‘That’s three now,’ Moira corrected. ‘I love the fact that it’s so reasonable here. I mean, this hotel, for example. You never feel like you’re being conned. And now he’s going to give it to us even cheaper!’

At that moment Takis arrived with their drinks. He handed out the wine and then the raki. ‘The Turks call it Lion’s Milk,’ he told them. ‘Medicine for soothing the mind and for healing the heart.’

‘That’ll suit me then,’ Nell commented as she took the drink.

‘Do you have a heart that is hurting, lovely Helen?’ Takis demanded, so quickly that the others stared at him.

‘Only because I miss my baby granddaughter,’ Nell replied, amused.

‘Ah, I see,’ Takis smiled back delightedly. ‘And here are the menus for tonight.’

‘Well, well, lovely Helen,’ teased Moira. ‘You clearly have an admirer there. I wish it were me, because then he might let me do what I want with the beach bar. But, first things first: who’s up for coming with me tomorrow to see where these pirates had their lair?’

‘I’d love to,’ volunteered Dora instantly. She’d just had a thought she wanted to follow up.

‘Great,’ Moira said, surprised. ‘Anyone else?’

‘Nell and I really ought to get on with the boathouses,’ Penny explained. ‘Now we’re being subsidized by Takis. I hope you won’t mind?’

‘Not at all,’ Moira grinned. ‘With Lovely Helen out of the way I can work on Takis about Treasure Island. But first I need to see the Pirates’ Lair.’ She looked at the row of small boats touting for customers to take on boat trips round the island. ‘Which of these do you think is likely to actually know anything about their history?’

Penny raised her glass. ‘You should ask Nikos. He has a boat of his own, and no one knows the island like he does.’

‘I might at that.’ Moira picked up her raki. ‘To Nikos, mayor of Kyri, practically perfect in every way!’

‘I thought that was Mary Poppins,’ Dora drawled, her face still directed towards the setting sun.

‘Isn’t having your face in the sun very ageing?’ Moira enquired.

‘I’m past caring about any of that crap.’ Dora shrugged her low-cut dress so that a bit more of her elegant cleavage appeared.

‘You could have fooled me,’ Moira giggled just as Takis was passing with another order. ‘Takis, one question.’

Takis skidded to a stop. ‘Are you enjoying your raki, kyria Moira?’

‘Very much. It tastes like vintage paint stripper. Your esteemed mayor, Nikos: how does he afford to have a boat and a lovely house on the beach? What is his secret?’

‘He used to be a – how do you say it – an accountant.’

‘An accountant?’ Moira almost choked on her raki.