Chapter 3
Southampton, England
May 13, 1937
The trip across the Atlantic had been an interesting one to say the least for the three young adventurers. After the first night of partying and subsequent attack/attempted murder of Jack things had been teetering between absolute fear and paranoia. But the feeling only lasted a day, as the jovial spirit and generally pleasant surroundings of the luxurious ocean liner let them relax their guard. The ship had docked early in the morning, so there were very few people up and about to see the Queen Mary come into port. However, at the terminal were the normal crowd of dockworkers to help tie the vessel's mooring lines down, as well as a few chauffeurs who were there to pick up someone and take them to a hotel, estate, or home.
Elizabeth had been the first one of the three to get up and get ready to disembark. She had been looking forward to making it to Europe for a long time, and she didn't want to miss anything. Michael and Jack were still asleep as they pulled into port which allowed Elizabeth some freedom to roam and enjoy the early morning sun rise as it crested over from the east. The sunsets were always nice, anywhere she saw them, and here in Britain was no different as she stood leaning on the railing of the Queen Mary. As she waited she heard the footsteps of someone come up behind her and walk up to the railing to her left. She turned slightly to see a man in a black leather jacket with short black hair holding a cigarette in hand as he fumbled around with a lighter to get a smoke in. His face was long and worn, and his expression was very stern with slight bags under his eyes from a lack of sleep.
"I hope you do not mind Senora," the man said, his voice deep with an Italian accent, "I usually come out on deck to have a smoke before carrying on with the day."
"Oh that's quite alright," Elizabeth said, looking at him to still see only his silhouette, "I understand."
"Gracia," the guy responded as the flickering yellow light of the lighter finally came to life and he was able to get his pungent smelling cigarette lit and took a long first drag to get it started, "These English sunsets are amazing no? You look as if you have seen them before."
"Yes, they sure are. It's been six years since I have been to Britain, the last time I was with my father on one of his business trips," Elizabeth responded.
"Ah, you must be the daughter of the American businessman Henry Downey, Elizabeth isn't it?" the man asked.
"Umm…yes?" Elizabeth responded, her response coming out more as a question than an answer.
"I had heard from some of the other passengers over dinner say that you were on a quest to discover the Treasure of the First Caesar," the man responded.
"And?" Elizabeth asked, beginning to sidestep slightly.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Dr. Luigi Compertino, Venice Museum of Antiquities," he said turning and holding out his hand. She took it and was surprised when he leaned down and planted a gentle kiss onto it, "I too have been looking for the Treasure of the First Caesar for a long time. But alas, the museum has refused to fund any of my expeditions. They call the treasure a myth, a fairy tale!"
"I know how that feels," Elizabeth responded.
"Forgive me if I come across as too up front but I have been doing research into this subject for a very long time, and I have many friends in Italia, so perhaps I may be of some assistance?"
"Well I'd like to say yes but-," Elizabeth hesitated, not exactly sure what to say. On the one hand, he seemed like he was a decent enough man, on the other, she just met him and was not sure at all who he really was or what his intentions really were, "I don't know, that's really something I'd have to talk to the others about. We really should make that kind of decision together."
"Of course, I understand. Something like a new member of your team is a big decision, especially one that is as close as brother sister and their best friend. It is quite alright senora."
"Listen, I should probably return to my cabin, we're expected at a friend of my father's. I need to get Jack and my brother up so we can get going as quickly as possible," Elizabeth said as she turned to go inside, "It was nice meeting you."
"Wait," he said, "In case you want to find me, you can reach me at the School of Antiquities in Genoa. I will be there giving lectures for a week on the impact of the Latin language upon modern times."
"Oh, thank you," she responded hurriedly, her subconscious thoughts running rampant with really troubling thoughts.
As Dr. Compertino bid her farewell she slipped back into the ship and quickly made her way back to her room. She wasn't quite sure why, but something seemed off about him, and she wanted nothing to do with him. As she walked away towards her room she heard that same man speaking directly behind her. But he wasn't speaking English, in fact she wasn't sure what language he was speaking. But she let her curiosity get the better of her anyway, and she waited at the corner, well out of sight of the Dr. Compertino and whoever it was he speaking to.
"Allora?" the stranger spoke quietly, but not quietly enough.
"Lei non andare per esso," came the response from Compertino.
"Pensate che era sospetto?" the second man asked with a definite hint of curiosity in his tone.
"No, anche con l'attacco alla sua amica dubito sospetta nulla," Compertino responded with confidence in his voice.
"Dovremmo passare a misure più dirette?" the other man asked with that same curiosity evident.
"Ma sei matto? Se uccidiamo o rapire quei bambini senza il permesso sede avremmo girato e capro espiatorio di tenere gli americani fuori il nostro profumo. Abbiamo già perso un agente a questa follia, ho intenzione di essere il prossimo," Compertino snapped angrily, making Elizabeth think for a moment that they'd seen her.
"Bene, bene ho capito," the other guy responded, definitely trying to calm down Compertino, as whatever he'd just said obviously angered him.
"Tuttavia, abbiamo bisogno di guardarli. Tenete d'occhio su di loro, soprattutto la ragazza," Compertino could be heard thoughtfully saying.
"Sì signore."
Elizabeth sat there calmly, thinking to herself where she'd heard that word 'signore' before. If only Mike were here! He'd tell me what they were saying as soon as they said it! Elizabeth thought to herself as she remembered her brother's talent for languages. But then she heard the footsteps of them walking towards the T in the hall and figured out that she needed to get out of her little snooping spot before they saw her and figured out she'd been eavesdropping on them, even if she had no clue as to what she'd heard. She made a mental note to ask Mike about it once they were off the ship and away from those guys. However, she'd first need to get the boys up so they could get off of the ship.
So she ducked back around the corner down the hall and quickly made her way back to her room so that she could get Mike and Jack up and ready to depart the ship and move on. When she'd told Dr. Compertino that she was expected she hadn't lied. An old acquaintance of her father's by the name of Sir Basil Heart was to let them stay at his home in Dover for a day or two and catch up and get everything settled for the final trip to Italy. Once she closed the door she wasn't surprised to see that both boys were in their beds soundly asleep. She couldn't help but chuckle at how she might be able to get them to wake up and get a good laugh in at their expense.
So she simply remembered what she would do as a little girl whenever she wanted her brother to wake up and he just wouldn't: Scream at the top of her lungs. It was a tried and true tactic that had never failed her, not even once. However it had some other far reaching effects. Others tended to be quite angry if they were within earshot of her rather loud attempt to wake someone up. However, seeing Mike freak out going all the way up to high school was always worth it, and it wasn't like anyone on this ship would hunt her down for it right?
"Boys?" she called out at a normal voice after turning on the light. However, as expected she got no response, "Boys?" she tried again walking in between the two beds after seeing Jack stir but resettle with his head underneath the pillow. Finally she decided it was time to let rip, "WAKE UP!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Jesus!" Jack yelled back, jumping almost up out of bed and falling off at her feet.
"Good you're up," Elizabeth giggled, "Come on, we have a full day ahead of us."
"Lizzy! What the hell?!" Mike snapped back, sitting up on his elbows, "I thought we were past that child's play?!"
"You are but I'm not," she responded with a hearty laugh, "Oh you should have seen your faces! I wish I had a camera," she mocked as she pretended to wipe a tear of joy from her cheek.
"It's five thirty!" Jack groaned as he sat up and put his feet on the floor.
"We got in a little late, that storm must have slowed us down," Mike grumbled as he made his way to the bathroom first.
"Get dressed and pack your things. I want to leave before everyone else gets up and beat the crowd," Elizabeth called out as she made her way into her own separate bedroom to make sure she too was packed and ready to go and also to give the boys their own privacy to get dressed without the eyes of a lady there watching them, "And don't think about falling asleep again. I'll just scream louder next time."
"The only time I'd want to hear you scream is in joy when we find the treasure, even then tone it down, you might bury us in an avalanche," Jack grumbled as he began walking over to get his two bags packed and ready with a clean set of clothes set out.
"I'll try to remember that," Elizabeth chuckled lightheartedly as she checked to be sure her note book was where she left it and not surprisingly it was right where she'd left it, under one of her pillows. She knew how important to her trip her notebook truly was and what it would mean to lose it. She had cleared out the closet that she'd used to hang up her dresses that she had worn to dinner, lunch, and to a couple parties that she and her little group had been invited to.
Of course every party was the same, she'd be surrounded by creepy older men who wanted to make a good impression on her to pass on to her wealthy businessman father or they and the younger men would try to make a better impression for another less savory reason. Meanwhile her brother would be trying to schmooze the younger ladies of whatever nationality he spoke the language of or he'd be playing cards and winning some money for himself while talking about the latest technologies. Then Jack would either be swamped with Europeans asking about his adventures as a Cowboy in the Old West and if he'd fought Indians, bandits, or rustlers, or he'd be swamped with whatever girls had evaded Michael and were asking for demonstrations of his Cowboying skills. Whenever that happened Elizabeth would begin to get quite annoyed at the posh little princesses flirting with Jack who just seemed oblivious to what they were really wanting. Thankfully though, Jack was never taken in by their refined charms, Elizabeth didn't pull said girls' hair out, and Mike had learned his lesson and had never again gotten himself into a drinking contest that ended with him being carried back to the cabin.
Elizabeth couldn't help smirking quietly to herself as she remembered that second day of the cruise, and then stopped smirking as she remembered the attack on Jack and him consequently killing the man responsible. She had noticed the scratches on his face every day as they quickly healed over and couldn't help herself to think of what might had happened if Jack had been just a little less lucky. And every time she did she shuddered at the thought.
Oh snap out of it, he's fine, you're fine, Mike's fine, we're alright. That was just a one in a million incident that just so happened to befall us, she scolded herself. She hated fretting, her father had always fretted over her, thinking in the old fashioned way of seeing girls and women in general as something to protect. That had quickly gotten old for her and pretty much set her on the path to becoming a strong independent young woman. She thought pleasantly to herself as she realized that was kind of what she now was, going out, leading her brother and Jack on a great journey to find an ancient treasure, that sure isn't what a traditional woman does now is it?
With that pleasant thought ringing proudly through her head she quickly finished checking her pre packed bags to be sure everything was in order and ready for their departure, all she really needed was for the boys to get ready. She now looked over at the clock seeing the hour and minute hands lined up perfectly straight telling her it was by now six o'clock and that their opportunity for beating the crowd was about to pass.
"Boys! Come on let's go! You ready yet?" she asked after knocking on the door.
Mike's voice answered her quickly, "Yeah almost, just grabbing my shoes."
She opened the door to see Mike tying his shoes and Jack putting his gun belt, complete with holster, around his waist. She had repeatedly told him not to wear his gun in public, but he was not easily persuaded. But she let it pass, they were going to be leaving the ship anyway, and that wouldn't be much of an issue very soon, people wore guns in the streets of Britain all the time, although not deliberately out in the open for all to see like Jack did.
"I guess we're good to go?" Elizabeth asked as she sat down with the two boys finishing getting packed up and dressed.
"Yep," Jack responded, tossing his two bags onto the bed, "Just waiting on the steward to help with your bags."
"Hey I didn't pack very much!" Elizabeth responded.
"You have more bags than the two of us combined!" Mike joked as he finished up getting ready.
"I'm a girl, and girls have needs," Elizabeth responded with an over exaggerated huff.
"Sure they do, that's why us guys have to keep an eye on you girls," Mike joked back, prodding her where he knew she'd feel it.
"I will not be a little damsel in distress Mike, I can handle myself," she said with a confident statement.
"Yeah, that's why ye need a steward to carry yer bags," Jack chuckled, getting Elizabeth to whirl around at him, taken completely off guard by that observation that did tend to put a hole in her argument.
At that moment there was a knock on the door that was about as convenient as timing gets. Mike got up and went to check through the peep-hole and opened the door. A single young steward wearing a white dress shirt and black pants was standing with a small cart for taking their bags off the ship.
"Are we ready to depart?" the young man asked as he stood there.
"Sure thing, here I'll help with her bags," Mike said, moving inside to grab Elizabeth's bags so that the guy didn't have to grab them all on his own.
"And for you gentlemen? Would you require assistance?" the steward asked, noticing the bags that they too had.
"Nah, I'm fine partner, I carry my own bags," Jack said, glancing at Elizabeth with a knowing smile that she returned with an indignant scowl.
Elizabeth didn't like it when people made fun of her, but she knew that it was all in good fun, at least here it was. Jack and Mike were only pushing her buttons, and she just couldn't help but continue to be prodded along, even if she knew their game. Guess that comes with my pride, she thought to herself as the steward came out holding four bags under his arms with Mike holding two more in both hands. Jack pulled his hat on and checked his gun belt to be sure that his revolver wouldn't fall down when he walked.
Once the bags, including Mike's, were safely on the dolly the group quickly took off towards the exit that had by now been opened as the ship was tied down to its new birthing. The halls were empty, only the occasional steward with a breakfast tray or dolly walked about the halls until they were down to the final destination. Here was where a few early risers were already up and exiting the ship, shaking hands with the assembled bridge crew of the RMS Queen Mary, i.e. the Captain, First Mate, Chief Engineer, and even the ship's owner was aboard, bidding people farewell and were being thanked themselves for a smooth ride. The Captain saw the three of them and walked over, well aware himself of who they were and what their voyage had been like.
"Ah, Miss Downey, I see you're up bright and early to disembark," the older man observed.
"Yes, well we wanted to get an early start on the day. Thank you for bringing us across the pond Captain," she replied, holding out her hand, which was taken in two hands.
"Thank you for gracing us with your presence during the voyage. I do hope you'll consider chartering with us upon your successful return to the United States," he kindly replied, "And Mister Downey, I do thank you for your wonderful company at the gambling table and for that good sport of drinking contest. It has been a long time since I have met a worthy foe. I do hope we may continue our sport on your return trip."
"I'll get you at chess on the way back Captain, thanks for the smooth sailing," Mike responded as he shook the man's hand gracefully.
"And Mister Williams," the Captain finally came to Jack, whom he knew the most about due to that incident on the first night, "I would like to once more offer an apology from myself and the whole of White Star Lines for that dreadful encounter of yours with that ruffian. I do hope that the rest of the voyage was quite to your satisfaction? If it wasn't I would very much like the opportunity to redeem this ship with a proper return journey."
"It was fine Cap'n, you fellas got some good cooks, reckon the last time I ate this good was at Lizzy's place on her birthday," Jack responded courteously, getting a grateful smile from the Captain.
"I do appreciate that sir, it is our mandate, and my personal goal, that our passengers receive the finest care and service that we can give. Well, bon voyage gentlemen, milady, I do hope you will come back to see us soon."
"Thank you Captain," Elizabeth responded as she turned and lead the way of the ship to the docks where several cars were waiting with suited chauffeurs holding up signs with names on them letting people know who they were there to receive.
Elizabeth knew that her father's friend, Sir Basil Heart, had been told that she was coming and had sent someone to pick up the trio. So, as expected, a single older man standing in front of a maroon 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II Sedanca Cabriolet with an older 1933 Ford BB truck behind it. The truck was for carrying their bags and the Rolls Royce was for driving they themselves all the way to Dover.
So when Mike saw that Rolls Royce he instantly began drooling over the impressive machine.
"Oh, my, God. That's a Phantom II, we're driving to Dover in a Phantom II," he whispered.
"So what? I'd prefer a good mustang any day," Jack responded as they walked towards the car and driver.
"Cowboy, I have a lot to teach you my friend," Mike replied as he shook his head and walked towards the waiting driver.
"Oh I can't wait," Jack responded sarcastically as he followed them.
"Miss Downey?" the driver asked.
"Yes?" she responded.
"Excellent, Sir Basil Heart sent me to pick you all up and bring you to his estate in Dover. My compatriot here will take your bags, and we can get under way."
As the three of them brought their bags over to the truck to have them loaded they were unaware of the two men up above them on the main deck watching them get into the Rolls Royce. They each wrote down the license plate number of the car and once it was out of sight they returned indoors to get ready to go. However a solid black Bentley pulled away from the crowd of other cars and fell in line behind the two departing vehicles headed towards Dover. The driver kept a fair distance away from the two cars, and even went so far as to appear normal by making a turn to move parallel to the two cars instead of directly following them. The two men inside photographed the cars from behind, and from the sides, getting a good picture of not only the cars but of their occupants. And the three students had no clue as to what was happening.
Dover, England, Two Hours Later
The trip was pleasant enough, the traffic was practically nonexistent, and every cylinder of the Phantom II was turned loose on the open county roads leading to the Heart Estate that rested next to the English Channel. Mike had chosen to ignore the fact that his sister and Jack were sitting next to one another and had insisted on sitting up front where he could feel the cool morning air and see the trip for himself.
He'd even gone so far as to ask to drive the amazing machine, but was politely turned down with the promise he'd be able to drive them to the ferry when they moved on to the mainland. So that left him to looking out at the passing scenery as they drove at quite a clip towards their first stop in Europe. He had been looking forward to this trip for such a long time now that he couldn't contain himself. He was what people called a dreamer, he had an almost insatiable appetite for anything new, modern, sophisticated, and revolutionary. He had gone with his father once to the 1930 World's Fair in Antwerp, where he'd gotten lost among great inventions, science, and all the people who made them. It was then that he developed a knack for languages, learning and speaking such staples as French, Italian, German, and now he was trying to learn to speak Greek and Russian.
His favorite passion among those items he'd seen in Antwerp had been the weapons, the planes, and most importantly, the cars. He was an accomplished driver at the age of thirteen, and had more than once "borrowed" his father's Cadillac and driven around the New York countryside, flooring the gas pedal and never once crashing his dad's prized Caddy. His obsession had turned to expertise now that he was a twenty year old sophomore in college, and he had tried many times to share his passion of modern inventions with his buddy Jack, who was still in the nineteenth century for all intents and purposes.
Another part of his college life had been his rather wild social life and love life. He'd been courting girls since the age of thirteen when he'd had his first kiss at the World's Fair from a girl his own age who he had no idea even understood a word he had said (That was also part of the reason for learning several languages). His sister had made fun of him constantly for never being able to keep a girlfriend for more than a few weeks until he or she broke it off. But she wasn't one to talk, Mike had been rather perplexed at how she seemed more interested in rocks, bones, and ruins than she did in finding a boyfriend. She blamed him of course for intimidating the boys she had liked, and that wasn't untrue. He had been extremely protective of Elizabeth of course, keeping the more unsavory characters away from your little sister was every older brother's job. Although the time had passed since she wasn't able to know any better such as her early years after puberty. Now she knew better about who to trust with her affection she'd begun taking offense to his protective instincts. This brotherly instinct was partly why Jack had been hesitant to ask her out. But Mike himself had no clue that his best friend had wanted to date his sister ever since he had first met her when the two of them helped her move into her dorm and they'd locked eyes for the first time. If he had known that then he wouldn't have let them sit in the back together without a second thought.
As they finally came within sight of the three story building that gleamed in the eight o'clock sun rise Mike now looked into the rear-view mirror and saw a black Bentley stopped at the rise of the hill behind them. However, as he looked at the lone Bentley it just turned right around and drove back over the hill. He just shrugged that off, thinking that it was simply someone who got lost and had to turn around. But it was a very nice car though, he thought as the Rolls-Royce pulled into the hedge and tree-lined driveway to pull up to the gates where the gates opened from the inside by a butler seeing them pull up. The front façade of the mansion was very luxurious, and was sight to behold. Flowers of many types grew in abundance in and around the beds near sculptured bushes great oak and yeo trees. The pink bricks of the house stood in contrast to the several white pillars standing to hold up the overhanging roof inlayed with classic British icons like lion's face and angels along the top. Many windows looked out over their lush surroundings that stood next to the great white cliffs of Dover. There was a balcony directly over the porch where Mike was clearly able to see an older man sitting and reading a newspaper as he sat looking over his prime estate. As soon as the car pulled into the circular driveway however, he looked down at the Phantom II and put his magazine down and stood up.
"Ah, you're here," he called down, "Geoffrey, be a good chap and show them in, I'll be right down."
"Yes sir," the driver responded as he parked the car near the steps, "I'll see that your bags are brought in. Meanwhile follow me, and do excuse the mess, we're hosting a ball tonight and we have a great deal to square away."
"Oh great, more parties," Jack could be heard groaning.
"It's only for the night Jack," Elizabeth giggled as she got out and followed the driver inside.
"That's what you said about the ones on that ship!" Jack responded again.
"Sometimes Jack, you've just gotta have some class," Mike responded as they walked in through the large oak double doors, "Besides, where else are you going to get free food and free booze while waltzing with some beautiful young ladies?"
"Again with you and girls Mike," Elizabeth groaned as they went in and saw a familiar setting. A great entry hall with a great crystal chandelier up above them with several old suits of knight's armor against the walls with a grand staircase directly in front of them. It was lit by electric light bulbs, and practically glistened with all the classic examples of European finery.
"Elizabeth! Michael!" a woman called out from the side in a dining room.
"Miss Heart, it's good to see you again," Elizabeth said as she walked over and was given a hug by a slightly older woman wearing a light blue dress.
"Oh my dear it has been such a long time, look at how much you've grown. And Michael, what a handsome young gentleman you have grown into," she said giving Michael his own friendly hug, "Oh and who is this?" she said, slightly taken back by the oddly dressed and armed Jack standing behind the two siblings.
"Jackson Williams, pleasure ma'am," the Texas boy greeted taking off his hat.
"Oh my, your father never told us that your friend was so…rustic," the British woman said as she examined Jack through a critical eye.
"He's got his drawbacks, but that Western upbringing of his has trained one of the most trustworthy and dependable friends I have ever had," Mike responded, "Just don't ask him to dance or speak fancy and he'll be fine."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Mister Williams," Miss Heart said, shaking his hand cordially after accepting Mike's appraisal, "Basil should be coming down to properly welcome you. He just a call from London and should be here in due time."
"And here I am now," the man in question called out, walking out of an adjacent study straightening out a simple vest and green long sleeve shirt, "Terribly sorry about that, but alas, the duties of office. Elizabeth Michael, when your father asked me to take you in I was delighted to do so. It has been much too long."
"I'd thought you had retired from service?" Michael asked.
"The Royal Navy has reactivated my commission, the political situation in Europe is beginning to become somewhat problematic. The Germans have just launched a new class of armored cruisers faster than a battleship and more powerful than any cruiser and have unveiled the existence of their new air arm, the Luftwaffe. Add the Italians near to launching the finest battleships in the Mediterranean and expanding into Africa with a vengeance and we have ourselves quite a pickle."
"Looks like we chose a bad time to come to Europe," Elizabeth said grimly.
"Glad I brought my Colt now?" Jack chuckled as he patted his trusty revolver.
"Oh on the surface things may seem downright troubling but there is nothing to fear I can assure you. As long as you stay nice and clear of Germany and those dreadful rallies you will have no trouble. But why must we talk politics, allow me to show you to where you'll be able to stay while you're staying here."
"So Basil what are you doing now that you've been reactivated? You going to sea?" Mike asked as they ascended the stairs.
"No unfortunately, to the Royal Navy I have gone past my seafaring days. A pity really, you accumulate all of that knowledge, wisdom, and experience only to be told no one wants it."
"Well with the advent of new technology they may feel that you're not really up to speed."
"Oh you've kept with the advances in naval technology Michael?" he asked as he lead them down the hall.
"Well yeah kinda. I think that with the advent of the aircraft carrier the days of the battleship are over," Mike said definitively, getting the stunned face of their host in return.
"What? Aircraft carriers superseding the Battleships? How on earth do you figure that?"
"Well when Billy Mitchell sank those old German battleships after the First World War he proved that an aircraft can sink a Battleship and be relatively impervious. And since then aircraft have grown exponentially in their capabilities, I mean, you look at the Spanish Civil War going on right now. The Germans have some planes that make the ones Mitchell used look like kites. Then you look at the Battleships which really haven't changed and the evidence is clear that the day of the aircraft carrier have arrived."
"Well when an Aircraft Carrier sinks a Battleship in single combat I shall believe it. Although I don't think those little cannons that even your Lexington class sports can fend off even the oldest of pre-Dreadnaughts."
"Basil that's the thing," Michael continued, dragging on the argument, "An Aircraft Carrier's primary weapon is not its guns, it's its aircraft, they can fly out well out of range of even the largest battleship guns drop their bombs and torpedoes and fly away without their ship even catching sight of smoke on the horizon."
As the two of them continued debating like Michael always seemed to do wherever he went a door opened directly in front of them, and a young woman walked out. She was a hardly an inch taller than Elizabeth with the same figure but with chocolate brown eyes and brunette hair tied up in the latest of European fashion. She had on a white dress that sparkled with inlayed jeweled beads and that hugged the contours of her body. And when Michael caught sight of her all memory of the argument he'd been having with Sir Basil were forgotten.
"Ah Nicole," Basil said, "Allow me to introduce Elizabeth Downey, Michael Downey, and Jackson Williams of the United States. This is Nicole DuLin, daughter of Jean DuLin of the French Consulate."
"Bonjour," the young lady said, respectfully holding out her hand.
Michael instantly stepped forward and took her hand gracefully and planted a gentle kiss in the most noble of fashion, "Bonjour quel point c'est un honneur d'être en présence d'un ange."
Nicole seemed completely shocked at this show of French from an American and of what she'd actually heard him say, "My, an American who speaks fluent French?"
"I also speak Italian, German, and I'm working on Greek and Russian," Mike said.
"So a rather well learned American? To think I had assumed that Americans were all Cowboys and Gangsters."
"Uh…I'm a Cowboy," Jack said, a little offended.
Michael waved him aside without looking away from the beautiful young French girl as they continued to talk, "Well those are but a minority. But I can understand your assumption."
"Indeed, when I saw you and the…Cowboy, I thought you were a gangster that walks about carrying a machine gun in a violin case or a pistol in their jacket," she responded.
"Well you were only half right," Mike said, getting an odd look from Nicole, and he pulled his sports jacket open to show the handle of his Colt 1911, "Perhaps later I can teach you to shoot with it?"
"Oh, a Colt 1911 forty-five caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol, standard issue for the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corp. Impressive, but I'd prefer the FN Model 1910. Its size and weight are far more maneuverable with the same stopping power and two more rounds per magazine If you'll excuse me, I have an appointment. Also, don't call me Angel," she said and walked away past them with an entertained smile.
Michael looked on after her as she left to the stairs to wherever it was she was going. He'd just been outsmarted at his own game. If ever there were a girl for him, he'd just found her.
"Oh man, I'm in love," Mike said.
"Her father is the military attaché to the French Embassy, she probably knows more about guns than you do my lad," Basil said patting him on the shoulder.
"Say what?"
They continued walking leaving Michael slightly confused as he stood there taking in what he'd been told.
"Told ya those French girls would see through yer frog speak," Jack knowingly said as he taunted his friend.
"Shut up Cowboy."
Another one in the books, or catalogued on the site's numerous servers as the case may be. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave a review sharing your thoughts and impressions of the story thus far.
I would like to thank Brilliant Brunette Beauty, yes that's her author name not a pet name of mine, for Beta Reading and helping me with this story. I highly recommend her and her own Indiana Jones story: The Last Crusade, and her follow-up story Flashback. Go check her story out, maybe if enough people ask she'll come out with a sequel.
Next Chapter Preview: The hunt is on, but who is doing the hunting, and who is the hunted?
