And he was pleased too that, despite his workload. he had still managed to spend time with Annika. After the evening they had had dinner together he had seen her often but, true to his resolve to keep a distance between them, never alone. Each time she had accepted his invitation to have lunch or dinner with him he had always taken her to some crowded restaurant or taverna. They had watched the Independence Day parade together from the balcony of an hotel in Heraklion and afterwards visited the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis on the Martinengo bastion of the old Venetian wall. And they had been to Knossos and Phaestos. But on each of those occasions Haldane had persuaded Babis and his wife, Sia, to accompany then. He had never once entertained Annika at his home and, using fatuous excuses, he had politely declined when twice she had suggested preparing a meal for them at her house. And it had not been easy for him. For each time he had seen her not only had he rejoiced more and more in her company but he had felt increasingly drawn towards her; had known that she felt the same way towards him and had said and done much to make him aware of this. And he had often seen the look of hurt surprise in her eyes at his reserve and his rejection of her warmth and her need for him.
On the morning that he received Lorna Matthews' letter, Haldane had got up early as usual and, after breakfast, he had gone to the boat intending to finish caulking the deck seams. But he did not get much work done. His mind was not on it. This was the day that he had decided to talk to Nikos and Elena and, although he had every confidence in his idea, he had no way of knowing how they would react to it. After two hours he gave up and headed home again to shower and change before strolling down to the taverna.
Christos, the postman, saw him approaching and waited gratefully for him at the foot of the stairway to the front door. They exchanged greetings and agreed that the weather was truly remarkable. Christos handed Haldane four letters and then shuffled away down the road. Without even glancing at his post, Haldane climbed the stairs and entered the house. Tossing the letters on to the .able, he went upstairs.
Spiridakis' secretary smiled and nodded Annika through into the inner office. The lawyer was sitting at his desk. He was delighted to see her. He stood up, moved to meet her and kissed her on both cheeks.
'You're looking well, Annika,' he said.
'Thank you.'
'And even more beautiful.'
Annika laughed. 'Such a welcome! I am glad I called in to see you.'
'So am I.'
'On an impulse. I had to be in Heraklion. I was passing.
I am not disturbing you?’
'Happily, yes,' replied Spiridakis, with a smile. 'Which only proves that I am not yet as old as I so often feel.'
Annika gave him an ironic look. 'Now you search for compliments in return.'
The lawyer laughed. 'Of course. So feed my conceit.
Flatter me a little.'
Annika studied him and then nodded. 'Very well, Babis Spiridakis,' she said. 'You are the most handsome and wisest of men.'
Spiridakis shrugged and made a gesture with his hands.
He hugely enjoyed this game which they played from time to time. 'Unquestionably,' he agreed.
'The cleverest lawyer in all Greece.'
'Without doubt.'
'And the most expensive.'
Spiridakis laughed. 'Naturally.'
Suddenly Annika's expression changed and she looked at him with great affection in her eyes. Now she was no longer playing the game; her tone was no longer bantering. 'But only to those who can afford to pay,' she went on quietly. 'The champion of those who cannot and who are in need. A loving and faithful husband and a proud father.'
Spiridakis held her look, catching her mood but resisting it. He smiled wryly. 'Well, no man is entirely without faults.'
But Annika was not to be deflected. 'You are also my dearest and most trusted friend.'
The lawyer took her hand. 'Now you really compliment me,' he said sincerely. 'And I thank you.' Then he lightened the mood once more. 'So then, when will you come and have dinner with us?' he asked. 'Only yesterday Sia told me to remind you that you have a standing invitation. '
'How is Sia?' enquired Annika.
'Very well, thank God. But neglected I fear. And taken too much for granted. As always. Fortunately for me, however, my wife is a woman of great tolerance and understanding. '
'She adores you. As you adore her.'
Spiridakis nodded. 'Yes. That is true.' He looked into her eyes. 'A light and a warmth we all need, eh, Annika?
Annika nodded. 'But not easy to find. And even when one does strike the sparks, the torch does not always light.'
The lawyer considered her and then said almost casually. 'Perhaps because one chooses the wrong kindling. English oak for instance.'
Annika frowned as he turned from her, moved back behind his desk and sat down again. She took a cigarette from the box on the desk and Spiridakis lit it for her. Then she crossed to the window.
'So tell me about Alan Haldane,' she said.
The lawyer regarded her thoughtfully. 'What do you want to know?'
'Everything. Who else can I ask. He is your friend.'
Spiridakis shook his head. 'More than that. My brother. l owe him my life.'
'So tell me about him.'
Spiridakis shrugged. 'He fought here in Crete during the war. With the Andarte. With my group. He was my right hand. We called him Leandros. And then, in nineteen forty-four, when the island was liberated he was sent back to England.'
Annika drew On her cigarette and then exhaled. 'Go on.'
Spiridakis picked up the pen lying on the desk in front of him and toyed with it. 'I know little about his life after that time. Except that he built boats. That he married and that six years ago his wife was killed in an accident.'
'All this I already know.'
Spiridakis studied the tip of the pen and nodded. 'Of course. He would have told you.' Annika turned to him. 'So what is there I can tell you about him that you do not know?'
'Of the man that he is,' she said. 'As you see him.'
'He is brave. And honest. A man who has made his share of mistakes and suffered for them.'
'And what is it that he is afraid of?' Annika demanded quietly. 'Can you tell me that?'
Spiridakis looked surprised. 'Afraid of! Little I think.'
Annika nodded. 'He is afraid of me. Of what I offer. Of what he knows I am offering. Freely and without reservation. Or even conditions.' She met Spiridakis gaze unflinchingly. 'Do I shock you?' she asked.
'No,' replied the lawyer quietly. 'Because I know you.
And because I admire your independence. And those things in you which others fear and resent. And because I know also that love is a gift that you would not give lightly.' He stood up again and crossed to her. 'Perhaps he doesn't wish to hurt you' he said.
'But for him it is the same way, Babis.' Annika's tone was urgent. 'He needs me as I need him. He cannot hide that. I see it in his eyes; know it in his presence.'
'Of harming you in some way then.'
Annika nodded. 'Yes. I think it is possible that he does fear that.' She examined Spiridakis' face searchingly. 'But how could he do that?'
'There are many ways in which one person may harm another. And not only by intent. Sometimes by default. ' 'You know, don't you?' insisted Annida, her eyes still on his face.
'You know what it is that he fears.'
Spiridakis hesitated. 'I know only this,' he said, choosing his words carefully. 'Leandros is a man I would trust with my life but you would trust him with your happiness. You would place it in his hands. And that is a terrible responsibility. One which he may feel he cannot accept.'
'Because I am wrong?' asked Annika, frowning at the possibility. 'Because what I have read in his eyes is only what I have wanted to read?'
Spiridakis put his hands on her shoulders and shook his head. 'No,' he said. 'Because you are right.'
Haldane descended the stairs, his hair still wet from his shower, a
nd moved quickly over to his drawing board, scooping up the letters from the table as he passed. The taverna would be quiet now and there would be time before the first customers began to drift in for lunch for him to go over his scheme with Nikos and Elena at least in outline. And then he would go into Heraklion and meet Babis as they had arranged. It will be good to have some transport again he thought. For more than a week he had been without any having surrendered the Kadett when it had finally dawned on him just how expensive car hire was on Crete. And buying one was even more prohibitive he found. It was Babis Spiridakis who had come up with the answer; Babis who knew everyone, Babis who could fix almost anything. Leave it to me. I will find a car for you, he had told him. And he had. Only the night before he had called Haldane on the telephone and said that there was a car in the Customs yard in Heraklion, impounded by the authorities for non-payment of duty, which he felt sure would suit him admirably. And if he wanted it, it was his for a very reasonable price. Haldane had not hesitated and they had agreed to meet at the Customs House at one thirty. Haldane glanced at his watch. Plenty of time.
He perched himself on the stool in front of the table on which his drawing board stood and flipped through his post. The first two letters were bills and the third was from his bank in England. He tossed them aside. The fourth letter with its handwritten envelope and English stamp intrigued and mystified him. The writing was familiar. He opened the envelope and took out the letter inside and read it. It was from Lorna Matthews. By the time Haldane got to the last page his expression was thoughtful and troubled. He frowned and read the letter through again. Then he sighed, shook his head sadly and slipped the letter and its envelope under a pot containing pencils standing on a corner of the table. He would answer it later.
Opening the long drawer in the table, he took out a sheaf of notes and a rolled-up sketch. He slipped the notes into his pocket, closed the drawer again, stood up and, with the sketch in his hand, made for the front door.
He was still some distance from the taverna when he saw Nikos storm out of the doorway. He was clearly very angry. Puzzled and concerned, Haldane pulled up and watched as Vassilakis got into his car, started the engine, slammed it into gear and drove away heedlessly and at speed. Haldane stood watching until the car was out of sight and then walked on again.
The bar was empty. Haldane waited for a minute or two and then, when there was still no sign of Elena, he strolled out onto the deserted patio. Elena was half way down the steps which Haldane now knew led not only to the guest rooms but also to the Vassilakis' own apartment. Her eyes were scorched and inflamed by tears. Lost in her thoughts and cloaked with misery, she did not notice the Englishman standing there until he spoke.
'Kalimera, Elena,' he said gently.
She reacted with a start of surprise and tried for a smile.
But with little success. 'Kalimera,' she replied flatly, as she crossed the patio towards him. 'You are not working on the boat today?' There was no real interest in her enquiry, she was merely making conversation.
'I have been,' replied Haldane. 'But I have to go into Heraklion. '
Elena nodded. 'Do you have time for a coffee?' she asked listlessly.
'Thank you.'
She moved away from him towards the bar. Haldane followed her. He settled himself on a stool and watched as she prepared the coffee. When she turned and set it down in front of him he said, 'Matter of fact I was hoping that if Nikos was going into Heraklion he'd give me a lift. But there's something I wanted to talk to you both about first.'
'Nikos is not here,' she said.
'No,' said Haldane, his eyes on her face. 'I saw him leave.' She shot him a worried look. 'What's wrong, Elena?' he asked gently.
'Wrong?' she countered defensively.
'Something is. Nikos was upset. Anyone could see that.
And you've been crying, haven't you?' Her expression took on the semblance of a scowl. Haldane nodded. 'Yes,
you're right,' he said. 'It's none of my business. But I'm fond of you.' He paused. 'Of both of you. And if I can help.'
Elena looked at him and her expression softened. 'You are a kind man, Leandros,' she said. 'And I thank you.' She shook her head. 'But there is nothing you can do. It is between Nikos and me.'
'A quarrel.'
She nodded. 'And we both said things to hurt the other. '
'I'm sorry.' Haldane picked up his cup and sipped his coffee.
'So am I. I do not wish it. It was never so before but these days we quarrel too often.'
'About what?'
Elena waved dismissively. She had no wish to continue this conversation. 'Please do not concern yourself. I have said. There is nothing you can do.'
'The taverna,' sighed Haldane.
Elena looked surprised. 'You know about that?' she asked. Haldane nodded. 'How do you know this?' Elena was beginning to brindle again. 'Who told you?'
'Babis Spiridakis.'
'Why?'
'Because it was necessary for him to tell me once he knew what was in my mind.' Elena frowned. Haldane went on, 'I told you I wanted to talk to you and Nikos, didn't I?'
'About the taverna?'
'Yes.'
Elena made an exasperated gesture and shook her head. 'You also wish to buy it?' she asked bitterly. 'Is that it?'
'No.'
'Then I do not understand.'
'I'll explain,' said Haldane. 'But first tell me this. Why won't you sell, Elena?'
Somewhat taken aback by this, Elena groped for justification. 'Because ... Because there is no reason to sell. We have what we need for a good life. We are not without money. Nikos has his fishing boats. And this is not only our home it is also a good business.'
Haldane nodded. 'And one which you worked hard together to build up.'
'Yes,' agreed Elena, building on her case. 'To sell would mean many changes I think. And I do not want changes. Already there are many hotels on Crete and not all of them are beautiful. This taverna has been here more than a hundred years. It is part of Elounda. It belongs here. As we belong here. Nikos and me. And our son.'
'And you have said all this to Nikos?' asked Haldane.
'I have told him how I feel.'
'But he still wants you to sell?'
Elena pouted angrily. 'Those who would buy from me have offered a great sum of money. Nikos says it would mean a new life for us.' Her eyes filled with tears again. 'But I do not want a new life, Leandros. I am happy with what I have. And so was Nikos before these people came to us and talked in many millions of drachma.'
Haldane felt desperately sorry for her. He knew only to well how she felt. He looked at her and gave her an encouraging smile. 'What if there was a way for you both to make more money?' he asked. 'Not millions. But a lot more than you do now and for you still to own the taverna. Would that make Nikos happy? Would that end the quarrelling?'
Elena nodded. 'If Nikos was happy there would be no quarrelling.' Then she regarded him searchingly. 'But how is that possible?'
'Simple,' replied Haldane. 'By realising the full potential of this place and capitalising on it. That's how. It's an idea I've had since I first came here. I've been working on it for the last few weeks.' He took the sheaf of notes from his pocket. 'It's all here. Facts and figures.' He tossed the notes down on to the counter and then unrolled the sketch. 'Look at this.'
Elena leaned forward, bewildered but interested.
Noukakis got out of the pick-up truck and looked up at the house. In the back of the truck, the top half resting on the roof of the cab, was an old wooden mast, badly in need of re-varnishing.
With a disgruntled expression on his face, Noukakis slowly climbed the steps to the front door and rang the bell. There was no response. He rang again. Still getting no reply, he opened the door and peered in. 'Hello,' he called. 'Are you there?' Silence.
Noukakis stepped into the room and looked around, curious and interested. He saw the framed photograph of Haldane's wife, crossed to it, picked it u
p and studied it critically.
Setting the photograph down again, he strolled across to the drawing board and examined the sectional drawing of Haldane's modifications to the caique which was pinned to it. He snorted contemptuously. It was as he was turning away from the drawing board that he saw the letter under the pot of pencils. Casting a look over his shoulder to make certain that he was unobserved, he moved the pot to one side. He checked the postmark on the envelope and then picked up the letter and read it. When he had done so he stood staring thoughtfully at it for a while and then very carefully he put the envelope and the letter back where he had found them.
And when he looked up again he was smiling.
CHAPTER TEN
Elena was impressed and Haldane had been delighted to see her mounting enthusiasm as he had outlined his scheme to her. She pored over the meticulous, colour washed, pen and ink drawing which lay unrolled on the bar counter between them. It showed the taverna as Haldane envisaged it if his plan were followed through.
'You did this?' she asked.
Haldane nodded. 'Yes.'
She gave him an admiring look. 'You are a very clever man, Leandros.'
'It's just a sketch; he replied deprecatingly. 'An impression. We'd need an architect to prepare the proper plans. So what do you think of the idea?'
'I think it is a good one. As you said, more money but without many changes. I would like that.'
'And Nikos?' he asked.
Elena's face clouded with doubt. She shrugged. 'Who can say?' she sighed. 'For myself I think Nikos would need much convincing.'
'If you like the idea then between us we will persuade him,' said Haldane encouragingly.
She shook her head. 'Oh, no. Nikos will not listen to me in matters of business. And as for you, Leandros.' She paused. 'Well you have only been here for a few weeks. He likes you but he doesn't know you well enough for you alone to convince him.'
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