A Modern Nemo 8

Shoji Kawamura headed for downtown Tokyo, to the five-star hotel where Konstantiniadis was booked. He carried his backpack. In it were Konstantiniadis' book, some clothes and a few belongings. He did not tell his family where he was going.

"Excuse me," he asked the concierge, "what's the room number or Mr. Anthony Konstantiniadis? It's urgent."

"I'm sorry, sir," the concierge replied, "we can't just give the room numbers of our guests to strangers. It's company policy."

"Please, I need to speak to him!" Shoji insisted.

"I'm sorry, sir. I can't do that."

Shoji wouldn't take it. He ran down the hallway but was grabbed by two bellboys.

"Let go of me!" Shoji  cried as he struggled with the bellboys.

"Take him out, now!" said the concierge, coming up behind him.

Presently, Konstantiniadis came out of the elevator with several of his associates. He walked past Shoji, toward the coffee shop on the other side of the lobby.

"Mr. Konstantiniadis!" cried Shoji, "wait! I have to speak with you!"

Konstantiniadis stopped and turned. "Let him go," he said, motioning at Shoji.

The bellboys released Shoji. The young man ran to Konstantiniadis and bowed.

"You wanted to see me?" the businessman asked.

"Yes sir," Shoji panted. "Your book, I understand it."

The look on Konstantiniadis' face brightened. He put an arm around Shoji's shoulders. "Come with me," he said. "We'll discuss this over a cup of coffee."

Shoji nodded. "Thank you, sir," he said as accompanied the American and his associates to the coffee shop.

Maximilian entered his father's study and found seated near the window, reading Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. At the table in front of him was Konstantiniadis' book.

Maximilian picked up the book and flipped through its pages.

"You have to read Jules Verne before you go into that," remarked Eric.

"Captain Nemo?" asked Maximilian. "Yes, I've read it."

"We have to be wary of this Konstantiniadis character," continued his father. "He's about to unleash a catastrophe on maritime commerce."

"That would cause worldwide panic."

"Exactly," said Eric as he put his book down. "It looks like Chris will need some more protection for his ships. Tell your Uncle Leon to reinforce Chris' maritime security complement."