Need a Wife
Living the high life in Monaco, Eyal's mission to get close to Tassos Nicolaides, a very wealthy Greek shipping tycoon believed to be supplying vessels for the transport of smuggled missiles and heavy weaponry to different Islamic extremist terror groups around the Mediterranean area.
Oh how Eyal loved these assignments it fitted his own personal sophisticated style, maybe not the gambling part as he was not a gambler but the dress, the fine wine and dinners, the concerts and fast cars. Slipping on his Hugo Boss jacket to a tailored Italian virgin wool silk blend light gray suit and checking his Da Vinci perpetual calendar gold face watch, he was ready to go. One last push to his tie, also very expensive and understated chic, he couldn't help but smile.
His destination for the evening, Monte Carlo Grand Casino, the most beautiful and popular casino and reminiscent of the James Bond movie, 'Casino Royale' and secret agent man. Eyal hated any reference or comparisons between him and the stud James Bond but there he is tall, dark, handsome and charming, dressed with a sophisticated flair, a spy with a license to kill.
Getting behind the wheel of his Bugatti Veyron dark blue sports car, Eyal was on his way for a long term mission, locate the shipping routes, ships specially rig for smuggling armaments and the ports used. His cover, Elias Zacharias a wealthy Greek business man looking for investments in the arms trade.
Eyal sitting in the Bugatti Veyron still purring as it idled, the wonderful sound of engineering perfection, a powerful piece of dramatic equipment in the skilled driving hands of Eyal Lavin. His phone buzzed and it was Arthur Campbell. This would be the second time Eyal had tried to make contact with Tassos Nicolaides and Arthur would pull him off the mission and on to something else. Does he answer or let the call go to voice mail. After the fourth ring, Eyal reluctantly picked up his phone.
"I hope this call isn't more family problems that you need me to handle."
"Well Lamorak it's good to hear you so cheerful. I take it you are back at the Tassos Nicolaides mission."
"I happen to be sitting in one of the finest piece of engineering marvelous of power and beauty and all decked out in highly expensive clothes ready to indulge in the life of the rich and powerful. Yeah you might say I am back at work and cheerful."
"I was being sarcastic."
"Yes I know. So why the call?"
"I need a favor." Arthur trying to sound necessitous assuming full well that Eyal wouldn't like the idea of babysitter Megan. Because Eyal was working for Arthur as a freelance spy there was no way Arthur could make it an order and if it at all sounded like an order Eyal would just walk away. The man is too valuable to him to screw it up by asking Eyal to look after Megan but it was his little sister.
"I'm listening."
"Wouldn't be asking you this but it is my baby sister, Megan Campbell. She is an investigative reporter for US New and World Report with a new assignment."
"And she had been assigned to track down the dealings of one Tassos Nicolaides."
"Yes."
"And you wish for me to keep a watchful eye on her."
"If you can without jeopardizing your mission." Arthur took a deep breath, "I wouldn't ask this of you but she is family."
"Can't promise you much but I will keep a look out for her. For your information Arthur I once had a baby sister and fail to watch over her. Yeah, I'll keep an eye out for her safety and try my best not to interfere with her assignment."
"Eyal I don't know how to thank you. I owe you big time for this one."
"Oh I will collect Arthur, believe me, I will collect. When does Megan arrive in Monaco?"
Arthur so grateful for Eyal's reply he couldn't really contain his exhilaration because one of the best in the world would be watching out for Megan. Trying to control his elation, "Day after tomorrow. I'll find where she has reservation and let you know."
"Okay. Well time for me to mix and mingle with the high rollers. Goodbye Arthur."
Oh great Eyal thought, another newbie to babysit but of course he would just because she was Arthur Campbell's sister. If only someone had been there to watch out for his sister Sarah. No need to think along that line, time to become the wealthy Greek, Elias Zacharias.
Shouting off the quiet purring engine of his Bugatti Veyron, Eyal climbs out of the car, squares his shoulders and touches his tie, he was ready. Leaving his car for valet parking and walking to the grand entrance of Monte Carlo Grand Casino Eyal is still impressed even after many visits with its grandeur and lushness. A building worthy of being in the same class as the finest European palaces.
"Monsieur Tassos Nicolaides, he is expecting me. I am Elias Zacharias." Eyal stopping at the front desk.
"Right this way sir, he is expecting you and what may your drinking pleasure be this evening." The casino footman quickly beside Eyal ready to wait on him for the evening. High rollers are treated with extra special care, keep them coming back and Elias Zacharias had a repetition in the vast casinos of Europe.
"Jack Rose shall be my pleasure for tonight."
Entering the private gaming room where Tassos Nicolaides and several high rollers were enjoying a game of Trente et Quarante, well know in Europe and love by many. There were a few men standing with drinks watching the game in progress and the setting wouldn't be complete without the lovely and beautifully dress women - a picture right out of a James Bond movie.
"Good evening Monsieur Zacharias, I'm Michelle." One of the added decorations for men to enjoy. Her crystal blue eyes sparkling with excitement. Eyal taking his time to review his new companion for the evening, and like what he saw. Michelle maybe in her mid-twenties with dark brown hair show touches of auburn highlights, a nicely form straight nose and full lips, very inviting for kissing. She was tall and graceful maybe five feet ten inches and curves in all the right places.
"I also answer to Elias." Eyal with his charismatic smile, acting the part of being delight with Michelle. Receiving his Jack Rose from the footman, Eyal raised his glass to Michelle, "May I order you something to drink?"
"Thank you but not now but perhaps later." With her seductive smirk and the standard answer for an unsaid promise of future between the sheets action. She was well rehearsed in her duties to entice the player to spend a bundle at the gaming table.
Watching the game and slipping his drink, Eyal waited for his spot at the table to come open and it wasn't long before a gentleman folded, picked up his remaining number of chips and bid everyone good night.
"Your turn to join us." Tassos pointing to the just vacated chair across from him. "I'm Tassos Nicolaides."
Eyal taking the chair and smile, he so wanting to say 'Bond, James Bond' replied, "My pleasure, I'm Elias Zacharias."
"And we have been expecting you, so glad you have finally made it."
"Sorry about not being able to arrive sooner but business was pressing."
"That my friend we understand. Shall be begin?" And the croupier begin dealing and the game was on. Eyal quickly sign a voucher for his stake of chips and placed his opening bid on the table. The game was on in earnest and serious at every deal. Eyal winning his fair share, losing a bit but holding his own. He was oblivious to Michelle standing behind him and it was something that Tassos noticed. For Eyal it was a simple matter of not being distracted and hoping Tassos would notice. The message, 'mind on the importance of the game'.
After a few hours of playing, Paul Pellino, a well known gambler from Milan placed his cards on the table and stood, "Time for a break. The rest of you ready?"
Break being a good time to chat with his target, Eyal turning to take Michelle's arm, "Join me at the bar for a drink?" With a nod of agreement, they headed to bar in the private room. All private rooms are lavishly decorated with paintings, sculptures, and heavy golden accents. Even the bar is a work of art and Eyal seem never to get an adequate amount of the beauty of the exceptional workmanship.
Eyal with Michelle, both with drinks in hand, standing and admiring a landscape painting when Tassos joined them. "Lovely painting. You like fine art?"
"I do, yes. It is a hobby of mine, I'm a collector of sort." Eyal tipping his drink glass to Tassos as a sign of welcome.
Michelle taking her que to excuse herself so the two men could talk. Eyal giving her a smile as she walked away.
"You in Monaco by yourself? That is a little forward of me for asking but you didn't arrive tonight with anyone." Tassos fishing and Eyal was wondering why being alone would matter.
"Yes, for the time being."
"Another question before we talk business."
"And what might that be." Eyal was wonder if his sexual preferences was in question.
"You married."
"Now that is to the point." Eyal answered trying to decide in a split second the answer. Well he had a 50/50 chance of giving Tassos the right answer - oh what the hell, roll the dice with, "Yes. I'm."
"Good! That's good because I can't trust a man that isn't able to make a commitment. Your wife not with you on this trip?"
"She is in New York on a spending spree and will be joining me in a few days." It rolled off Eyal's tongue with ease and his mind thinking who to get as his wife.
"Thought Paris would be the place for women to shop."
"My wife is an American and likes her visits there as well as the American designers. I oblige her wishes to keep the lady happy."
"Break is up. Tell you what, lunch tomorrow and we'll talk business."
"Lunch is perfect." And they made plans to meet the next day.
Later that night or might say early morning, Eyal checking his watch and muse - 'It should be about eleven o'clock in Washington'. With a speed dial he place the call.
"Who in the hell could that be at this hour?" Arthur fumbling for the phone. "Hope they haven't blown Hong Kong off the map." Picking up the phone with a gruff, "Yeah."
"I need a wife. An attractive, well educated, witty American socialite with impeccable good taste. Is Joan available?"
"Over my dead body." Arthur was half raised on his elbow and felt Joan turn slightly in bed. "I take it you have made contact."
"Yeah and now I'm in need of an American wife with all the qualities I just name and a few extra. Remember you own me one."
"Dumb question but how about Annie Walker. She can be in Monaco day after tomorrow."
"Just what the doctor ordered. Hit your recorder and I give you the details. And for god sake make the documentation believable." Eyal went on the read in Arthur on just what he need for Annie's background as his wife.
Joan now awake and listening to her husband's conversation with Eyal thinking Annie would soon have to come off of CIA payroll and onto Eyal's as they are working more and more together in other ways than just missions.
Arthur finishing with his chat realized Joan was fully awake turned to her, "I need to appropriate Annie from DPD for a special mission."
"A marriage. I heard Arthur and how quickly you suggested Annie. Your off book black ops is growing."
"They work well together and she already knows his cover. Have to protect Lamorak identity."
"She is in Ecuador and this is a good time to call. Hand me the phone." Joan slipping out of bed and walking to her dressing table to place the call to Annie. On the second ring Annie answered.
"Annie your mission in Ecuador is on hold and we need you back in Langley first thing in the morning. Something special has come up." Joan was never one to beat around the bush but come straight to the point. "We'll read you in when you get here. Have a nice trip."
Joan disconnecting and looking at a sleepy Arthur, "There my dear husband, it is all set into motion and now you own me one."
"I own everyone something." Arthur reaching for his wife as she returned to bed, "Now that we are awake..."
# # # # # #
"Megan here again. Little did I know that my brother was laying plans for a friend and colleague to watch over me because if I had known ... Anyway, I was unaware of any of Arthur's dealings and thinking I was in total command of my assignment and ready to go. I would be leaving in the morning for a quick stop in the Big Apple before catching a flight out of New York to Paris with connecting flight to Monaco. I felt like a college kid again heading to the breathtaking playground of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean."