"I want to see an engagement ring, the best you have."
"Of course, Nikolas. Only the best for the best."
"I agree with you."
"Then I'll give it to you as a gift."
"Thank you. This ring is for the woman I am going to marry, my Anna."
"I am so happy, Nikolas. Bring her in someday. I'd like to meet her."
"I will, when I find her," replied Nikolas.
He picked a platinum engagement ring with a good-sized diamond, and the jeweler put it in a tiny gift box. Nikolas insisted on paying for it. He felt that Tekno could be trusted and told him about his plans to search for Anna.
"When you're ready, Nikolas, I have a young sailor friend who is not working right now. He would love to go with you. He is strong and loves adventure, a very good sailor. I'll put him in touch with you. He hangs around the sailors' club. His name is Adoni."
Nikolas thanked Tekno, took the box, and walked toward the sailors' club. "Why don't I swing by Bouras' office one more time," he suddenly thought. As he approached the front entrance, Nikolas saw Kostas. He ran to him waving. "Kostas! Kostas! Here! Boy am I glad to see you."
"Who are you?" Kostas looked at him suspiciously.
"Nikolas, Nikolas Theophilos. Don't you remember me?"
"Nikolas, it has been so long ... but I ..."
"Yes, I know. You thought I was dead."
Kostas looked around. "Let's go somewhere. So we won't be seen."
"What are you afraid of, Kostas?"
"The same people you should be afraid of, but let's not talk about this now."
"Kostas, I need to find Anna. Can you help?"
"I can't, Captain Nikolas." He kept looking around with a worried look in his eyes.
They went into a small café and Kostas felt more comfortable there.
"How is your wife, Kostas?"
"As well as can be expected, Captain. She doesn't complain as much anymore, though."
"Thank her for me for the melomacarona she made for Anna and me in Crete. I still remember the wonderful taste of those honey spice cookies!"
"I'll tell her."
"Kostas, how come I haven't been able to get in touch with Mr. Bouras?"
"You'll never pass the sphinx at the gates unless you know the riddle."
"And what is that?" asked Nikolas.
"Stavros Bouras believes you're dead, and he was made to believe that his only daughter hates him. But none of it is true! Dr. Tsipras comes here all the time to see Mrs. Bouras. They are the riddle, the enigma, and they will not be happy to know that you are alive and in Athens. They will undoubtedly take some further action to harm you."