The Sundial

By Ellaina D. Tanos

Early one summer morning high atop a mountain cliff on the island of Mykonos, Greece, this magical journey of two young twin daughters of a world-renowned diplomat and great benefactor begins. The privileged lives of the Mercedes twins are magically guided by the mystical hands of the ancient Greek gods.
Over the course of several years, the twins experience the charmed life of being members of high society, jet setting from the Hamptons, to St. Tropez, to Palm Beach and to exotic destinations. They live an extraordinarily glamorous and luxurious life, thanks to their affluent and powerful father, Demetrios Mercedes. As the story gradually unfolds and the veil of deception is lifted, the scandalous secrets are revealed. Shockingly, under the faade of the perfect diplomatic family, lurked the many layers of lies, infidelity, scandal and deceit. Ironically, the twins' journey through life's trials and tribulations culminates with an unforeseen twist of fate. This intriguing drama tells the tale of the sisters from their charmed and fortunate childhood into becoming prominent women of business and high society. But their lives would be changed forever!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 4, 2008
• ISBN: 9781468522716

Book preview

Chapter One

A soft sensual breeze, seemingly sent from heaven, flowed freely into the room. It blew back the crisp white curtains from the oversized windows and filled the sleeping quarters with a clean, fresh, fragrant aroma of the glorious Mediterranean. The architecture and décor of the palatial Mercedes estate was one to be desired by all, if actually only glimpsed by a select few. Perched high above the rocky terrain on a Greek mountaintop in a secluded hideaway on the isle of Mykonos stood the home of Demetrios Mercedes, world-renowned diplomat, socialite, and some said, great benefactor.

Helene gradually woke to the muffled sound of familiar men’s voices. Kali Meda, O Demetrios mou, yelled out the sun-coarsened fisherman and lifelong family friend, as he gestured from the bow of his sailboat up to the familiar figure standing on the elegant whitewashed balcony.

"Good morning to you Yanni, my good friend. Both men’s smiles were genuine and heartfelt. Why don’t you stop by later for a nightcap and good cigar. And bring your handsome son with you. I think that it’s about time to finalize the details we’ve been planning for the unity of our two families. It’s time to determine the future of your son, Alexander, and my twin girls."

I look forward to it, the man in the sailboat replied, nodding in full agreement and waving a temporary farewell, as he continued to sail on his way around the mountainside toward his own hilltop villa. In his heart, he already looked forward to his return a few hours later with his eldest son, to continue their long-standing private negotiations.

By this time, Helene climbed out of bed, curious and shaking off any lingering sleep. She quickly walked to the French doors. She could still hear her father’s voice, but wasn’t sure to whom he was now speaking. As she sidestepped the bellowing curtains out onto the sun-washed bedroom balcony, she could now see her father at the edge of the patio leaning on the railing one floor below. She could hear him arguing with someone on the phone, but couldn’t imagine what could have caused such anger in him. The voice from below became louder and more irate, "I said sell 10,000 shares short & buy 5,000 forward contracts on the same. As soon as the NYSE opens, collar my position, and I’ll worry about the tax consequences later.

Also, he pressed on, overnight mail to my attention — marked strictly personal and confidential — a copy of my trust and estate documents. I’ve been giving the whole subject serious thought. I think it’s time to make important and drastic changes to my Will and the girls’ Trust arrangements right away.

Father then reached for his personal attaché diary in his briefcase, and began intently transcribing the details of that morning’s conversation.

Helene was now fully awake and more than a little intrigued about the overheard conversation. Good morning, Father, she called down a moment later from her balcony, opening her arms wide so as to breathe in the pure, intoxicating air. Another beautiful day.

He smiled back up at her, his eyes finding hers. Sent to us mere mortals compliments of the Gods! She quickly grabbed her robe and started down the grand stairs to the veranda below, where her father was comfortably seated. Father, why don’t we go out on the yacht today? The water looks like glass and the sea appears calm. Zeus is beckoning to us to partake in his great treasures! Helene threw her head back, breathing in the salty ocean air as she extended her hands up to the Gods in heartfelt appreciation.

Father’s eyes questioned her with curiosity. I thought you and Christine were going to Monte Carlo to spend the day?

Well, we can do that tomorrow, she answered evenly. "You always tell us ‘Carpe Diem’ — that we must seize the day and take advantage of great opportunities whenever they present themselves."

As well you should, echoed her father.

Well, I think we should take full advantage of this heavenly day and spend it right here with you, cruising this wondrous sea. Helene leaned over to give her father a warm hug and kiss.

I hate to disappoint you, darling, he shrugged regretfully, but you and your sister will have to cruise around the seas without me today. I have too much work to do. Her face showed her disappointment. But, he countered, offering her the best he could, I’ll send you out with the Captain and his crew, and they’ll take you wherever my Princesses want to go. Fair enough?

If that’s your best offer, answered Helene playfully, then, fine. A last look, then she ran off to wake her sister and prepare for their voyage.

Once aboard the family’s fabulous, 180-foot ocean-going vessel and without any real supervision, the scantily-clad twins threw caution to the wind and decided to sunbathe topless. They positioned themselves strategically on the top bough of the ship, for absolute privacy and seclusion. Constantly in the public spotlight, the sisters had always savored these precious few moments alone, basking in the comforting and enveloping warmth of Zeus’ sun. Throughout their charted travels, this floating palace took the beautiful pair to many of the uninhabited islands that neighbored their own private little corner of paradise. This perfect Eden surrounded them in every way, and caressed their senses in overwhelming fashion. During this particular journey, the twins consciously began to realize that the riches and jewels of life were abundant and plentiful, and readily available for them at their every whim or discretion. In what started out as just a short day’s excursion, thousands of years of ancestral history had unexpectedly exposed itself to the pair in its’ own breathtaking style.

As the majestic yacht returned back to the dock, with the girls now respectfully clothed, the twins excitedly waved to their father, who stood on the balcony anxiously awaiting their return.

They could not wait to share their day’s discoveries with him. In just a few hours of their lives, the girls had been touched by a lifetime’s worth of knowledge as they had slowly traveled, as if back in time, passing by the ancient ruins of their ancestral history, absorbing the almighty power that God had so benevolently and generously bestowed upon their illustrious family. As they climbed back onto the dock, the sisters felt empowered, and truly believed that they, too, could take on the whole world — much like their own father’s vast conquests — and like the magnificent triumphs of their great ancestors many centuries before them.

Later that evening, old family friend Yanni and his handsome son, Alexander, arrived to enjoy a warm, fair, star-filled chat out on the terrace with Father. All three men sat with glasses of forty year-old vintage brandy in one hand and imported Cuban cigars in the other. A man much like Father, Yanni was larger than life, an extremely successful, shrewd and skillful businessman and entrepreneur. He had made his family fortune in the import and export shipping industry, having his tankers and various business interests located worldwide.

Father had given specific instructions to the twins to wait inside, so that the men could talk privately for a while. However, in typical Mercedes style, in short order the not-to-be-brushed-aside girls were already planning their own grand entrance into this private party. They could only vaguely hear the men talking, but could clearly see them laughing and enjoying themselves. Without being privy to specifics, the sisters somehow sensed that whatever was decided that evening would likely change one of their lives forever.

Neither girl could tolerate that these men, off arrogantly alone and making such momentous decisions without so much as consultation, were determining their fate that very moment over a vintage bottle of brandy. Neither of the girls would have a word to say about the outcome. This was, after all, a strategic business venture between these two influential families in order to solidify their long-standing success, supremacy and corporate advantage over their competitors.

This ‘joint venture’, which would propel one girl into the marriage bed with Alexander – was simply business as usual for Demetrios. Nothing personal, of course. To him, though he loved them as deeply as he could love anyone, the twins were merely pawns in the game of life, being moved back and forth, to gain strategic positioning and to maintain his family’s reign of supremacy well into the future. To help him in his insatiable quest to win.

Furthermore, these young, beautiful, headstrong girls were considered extremely valuable commodities, much like the bluest of blue-chip stocks and bonds, only to be sold to the highest bidder at the most opportune moment. However, these types of trades were very much private placements and only those select few who received personal invitations could even dream of participating.

The stakes were extremely high and the human risk inestimable, but the rewards were no less priceless. On such key transactions, the foundations of a true dynasty could be built.

Not being able to stand the pressure and uncertainty one minute longer, the girls