In less than two weeks, Andreas felt that he was having a positive impact on the community. The island's longtime mayor – a sturdy combination of political-machine boss and preening cock of the walk – even stopped by to compliment him. Things seemed to be working out. He thought if he made it through the summer without ruffling any feathers or stepping on any toes he just might be able to work his way back into the good graces of the folks in Athens – and get transferred the hell out of here.

He thought it might help him to stay cool if he tried a little harder to relax. Go to the beach and blow off some steam. Maybe even one of those beaches where the tourist women like to show off their lack of tan lines. He wondered if they were still as hot for Greeks in uniform as they had been when he'd served here in the air force. It was early afternoon and he was getting into the fantasy when Kouros hurried into his office – after knocking, of course.

The news was not good: an Albanian moving stone on some property way over on the other side of the island called to say he'd found a dead body.

Andreas didn't want to believe what he was hearing and his voice showed it. 'A dead body, on Mykonos?'

'Yes, sir,' said Kouros. He'd learned to treat his chief with respect. 'He didn't say much more than that. Just the location. He was pretty frightened. I was surprised he even called. Most of them doing that sort of work are illegal and afraid of us.'

Andreas paused for a moment and stared off into the middle distance, contemplating a decision. 'Do you know how to get there?'

'Yes.'

Andreas got up from his desk. 'Well, let's take a ride over and see what he found.'

'Uh, sir?' Kouros' voice was tentative.