A Brutal Trade - A Diana Rivers Thriller: The "Diana Rivers" Mysteries, #7

A BRUTAL TRADE

A Diana Rivers Mystery Thriller

Faith Mortimer

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Chapter One

Sergeant Yiannis Loukiades took a deep breath as he negotiated his four-by-four police-patrol vehicle carefully along the steep track winding down to the valley bottom. The headlights bounced up and down, throwing light onto the splits and chasms on either side of the sandy terrain. At last, the dangerously rutted dirt path levelled out, and he exhaled in relief. The winter and spring rains had caused enormous erosion to the hills, opening new crevasses—some deeper than fifty feet or more. It was towards one of these large fissures that he steered his vehicle. A hundred feet ahead, he saw a small group of people huddled together and knew he and his partner, Constable Alex Spyros, had reached the right place.

Heads turned at the sound of their approach, whilst off to one side, Yiannis recognised the slim figure of Dr Helena Sergio squatting on the ground. She straightened and waited patiently while Yiannis parked his car, pulled protective boots over his shoes and walked to where she was standing.

Yiannis had a soft spot for the attractive Helena, as well as admiring this clever woman. They had worked together many times in the past, and Yiannis had learnt a lot from the talented forensic coroner. He thought it a pity that whenever their paths crossed, it was, inevitably, at a serious crime scene, but he assumed she would never look twice at a lowly police sergeant, anyway.

Sergeant Loukiades. I was hoping you’d be the one in charge of this case. Despite the solemn occasion, she gave him a cheeky little smile. He understood immediately what she meant. Neither Helena nor Yiannis cared for the sergeant’s absent boss, Inspector Andreas Christopopodoulou. The diminutive, arrogant and surly policeman hadn’t changed for the better in the years the three had worked together.

Yiannis returned her grin before getting down to business. It’s nice to see you again, Helena. What have you got for me? I hope no one’s trampled everywhere and messed up the scene. He spoke in a soft but gravelly voice only the two of them could hear as he fished a pair of latex gloves from his pocket, along with a small bag in which to place any evidence he might find around the scene.

No, the area’s clean of contamination, and I’ve taken loads of photographs. With the light fading I had to be quick. I expect you’ll want to take some of your own?

He nodded. Some. So what have we got? Someone fall down a chasm? Anything out of the ordinary I should know about?

Helena lifted one hand towards him tentatively, her face pale in the headlights of the patrol cars behind him. Yiannis, this one isn’t good. It’s another murdered woman. You’d better prepare yourself for a real shock.

Something in her voice and troubled expression told Yiannis it was going to be a night of hell, and he had to give himself a mental shake to rid the chill which ran up his spine. His own mien was sombre as he nodded in understanding. Lead the way.

Helen turned and he followed her towards the edge of the crumbling cliff.

Chapter Two

Are you sure about this? Steve asked, pausing to look up before turning another page of the script. I know I read through this earlier but it looks hard going to me. He lifted his head and ran a hand through his short dark hair.

Hmm?

Diana, think about it. You’ve never directed before. You’re in the middle of writing two books, and you’ve got Poppy to consider. I don’t even get a look-in nowadays. He sighed as he tossed the script onto the table.

His tone got her attention. Sorry, what did you say? I was miles away.

That’s the trouble. Listen to me for once. Steve leapt from his seat, grabbed her office chair and spun it round so she was facing him.

What?

Don’t be irritable. I said, I think you’re taking on too much—or words to that effect.

Di raised her eyebrows. Please, not that again. We’ve been through this and I thought you understood.

It’s not a matter of understanding. All I’m saying is, I think you believe you’re still only twenty and capable of doing more than two things at once.

"Excuse me, but I am female. We’re not talking about—" She never finished once she saw the glint in his blue eyes and pressed her lips together.

You were saying?

She let her breath out in a gutsy laugh. Nothing. Jesus, you’re grumpy today. What’s eating you? Feeling your age?

Steve stood up and moved over to the window. Hands in his pockets and shoulders hunched, his gaze flitted over the courtyard below. It was looking particularly colourful with Diana’s many pots and troughs full of late spring flowers and shrubs.

I’m fed up with the political situation here, if you must know. Cyprus has been bailed out by the EU, but the people act like the borrowed money’s a gift. Already, the government’s gone back to Brussels and asked for more. He turned back to face Diana. It can’t go on indefinitely. Overseas trading is crap and more money will be withdrawn from the country. Okay, we’re lucky...at the moment. My business is doing well, which is something, but we’ve a lot of money tied up in this property. We know house prices will almost certainly fall and we’ve no idea when things will pick up.

Diana frowned as she considered his words. Yes, but surely, it only matters if and when we want to sell the house. You’re not thinking of returning to England, are you? We both welcomed a life abroad when the chance arose.

Steve took in a deep breath. "Not at the moment, but if things become more difficult, then yes, I would consider returning to England. You’ve got to think about Poppy. She’s five now and as bright as a button—her reading’s brilliant for her age. Look, we both want the best for her. I’d hate to be here if unrest broke out. The locals can be a volatile lot and often get worked up at the drop of a hat. The Greek-speaking Cypriots say Cyprus should still be all one country, but they’re never going to get back together with the Turkish north. And if by some slim chance they did, they’d row and fight amongst themselves like they used to. It could become very nasty again."

Diana gasped. Wow! I had no idea you were so worried. Are you sure you’re not exaggerating? Don’t you think the whole world has changed beyond recognition these last ten years? Crime of one kind or another is rife. She got out of her chair and moved over to hug him.

You’re right, but Cyprus is courting Russia again, thinking they’ll bail them out. The government’s like a whore seeking the most money for a quick lay. You know they’ve supposedly agreed to the Russian navy coming into Limassol and Larnaca, and there’s talk of the air force going into Paphos too. How can Cyprus still be a member of the EU when they’re currying favour with Russia, even though it’s been blackballed by so many other nations? Look, I’ll have another chat with Nev Masters, as he’s up with the big boys in finance and see what he thinks. I suppose I’ve never felt really settled after that altercation with Gregor, although thanks to Adam, it was all sorted as far as I was concerned.

Diana grimaced. Steve was referring to a clash with a member of the Russian community. He had lent the businessman money, not realising he was a crook and involved in numerous dubious ventures. Luckily, Diana’s friend and one-time flame, Chief Superintendent Adam Lovell, had come to Steve’s rescue. Apparently, there had been a ‘big sting’ operation in place in London, and the English-educated Russian, Gregor, was high on the suspects’ list. When the special squad pounced, they arrested half a dozen highly placed Eastern Europeans, although Gregor escaped prosecution. His Russian and Cypriot lawyers proved to be as oily as the Russian himself. Steve was innocent of any misdoings, but his near brush with organised serious crime left him unsettled. Diana understood how he felt.

Good idea. Speak to Nev and let him put your mind at ease.

But now I’ve got your attention, it’s not just Cyprus’s difficulties which trouble me. There’s always been a bloody Cyprus problem ever since the island was first inhabited. No, it’s you. I’m honestly concerned that this time you’ve over-committed yourself.

Surprised, Di leant back and stared into his eyes, her gaze gentle but firm. Steve, I’m fine with it. The play is a good challenge, and as for having never directed, I believe I’ve watched enough directors in my time to know how I want the play performed. With the strong cast we have, it’ll be an amazing production.

Yes, but there’s your writing and Poppy to consider.

I don’t have any time constraints on my writing. I’m halfway through one novel and I’m still feeling my way with the other. I can do as little or as much as I want with them. Of course Poppy’s important, and the older she gets, the more demanding she is. But she’s still young, and Eileen said she’ll have her any time if I get snowed under with demands from my publisher. Yes, I know I mustn’t take advantage of a friend, but her Joanna is quite dependant on Poppy. The two girls are almost inseparable.

But the play...you’re already having rehearsals twice a week. No doubt you’ll need more nearer the performance dates.

Don’t forget I’m only the co-director. Russell’s done most of the blocking for each scene, and I expect he’ll want to control the rest of the rehearsal schedule. I’ll probably fill in if he’s unavailable.

Steve ran a finger along his nose and frowned. Yes, but remember he’s well into his seventies, and we know how forgetful he’s become. Do you really believe he’ll take on most of the other rehearsals? I certainly don’t think so. If you want my opinion, he’ll start off with his big ideas, and then once he runs into problems, it’ll be over to you.

Diana felt her patience evaporating and impatiently tossed her long dark hair back from her face. For goodness’ sake, Steve. Don’t you think you’re being over-dramatic? It’s only a play, after all. We’re doing okay so far and we’ve another three months to go. That’s plenty of time to get everyone word-perfect, and I believe we have a very strong cast as I’ve already said.

So long as everyone’s committed.

Diana rolled her eyes. They’re adults not kids. Are you sure you’re not just being bloody-minded about this because you’re not in it? You had your chance to audition. It’s not my fault you chose not to.

Someone has to stay at home and look after Poppy, he muttered. All I’m saying is...I think you’re making a mistake and haven’t thought this through.

"It is a great cast. We’ve got Lydia Marchant playing Karen. She’s starred as the leading lady in many productions, both here and the UK, as you know. Thomas Phelps is confident he can portray a convincing Bart. He’s relatively new to Agios Mamas but is very talented and experienced. Nikolaos Floros will be brilliant as Daniel, and young Skylar Black is so keen to take part, he already knows his lines backwards. The role of Max suits him to a T."

Are you sure Nikolaos Floros will get enough time off from the hospital for all rehearsals?

Diana laughed. Nikolaos seems to be his own boss, from what he told me. He said getting time off was never a problem.

I didn’t know he was such a senior surgeon. He’s kept himself to himself the few times I’ve met him. He did come across as a bit arrogant though.

I have no idea how senior he is. I don’t mind his arrogance, so long as he can learn his lines and act the part. I thought he worked in A and E, actually. I hardly know him any more than you. He’s rather mysterious, but I get the impression he likes the ladies, especially Asian ones. Apart from that, he seems quite focused on acting. Look, Steve, I don’t want to argue over this. I’m keen to help out, and I thought being a co-director would give me more free time than actually performing in Through Rose-tinted Glasses. Please say you’ll keep on supporting me. If it doesn’t work out, then next time, I’ll rethink.

She walked to where he was standing and, taking hold of his belt, pulled him towards her. They were more or less the same height, about five foot nine inches. Steve was slim and kept an eye on his weight by working out and practicing his karate katas. Diana had a shapely figure, curvy, full-breasted and long-legged. She noticed she had put on a little weight in the few years after having Poppy, their only child, and recognised that now she was over forty, she needed to keep a beady eye on her diet if she wanted to remain trim.

Pretty please? Their faces were barely inches apart, she ran her tongue over her lower lip, and she watched his pupils dilate as she maintained eye contact.

Steve shook his head slowly and smiled, his voice deep and rasping. You know I will. When do I ever not?

Good. Thank you, now go and start lunch while I finish here. I’ll be down in five minutes. Diana grinned in delight, knowing she still had him in the palm of her hand when she wanted, then leant forward and kissed him. Promise.

While Steve was clattering around in the kitchen, Diana thought seriously about their discussion. She knew he had been feeling disgruntled and edgy for some time but hadn’t realised how much. Leaving Cyprus would have been a shock for all of them. Poppy was born there, and up until that point, they had been happy living in the sleepy little Cypriot mountain village. They enjoyed the local customs and joined in whenever they could. If they left, they would have missed it all so much. She hoped the economic situation would improve soon.

Turning back to Steve’s concern over her involvement with the play, she was aware she had taken on a lot, but no more than anyone else. She firmly believed that so long as she was strict with her time and made sure she was organised, everything was achievable. I’m not Diana Rivers for nothing, she said to herself with a smile.

Just as she was about to go downstairs, she was checked by the telephone ringing.

I’ll get it, she yelled.

Diana, it’s Russell. She would have known his cultured tone anywhere, only this time he sounded flustered and breathless. Something dreadful’s happened.

Diana felt a chill run up her spine. Russell! Whatever’s the matter? Are you all right?

Have you heard the news? No? I’m sure you’ve been following the reports about that poor woman who was found murdered?

Yes, the one from Thailand. What about her?

I telephoned Nikolaos Floros this morning because I wanted to discuss his part, and I couldn’t get hold of him at first. I tried again, and eventually, I spoke to someone from his hospital office. He paused and Diana thought she noticed a tremor in his voice.

Yes, what happened?

He’s been arrested. Apparently, he knows something about her murder!

Diana gasped. What? My god, that’s awful! Are you sure?

Yes. He paused, and Diana pictured the theatrical septuagenarian as he sought how best to dramatise a possible calamity. "Well, maybe not arrested exactly. But he is helping the police with their enquiries, and I fear it’s already being rumoured he’s implicated in some way."

Russell! I bet it’s only gossip. Nikolaos has always come across as being on the straight and narrow. Besides, he’s a member of the medical profession. Bloody hell, he can’t be in trouble. Look, it’s bound to be nothing—people always jump to conclusions.

As the implication sank in, she realised one of Steve’s pessimistic predictions might come true. Bugger! Nikolaos Floros was playing a leading role in their next production. She hoped it was nothing except conjecture on Russell’s part. He had always been a drama queen.

Diana’s mind shifted into overdrive. If anything happened, they would need to look for a replacement actor fast. Diana had paid a deposit out of her own pocket for the open-air amphitheatre; the set had been decided on and was in the process of being made. She dreaded to think what Steve was going to say. She could already hear the ‘I told you so.’

What are we going to do? Russell complained in her ear. If he’s in trouble, I really don’t know whom we could ask to take his place at this late stage. Nikolaos is so right for the role.

"If he’s in trouble, Russell. It’s all speculation at this stage. Please calm down. Let’s wait until we hear more. If we need to make any changes, we’ll discuss it then."

After Diana said goodbye and made her way downstairs, her thoughts flashed back to the handsome but enigmatic young Cypriot surgeon. Russell was well known for blowing things out of proportion. He had way too much imagination. She switched her attention to the recent murder. According to the articles in the press, the murdered woman had been found disfigured in some way. They hadn’t revealed any other details.

Steve bustled around the kitchen, having already laid the table with plates, salad and a cheeseboard.

Wine or water? he asked, indicating she should take a seat. When she didn’t move or answer, he stopped and glanced her way.

You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s up? he asked, a deep frown appearing between his eyebrows. Has something happened? Who was that on the phone?

Russell. Steve, it’s probably just Russell’s imagination running riot, but Nikolaos is with the police. He’s being questioned about that woman who was found murdered a few days ago.

Steve’s mouth dropped open. Nikolaos? Nikolaos Floros?

When Diana nodded, he moved over to where she was standing and gently pushed her down into a chair.

What’s been said? Was the woman involved with him in any way?

Diana shook her head and pushed her red-brown hair from her eyes with one hand. No...that is...I don’t know. But Russell definitely said it was the woman from Thailand.

Steve stood upright. Blimey. I wonder what he knows about it. Hang on...wasn’t she mutilated in some way?

Not waiting for her reply, he filled two glasses with white wine and handed her one. You seem worried. Relax. As you said, it’s probably nothing. Russell loves making a fuss. I don’t suppose for one minute Nikolaos is a murder suspect.

Diana eyed him over the rim of her glass. Yes, he’s only being questioned. She paused before taking a sip of wine. I wonder who’ll be working on the case. Perhaps I know the officer. I could ask if—

Steve’s head jerked up. "No, Diana! No! I absolutely forbid it. You are not getting involved in another murder. I don’t think I could stand it."

Diana opened her mouth, ready to quell any further orders Steve might have been about to make, when a sudden ringing from the landline stopped her from speaking. They exchanged looks and as Steve was nearest, he grabbed the phone.

Diana kept very still as she tried to hear who was on the line, but apart from guessing the caller was male, she knew better than to interrupt and sat waiting for Steve to finish.

Within seconds, she realised who was calling. Strange, as she had been thinking about Adam only minutes before when she was upstairs.

After a minute, Steve turned round to face Diana. His face showed concern as he spoke. Yes, I will, Adam. Poor Clare...I agree. The main thing is that she takes it easy. I appreciate she had the liver transplant op a few months ago, but like you, I’d be concerned that she took on too much way too soon. You know what women are like. I’m sure it’s fine, but you’d better just check with the boss.

He held the phone out to her. It’s Adam. Clare’s trying to do too much, and he said it’s really important she takes things easy for another few months at least. He knows the air’s good up here, and says they’d love to take us up on our offer to have them here to stay. He wants to know whether...look, you heard what I said just now. Here, have a word with him. I have to go out soon.

Surprised at Steve’s troubled look, and whatever else Adam could have possibly said to him, made Diana pause before she greeted her old friend.

Chapter Three

Diana watched Poppy adding red paint to the paper pinned to the easel. Her young daughter took her time dabbing the bright colour between the lines Diana had sketched in for her. A lock of fair hair fell between her eyes, and Diana smiled when she absentmindedly tucked it behind her ear, a carmine smudge appearing across her brow and cheek. For one so young, Poppy possessed enormous patience and care when tackling anything that caught her attention.

Diana felt a wave of deep love go through her. Sometimes, she still couldn’t believe she and Steve had finally made a baby after so many years of heartbreak. They were delighted when Diana eventually became pregnant, that she