Page 16 of Troy Story
No one seemed disappointed by his announcement. If anything, Stuart caught a few relieved expressions. Most of the students were probably still adjusting to the heat and the jet lag.
When they returned to the field house, the crew went to wash up for the midday meal. Before joining them, Stuart ambled outside to check on lunch. The two women from Güzelyali had already arrived and were setting out the food. His stomach growled as he took in the generous spread—a large platter of lamb shish kabobs, bowls of pearled couscous, baskets of pita bread, and a hearty village salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
As he was eying the food, Kerim approached him. “How are you doing?”
Stuart’s shoulders sagged. “I’ve been better. That site tour was rough.”
“I would agree. After today’s altercation, I suggest we keep Dr. Hughes as far from the Germans as possible.”
“Good plan.” Though Stuart didn’t want to pry, his curiosity got the better of him. “If you don’t mind me asking—wouldn’t you rather dig with them?”
Kerim let out a long breath. “That was what I’d hoped for. Their team is larger and better equipped than ours. They have ten specialists on their staff and full access to the lab at the Troy Museum. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Culture wants me to keep an eye on Dr. Hughes. I agreed, but with certain limitations.”
“What kind of limitations?”
“I’m willing to work with all of you on-site, then return here in the afternoon for lab work and dinner, but I’ll head home at night to sleep.”
Stuart’s throat tightened. Another wrench he hadn’t expected. “Are you sure? You and Hughes are the only ones with private rooms.”
“You take it. I’d just as soon sleep in my air-conditioned apartment.”
“I understand. Thanks for letting me know.” At least he didn’t have to worry about Kerim abandoning them in favor of the Germans.
After lunch, when the others retreated to their rooms to rest, Stuart was once again pulled aside—this time by Dr. Hughes. He led Stuart to the research library and gestured for him to have a seat at one of the study tables.
With his boss looming over him, Stuart felt lower than ever. “Is everything all right?”
“I wasn’t pleased you started without me, but I’m willing to forgive a first offense. You need to remember you’re merely the assistant director. I’m not about to engage in a power struggle with a young whelp who’s barely gotten his feet wet.”
A young whelp? Seriously? But Stuart nodded quickly. “No power struggles from me. I’m just doing my job. I apologize for jumping the gun on the site tour, but you hadn’t told me when you were arriving and—”
“I don’t answer to you. Understand? The only one calling the shots here is me. Are you aware of what transpired ten years ago, when I was exiled from Troy?”
Trust me, I’d love to know.“No, sir, but—”
“The Germans betrayed me, and the Turks took their side. All over a minor infraction. I was cast out like a pariah, my academic reputation in tatters. Now that I’m back, I fully intend to reclaim my good name, and I won’t have anyone stand in my way.”
Could this guy have a bigger ego? “Not planning on it, sir. I’m here to help.”
“Good. With my connections, knowing me could be advantageous to your career, but you need to play by my rules. Your job is to make sure everything runs smoothly—the vehicles, the kitchen, the supplies, the students’ needs, and whatnot. Is that understood?”
“Absolutely.” Here was an area where Stuart could shine. If there was one thing he loved, it was spreadsheets and checklists.
“Glad to hear it.” Dr. Hughes turned as if to leave but stopped short. “Are you the one who invited the Danforth girl on this dig?”
“Yes. Dr. Fiorelli said you were too busy to deal with logistics, so she authorized me to hire an illustrator. Dusty will do a great job. She’s worked on dozens of projects.”
Even if she hadn’t been his closest friend, he’d still have wanted her on board. Not only was she an incredibly talented artist, but she also had a wealth of archaeological experience.
Dr. Hughes grunted. “I worked with her mother once, on a tour for Ancient Excursions. She was a complete pill. If Dusty’s anything like that old crow, I don’t want her around. Mort told me his daughter’s an artist. We could use her instead. She’s a lot easier on the eyes than Dusty, if you know what I mean.”
Stuart choked back a wave of disgust. He wanted to chastise his boss for speaking so inappropriately, but he couldn’t risk antagonizing him again. “Since Clarissa doesn’t have any formal training, I think we should stick with Dusty. I’m sure she won’t be any trouble.”
“See to it. Otherwise, I’ll have no qualms about shipping her out of here.”
CHAPTERSEVEN
During the afternoon break, the field house was blissfully quiet. With most of the crew sleeping off their jet lag, Dusty had the lab to herself. She scrounged the supply cabinet for measuring equipment and set it up at a table next to the window. This would serve as her illustration table and give her a little space from the rest of the students, who’d be using the lab to sort, label, and analyze their finds. Whenever she worked on a project, she always liked to carve out her own domain.
