To keep their presence a secret from the CIA warship anchored outside the main harbor of Rhodes, Howard had his huge yacht moored 35 miles to the south. They were just outside the small town of Lindos, located along the island's eastern shores.
Exiting the yacht, Peggy glanced up at the imposing Castle of Lindos. It was a square-shaped fortress perched on top of the tallest mountain in the region. Though also known as an Acropolis, it was not the one that Smith would be searching.
Below it, Peggy noted that a winding footpath led up to this old Byzantine castle. Peppering the mountain's base sat small white squat homes and merchant shops. Already the area was teeming with tourists, and the nearby idyllic beaches were crowded with sunbathers.
Other than the large puffy dark cloud hovering nearby, the sky was devoid of anything but the bright sunlight.
After squinting a bit, Peggy readjusted her sunglasses, and the large brimmed hat perched on her head. She kept losing her hats, so she would have to be careful with this one. Peggy wished she could have worn her favorite chapeau but did not want to risk calling attention to themselves at the Rhodes's main docks, especially since Smith was probably using them to access his boat. Her red hat would not be so lucky then.
If only they had the time, Peggy would have loved to shop at the boutique exclusively for tourists. But, alas, there was still too much to do. The drive to the Mandraki harbor where the Colossus had once stood would take over an hour to reach.
At least they had ditched the paparazzi for good. Once the yacht had arrived at the Lindos docks, Howard had read the early morning papers. After witnessing Peggy's aquatic ballet back at Pharos, the reporters had grown bored. It seemed that the lack of wacky antics from the millionaire's new 'girlfriend' had them moving on to other things.
Thankfully with one less bothersome distraction, Peggy's group could prepare in peace. While they finished getting organized, Howard rented them a large early 1940s forest green two-door Packard sedan.
Once everyone was finally ready, they all clambered aboard. The Russians took the back seat while Jarvis went behind the wheel. This left Peggy in the shotgun position at the front.
With a cheeky grin, Howard leaned into the car and tossed a silver cigarette case-sized device into the glove box with the cryptic assurance, "You never know when you'll need fire. And since the shock wand is beyond repair, this mini blowtorch will have to do for the time being."
"Thanks, Howard," Peggy replied sweetly and asked Jarvis, "Was 'Bessie' also packed?"
"Yes, she is in the trunk," he replied. The Russians glanced quizzically at them, but they gave no further explanation.
The small party of four then waved goodbye to the millionaire inventor, leaving him behind to work. Though Howard had wanted to join them on this excursion, he knew that if they were ever going to get ahead of their multiple opponents, they would need some upgraded tech.
All were quiet while Jarvis drove them toward the main city of Rhodes. As the heavy car rumbled down the single-lane road, Peggy settled into the passenger seat.
Still exhausted, Peggy yawned. Though she was beyond tired last night, she had been too amped up to sleep. Instead, she had mentally reviewed the scant information they had gleaned from the Russians. Unfortunately, there were still too many unknowns, and the biggest ones were sitting behind her.
Peggy couldn't help but wonder about their new allies. Though grateful for the Russians saving her and Jarvis' lives yesterday, the SSR Agent knew they were holding many things back. Stubbornly, she refused divulge anything more until the Russians gave more back in return.
It was too bad that information sharing had already stalled between their two groups so fast, she thought. Hopefully, both sides could compromise soon, or they would never get anywhere.
Suddenly, drained from it all, Peggy sighed sullenly. She stared out at the spindly olive trees lining the small avenue they drove along. Then, allowing the almost hypnotic imagery to help quay her internal frustrations, she began to relax.
Leaning further back against the car seat, Peggy rested her eyes. Soon the rhythmic rumble of the Packard's engine lulled her into a meditative doze.
Behind her, she dimly heard Dmitri clearing his throat as he prepared to speak.
The noise jarred Peggy's consciousness. Smirking, she wondered if the Russian's ears had been burning from her earlier thoughts. Forcing herself to stay awake, she turned to give the handsome man her full attention.
A somewhat reluctant sounding Dmitri explained, "Because the last clue said it 'was in hand,' I believe that we should look for anything that is hand-shaped. Be it Colossus' or any other statue."
Nodding, Peggy interjected, "Makes sense. Tell me, did you have any luck deciphering that Tanis clue yet?"
From the corner of her eye, she saw Zdenka nudge Dmitri's arm, and he answered quickly, "Sorry, that is going to take more time."
Peggy did not miss the subtle look that Zdenka leveled at her partner. Then, realizing she had been seen, the Russian woman stated, "I assure you that we are working tirelessly to solve this."
Regardless of their suspicious nature, Peggy was not surprised by what they said. She had just hoped for better news.
Behind her, she heard Dmitri reply curtly in Russian that "he should be the one handling things," so Zdenka demanded that he "do it better then." This back and forth arguing went on long enough to give Peggy a headache.
To get them to cease, Peggy mused loudly, "Anything you wanted to add, comrades?"
The enigmatic Russian duo stopped bickering and stared dully at her. Seeing their blank expressions, Peggy snorted. Settling back in her seat, she called over her shoulder to Dmitri, "This is where Professor Spencer usually gave us some background on the Wonder."
There was a rustling sound as Zdenka pulled out the well-worn notebook from the waterproof buckskin pouch.
An irritated Dmitri must have gotten a cue from his comrade, for he slapped Zdenka's hand and said gruffly in Russian, "I can do this."
Projecting his voice, he stated in English, "There's not much, but I can read you the brief history about the Colossus of Rhodes."
Drolly, Peggy stated, "Yes, please do go on." Jarvis glanced at her, and they shared a sardonic grin.
Holding the book up to his face, Dmitri began, "In 305 BC, the Rhodian Island was besieged by the Macedonians. Eventually, the citizens became victorious against this sea assault. Believing that their winning was due to their sun god Helios's support, they wanted to build an effigy in tribute to their deity. So, the Rhodians sold off the equipment the invaders had left behind and then used those proceedings to create a magnificent statue over 108 feet tall."
Not hearing the intrigued reactions she thought her friend should have received, Zdenka added, "For size comparison, it was as tall as your Statue of Liberty. And supposedly its thumb was well over five feet in diameter. It was so large that one could not even encircle it with their arms."
Dmitri continued, "Now, to achieve such an amazing height would take an accomplished artist. So the island's people offered the Greek sculptor Charles of Lindos the prestige of crafting it. After accepting such an honor, work on it began around 292 BC. Like the previous Wonder for Zeus, the massive statue would be hollow. However, in this instance, the exterior bronze plates were attached to an iron tie bar frame. It took twelve years to complete such an enormous feat."
Unable to stop herself, Peggy yawned. She could not help if Dmitri's efficient tone was putting her to sleep. Maybe some fresh air would help, so she cracked open her window just enough to allow in some air but not the dust off the road.
After glowering at the back of Peggy's head, Dmitri spoke louder, "The statue stood for 54 years until the island of Rhodes was hit by a strong earthquake in 226 BC—"
Interest finally peaked, Peggy sat up. "That's right. Another earthquake took that one out, too," she mumbled, nodding to herself. More and more, she was sure that something else was in play here.
After Peggy went silent once more, Dmitri said, "Though most scholars claim that the statue stood astride the main entrance to the harbor, others question the validity of that being its exact location."
Jarvis yelled over his shoulder, "And one of those places was at the top of Monte Smith?"
Dmitri began to stutter a response when Zdenka answered for him, "Yes, a few have proposed that idea." She then quickly added, "But most of the historical accounts state that it had fallen into the main port's entrance. That is why I believe we should check the nearby Fortress of St. Nicholas. Some thought the blocks used to reinforce the fort date back to Colossus's time. It stands to reason that is where parts of that Wonder are hidden or at least a clue for its exact location."
Her partner loudly cleared his throat, and Dmitri hurriedly explained, "Yes, my thoughts exactly. Thank you, Zdenka."
Peggy coolly assessed them. She had no idea why they were not being honest about their true roles. This only added to her distrust.
Staring pointedly at them, Peggy demanded, "Are you sure there isn't anything else you two care to elaborate on?"
Dmitri stated quickly, "No, no, I think we have covered everything."
Before Peggy could challenge them further, Zdenka plucked the small leather-bound notebook from Dmitri's fingers and began to read it intently. Her body language was as closed as the book that she would always snap shut whenever Peggy tried to sneak a peek inside.
And Dmitri was no better. He smiled disarmingly at Peggy and then stared out the window as if the passing shrubbery was fascinating.
Shaking her head, Peggy shared a look of frustration with Jarvis. He too was not very pleased at their disingenuous behavior either.
With neither side sharing any more information, the remainder of the journey was occupied in silence.
Finally reaching the seaside city of Rhodes, they continued heading toward the island's main port. Once they arrived at the Mandraki harbor, Jarvis entered the parking lot and drove them into an empty slot.
Exiting the Packard, Peggy was impressed by the marina's vast size. It was certainly bigger than the one that they had just come from.
As Peggy tiredly stretched out her back, she grimaced as the sun beat down on them. Beside her, Jarvis mopped the sweat from his brow. The Russians also did not look too happy about the sweltering temperature. Already, the noonday heat was making them all miserable, which only seemed to add to their animosity to one another.
Exhaling, Peggy figured it was going to be just a peach of a day.
Zdenka suddenly coughed, which seemed to prompt Dmitri into action. He pointed behind them at a hill only a few miles away. He stated assuredly, "That is Monte Smith, where the Acropolis of Rhodes is located."
Peggy and Jarvis stared intently at the mountain. She really hoped they had made the right choice in where to look for the clue.
As if reading her apprehension, Dmitri offered, "Well, shall we, comrades?"
Nodding, Peggy and Jarvis followed behind the Russians as they headed for the docks. Soon the four of them began to walk along the dirt causeway that led out to the Fortress of St. Nicholas.
Strolling toward the squat, rounded structure by the water, they marveled at the three medieval windmills along the way. Zdenka mumbled, "Now no longer in use, these had once milled the grain that had been brought into the harbor by ships."
Approaching their destination, Peggy and Jarvis stared at the grey blocked two-story building in front of them. It consisted of a larger fortified section with a smaller turret on top.
Surprisingly, the Russians led them past it to the break in the jetty.
Reaching the end, Dmitri pointed at the two columns on either side of the channel's opening. Each pillar had a majestic stag statue that rested on top of them, "These stags marked the place where the feet of the Colossus stood astride the entrance of the harbor."
Peggy eyed the size of the waterway's entrance critically. She could not help but wonder aloud, "This opening seems rather small. Are you sure this was where a statue over 100 feet tall stood across?"
Still confident, Dmitri nodded curtly, "Yes."
She was about to question him further when she noticed that the others were staring out to sea with looks of trepidation. Frowning, she turned.
Even with her sunglasses and hat, the noonday sun bouncing off the ocean was unmerciful. Peggy's eyesight finally adjusted to the glare, and what she saw ahead made her concerned. Anchored off in the distance was the CIA's old, dilapidated warship.
Jarvis pulled out some binoculars from his backpack and handed them to Peggy.
Looking through them, she watched as Smith's mercenaries scurried about the deck while others dived into the deep blue sea. They were undoubtedly looking for something, but so far, they were coming up empty-handed.
Frowning, Peggy asked the Russians, "Why aren't they still at Monte Smith?"
Dmitri replied smug, "I told you they wouldn't find anything there."
Focusing on the CIA leader, Peggy shook her head, "Or that location gave them a clue on where to look exactly. Agent Smith looks pretty pleased with himself." The CIA leader was puffing away on a cigar, grinning merrily. He yelled encouraging words to his men, who continued to labor in and out of the water.
Zdenka stated assuredly, "Which means that the clue they found must have something to do regarding this harbor. This proves that we have chosen the right place to check."
Peggy asked incredulously, "How can you be so sure it did not say to look in the water itself?"
Worried, Jarvis stated, "Yes, with Monte Smith so close by, maybe we should head over there just to be sure what the clue says."
Peggy was about to agree with him when they heard sirens racing up the hill. Suddenly they saw smoke rising from where the Acropolis of Rhodes was. Her shoulders drooped, "It's too late to double-check. Knowing Smith's modus operandi, it was obliterated so no one else can find that clue."
The female Russian's lips curled upwards in a mocking grin. Answering for Dmitri, she sneered, "Trust me. We did not need to go there. That armchair scholar is a fool to look in the water. If anything, Spencer is using rumors and fables to help his search."
"What do you mean by that?" Jarvis asked warily.
"Explain," the anger in Peggy's voice was palpable. She stared hard at Zdenka and demanded, "Enough games, tell us what you know about the statue of Colossus. All of it."
After exchanging a quick glance with Dmitri, the Russian woman replied, "Historical records stated that the entire statue had fallen here on the land, not out in the harbor." She sighed loudly, "It also further specified that all the pieces had stayed here for over eight hundred years. But later, they were carted away to be melted and sold to a merchant in Edessa."
Peggy protested, "So if it was taken away and we're tracking the parts of the Wonder, why are we even here? Certainly—"
Zdenka cut her off exasperated, "Other stories say that boats carrying those pieces sunk, and all were lost at sea."
"Sunk, at sea?" Jarvis sounded just as exasperated as Peggy felt.
Nodding, Zdenka coolly stated, "But I refuse to believe that the clue was so easily destroyed."
"Destroyed how? Wouldn't it still be under the water?"
Suddenly, Dmitri grinned and answered, "No, because salt water is very corrosive to bronze."
Smiling pleased, Zdenka nodded, "Exactly, and imagine what being submerged for over 1300 years would do to those pieces. So I know it has to be somewhere on land. There is no other place to check than here."
Any more discussion halted when they saw the old warship moving closer to the Mandraki harbor. Peggy supposed that they must have been using Spencer's patented grid method, for the vessel stopped shortly, and they began to dive again.
Thankfully Peggy's group was still too far away, so they could not be readily identified. Peggy figured they had about an hour before the boat entered the harbor. Then nothing would stop Smith from spotting them and coming ashore to interfere.
Dmitri eyed Peggy, "Well, we won't find it by standing around."
After one last look at the warship, the small party headed back to the Fort of St. Nicholas. Once they reached it, the four studied the unassuming squat building.
Being a gentleman to the core, Jarvis quickly indicated that Peggy and Zdenka enter ahead of him. Dmitri grinned at the butler and then joined the women, leaving the glowering Jarvis and his sensibilities behind.
Passing through its rough stone corridor, they came upon the minuscule courtyard. Eyeing the stubby white stoned stronghold on the other side, an apprehensive Peggy figured they might as well get it over with, "Right, Jarvis, if you would be so kind."
"Of course, Miss Carter," Jarvis answered. He then handed the Russians the older, heavier scanner with the directions, "Just point it on a surface, and any faint images should appear clearer on Mr. Stark's monitors."
The impressed Russians nodded their thanks.
Jarvis took out an even smaller scanner than the one he had just passed. Peggy wouldn't be surprised if, by the end of this adventure, Howard had miniaturized it to fit in the palm of one's hand.
While Dmitri familiarized himself with the bulkier scanner, Zdenka took the walkie-talkie offered by Peggy.
On her two-way radio, Peggy contacted Howard. After a moment, he acknowledged, "Yup, got both images on the screen here."
Then they fanned out among the modest grounds, each pair looking for clues. It was a quick search.
Meeting back at the fortress entrance, Peggy ordered the Russians, "You two take the upper battlements and turret while we take the interior of the first level. Meet outside in front when done." Due to the building's smaller size, she doubted that this would take very long.
Dmitri gave her a look, and Peggy silently dared him to counter it. His smirk infuriated her, but he nodded. Then both he and Zdenka took the nearby stairs up.
Just as quickly, Peggy and Jarvis entered the naturally cool interior. The hallway split off, so they went to the right. As they slowly strolled down the empty corridors, Jarvis would sweep the modified scanner across the walls, ceiling, and floor. They ignored the decorative cannonballs that cluttered the open alcoves.
When Peggy crouched to check under a window sill, Jarvis lowered the device and asked, "Miss Carter, you do realize that our new allies are not upfront about who they truly are."
Peggy remarked absently, "Mr. Jarvis, that is an understatement."
Exasperated, the usually calm butler snapped, "Then what do we do? Keep our cards close to our vests, as it were?"
"I prefer the adage of keeping one's enemies closer." She clocked his reaction at her flippancy and smiled reassuringly at him.
Somewhat mollified, Jarvis answered, "Yes, but what if they are Leviathan or worse and are sending us on the wrong path just to keep the way open for others." He would never forgive the Leviathan murderess Dottie Underwood for attacking his employer. He was rather protective of Mr. Stark, and Peggy found his loyalty endearing.
"Do not worry, Mr. Jarvis. I will make sure they do not lead us astray." Straightening, Peggy added, "Regardless, we have little choice in the matter. None of us have any hope of deciphering that odd cuneiform script, let alone reading ancient Greek or Egyptian if they were to leave us."
Dusting off her hands, she pointed ahead, "Now, what do we have up here?" And she led them further into the fortress.
But they found nothing of significance and eventually were once more at the entrance.
After about an hour of fruitless searching, the Russians hurried to the front of the fortress and waited for the others to emerge. Once they ensured that the scanner and walkie-talkie had been shut off, Dmitri looked to his comrade expectantly. "I hope our new allies had better luck than we did."
"It has to be here," Zdenka's usual assured voice sounded less confident now.
Dmitri hissed out, displeased, "And if not, then where?"
It obviously pained Zdenka to admit, "There is a chance that the clue no longer exists." Seeing his peeved expression, she explained, "I know Colossus never stood at Monte Smith. And I refuse to believe it was all dissolved from being submerged for so long. This was its last verified location, so we should have found some part of it here. Now I don't know where else it could be."
They then noticed that Peggy and Jarvis had left the fort and were heading their way. Unfortunately, they did not appear to be very happy either.
"Alright, then let me handle our new friends," Dmitri assured her as he nodded at the approaching duo.
Without a word, all four gazed out at the CIA's boat in concern. The warship was almost in range of spying Peggy's group. Any moment she expected to hear yells of recognition coming their way from across the harbor.
Overly bright, Dmitri asked, "Find anything?"
Peggy shook her head, "No, did you?"
Sighing, Dmitri admitted, "I might be wrong that a piece of the Wonder is still here."
Peggy crossed her arms, "Spill it, Dmitri."
The Russians exchanged a glance. Dmitri nodded reluctantly. "Alright, there is a chance that the clue no longer exists."
Voicing her internal concerns, Peggy snapped, "Just what is going on here?"
An equally annoyed Jarvis backed her up with a brisk nod.
Upset, Zdenka blurted, "We are being honest with you. The clue has to be where the Wonder was last seen on land. Otherwise, that means that the clue was destroyed by seawater. And I cannot believe this whole thing would end when we are only halfway through."
Peggy placed a cautioning hand on Jarvis' arm before he sputtered out an angry rebuke.
Though she risked losing any hope of solving this if the Russians Stormed off in anger, Peggy could no longer hold onto their final piece of knowledge. This game of secrets between them had cost valuable time that they could ill afford to lose. Who cares if they gave the Russians all their information and got little in return? Hydra was involved, and they could never be allowed to win.
After sharing a look with Jarvis, Peggy explained, "Actually, the Wonder could be somewhere else on the island. We believe that after they have been damaged or destroyed, they are moved or modified so as not to disrupt the treasure hunt. So far, the same thing has happened at the Statue of Zeus and the Pharos Lighthouse."
Zdenka grumbled, upset at this reveal, and Dmitri stated gruffly, "Thank you so much for sharing that with us, comrade."
Snarling, Peggy retorted, "It wasn't as if you gave us much back in return. The only thing you have brought to the table is conjecture and some historical information." She exhaled and tried again, "Please let us try working together on this for the common good."
All nodded in agreement, but Peggy could tell that the wedge of distrust had widened. At least the Russians hadn't left them, she thought, relieved.
Dmitri muttered, "Well if we go by the CIA's action, the Monte Smith clue must have had something to do with water."
Nodding, Peggy said, "So, are there any other places you can think of with archeological significance near the sea?"
Zdenka stared at Dmitri intently, and then her eyes widened, "Wait a moment," she pulled out her notebook. After she read a passage from it, she stated excitedly, "We need to go back to Lindos and visit their Acropolis."
Jarvis muttered, "So we go back to where we started from?"
The Russian woman nodded exuberantly.
Peggy asked, "Well, besides being by the water, why there?"
Grinning, Zdenka explained, "I read some of Spencer's notes. So far, at every Wonder, the number seven has been represented in some way. The 7x7 squares at Pharos, Zeus' crown had seven crests, and Giza had seven Cuneiform runes as a clue to escape death. Now, according to my notes, at one point Lindos was governed by one of the Seven Sages of Greece, Cleobulus."
Dmitri added, "Plus, the artist Charles of Lindos who built the Colossus, had once lived there."
Forcing a smile, Peggy stated cheerfully, "Alight, then, take us to Lindos, Mr. Jarvis."
"Yes, of course, Miss Carter," but even Peggy could hear the underlying exasperation in his dutiful reply.
As they returned to the parking lot, Peggy got on the walkie-talkie, "Howard, we are heading back your way. We think that the clue could be up at the Lindos Acropolis."
Howard whistled and added, "I'll put the kettle on."
The long car ride back to Lindos was done in silence. Though both parties had earlier shared pertinent information, all knew that there were still some secrets yet to be revealed.
Peggy stared out the side window as she literally and figuratively stewed from the heat and frustration. Unlike herself, dried grass chaparral and sinewy thin olive trees thrived in the afternoon's sweltering temperature.
It was challenging to remain focused when the merciless sun beat down on the enclosed roofed vehicle. The scenery outside was pleasant, and it reminded her of Italy, which got her thinking about the grape fields. It was not so long ago when she and the Howling Commandos had been sent there to take care of some Mussolini mess.
And boy, how much would she have loved some wine and cheese about now. Hell, she'd settle for any beverage that was cool to the touch! Lord, it was hot.
Mopping her brow, she asked, "Mr. Jarvis, can we have some air conditioning?"
The overly cheerful driver answered, "Sorry, I am afraid this Packard doesn't have any such perks, and they were all out of convertibles back at the rental shop. You'll need to open a window."
Reluctantly she did so, and the grit from the road crept into the car.
By now, they were thankfully only 10 miles away from the Castle at Lindos. But even with the windows down, the air in the car was still stifling.
Ahead, Peggy dully registered a jeep approaching on the opposite side of the road. Suddenly, the driver veered into their lane and was headed straight for them!
Jarvis swerved barely in time to avoid a head-on collision. But there was another jeep behind it, and it was also aiming to take them out. Only due to his expert driving skills was Jarvis able to dodge away from having a very nasty accident.
He bellowed outraged, "Are they bloody insane?"
Teeth barred, Peggy sneered, "No, just programmed to stop us at any cost."
She had easily recognized the "men" in those cars. They were the same ones from the Nile River chase. Though the drivers and passengers were dressed from head to toe in camo, she would know those boxy measured movements from anywhere.
Sure enough, the jeeps swung around and were now chasing after the slower Packard.
Cocking back the hammer to her pistol, a grinning Peggy began with her usual aplomb, "Alright, everyone, heads up. It looks like it is that time for more fun."
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