Takis sighed, looking round at his restaurant with its pretty painted tables and chairs, crisp white napkins, each with a red rose in a vase decorating it, the bright blue sea a perfect backdrop. ‘Yes, we could certainly do with a few more customers. If it wasn’t my family working here I’d have to close down, and I don’t know what I will do when Ariadne leaves.’ His rubber face looked suddenly stricken until he forced himself back into his usual good humour. ‘Anyway, thank you ladies for trying to help. What can I do for you?’

‘Nell is worried about Dora.’ Moira, tactful as usual, jumped in with two feet. ‘She thinks she’s getting involved in something potentially dangerous.’

‘The statue, you mean?’

‘Yes.’ Moira piled her plate high with everything in front of them. ‘Although, if you ask me, the real danger to Dora is ending up as a carer for my lovely old mate Karl Brinkley.’

‘Moira, honestly!’ Nell tutted. ‘I’ve no idea if they’ll end up together but Professor Brinkley hardly needs a carer, and frankly I can’t imagine a more unlikely candidate than Dora.’

‘You mind my words.’ Moira popped an entire spanakopita into her mouth.

‘That was amazing,’ admired Takis. ‘Maybe we should have spanakopita eating contests at the beach.’

‘Anyway . . .’ Moira eyed the pitta bread, deciding what to put on it next, ‘do you know of a dodgy-looking rich bloke, smart clothes, always wears sunglasses, even at night, seen hanging round here lately who Dora thinks might be the kind of person in the market for an illegal statue?’

Takis sipped some wine and considered the question. ‘I know someone who sounds as you describe. But he owns a place on Santorini where you can buy expensive garden ornaments only. Greek urns, sun dials, fountains and, yes, statues, but nothing of real value.’

Moira raised a meaningful eyebrow at Nell. ‘Interesting. I think I’d better go and have a look.’

Before Takis could discourage her, they were interrupted by the arrival of a red-faced and flustered Penny.

‘Nell! Thank goodness I’ve found you!’

‘I’m not that hard to find. I haven’t even been anywhere.’

‘You haven’t got your phone on.’

‘No. I left it upstairs. Everyone I want to talk to is already here.’

‘It’s Naomi. She isn’t well, apparently. Marigold came looking for you.’

‘And where were you, anyway?’ Nell asked, as yet unbothered by the news. ‘I thought we were supposed to be painting more furniture today.’

Penny shook her hair in her usual gesture of extreme embarrassment. ‘I was at Nikos’s house.’