I nodded, my mouth too dry to speak. The teacher steered me back into the classroom. The three Greek men stared at us, unsure how to proceed with such important information. The mayor cleared his throat, squared his shoulders, and made what sounded like a formal announcement. Pavlo started to translate but the schoolteacher placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder before giving us the news himself.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, HMS Redemption has arrived in Syros to embark the remaining British survivors. You will go to Syros with the mail boat in the morning.’

This is it; I’ll be in prison by Christmas, hated by those who lost loved ones, and my dear family shamed.

Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

SHELLY

Dover, present day.

THE TAXI PULLED UP OUTSIDE White Cottage. Shelly, lost in thoughts of Harry and her amazing holiday, stared at the house. The driver cleared his throat.

‘Oh, sorry,’ she said, pushing the fare and a tip into his hand. ‘Daydreaming.’

‘I’ll get your suitcase. Good holiday, was it?’

‘Brilliant, but it’s always nice to get home.’

‘It is, indeed. Goodnight now,’ he said, after hefting her case to the gate. ‘Or should I say, ’morning as it’s near on two o’clock.’

After a dreamless sleep that left her fully refreshed, Shelly entered the kitchen. The room smelled of beer, BO, and bacon. Her father and Bill Grundy were laughing and cooking a fry-up.

‘Morning, Dad, morning, Bill!’

‘How was the trip?’ Gordon asked.

‘I’ll tell you about it tonight, but I’m late for work – see you later,’ she cried, grabbing her bag and keys.

‘Ere, Shelly love, don’t you want some breakfast?’

‘No time, Dad.’ She kissed him on the cheek. ‘Must run. I’ll bring fish and chips in this evening, OK? Is everything all right? No problems?’

They both nodded and shook their heads in a way that told her everything was fine.

‘See you later then. Try not to get into trouble!’

*

Shelly arrived at the surgery at the same time as Eve. ‘You look well,’ Eve said. ‘Did you have a good break? How was the diving, photography – and did you meet anyone outrageously sexy?’ She narrowed her eyes with a look of mischief.

Shelly laughed. ‘Actually, yes, brilliant on all three counts. What have we here?’ She pointed to the doorstep where a dead goldfish lay belly up in a glass bowl. ‘Oh dear, not again.’ She opened a letter taped to the side.

Deer Vet Shelly, can you make Bob bettor agane. I will come after skool with my mum. Thank you, Ann Jones, age six.

Eve rolled her eyes. ‘Another poorly goldfish?’

‘Poorly as can be; Bob the third, deceased. Nip down to the pet shop when you get a mo’, would you?’

‘Only if you promise to tell me every detail of your holiday. It’s been so quiet while you’ve been away.’