‘No, it comes from the European Union, but Kea’s bottom of the list. Santorini and Mykonos top, and almost every other Cyclades island lay in between.’ He shrugged. ‘We need a sponsor if we’re ever going to get it opened to the public.’

‘What about crowdfunding? Surely there are enough fanatical First World War navy aficionados that would be interested in chipping in a few bob. Have you thought about opening a web page? After all, it can’t need that much money once it’s set up – can it? A building, a couple of part-time staff in the season. I don’t know.’

‘Me neither. There’s an abandoned enamel factory just off the port road, it would be perfect for the museum. But what we really need is something from the wreck that people would come halfway around the world to see, or perhaps interact with.’ His eyes narrowed as he spoke and she could see he was passionate about it.

‘Most things can be seen online these days. You mean, like the ship’s wheel?’

‘Perfect, or the prize of finds . . . how about the ship’s bell, the big one that was over the crow’s nest?’

‘Wow, that would be something!’

He grinned, enjoying her enthusiasm. ‘But it’s all up in the air, as they say. The dive centre takes up every minute of my day. Never found the time to look up how we’d fund a museum. You can’t imagine the hours I work.’

‘Ha, really! I set up my own veterinary surgery, don’t forget.’ She smiled at him. ‘I know how difficult these things are. Never enough hours in the day, are there?’

He laughed. ‘You’ve got that right!’

‘You work so hard to maintain a dive school, but when was the last time you dived for pleasure?’

He scratched the back of his head and squinted sideways. ‘Mm, two months back we had a client and nobody available to take him. But diving just for fun – for me – perhaps two years ago.’

She grinned at him, in their shared understanding. ‘About the museum, brainstorming’s pretty good, at least you get to see who’s really interested and enthusiastic.’ She took a breath. ‘I could give you a hand when I get back home. I mean, I don’t have to be here to help set up a website and I’ve just finished my latest online study. You could have it up and running by the time I come back.’

‘You’re coming back?’

An intense moment passed between them. ‘Possibly, for the turtles.’ She saw a question in his eyes as they met hers. And maybe for you, she mused, but didn’t say. Her eyes narrowed as a soft smile dusted his mouth. He knew – and she was glad, they were on the same level.

*