had been kept clear in anticipation of our arrival. "It so happens I own several places I rent out and the main office has already approved the rental of my beach house in Herzliya, the international area on the coast north of the city, and a small flat I have in the American sector in Jerusalem. I've arranged furniture for the house and have stocked the kitchen. So we can go right there from here."

"But then I'll need transport right away to get into the office in Tel Aviv," I said, trying to maintain some sense of control here.

"All arranged as well," Panos said, giving me a sweeping gesture with his arms. "As it happens, I have a few rental cars as well. The Opel is available to you until you buy something of your own."

He sat there beaming at me, and I couldn't think of much of anything to say in return. His legend was bearing out. Despite this, I was flabbergasted when a waiter plunked down a double slug of scotch on ice in front of me even though we hadn't ordered anything.

"Jack Daniels Black label," Panos announced with a big sloppy grin.

"Quite right," I answered. "How did you know that was what I'd want?"

"I know all about you," Panos said with another grin. "That's my job here for IP; I'm what you Americans call the Jack of all trades for the operation here."

I wanted to counter that this particular saying had a second part, "but a master of none," but I sensed I did not want to get off on bad footing with the office manager. This was my first manager assignment, and I didn't want to immediately start alienating key local staffers, especially an office manager who obviously had his thumb on the pulse of everything I needed to be in good working order. But Panos was overpowering. And I was afraid that this might be leading to a struggle for power within the office, especially since Panos seemed to be in his mid forties, at least fifteen years older than I was.

"Surely not all about me," I said with a somewhat nervous laugh.

"Yes, all about you," Panos responded quietly, giving me an intense look. "And whatever you need, I'm here for you."

I swallowed hard on my scotch. I certainly hoped he didn't know everything about me. But, if he did, at least I wouldn't have the embarrassment of him trying to procure women for me. He seemed to have covered all of the other bases, and I had no doubt that he rented out women as well. "I can't think of anything you haven't already provided," I answered evenly, meeting him intense look for intense look.

And, upon looking so directly at him now, I could see that he was a handsome devil, like most Greek men of his age. He was powerfully built and on the stocky side—but not fat stocky; solid stocky. He had black curly hair with some gray in it that made him look distinguished rather than old, and he had the musculature of a young, vigorous man. Perhaps in other circumstances, I would have found him attractive. But it was going to be hard enough struggling with him for control of the office without getting involved in any complications.

Of course, I was right about the struggle for control of the office. Panos tried to interject himself between me and the rest of the local staff from day