Memories of Midnight

"Fine, thank you, Costa."

"You are feeling better?"

"Yes."

"Good. I’m very pleased to hear that. I’m sending a delegation of our company executives to London to study our operation there. I would appreciate it if you would take them in hand and look after them."

"I’ll be happy to. When will they be arriving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"I’ll do everything I can."

"I know I can count on you. Thank you, Catherine."

"You’re welcome."

Good-bye, Catherine.

The connection was broken.

So, that was done! Constantin Demiris sat back in his chair, thinking. With Catherine Alexander gone, there would be no more loose ends. Now he could turn his full attention to his wife and her brother.

"We’re having company tonight. Some executives from the office. I want you to act as hostess."

It had been so long since she had been a hostess for her husband. Melina felt elated, excited. Perhaps this will change things.

The dinner that evening changed nothing. Three men arrived, dined, and left. The dinner was a blur.

Melina was perfunctorily introduced to the men and sat there while her husband charmed them. She had almost forgotten how charismatic Costa could be. He told amusing stories and gave them lavish compliments, and they loved it. They were in the presence of a great man, and they showed that they were aware of it. Melina never got a chance to speak. Every time she started to say something, Costa interrupted, until finally she sat there in silence.

Why did he want me here? Melina wondered.

At the end of the evening, as the men were leaving, Demiris said, "You’ll be flying to London early in the morning. I’m sure you’ll take care of everything that needs to be done."

And they were gone.

The delegation arrived in London the following morning. There were three of them, all of different nationalities.

The American, Jerry Haley, was a tall, muscular man with a friendly, open face and slate-gray eyes. He had the largest hands Catherine had ever seen. She was fascinated by them. They seemed to have a life of their own, constantly in motion, twisting and turning, as though eager to have something to do.

The Frenchman, Yves Renard, was a sharp contrast. He was short and stout. His features were pinched, and he had cold, probing eyes that seemed to see through Catherine. He appeared withdrawn and self-contained. Wary was the word that came to Catherine’s mind. But wary of what? Catherine wondered.

The third member of the delegation was Dino Mattusi. He was Italian, friendly and ingratiating, exuding charm through every pore.

"Mr. Demiris thinks highly of you," Mattusi said.

"That’s very flattering."

"He said you are going to take care of us in London. Look, I brought you a little gift." He handed Catherine a package with a Hermes label on it. Inside was a beautiful silk scarf.

"Thank you," Catherine said. "That’s very thoughtful of you." She looked at the others. "Let me show you to your offices."

Behind them was a loud crash. They all turned. A young boy stood there, staring in dismay at a package he had dropped. He was carrying three suitcases. The boy looked about fifteen and was small for his age. He had curly brown hair and bright green eyes, and he was fragile-looking.

"For Christ’s sake," Renard snapped. "Be careful with those things!"

"I’m sorry," the boy said nervously. "Excuse me. Where shall I put the suitcases?"

Renard said impatiently, "Put them anywhere. We’ll get them later."

Catherine looked at the boy inquiringly. Evelyn explained, "He quit his job as an office boy in Athens. We needed another office boy here."

"What’s your name?" Catherine asked.

"Atanas Stavich, ma’am." He was near tears.

"All right, Atanas. There’s a room in back where you can put the suitcases. I’ll see that they’re taken care of."

The boy said gratefully, "Thank you, ma’am."

Catherine turned back to the men. "Mr. Demiris said that you’ll be studying our operation here. I’ll help you in every way I can. If there is anything at all you need, I’ll try to arrange it for you. Now, if you gentlemen will come with me, I’ll introduce you to Wim and the rest of the staff." As they walked down the corridor, Catherine stopped to make the introductions. They reached Wim’s office.

"Wim, this is the delegation Mr. Demiris sent. This is Yves Renard, Dino Mattusi, and Jerry Haley. They just arrived from Greece."

Wim glared at them. "Greece has a population of only seven million six hundred and thirty thousand." The men looked at one another, puzzled.

Catherine smiled to herself. They were having exactly the same reaction to Wim that she had had when she first met him.

"I’ve had your offices prepared," Catherine said to the men. "Would you like to follow me?"

When they were out in the corridor, Jerry Haley asked, "What the hell was that? Someone said he was important around here."

"He is," Catherine assured him. "Wim keeps track of the finances of all the various divisions."

"I wouldn’t let him keep track of my cat," Haley snorted.

"When you get to know him better…"

"I do not wish to get to know him better," the Frenchman muttered.

"I’ve arranged your hotels for you," Catherine told the group. "I understand each of you wants to stay in a different hotel."

"That’s right," Mattusi replied.

Catherine started to make a comment, then decided not to. It was none of her business why they had chosen to stay at different hotels.