She saw Professor Brinkley emerge from the hotel doors and look around him.

‘Karl!’ she shouted in such a loud voice that the fishermen stopped jabbering and looked at her with admiration, wondering what would be her next move.

He made his way through the crowded tables and joined her. ‘Busy tonight,’ he remarked.

‘Yes. Takis said he’s almost run out of ouzo. Now look, Karl, what are we going to do about this statue? There must be something.’

Karl sighed. ‘Very little I can think of. We need more evidence. Even a photograph of the damn thing would be a start.’

They turned to find Ariadne staring at them. ‘I came to ask the professor what he would like to drink,’ she said defensively, and then added: ‘The goddess will be angry if we just abandon her statue.’

Before Dora could think of a reply her phone beeped, making her jump and causing Karl to fall about laughing. ‘You’re supposed to be the media hotshot,’ he informed her, ‘and I’m the old buffer, but at least I don’t jump when I get a text. How did you survive as a publicist in the unpleasant world of the Twitterati?’

Dora turned away, trying to block out the thought of being fired by Venus Green for this very reason: her incapacity to exploit social media. To think in the nurturing world of Kyri, she hadn’t even remembered it for days. ‘My God,’ she exclaimed, ‘it’s Moira texting from Santorini. They think they’ve found the base.’

‘Great idea to share that with the entire restaurant,’ Karl agreed. ‘Maybe you should leave a note at reception announcing it to your friend Mr Georgiades.’

‘Ariadne.’ Dora was suddenly serious. ‘I’m sorry you heard that. Please forget what I said.’

‘You have a very loud voice, kyria Dora. It’s a good thing none of these fishermen know what you’re talking about.’

‘Sssh, Ariadne,’ Dora replied crossly.

‘No. Not until someone finds the goddess.’

It was getting dark when Nikos dropped them back to the harbour, and there was no sign of Dora.

‘She must have gone to bed already,’ speculated Moira. ‘Are you up for a late supper?’

Penny shook her head. ‘Too much excitement. I’m going up, but I’m sure Takis will join you if you need some company.’ And indeed, there he was, walking towards them with his usual friendly smile.

‘See you in the morning.’ Penny hugged her. It was amazing how close they’d all become, after such a shaky start to this trip.

Penny had hardly opened the door when her phone rang. It was Nell.

‘How is everything there?’ Penny asked.

‘Really good. Naomi is responding very well to the new treatment. She may be allowed home tomorrow. Ollie has been looking for flights. They’d rather be in their own home as soon as it’s safe. But Penny . . .’