Page 74 of Villa of Secrets

She stared for a moment longer, considering my words. ‘When do you suppose they’ll come home?’

‘I’m not sure, perhaps another week or two.’

‘I’ve written her a letter, like you said. Can you find out where they’re staying and post it?’

‘Of course. Run and get it, and I’ll make certain it goes with today’s mail.’

Poor Evangelisa. She misses Mama as much as I miss Papa. I have to keep the terrible truth from her, allow her to believe they are working on Kos.

She rushed back, holding out the letter. ‘There might be spelling mistakes, but I hope Mama understands and lets me off. I wrote about our adventure, how I’m learning to cook, and that I can’t wait for her to come home.’

‘Excellent. She’ll be missing you. The letter’s bound to cheer her up,’ I said as brightly as I could. ‘And I’ve got something for you.’ Her eyes lit up. ‘Clear the shelf over the fireplace while I get it.’

When she had, I pulled the Babushka dolls out of my duffel and gave them to her. ‘Now, line them up, all seven, and think of them as Mama, Papa, Danial, Sammie, Jacob, me and you. The family.’

She threw her arms around my neck. ‘Thank you! I’ll look after them and keep them safe, Dora. You don’t have to worry.’

Giovanni caught my eye with a quizzical frown. I turned my mouth down and shrugged.

Irini saddled Zeus. I kissed and hugged my little sister, and Xanthi too.

‘I will take good care of her,’ Xanthi said, holding Evangelisa’s hand.

‘Xanthi’s going to teach me the Sperveri, Dora! So when you get married I’ll be able to join the women who decorate the bridal bed, and sing about it, and do the dance.’ She nodded at Giovanni.

Irini noticed my blush and laughed. ‘Planning on getting wed, Dora?’

Eager to leave, I said, ‘Enough nonsense. Let’s go.’

Not knowing how long I’d be with Kapitanos Nikos, I stuffed a change of clothes into my duffel. I remembered the day Papa sewed my bag together in his workshop. He produced one for Irini too, and I recalled seeing it beside Irini’s sister, in L’Aeronautica. I hope she has it with her when she comes back.

Giovanni led the way through the woods.

When we reached the clearing, we aimed for the centre of the island. Giovanni rode the mule, while Irini and I were on Zeus’s back. We continued towards Psinthos. Near the outskirts of the hamlet, he tied a leading rope from the mule to Zeus and gave us our instructions.

‘Don’t turn into the village; go straight on and continue to Seven Springs.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Hide the crate close to the aqueduct entrance. Cover it well. Then Irini must return to Filerimos before nightfall with the horse and the mule, right?’

I repeated the orders.

‘Good,’ Giovanni said. ‘I have to collect my bike from a friend in Psinthos, so I’ll leave you here. Do you know the tunnel?’

I shook my head.

‘It leads to the lake. Once you find it, go halfway down, about a hundred metres, and you’ll come to an air shaft in the roof. It’s built like a well. You can’t miss it. Wait there. Someone will meet you and take you the rest of the way.’

‘How will I get back?’

‘Don’t worry. Nathanial’s going to organise your return. The crate’s the important thing. Whatever happens, make sure it doesn’t fall into enemy hands.’

‘Why? What’s in there?’ I asked.

‘That information’s not for you. Give me your gun.’

I handed him the satchel. He took out a box that contained bullets. I felt sick. He dismantled the pistol grip, which seemed to be a holder for the ammunition. After loading the shells, he slammed it back together.

‘If you find yourself in mortal danger, Dora, point the gun and shoot to kill. You don’t get two chances. Just do it, right?’

I swallowed hard. ‘Isn’t there some kind of safety lever?’