Chapter 29 April 21, 2018 First Day in Split
The whole team, including Professor Moore, was impressed as they entered the elegant hotel. Barb told them to relax and clean up and meet on the rooftop terrace for drinks and dinner at 4:00 PM.
Barb had three bellhops carry her luggage to her room. They were very friendly and seemed very interested in the beautiful professor. Barb was flattered, but also puzzled at their unusually inquisitiveness about her purpose in Split. Barb didn't give any specifics, but gave them generous tips and sent them, reluctantly away (they were quite young and quite handsome).
She unpacked in her astoundingly sumptuous room. She loved her private, roof-top balcony. Finally in her ultimate destination, she decided to relax with a long hot bath. Unwinding in the soothing bath salts, she thought of Messaline. Several times in the last three days she had wanted to take the French girl in her arms and kiss her deeply. Of course, that wasn’t possible in public. But every evening she had felt the desire to slip down to her room, knock and make passionate love. Somehow, she had resisted. She was the one in charge and, even if Messa had participated willingly, no, eagerly, that night in Zagreb, Barbara could not be the one to initiate another session of passion with the young student.
The bath was so warm and sensuous. Barbara especially enjoyed the hand-held shower head.
Leaving leaving the bath reluctantly, she dressed and called Geoffrey and then Windar.
Early for the meeting she spent a little time reading in the hotel lobby. Barbara wasn't usually an overly suspicious person. But now she felt as if someone was spying on her. However, subtle glances around revealed nothing.
At 4 PM, Professor Moore walked out on the roof terrace of the hotel to be greeted by the team who were all there. Messa had ordered Champagne and Croatian finger food and the party seemed well under way. Barb was greeted by multiple versions of “OMG, what a place!” And she had to admit being a little awestruck also. Her room had been unbelievable, and to hear the others, all the rooms were like that. And on the sunny rooftop, overlooking the tiled roofs of the building within the palace walls and out over the harbor to the gorgeous blue Adriatic, was very impressive. She appreciated their desire to celebrate the progress.
Even swept away by the locale, Barbara was as focused as ever on the goal. She called the team to put down their glasses for a planning session for the next day.
“We still have two goals before us,” she stated. “The first, is to find documentary evidence of Brother Nickolas and his manuscript. With that we will have incontrovertible proof of the manuscript and all our names written in the annals of Medieval History!” {applause}
“I want Susan and Henry to go to Sinj to research the monastery Archives there. I have arranged a car and driver. You should ask for Father Željko. A librarian friend of mine has arranged with him for free access to their archives.” There were several discreet smiles around the others. Most on the team were aware of Professor Moore’s “relationship,” with Bodley's Librarian.
“Dig hard! Find anything you can on Brother Nickolas.” The two promised to find whatever was there.
“Messaline, David, and I will explore the palace and try to confirm any details of the manuscript that we can.” Seeing the eager, questioning faces, she added, “And, while we’re at that, we won’t ignore any clues to the Treasure location.” {applause}
“Now let’s enjoy the wonderful food that Messa has arranged!”
And they did, watching the sun go down in a magnificent blaze of glory over the Adriatic.
Delicious Croatian food, plenty of Champagne, and good company made the evening most enjoyable for all.
At 8:30, the party broke up and Moore made her way, slightly unsteadily, back to her room. She changed to her favorite sleepwear, a long (Minnesota Vikings) tee and comfortable cotton kinis and tried to do a little work at the desk before retiring.
Work was made difficult by three factors.
First, she’d definitely had a good amount of Champagne. It made her mind a little mushy tonight.
Second, she was getting a little worried about security. As they closed in on the treasure hunt, she thought more and more of the dangers of others who would lust after the gold for non-academic reasons.
Third, she kept thinking of Messa. Although she’d acted properly for the last several days, her thoughts had often returned to that night in Zagreb. As she sat at the desk, Barb fought hard against the desire to walk down the hall and knock on her student’s door.
She went back to the work, but a few moments later was picturing Messa’s sweet face and flowing blond hair. It was then that she caught herself rubbing the front of her kinis with her left hand. Oh my God! She thought. I’m wet!
Just then there was a knock on her door. Moore got up and went to answer.