Gray Days and Wicked Ways, page 5
part #4 of Layton Shayne Mystery Series
“And being a longtime friend of Miss Lucy’s and only a short time friend of ours, you’re telling us this why exactly?” I said.
“That’s why Miss Lucy likes you military types, you’re sharp as tacks,” Sassy said. “Of course, you’re right about there being a reason for my telling you this.”
Our waitress appeared with the drinks we’d ordered and Sassy grew quiet.
“Are you folks ready to order, or do you need a few minutes?” the waitress said and smiled warmly.
“We could use a few minutes, if you don’t mind,” I said.
“That’s not a problem, would you like some warm bread to munch on while looking through the menu.”
“That would be great,” Alex said.
“Then I’ll bring some right over,” the waitress said, then left.
“Someone sounded hungry,” Sassy said, looking at Alex.
“The bread sounds good and actually, I am hungry,” Alex said.
When the waitress came back with the bread we were ready to order. Sassy chose the chicken and rice with fried plantains, and Alex and I ordered pork with white rice and sweet plantains. Before the waitress left, I had another thought.
“I’d like to get a beef empanada to start,” I said.
“That sounds delicious,” Sassy said. “Add one to my order too, please.”
“Make that three,” Alex said.
“I’ll go and put that order in,” the waitress said, then went to the kitchen.
“Sorry about that number again,” Alex said to me, then smiled.
“You do certainly like the number three, Layton, at least from what I’ve heard through the grapevine,” Sassy said.
“Stick to the subject at hand for now,” I said, while getting a piece of warm bread from the basket the waitress had left us. “Back to what you were saying, Sassy.”
“Well,” Sassy said, “the organization knows that Lucy hates training agents and that she’s, quite frankly, not that great at it—”
“So why have her do it unless they’re desperate?” I said, then answered my own question. “Something’s going on.”
“Yes, they’ve told us that much, but nothing else,” Sassy said. “The organization’s trying to add agents left and right, which means they see a real need coming soon.”
“Or,” Alex said, “they could be trying to fill an empty space or a space they think will become empty. What if they need a lot of their best agents to handle something that’s come up, and are trying to keep everything from going to pot elsewhere while their top agents are preoccupied?”
“That makes sense,” Sassy said. “In that case, Layton, you’d better be ready because they’ll be sure to call on you.”
“For what exactly should I be ready?” I said, then took another bite of my bread. Alex was working on his second piece of the tasty, toasted, Spanish bread.
“Like I said, I don’t know,” Sassy said. “It must be big, though.”
“If it’s so big then how come you haven’t heard something?” Alex said.
That was a good question, I thought, as I munched on my bread.
“Sometimes all the signs are out there that something big is coming but even the organization isn’t exactly sure what,” Sassy said. “I think this is one of those times. Apparently, there’s a general feeling of unease in the spiritual realm, but nobody knows why yet. Leticia’s trying to prepare for whatever may happen.”
“That’s why they’re so open to taking on new agents and keeping ones who may not be top notch,” I said.
“If that’s a nice way of saying that’s why they retrained Buck, you’re partially correct. My brother and his friend would fit that mold also. Not the brightest in the bunch but they do have a knack for getting the job done, albeit in a somewhat crazy fashion.” She reached into her bag, pulled out a photograph, then handed it to me.
The photo was of Sassy standing next to a tall, handsome, man.
“That’s one good-looking guy,” I said.
“It’s my brother,” Sassy said.
I handed the picture to Alex, who looked at it and responded.
“Wow, he is handsome. Buck’s a lucky man.” He handed Sassy back the picture.
Our waitress returned with an older man by her side who was dressed in a brown suit, and held a rose. The man said something in Spanish, then handed the rose to Sassy.
“He just said he wanted to express his appreciation for being able to dine in the company of such a beautiful woman,” the waitress said.
“Gracias,” Sassy said to the man, then blew him a kiss.
The man smiled, caught the kiss in his hand, put it in his shirt pocket, nodded his head, then left.
“He’s a nice man who comes here often and always has a rose for a pretty girl,” the waitress said. “Your food will be up shortly.” She smiled, then left to check on another table.
“I’ve noticed you get that sort of reaction a lot from men, Sassy,” Alex said.
“You wouldn’t expect it given I’m a little person, huh,” Sassy said.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Alex said. “You get more attention, in a good way, than most woman do, be they little, medium-sized, or tall.”
Sassy laughed, then kissed Alex’s cheek. “You’re trying so hard to be diplomatic, it’s cute. We’ve known each other long enough now that you can just say what’s on your mind.”
“It’s the whole pinup vibe thing that gets to guys, isn’t it?” I said.
“Yeah,” Sassy said. “The straights love it… and some of the gays too.” She smiled. “We all find ways to survive our school days, especially when we’re different. I’m sure you two had things to deal with.”
The waitress brought our empanadas, then walked away. Alex dug into his, while Sassy talked.
“You’re both gay, so you can understand what I’m saying when I talk about finding a way to survive being different. Neither of you wear the gay thing on your shoulder, so most people wouldn’t even know your preferences. Not to belittle your struggles, but what makes me different from others is somewhat more obvious.”
“Yeah, you’re significantly more fabulous than most people,” I said, before cutting into my empanada.
“Thank you, Layton, and it’s absolutely true. But I had to find my way too. The boys were always kind, but the other girls were downright cruel. The phrase ‘mean girls’ is too nice a term for some females. I decided they wouldn’t break me down. I’d take their taunting and use every put down to energize myself and become a fabulous creature. I debuted this whole pinup shtick at homecoming one year and was the belle of the ball.”
“I should think,” Alex said.
Sassy had started eating her empanada, so I spoke. “My Dad taught me how to fight, so I could deal with whatever came my way. He was supportive and cool when I finally came out to him… we were best friends as well as father and son.”
“I had more problems being the rich kid,” Alex said. “But like they say, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”
“This is nice, getting together and talking like this,” I said. “You need to come visit us at the court in between assignments or jobs, Sassy. We told the same thing to Buck and extended the invite to your brother through him.”
“I heard from Miss Lucy that you bought a new house,” Sassy said. “I also heard you two may have a new man in your lives… a real hunk too.”
“You’re right all the way around,” Alex said. “But, I have to say something I’ve heard Layton mention before. For being a secret group, the organization’s business is sure known by a lot of folks.”
“Not organization business, Alex, it’s family business,” Sassy said. “You and Layton are part of an extended family and we look out for one another. It’s no small thing to be dealing with Diony or the exes of Dionys. Plus…” she didn’t continue her thought.
“Plus, what?” I said.
“I’m not sure, but I think something else is going on. Leticia herself is planning to bring you the blue cure for the Diony effect.”
“Is that unusual?” Alex said.
“Oh, yes,” Sassy said. “Leticia’s one of the big bosses. She likes you and Layton, but there’s some other reason why she’s coming herself and not sending a lackey.”
“Do you have any idea why that is?” I said.
“Not even a gut feeling I’m afraid,” Sassy said. “Like you, I only work freelance for the organization, so I’m not privy to everything.”
“I guess we’ll just have to wait until we see Leticia then,” I said. “Thanks for the heads-up, Sassy. Now why don’t we get down to the current business? What’s the job you need us for and how dangerous is it?”
“You’re too smart sometimes, Layton,” Sassy said. “It’s a big job, we’ll be going against some real badasses, and there will definitely be a high danger factor.”
Chapter 8
Treasure Hunt!
THE WAITRESS BROUGHT our food and we talked while we ate.
“How do you two feel about going on a treasure hunt with me?” Sassy said.
“Say what?” I said, putting down my fork full of food. “Are you talking about a real treasure hunt, like for pirate gold?”
“Yes… and no,” Sassy said. “There was a shipwreck, fairly nearby, in a place called Shiloh Key. But, it wasn’t a pirate ship, it was a ship bringing a bishop from Russia to Florida. With all of his treasures, I might add. I’m talking gem encrusted paraphernalia, gold cups, plates, rings, vestments, and a variety of highly sought after and valuable things from Russia.”
“A Catholic bishop?” Alex said.
“Yes,” Sassy said. “Pirates in the area supposedly gathered the items from the wreck and buried them in a secret location. The story is that the pirates were all killed before they could abscond with their loot. Unfortunately, whoever was responsible for ordering the hit on the pirates neglected, in their haste, to find out where the treasure was hidden.”
Alex spoke while I ate a sweet plantain. “If it was a Catholic bishop, then wouldn’t his property belong to the Roman Catholic Church.”
“Officially they claim to not want it,” Sassy said.
“In other words there’s something that went down with the ship that they don’t want people finding out about,” I said. “What are they hiding?”
“Probably the fact that said bishop stole quite a large number of the objects he had with him from the Russian people, who also claim they want none of the merchandise,” Sassy said. They consider it cursed, and my sources tell me the Russians really have washed their hands of the whole thing. Russians really don’t like anything having to do with the Roman Catholic Church.”
I ate some meat and rice while pondering this new job with Sassy. Alex was eating, so was Sassy, but they were also watching me for some sort of reaction.
“What are you thinking, Layton?” Sassy finally said.
“Will the church have agents working the field or will they be trying to buy whatever we find?” I said.
“I know some of the players involved have already been contacted by the church’s people,” Sassy said. “Unofficially, of course. There’s one object in particular that is considered valuable—a gold, gem encrusted chalice.”
“What makes that piece so valuable?” I said. “I’m sure its not the gold nor the gems.”
“Everyone’s sure of that, but nobody’s seen it or anything related to the actual treasure yet, except for a picture of one piece in the auction catalog—there’s an upcoming auction that relates to the treasure of Shiloh Key,” Sassy said. “It really will be an honest to God treasure hunt at the key.”
“How many treasure hunters will be at this Shiloh Key?” I said.
“Too many for my taste,” Sassy said. “I’m familiar with some of them, but there will also be ex military types, mercenary bad boys too, and unfortunately plenty of amateurs to mess things up.”
“Shit,” I said, then got sarcastic. “Sounds like fun. Is there a treasure map somewhere?”
“That’s the million dollar question,” Sassy said.
“Either there is or there isn’t,” I said.
“There might be,” Sassy said. “It’s the main piece directly related to the shipwreck going up for auction this week—not too far from here. Nobody’s seen it in person yet except for the auction house. The picture in the catalog doesn’t show much, only a cylindrical metal object that looks like it has some engraved pictures on it.”
“Hold on a minute,” Alex said. “If this treasure’s been buried or missing for a while, then why is everyone suddenly looking for it? What’s changed?”
“Yeah,” I said. “What do the people know?”
“Supposedly they know a date when the location of the treasure will be made visible or accessible because of the upcoming position of the moon,” Sassy said.
I didn’t even know what to say, too many thoughts filled my mind. “It’s going to be a freakin’ madhouse, Sassy. That place—Shiloh Key will be overrun by treasure hunters and thugs of every sort, and you know that. How much is this treasure supposed to be worth? I’m sure they’ve come up with some sort of estimate.”
“Low estimates start at nine to ten million.”
“What?” Alex said, so shocked he let the food on his fork drop.
“That’s an absurd amount,” I said. “What was on that ship—the Holy Grail? No, better yet, what is it you’re after?”
“A metal staff that Daddy wants,” Sassy said.
“Why?” I said.
“Because inscribed on the staff are instructions for making a very powerful doomsday weapon and you know my daddy makes weapons.”
“And what?” I said. “Is he interested in taking over the world with it?”
“No, he says that would be boring and take too much time away from his work. He wants to see the staff, then make sure nobody else gets their hands on it.”
“That’s awfully nice of him,” I said. “What else was supposed to be on this sunken boat?”
“Some metal plates inscribed with various things such as inventions, and maps. The maps lead to either El Dorado or Atlantis… maybe even both.”
“What?” I tried to keep my cool, but this was ridiculous.
“Sassy, do people really believe this?” Alex said.
“Most people only know about the gold and treasure,” Sassy said. “The staff is probably real since Daddy has seen it referenced in other books. Whether the instructions on it are really for some sort of ultimate weapon is anyone’s guess.”
“What about the maps?” Alex said.
“Rumor has it that they at least lead to some sites which will prove worth excavating… and that makes them very valuable.”
“Sassy, how in the fu….” I held back and got my frazzled nerves in order. This whole scenario would be beyond insane. “How in the hell are they gonna keep the peace in that town on that day and night?”
“The police won’t be getting any sleep, that’s for sure,” Sassy said. “They’re as prepared as they can be, Layton. Law enforcement officials have a roadblock ready to use across the one way in and out of Shiloh key, land-wise. It’s surrounded by water, and they’ll have patrol boats watching that area as well, with help from lifeguards. They were also able to get a temporary weapons ban which will apply to all visitors. And there will be a weapons check at the roadblock.”
“And you know how easy it is for the types you mentioned earlier to hide things,” I said. “It’s likely to be a damn bloodbath.”
“Fisticuffs at best,” Sassy said. Daddy sent some of his employees down to help the police. There’s no weapon that will escape their notice. Unfortunately, that includes mine. Even my lipstick teargas will be confiscated if I bring it.”
“Oh my God, I still don’t know what to say,” I said. “Are you planning on finding that chalice the church wants too?”
“Nope, Daddy doesn’t trust the church and won’t deal with them. He primarily wants the staff. Of course it won’t hurt to get our hands on some valuable stuff like those maps or some gold and jewels.”
“Unbelievable,” I said.
We ate the rest of our meal in silence. When the waitress returned we all ordered flans for dessert.
“Sassy,” I said, “can any of this so called treasure really exist? And if it does what sort of shape can it possibly be in—it’s old. Like pirate treasure old or so, right?”
“Close enough,” Sassy said. “And nobody knows what kind of shape it’s in.”
The waitress brought our desserts and I was ready to dig into mine and get a sugar rush.
“Layton, are you in or not?” Sassy said.
“Oh, Alex and I are in, but it’s going to be insane.”
“You did say life could be crazy sometimes,” Alex said.
“There’s crazy, then there’s insanely ridiculous,” I said.
“The auction’s going to be in a few days and I’d love for you to accompany me, Layton. Alex can come too if he’s not busy.”
“Well I hope you brought someone with you who knows Russian,” I said.
“Why?” Sassy said. “Most maps have pictures.”
“There’s gotta be more to the piece, and we need the deck stacked in our favor.”
“If the auction item is supposed to lead to the treasure, doesn’t that mean it’s going to sell for a high amount?” Alex said.
“Bidding starts at ten thousand,” Sassy said. I have an extra auction catalog in my bag for you guys, I’ll give it to you when we leave here.”
“You two do realize that this is absolutely insane,” I said. “I have impressed that fact on you, right. Because I’ve got such a bad feeling about this, the hair on my arms is standing straight up.”
“Hey, we’ve only got one life to live, we might as well live it to the fullest,” Sassy said.
“Yeah, but I don’t want the rest of my life to consist of only another week or so,” I said.
