A Deadly Twist by Jeffrey Siger (free novel reading sites .txt) 📕

He carefully maneuvered the SUV through the crowd of pedestrians headed toward the taxis, hotel buses, and car rental offices far ahead. “This place is packed.”

“Always is when a boat lands. A real bottleneck for the whole town,” said Tassos.

“I can’t imagine what it must be like when one of those behemoth cruise ships lands,” said Maggie.

“Naxians can. It’s what motivated some of them to wage a humongous battle against the town’s plan to expand the port by seventeen acres.”

“When was that?” asked Andreas.

“Back in 2007. Town hall wanted to expand the port to accommodate five cruise ships. Thirty-three citizens filed a lawsuit against their plan and won it in 2008 when the Greek Supreme Court found the study on which the expansion was based to be insufficient.”

Andreas shook his head. “That sort of activism must have really pissed off town hall.”

“That’s an understatement. Participants in the Case of the 33, as it came to be called, and their supporters were vilified for opposing the plan. Threats of physical harm were reportedly made, CURSE THE 33 appeared emblazoned on signs at rallies and in graffiti, and boycotts were called against businesses tied to the thirty-three. The more overtly threatening tactics largely subsided once the media in Athens got word of what was happening and turned the situation into an embarrassment for the island. But even today, pockets of resentment remain and some still boycott the original thirty-three.”

“What happened to the thirty-three?”

“Actually, there were more than thirty-three actively in opposition, but since the law required those acting as plaintiffs to be directly affected by the plan, some of its strongest opponents weren’t officially named as part of the thirty-three. After their court victory, the group disbanded, though some members later ran for office, and their party is now the third-largest vote-getter on the island.”

“So they gave up good works to became politicians,” said Maggie.

“Not all of them, my love. Some of the thirty-three organized an environmental group that’s very active on a lot of fronts.”

“Such as?” said Andreas.

Tassos looked at Andreas. “Why do I get the impression you’re interested in what I’m saying for more than its historical significance?”

“Just keep talking, Professor, and I’ll tell you after you’re done.”

“He’s never done talking. Here take this.” Maggie held out a bottle of water.

“Ignoring those slights, I shall continue.” Tassos paused to take the bottle and twist off the cap. “So, back to today’s hot environmental issues on Naxos…” Tassos took a long sip of water and stuck out the thumb of his free hand. “Number one is windmills.”

“Windmills?” said Andreas, “I’d think environmentalists would be all for them.”

“They claim they’re not as efficient as other methods and that those behind them are actually seeking to create an industrial park for purposes of selling energy off-island, not to conserve and protect the island.”

“Interesting.”

“The other hot button issues are much the same as those confronting most islands.” He popped out a finger. “Private businesses using public spaces like beaches for their umbrella, kitesurfing, and taverna businesses. Three,” another finger shot up, “protection of wildlife, like sea turtles. Fourth,” another finger, “where do you place stops on tourist development? And that issue raises more additional and complicated issues than I have fingers to count on.”

“And please do spare us your toes.”

Tassos waved Andreas off. “Bottom line, there’s a lot of activism here, and it’s not just a right versus left political thing. Naxians are proud of their independent lifestyle, and many have genuine concerns over what constitutes sustainable development and what threatens to destroy the way of life they treasure. These are not new concerns. Back in the 1990s, there was talk of expanding the airport to accommodate bigger planes, and twenty-three communities came out publicly against it.”

“God sent you to me today for a purpose,” said Andreas.

“Glad you finally figured that out.”

“Stop this blasphemy,” said Maggie, crossing herself.

“I need you to reach out to your contacts here to arrange a meeting.”

“What sort of meeting?”

“With the activists interviewed by Nikoletta Elia.” Andreas brought Tassos up to speed on the case.

“Don’t we need Yianni at the meeting?” said Tassos. “He’s the only one who’s read the reporter’s notebooks.”

Andreas nodded. “I know. But there’s no choice. We only have until Monday before the minister goes public about the reporter’s disappearance.”

“That could get her killed,” said Tassos.

“Tell me about it.”

“I guess that means the three of us have some serious reading to do before tomorrow,” said Maggie.

“We can divide it up among us,” said Tassos.

“If you set up the meeting, we’ll do whatever has to be done to make it work.”

Tassos pulled out his mobile, found a name, and pressed it. “Now, please be quiet while I try to be charming.”

Andreas glanced back at Maggie. “My, Maggie, it sounds as if you and I are in for a novel experience.”

She rolled her eyes. “To quote you, oh wise one, ‘Tell me about it.’”

* * *

By the time they reached the hospital, Toni was back in her chair next to Yianni.

“I thought you were taking a nap,” said Andreas.

“Couldn’t sleep. Too wired,” said Toni.

“You should take one of the pills they’re giving me. It will put you right out,” said Yianni.

“Or take a ride with this guy, listening to him attempting to be charming.” Andreas nodded at Tassos walking into the room behind Maggie.

“Tassos, you old devil, so good to see you,” said Yianni, struggling to sit up in bed.

“Don’t move,” said Tassos.

“It’s not me that’s weak; the meds only make me feel that way. The nurse had me walking while you were out. With any luck, they’ll release me tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t push it,” said Andreas.

Yianni frowned. “But we’ve got to set up that meeting if we hope to have any chance of finding the reporter before Monday.”

“It’s all taken care of,” said Tassos. “I spoke to an old friend from Junta days, and he said he’d do what he could to set up the meeting.”

“‘Do what he could’ doesn’t sound very promising.”

“The guy I spoke to was one