“You seem to know a lot about me,” I said.

“We do. I’m afraid we had to check into your background before making my request of you.”

“And that request would be?”

In the kitchen alcove the kettle boiled, sending a loud shriek that made me rush before it woke Angelo. I poured the water into the teapot, then returned to the living room.

“You are in a prime position to watch the movement of ships. You know the Italians have navy vessels stationed here. Now they will be allowing the German navy to use this as a base from which to attack Greece, Cyprus, Malta. I’d like you to give us a daily account of shipping activity. If ships leave the harbour here, you tell us and we’ll have planes ready to intercept.”

“How would I tell you? Who would be left to tell?”

“Ah.” He turned a little red. “Someone will be sent to install a radio. It will be hidden so that nobody else knows about it. You can’t use it when that woman of yours is here. She cannot be allowed to see it. Is that clear?”

“Of course. Although she is not the brightest. She probably wouldn’t know what it was.”

“Nevertheless”—he held up a warning finger—“you will broadcast as soon as possible after you witness shipping activity.”

“To whom do I broadcast? And what do I say?”

“Patience, dear lady. All will be made clear,” he said.

I went back into the kitchen and poured two cups of tea, then carried them back on a tray to where we’d been sitting. Mr Sinclair took a sip and gave a sigh of satisfaction.

“Ah, tea that tastes like tea. One thing I shall enjoy when I get home.”

I took a drink myself and waited.

He put the cup down. “Do you know Morse code?”

“I’m afraid I don’t.”

“I’ll get a booklet over to you. Learn it as soon as possible. Along with the radio, you will receive a codebook. You will keep that hidden apart from the radio, in a place where nobody would think of looking. Your messages will be sent in code. For example, if you see two destroyers, you might say, ‘Granny is not feeling well today.’”

“And if the Germans break the code?”

“The codes will be changed frequently. You will not know in advance how you’ll receive a new booklet. Maybe a package from your auntie in Rome with recipes in it.” He shrugged. “Our secret service is highly resourceful. The good thing is that you will never have to make personal contact with anyone, so should you be questioned, you will not have to worry about betrayal.”

“That sounds so reassuring,” I said drily and saw the twitch of a smile on his lips.