Standing Stones (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 8)

It took me a few moments to spot Tania sitting quietly on a bench nearby. I casually ambled over in her direction, gawking at the buildings as a good tourist should. Tania was reading a book and ignoring the chaos. When I was close, she shrugged, closed the book and started walking down the street. We were well away from the action before we started to talk.

“Remind me next time. We have to have an agreed place to meet after.” I grinned at Tania. “You handled yourself like you’ve been doing this for years.”

“It’s over? Really over?”

“Lambert is so discredited in this town that even if he isn’t convicted, he’ll never trouble a soul again. That Yves Bernard can testify he was falsely accused and that will give an out to all of them. It’s done.”

All Souls Night (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 7)

The next morning, I busied myself making breakfast while I thought about what else we needed to cover before the drop. There were the local cops to inform. Maybe get a few of the shopkeepers there. Was there anything else I could do to maximise the impact of this?

“Shrimp? Ted didn’t email last night.”

Deep in my own thoughts, I wasn’t really paying attention to Tania. “That’s nice, honey.”

“Jerod!” The tone of her voice made my brain go to instant replay of the last thing Tania said. “You weren’t listening, were you?”

The Highwayman (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 6)

I watched Tania struggle with her thoughts. I wanted to tell her that everything would be fine. That she didn't have to blacken her soul for my sake. That I will love her always, no matter what her decision today is.

Yet I said nothing. Because I know she needs to work out what to do on her own. It’s a serious thing, she’s not born for this kind of life. I was and hatching an evil plot to achieve something gives me a rush. Coming up with the base plan, checking the details, putting the finishing touches on it. It’s exhilarating. And the sweet feeling of success when it’s all over and done with is a high of its own.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and a quiet life at home too. But scheming has always been a special thrill.

Still, that’s what I get out of it. I can’t make any promises to Tania that she’ll feel the same. She may not, the core of her soul is still as white as an infant’s soul. I’ve laid as much truth as she needs on the line. The rest is up to my lovely wife.

The Mummer's Dance (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 5)

Well away from the Beaumont household, we started to discuss what Jean Luc had told us. “So, Shrimp, where would we get information about this Lambert guy?”

“Well, I may ask a shopkeeper or two a few questions. You should head for base and send email to Ted. See what his computer wizardry can conjure up for us.”

“Mister, do you think I’m letting you wander town on your own?”

“Tania, this is my game and my rules.” I gave her a serious look. “Base camp is two minutes walking distance from the shops. It’s as safe for both of us as any place can be. And I have a way of getting information out of people. Someone may talk to one person but they may not with two.”

“Jerod!”

Dante's Prayer (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 4)

I rang the supplier and arranged a meeting for the next afternoon. He sounded slightly surprised when I said I was bringing someone to the meeting, but not put off by the idea.

Being free from obligations for the rest of the day, Tania and I spent it just wandering around.We drove past several vineyards and villas. We walked through the centre of town.

Exploring even a small town is more tiring than you might expect. Tania and I headed to the hostel around the time that dusk fell.

"Shrimp, where's the new laptop?"

I pulled it out of my bag and handed it to Tania. "What do you want it for?"

She quickly set it up on the tabletop. "I'm going to send an email to Ted. Let him know we're here and the meeting is tomorrow."

Woman with Soul (Jerod's Second Tale - Finale)

(Optional background music)

After giving the crocodiles a good afternoon snack, I did a few fun things.

Drinks, making them and drinking them.

Exploring the deserts, but I avoided tombs. I'm not ready for tomb raiding again.

Meeting some more of the locals.

Naked Flame (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 6)

(Optional background music)


I decided it was time to go back to the markets. It should be safer, without Kane, Pesce won't find it so easy to remove me from the scene. If she identifies me at all that is.

"So tell me about the local specialties. I'm interested in trying some new food."

"We have shawarma and falafel. They are quite popular with the tourists from base camp. Shawarma is our version of a meat sandwich. Falafel are ground chickpeas, cooked and served with local ingredients."

"Well, I think I might like to try some falafel. It sounds good."