Penny was in one of her worrying jags when it suddenly seemed that everything might come crashing down around her. Nikos could change his mind about loving her, and she might find there was no money left in her bank account from her legacy. She had worked this out very carefully, but she hadn’t budgeted for staying so long in Greece.

They were due to be introduced to the flamboyant Stelios in half an hour, in Karl’s room rather than down in the bar, because his connection with all of them needed to be discreet. Penny decided to go down to the cash machine on the corner next to the bus stop and double-check her balance first.

Kyri town was in its busy pre-dinner mood. Little boys were still kicking a football on the quay, jumping up and down with glee if they managed to hit one of the family of ducks who had taken over the harbour as their home. Teenagers frisked among the tamarisk trees on the beach, engaging in flirtation disguised as noisy volleyball. Ancient diners were ordering the Greek version of their Early Bird Specials. Noisy tourists were kidding themselves that they were having ‘one last drink’ before getting on their boats back to other islands. Takis was chalking up the menu that Cassandra was busy cooking in the kitchen. From the window above, Penny saw saw Nell waving down at her. Penny took it all in with almost overwhelming affection as she walked towards the ATM. She was right that her personal account was worryingly low, but at least she knew there was plenty in the joint account. Discreetly she inserted her red Santander card – only to be told there were no funds in the account. Colin had removed all their money!

Cold panic gripped her. Had he transferred it to his sole account, or taken out a large sum to pay for a flight and hotel somewhere? It would have been so much easier if he was still working. She could have just rung his business partners. But these days he was a free agent, dabbling in investments or deals as they came along. She wondered for a moment about ringing the bank, but they probably wouldn’t tell her where he he’d been making withdrawals. If only she had his password she could look online, but he’d never wanted her to have it and she’d never made a big issue out of it. It somehow summed up their relationship. As usual, he had all the power.

Dejectedly she walked up the back staircase, to Karl’s room. She could tell which one it was from the noisy laughter. So much for complete discretion.

The others were already assembled. Naturally Dora had brought a bottle of wine and six glasses, and some snacks snaffled from the bar.

‘So, Stelios,’ Karl enquired jovially, ‘what have you discovered so far?’

‘The poor man only arrived this morning,’ pointed out Nell.