Pietro pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. “I am so sorry, my piccolina. I did not mean it. Like you, I am sick of this war, and I do not know whom to trust. Come, dry your eyes and let us enjoy our evening together.”
Pulling her back down to the blanket, he kissed her and she kissed him back. Elena felt the relief flood through her and inwardly sighed. Pietro stroked her head and tried to stop the nagging doubts from overwhelming him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Zakynthos, Greece, 1943
Two weeks after that night on the cliffs at Keri, Pietro found himself called to the German headquarters on the outskirts of Zakynthos Town. He was ushered into the briefing room to join a mixed group of German and Italian soldiers. He was instructed to take a seat at the table facing the officers. There was only one other seat next to him and he assumed that it was for Commandant Brandt. His assumption was correct and the commandant joined them a few minutes later, giving a brief “Heil Hitler”, before sitting.
“Gentlemen. Our radio officers have learned that the Greek resistance have been hiding an English airman on the island, no one knows for how long. We have tried searching for him, but we have been unable to locate him. It seems these peasants are good at hiding people. I will not tolerate this! We are in charge here!” As if to emphasise his point, the commandant thundered his fist into the table. The sound reverberated around the room, making the occupants jump.
“Enemy forces are going to try and rescue him in the next few days, but we do not have any other information. I have gathered you all together as you will be the group that will help stop the rescue and capture the airman. Any resistance involved will be shot. I will not tolerate this on my island!”
The commandant stood, signaling the end of the brief meeting. “Captain Cipriani. Come with me.”
Pietro stood and followed the German from the room. The commandant was stony and silent, and the only sound in the hall was the noise of his boots clicking on the wooden floor as they walked. Reaching an office, he opened the door and took a seat behind the large wooden desk.
“Shut the door and sit, Captain.”
Pietro did as he was told and waited patiently for the commandant to speak.
“When I arrived on the island, you were a pleasant surprise, Captain. You had run your men with a firm hand and, despite some of them being a little unruly, you handled things well. Now I am not so sure.”
Pietro shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“I know that when men are away from home for a long time, they like the odd pleasure in life. It is what whores were invented for after all,” the commandant laughed at his own puerile joke. “But to hear that a married man of your standing is running about the island for over a year with the same girl. It worries me. Did you know that you were fucking a member of the Greek resistance, Captain? Or had you just chosen to overlook the fact?”
“I…” Pietro had no words. He did not know if the commandant was testing him, or if indeed Elena really was resistance. He thought back to that night on the cliffs at Keri, and suddenly it all became clear. She had always been one step ahead of him, asking how his day was, gently prying information out of him when they were in bed relaxing. How could he have been so stupid? He knew the commandant was out for blood and, if he was not careful, Pietro knew it would be his.
“I never knew. I will do whatever you want, Commandant, just tell me.”
“You must get the information from her about the rescue. Then you will tell us.”
Pietro could only nod.
“Then, once you have played your part we will decide what to do with you.”
“Yes, Commandant.”
He motioned for Pietro to leave, but as he was opening the door the commandant spoke once more.
“I hope she was worth the trouble.”
Pietro did not answer and just carried on walking. He had two choices and both were very risky. He hated this damn war and wished he had never come to Zakynthos.
~
“I am going to be gone for a few nights, so I need you to look after Athena, Mama.”
“Where are you going?”
“You know that I cannot tell you that.”
“Is it safe?”
“You know that I cannot tell you that either, Mama.”
“You risk your life too much, my little one.”
“I do it for you and Papa, for my brother and my daughter, and for everyone else on the island, so that they have a future. Now, I must go or I will be late. Just remember that I love you. I will see you soon.”
She planted a big kiss on her mother’s cheek, and was about to lift her bag when there was a knock at the door.
Elena pressed her finger to her lips and peeked through the glass. Pietro? What on earth was he doing here?
“It is okay, Mama. I am going to open the door, but just be calm, do not say anything, just go about your business.”
Pietro grinned widely as Elena opened the door.
“Piccolina, I have brought these for you,” he said as he pulled a bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back. “I thought I could take you and your lovely daughter out for the afternoon?”
“Oh? Well I am not sure…”
“If there is something else you would rather do?”
Elena caught the glance from her mother, and knew she had to go with him.
“That would be lovely. I shall just get Athena ready. Mama, would you help me please?”
The woman nodded and followed her daughter into the other room.
Quickly and quietly, Elena gave instructions to her mother as she gathered up her daughter.
“Tell Georgios to go to the usual place. Dionysis needs to know I am unable to help. He has to cope alone.”
“Okay,” her mother whispered as she followed her daughter and granddaughter into the other room.
Turning to her mother, Elena kissed her cheek again. “Goodbye, Mama.”
“Goodbye, Elena.”
As her daughter left, Mrs. Petrakis sank to the chair, and cried for her daughter, before remembering she had work to do.
~
“So what made you want to see us, Pietro?”
“I have missed you and I thought that it would be nice to spend some time with you and your daughter.”
They were trundling through the island’s lanes heading towards the east coast. It was unusual to be so far north on the island; Pietro never came this way. It surprised her, but she pushed the nagging doubts down. It was not long before they reached a small cove, and Pietro parked up.
“Come, little Athena,” he said lifting her from her mother’s arms. “Let us explore.”
Elena watched as they walked ahead. Her daughter ran unsteadily on her short legs and giggled, pointing at birds in the trees and anything else that moved. Left to her own thoughts, she smiled. How she wished that Angelos could have been like this with his own daughter. It was not to be though. Instead it was an Italian soldier, an enemy of Greece, that was making Athena laugh. The thought unsettled Elena and she ran to catch up with them. Pietro sat on the sand and watched Athena running barefoot, playing with rocks and pebbles she found. Sitting next to him, Elena kept a watchful eye on her daughter.
“Why did you come today?”
“Because I needed to talk to you, Elena.”
“What about?”
“You.”
“Me?”
He sighed. “Elena, I know who you are, I know what you are and I came here to tell you that you are in great danger.”
Her heart hammered in her chest and she tried her best to keep her breathing as normal as possible.
“I do not know what you mean.”
Pietro lifted her chin and turned her head to face his and, in that moment, she saw it in his eyes. He truly did know. Everything.
“You, my piccolina, are resistance and have been for a very long time.”
“I…” she stammered, nervously looking about her, expecting to see German
s soldiers walking towards her with their guns held high ready to shoot. But none came. It was just the three of them, alone on the beach.
“You have no need to worry. No one is going to hurt you. I would not let them.” Pietro took her hands in his and kissed each one individually. “Oh Elena. Why did you do this? I love you so much, but you know it is impossible for you to stay here on the island you love, do you not?”
“Why, why is it so impossible? You are not going to tell them are you?”
“The commandant already knows.”
“He knows! You told him?”
“No! He told me. He knows everything. He knows all about the English airman, too. He knows that you mean to help him escape.”
“Oh god.” Elena felt the blood drain from her extremities and stared at her daughter. Athena was so precious to her and she would move heaven and earth to protect her. But how could she when the enemy was tracking her down, coming ever closer. She knew now that it was only a matter of time.
“Who gave me away?”
“That I do not know.”
“What shall I do? If they kill me, they will kill Athena too. I just could not bear it, Pietro.”
“I will help you.”
“You will?” she looked up at him and saw friendship in his eyes. “Why would you do that for me?”
“Because I love you. Because I hate this war. Because I just want to get off this island and get as far away from Commandant Brandt and his ruthless comrades as possible.”
“But how? How would we even consider getting off the island?”
“The same way as your airman. When you take him to the meeting point, you take Athena and me, too. We will go with him. Your resistance will help us.”
“I do not know.” Elena was confused. Pietro was the enemy, so how could she possibly trust him?
“Look at me.”
She did as she was told and he pulled her close. He kissed her ever so lightly on the lips, small butterfly kisses that moved to her cheeks. Softly he whispered his true feelings to her and her heart finally melted. She knew then that her decision had been made.
~
Dionysis and Angelos made their way into the village under cover of darkness and waited for the signal. Once they heard it, Angelos rushed forward to help the lone figure into the back of the cart. They had put extra material around the donkey’s hooves in the hopes of staying as quiet as possible. Traversing the back roads, they made their way east towards the coast to Xigia Beach. Just the thought of being back there again made Angelos think of the times he had spent there with Elena when they were younger and life was peaceful. A time when they swam and splashed in the water and lazed around, talking about their future. It now seemed like a lifetime ago.
Both men were scared to death of the rescue attempt. They knew that, if caught, it would be the death of them both, but they knew they had to do it. As they got close to the coast, Dionysis told Angelos to leave the donkey and cart in a field hidden behind a hedge. Angelos was to follow them down to the beach, but stay out of sight. If things went wrong it would be up to Angelos to raise the alarm.
As Dionysis neared the beach, he gave the signal and waited for one to come in return. When he heard it, he stepped out, with Richard following closely behind. Running down the edge of the beach, they kept close to the rocky outcrop. A boat was already moored with one man on board. Elena was patiently waiting next to the vessel, holding Athena’s hand. Next to her stood Pietro.
Dionysis pulled up short when he saw the child and the Italian soldier. Carefully, he pushed Richard forward and told him to get into the boat. Without a second thought, Richard did as he was told.
“What is going on here?” Dionysis demanded.
“I am sorry, but I can no longer stay here. I am leaving tonight with Pietro and Athena.” Elena lifted her daughter into the boat, as if to prove a point.
“You are leaving with him? He is the enemy. You cannot trust him, Elena.”
“But I do. I love him and he loves me.”
At that moment, Angelos, who had been watching in shock from his hiding place, let out a low whistle. Coming down the road were two vehicles: German armoured cars.
Dionysis heard the whistle and knew what it meant. He pulled his gun and pointed it at Pietro, but the Italian matched him move for move. It was then that Elena realised what was going on. Her worst fears had come true. As much as she had wanted to believe in Pietro, he had remained the enemy and had turned on her. Swiftly, she heaved her weight behind the boat, and reached over to Richard.
“You must protect my daughter, Richard. I beg of you. When she is older you must give her this.” Reaching into her pocket, she passed him the locket and a small envelope, careful words written in haste, in case the worst happened. She had hoped she would never need it, but Pietro, it seemed, could not be trusted after all.
“Promise me!”
She was waist high in water now and Richard knew that he had no choice. He took them from her, and stowed them safely in his pocket.
“Come with us!”
“I cannot.”
“Why?”
“I have to make sure Angelos lives. Now go!”
Elena smiled at her daughter, then turned her back and waded ashore. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that the boat was making good pace on the water, and was slowly disappearing into the blackness of the ocean.
The beach was suddenly covered with men in grey uniforms and Elena knew it was over. There was nothing she could do but surrender.
Dionysis turned and began firing on the Germans but Pietro shot him in the back. As Dionysis fell to the ground, Pietro grabbed hold of Elena and pulled her roughly up the beach.
Commandant Brandt stood on the shore, watching as they neared.
“So this is the resistance peasant who has been giving us the runaround,” he sneered as he traced his finger down her cheek.
Elena glared defiantly at the German and spat at him.
“I have a lot of questions for you. Take her to headquarters.” The Commandant ordered. “Captain Cipriani, you will ride with me.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Zakynthos, Greece, 2002
Kate walked into the already familiar house in Exo Hora and glanced around her, taking in the surroundings. She had not really paid attention the last time she was here. It was quite small, but felt very much like a well-loved home. She could tell that family was important to the owners; pictures of them littered the walls and furniture surfaces. She liked it very much.
“We are out the back, come this way,” Sophia beckoned kindly.
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to talk to your father,” Kate said.
“Please, call him Angelos. It is easier than calling him my father. It is okay. I know how important this is to you.”
Angelos was sitting in the same chair, under the veranda. Sophia went over to him and placed her hand on his arm, speaking to him in Greek.
He looked up at Kate, with eyes wide and unbelieving.
“Elena?” His voice was barely a whisper.
“Like I said, he gets confused sometimes.” Sophia turned back to him and spoke in Greek, “No, Papa, this is Kate. You remember Kate from the other day.”
Sophia turned back to Kate, motioning for her to sit. Kate took the chair opposite and studied the man again. Sophia sat next to her, and reminded her father why Kate was there. He nodded and occasionally glanced at the stranger across from him. Finally he spoke, slow meandering Greek words that Sophia translated.
“I never thought I would see you again, Elena. But here you are sitting before me. How can this be?” His eyes were glistening with tears.
“I am sorry, Kate. He really does get very confused.”
“I understand. I don’t want to upset him.”
Angelos pawed at his daughters arm, trying his best to stand. He muttered insistently in Greek and Sophia helped him to his feet.
“Excuse us for a moment, Kate. He w
ould like me to get something.”
Kate looked out across the garden for a few minutes as she patiently waited for Angelos and Sophia. As they reappeared and took their seats, she noticed the old man was carrying an aged shoebox. With unsteady hands, Angelos opened the box and rifled through the contents until he finally found what he was looking for: two aging black and white photos, which he stared at for a moment before passing them to his daughter.
“Elena,” he said, pointing at the pictures, and then Kate.
Sophia looked at the photographs and then at Kate. The resemblance was remarkable, and it shocked her. Who was this girl that sat before her and how was she related to her father? Hesitantly, she passed the images to Kate.
Disbelief rippled through Kate as the woman in the pictures stared back at her, a mirror image of herself. She was dumbstruck and looked up at Sophia questioningly.
“She looks just like you,” Sophia said, confirming Kate’s own thoughts.
“She does,” Kate breathed with barely a whisper. “Is she Elena Petrakis?”
Sophia turned to her father, speaking slowly. He looked at Kate and then back at the photographs. Kate allowed him to take his time. She could see it was hard for him. The memories that he was pulling from the furthest reaches of his mind were from a time he would rather forget. She allowed him to go at his own pace.
A faraway look on Angelos’s face altered his features; he suddenly looked younger, much younger. He had been transported back to a past memory, a memory that obviously meant a lot to him. He looked happy, but more than happy. He looked serene.
Slowly, Angelos began to speak and he told Kate everything: the first time he had met Elena Petrakis, how he had fallen in love with her, and how they had conceived a child together and called her Athena, but that they were never married, how his father had forced them apart, and how, against his own wishes, he had been made to marry Maria Makris. The serene happy look fell from his face and he began to tell them about the war. How they had been invaded and how they had been plunged headlong into a vicious bloody battle. His entire life story came out, in every minute detail.
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