Andreas lifted his beer. “ Yamas.”

Kouros lifted his bottle and clinked on Andreas’ bottle. “ Yamas.” He took a sip. “Less than a week to go. Bet you’re nervous.”

Andreas shrugged. “Only about the dancing. Not the getting married part.”

“Come on, you have to be scared just a little bit. You know, one woman, the rest of your life.”

Andreas gestured no. “As crazy as it may sound, I feel strangely at ease.” He smiled. “Doubt you’d understand, youngster.”

“You bet. I like my life just as it is.”

“Some day, if you’re lucky, you’ll know what I mean. Until then just keep playing your kamaki games, but be careful where you put your spear, you wouldn’t want to dull it permanently.” Kamaki was the Greek name for the little trident used in hunting octopus-and slang for the Greek man’s real or imagined skills at pursuing women.

“Safe sex lecture duly noted.” Kouros took another swig of beer.

The bar area in the front of the taverna was filling up with what seemed mainly foreign workers, but the man behind the bar was Greek and spoke only Greek to his customers.

“So, what do we do while Tassos looks for a lead?” asked Kouros.

“Exactly what I planned to do before the minister popped into my office. Get ready for my wedding.”

“Terrific. But don’t forget about your bachelor party.”

“What bachelor party?”

“The surprise one on for the night after tomorrow. Remember to act surprised.”

“Anything else I should know?” said Andreas.

Kouros paused and smiled. “Your world, as you know it, is about to change.”

Andreas finished his beer. “Let’s get out of here. I want to get home before Tassaki goes to sleep.” He threw five euros on the table and headed toward the door.

“I have to take a leak,” said Kouros.

Outside the street was surprisingly quiet. Then again, it was August and that meant Athens was deserted by anyone who could get out of town. As Kouros came through the front door a man ran past them on the sidewalk screaming in a language neither cop understood at another man running fifteen yards behind him.