‘He thinks he has a better chance of staying alive in Cyprus.’

‘Would you be happier if I arranged some kind of police protection for you?’

Graeme spoke. ‘Nobody knows about this place, so it’s like advertising something is here.’

Kelly had to agree with him. She didn’t know what Matt would say about it, though, and she needed to keep Tilly on side.

‘What do you think, Tilly?’

‘I think Graeme’s right. I feel safe here.’

‘Right, Graeme, are you coming back with me?’

‘I need to get my car, so yes please, I’ll hitch a ride.’

Kelly made a note of Alex’s mobile number and they left Tilly looking small and afraid. She would make sure that a patrol car from the closest station drove past more than their usual once a year.

Chapter 39

Alexandros’s mother followed him around the house talking at him as he tried to pack. She told him of his auntie’s latest foot ailment, about the possibility of obtaining a rescue cat to replace the gaping hole in her heart left by Aphrodite, and about the layering of the perfect moussaka.

He’d persuaded her to close and lock both the front and back doors. She’d complained at first but he’d gone ahead and locked them anyway. He couldn’t begin to explain his real fears. Not only would it scare her to death; she’d also probably tell half of Larnaca.

His anxiety was crippling and he felt like a sitting duck where he was. Tilly was right: he had to be careful. He hadn’t even thought about the possibility of the military base somehow being involved, but they had police there who might already be looking for him. The endless scenarios in his head made him dizzy.

He trusted no one except himself. He’d even questioned if he should have faith in Tilly Knight. He went constantly back and forth in his mind about whether he should have confided in her, but then again, he didn’t really know that much. He had no idea who had it in for George and his research project; just how valuable it was. George had never said they might be in danger.

The villa was deep in the Troodos Mountains, and his mother had refused to go with him. His instinct told him that it was only him they wanted – professionals would be quick and tidy – so he gave up trying to persuade her. In fact he felt guilty that every moment he stayed here was putting her in greater danger.