“Who?”
“Apparently . . . ” He read the text. “Someone who works for the Library of Congress’s Special Collections Directorate. I asked him for the name of a good researcher.”
“Researching what?” she asked.
“The Kyrils.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Sam called the number Rube had provided. “Ms. Wondrash? A mutual acquaintance, Rubin Haywood, recommended you as someone who was good at tracking down obscure information.”
“Research is a particular passion of mine,” she said, her Hungarian accent thick. “What is it you are hoping to learn, Mr. Fargo?”
“I’m looking for any and all information you can find on someone named Adrian Kyril. Rich businessman, based out of Greece.”
He heard the rapid click of a keyboard in the background as she said, “Olive oil exporter. Lives on the island of Patmos in Greece. And you need this information for?”
“He kidnapped some friends of mine—they’re fine—but we’re worried he may come after them again. I need to find some way to get close to him. Bonus points if I can find a legal way to get into his house,” he added, feeling Remi’s gaze on him. “About payment.”
The keyboard clicking stopped. A moment later, she said, “Twenty dollars an hour. So far, you owe me thirty-three cents.”
“Pardon?”
“Adrian Kyril is hosting a fundraiser for underprivileged youth in two days at his villa. Casino Couples Night. Tickets are seventy-five hundred for singles, and ten thousand for couples.”
“I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
“Let me know.”
He disconnected, telling them what Selma had discovered.
Remi looked suitably impressed. “Do you realize that I spent two hours on that computer and came up with nothing? Whoever she is, you should keep her on speed dial.”
“That still doesn’t get us in the door.”
She took a deep breath. “I could ask my parents for the money.”
The hesitant look in her green eyes bothered him. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing, really,” she said, making him think it was quite the opposite. “Except that, after the kidnapping, my parents have suddenly become overprotective.”
“Understandable.”
“Let’s just say that they’re very good at getting things their way.”
“Apparently that runs in the family.” He was glad to see the spark return to her eyes. “But asking them won’t be necessary.”
“But, Sam . . . you . . .” Remi started.
Sam quickly said, “I’ve got my slush fund for just such occasions.”
“This fundraiser,” Nikos said. “Even if we do get the money, do you think that’s a good option? It might be dangerous. Perhaps we should rethink this.”
Sam, hoping Remi would be amenable to calling the whole thing off, since it was someone else suggesting it, said, “Good point. We don’t know what to expect.”
“But,” she said, “it’ll be worth every penny if it gets to the truth.”
“It’ll be cheaper if I go alone,” he said, deciding to give one more shot at talking her out of going.