Garcia saw the opening and dove in. “And you are an expert in explosives?”
“Yes. I was with the U.S. Navy SEALs in Afghanistan.”
“Huh. Well. Let’s forget the explosives for now. There was an observer from the Spanish government on board. Senor Rodriguez.”
“That’s correct,” Hawkins said.
The sergeant opened a manila folder and placed a photograph face up on the table. Unlike the pig-faced Rodriguez, the man in the picture had a lean jaw and a beard. Judging from his glassy stare and fish belly pallor, he was very dead.
“Do any of you recognize this person?” Hearing no answer in the affirmative, he said, “This is Senor Rodriguez, the government observer. He is an accountant, the brother-in-law of a high government official who recommended him for the job.”
“That man was never on the boat,” Kalliste said.
Garcia’s thick lips widened in a triumphant grin. “No surprise,” he said, tapping the photo with his forefinger. “Because this man is dead. His body was found in the harbor two days ago. Several relatives have come forward and identified him.”
“If what you say is true,” Hawkins said. “The guy on our boat was an imposter. What was the cause of death for the man in the photo?”
“Still being investigated.”
“Are you charging us with his murder?” Kalliste asked.
“I’m not charging you with anything. I—”
Kalliste’s dueling finger rose up once again. “In that case, I suggest that we end this discussion. Whether you believe us or not, we have all gone through a harrowing experience. This is all very fascinating, but if I don’t get rest soon I will fall asleep.”
Garcia liked this woman. She was not only attractive, but spirited as well.
“I understand completely,” he soothed. “We will talk later. I’m sorry to have put you through this discomfort. Particularly you, senora.”
Kalliste fluttered her eyelashes. “You are only doing your job. It’s a shame we are not in a more informal setting. You must have many colorful policeman stories to tell about Cadiz.”
“A policeman goes to many hidden places. I would love to tell you about them.” He closed his notebook. “We’ll continue this discussion after you have had some rest. In the meantime, I must insist that you not leave the country, and that you make yourself available for further questioning.”
Hawkins burst into laughter after Garcia left the room. He mimicked Kalliste’s eye flutters, and said, “You most have many poleezman storees to tell about Cadeez.”
“A policeman goes to many hidden places,” she responded in a basso voice. A look of disgust came to her face. “The dirty old cop was trying to offer me a proposal.”
“A proposal is for marriage. He was making a proposition, which is something else.”
“I’ll bet it is,” Kalliste said. “I need some coffee.”
Hawkins turned to the captain and his son. “Care to join us?”
“Thank you, no, senor. My wife will be worrying about us.”
“I understand. Again, please know how sorry I am for the loss of your boat, Captain.”
Santiago shrugged. “The Sancho Panza was old. I would have retired her soon anyhow. I have good insurance. Please call me again if you have need of my services.”
Kalliste gave the Santiago men each a hug and a double-cheek kiss.
She and Hawkins were heading through the lobby to the cafeteria when someone called Kalliste’s name. A young woman who’d been standing at the reception desk was walking briskly in their direction. She wore a fashionably snug black leather jacket and a short russet colored leather skirt that clung tightly to her slim body. She was a statuesque woman and the black knee-high boots with heels made her even taller. Her hair, tied in a French twist, was the reddish blonde color that might be found in a Titian painting.
“Lily, what are you doing here?” Kalliste said in astonishment.
The woman gave Kalliste a bear hug. “Have you forgotten so soon? I’m your producer.”
“I’m sorry, Lily. I never expected to see you here in Cadiz. The last time we talked you were in New York.”
“After that I flew to Paris where I’ve been doing a story on werewolves. Cadiz was only a short hop so I thought I’d fly in and surprise you.”
Hawkins couldn’t resist. “Excuse me. Did you say werewolves?”
Lily turned and gave Hawkins a warm smile. “That’s right. In the sewers. Yes, I know. Crazy stuff, but the viewers can’t get enough of it.” She extended her hand. “My name is Lily Porter. I work for the television channel Hidden History. We’ve been backing Kalliste’s shipwreck project.”
They shook hands. “Matt Hawkins. I came over from Woods Hole to help her with the technical aspects of the survey.”
“Mr. Hawkins. I’m so pleased to meet you. Kalliste said you were the reason the Spanish government came through with the permit.” She glanced around the lobby and lowered her voice. “Well, Kalliste. Is it or isn’t it?”
“It is a Minoan ship, most definitely in my opinion.”
“Wonderful! I’ll go to the channel’s money guys and request full funding as soon as I have the evidence in hand.”
“You might want to wait, Ms. Porter,” Hawkins said. “Maybe we can talk about it over a cup of coffee.”
“Good idea, Matt. I’ll buy.”
The hour fell between breakfast and lunch which meant the cafeteria was practically empty. They sat at a table and, over coffee and pastry, Kalliste told Lily about the attack, the loss of the submersible and their close brush with death.
“That’s an incredible story,” Lily said. “I am so grateful that you’re all right, Kalliste. You too, Mr. Hawkins. Wow! This is even bigger than we thought. It’s every bit as dramatic as a James Bond movie. The money guys will be falling over themselves to fund production.”
“I appreciate all you’ve done for me, Lily, but I’d prefer to wait until we know what we’re dealing with.” Kalliste glanced at Hawkins, who backed her up.
“Putting a production crew out there now will be dangerous,” he said.
“You’re right,” Lily said with a sigh of disappointment. “I’d never forgive myself if someone was hurt.” She seemed to brighten. “Why don’t I start the paperwork shuffling along. I’ll wrap up the werewolves piece and get back to you within a day or so.”
“That would be fine, Lily. I’ll look forward to hearing from you after I talk to my bosses in Greece.”
Lily thanked them both and headed for the door where she paused and threw a kiss over her shoulder before stepping out into the lobby.
Kalliste reached across the table and put her hand on Hawkins’s arm. “Please accept my apologies, Matt. I should never have dragged you into this project.”
His throat was raw from the seawater he’d swallowed. His shoulder and the side of his face were sore from the hits he’d taken inside the submersible. “Not your fault, Kalliste. It was lots of fun until the boat fell on our heads.”
“That’s what I don’t understand, Matt. This was to be nothing but a scientific inquiry. Who would want to sabotage our expedition?”
“The same person or persons who killed the real Rodriguez and placed an imposter on board the Sancho Panza. Beyond that, I don’t have a clue. Maybe Sergeant Garcia can find out.”
“Wait until he learns I have gone back to Greece.”
“When are you leaving?”
She yawned. “After my nap. Will you be going back to Woods Hole?”
Hawkins pictured himself back home, sitting at a meeting of the Deep Submergence Laboratory, explaining that the submersible he planned to lease for their expedition was lying on the bottom of the sea.