need your help.

Mort had been taken aback when Vassos slipped out of his coat. He appeared shrunken, more frail and gray than he had remembered him.

Now Vassos straightened, and Mort could sense renewed energy. The transformation brought back the old Vassos, a man with a purpose.

You may know, Vassos said, "we have a cottage in the Peloponnese in Zilokastron. Yesterday I received a call from a neighbor who lives there year round. He reported seeing activity around the cottage—people going in and out, including a man he had not seen before, possibly a foreigner.

I was concerned, so I called Denis. Vassos had