Page 67 of Villa of Secrets

‘Ah yes. F.N. is the manufacturer’s logo. I googled it. A Browning pistol manufactured by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium. Absolutely nothing to do with Fritz Neumanner of Austria, or Frick Nüller of Nazi Germany.’

‘Wow, that’s a relief!’

‘I know. I also became suspicious when I read those initials. I started imagining all sorts. Then the diaries arrived and I couldn’t stop reading.’

‘A cunning plan by Bubba. She suspected curiosity would get the better of us. Changing the subject, what about children? I seem to remember you were going to have a netball team.’ She laughed kindly until she saw her sister’s face and realised she’d touched a nerve. ‘Sorry, Rebecca. I didn’t mean to pry.’

Rebecca shook her head, sniffed and smiled sadly. ‘No, don’t fret. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. I’m too tired now. Look, we’re here, Spartili Street!’

They argued about who’d pay the taxi before lugging Rebecca’s suitcases down the cobbled road.

Rebecca’s smile was over bright and again Naomi suspected her sister’s life was not as ‘fine’ as she pretended it to be. Clearly, Rebecca was anxious about meeting Bubba.

Heleny rushed out of her house as they approached. ‘Rebecca! How lovely to see you again!’ She grabbed Rebecca’s shoulders and planted kisses on her cheeks.

‘Heleny! Gosh, you look good. It’s been ten years and you haven’t aged a day!’ Rebecca said.

‘That’s your sister’s skin lotion, a miracle worker. Everyone loves it.’ Heleny walked with them.

‘So I was right. You are still mixing lotions and potions, Sis. I must have some of this fantastic cream. I can’t have you appearing younger than me.’ She laughed. ‘Perhaps I can assist with the packaging and promotion, or have you got it all organised?’

‘Not my forte, is it? I’ve done my best, but I’m glad of any help.’ They carried on down Spartili Street.

‘Does Papas Yiannis still live opposite?’ Rebecca asked. When Naomi nodded, she continued. ‘Great! I didn’t plan to bring gifts, but I noticed an icon of Saint John at the duty free and it reminded me of him, so I bought it.’

They stopped outside Bubba’s house. ‘Give me a minute, will you?’ Rebecca put her hand on her chest. She took a breath and exhaled slowly. ‘I have to stay calm. Doctor’s orders.’ She turned to Naomi. ‘No stress, but it’s difficult.’

Again Naomi heard alarm bells. She glanced at Heleny.

‘Right, I’m off,’ Heleny said. ‘Come around tomorrow, Rebecca. You know where I live there’s always a pot of coffee on the go.’

The cottage door opened. Rebecca’s eyes widened. Naomi patted her arm. ‘You’ll be fine, don’t worry.’

‘Stupid to be so anxious, Bubba’s an old lady.’

Papas Yiannis appeared from the doorway. ‘Rebecca! How wonderful!’ He held out his hand. She took it and kissed his ring.

‘Hello, Papas. It’s good to see you.’

‘Thanks for coming back,’ the priest said. ‘Bubba’s waiting. I was sitting with her while Naomi fetched you. She’s a little anxious.’

Rebecca nodded. ‘Not the only one. I’ll pop over tomorrow, if I may.’

The priest smiled and nodded.

‘Come on.’ Naomi linked arms with her sister. ‘Leave the suitcases. We’ll deal with them later.’

They went through the door together.

After the brilliant sunlight, the room seemed dark and their eyes took a moment to adjust. Bubba sat in her armchair and Naomi viewed her with Rebecca’s eyes, realising how pale and wizened she looked compared to ten years ago.

‘Oh, Bubba!’ Rebecca’s tears rose as she dropped onto a footstool beside the overstuffed chair. ‘It’s so good to be back.’ She kissed her grandmother and took her hand. ‘How are you?’

Bubba nodded, clearly emotional. ‘Thank you for coming, child. I understand it wasn’t easy – and before we go any further, I’m sorry for what I said.’ Tears trickled down her hollow cheeks. Naomi recalled the first time she saw Bubba cry, on the beach, the day her parents were lost at sea.

‘No, no, it’s me. I can’t apologise enough, Bubba. I was stupid and stubborn, and my behaviour was appalling. I regret everything, with all my heart. But you understand: I had to follow the man I love.’

Bubba stuck her chin out and narrowed her eyes. After a long silence, she muttered, ‘I’ve missed you. We should try to put the past behind us.’