Following Reid's turn-by-turn directions, Rossi quickly located the Russian Orthodox Church. After parking in the crowded lot ("It is Sunday," Reid reminded him) they got out of their vehicle and stood back to take a long look at the church.
"Looks like a far more elaborate church than Father Michael's in Alaska," Rossi observed.
"However, we will probably find similar icons and elaborate alter doors in the interior," Reid informed him. "They are both an integral part of their set of beliefs. In Russian churches, the nave is typically separated from the sanctuary by an icon-screen, called an iconostasis, which is a wall of icons with double doors in the centre - "
"Okay, Reid, Okay," Rossi interrupted him. "I've seen one, remember?"
"Shall we?" he asked as he led the way towards the main doors of the church.
Once inside, the two agents found themselves standing in the midst of a crowd of congregants. Some were standing, listening to the priest who was speaking from the alter, while others were moving around between the various icons.
"What?" Rossi looked around trying to locate someone who could answer their questions.
"Gentlemen," an older man dressed in black with a full beard approached them. "May I help you?"
"Agent David Rossi, FBI," Rossi discretely displayed his credentials.
"Dr. Reid," Reid quietly showed his, too.
"Father Nikoli," the man introduced himself. "Is there something I can help you gentlemen with?"
"We need to talk with you about a family who may be among your parishioners," Rossi told him.
"You do know that I can't give out information on members of my congregation?" Father Nikoli asked.
"We don't need to know anything that might be covered by the confessional," Reid hastily assured him.
"It's just that a number of years ago I purchased an item from one of them and it seems to be causing a problem," Rossi explained.
The priest gave him a penetrating look. "This was how long ago?" he asked.
"Maybe twenty years," Rossi told him.
"And this item - was it gold?" the priest persisted.
"Yes," Rossi admitted.
"Maybe we had better go into my study to talk," the priest glanced around at the crowded church. "We can be more private in there."
