‘Over there.’
‘Doesn’t look much like a village to me. More like a hamlet, or just a ham.’
As they approached, Maddie could see the white stone walls around the property, and something moving in the gardens.
‘What is this place?’
Sofia and Charlotte pretended not to hear her.
‘Hello?’
‘You’ll find out soon enough.’
The road curved away from the buildings and along the cliff for the next few metres, so Maddie was none the wiser.
Sofia had brown stains all over the back of her expensive white linen shorts which she’d be absolutely furious about, was Maddie’s main thought as they rolled up to the entrance.
‘Surprise!’
Chapter Twenty-Two
The name Bright Light Cat Sanctuary answered her questions. As did the preponderance of the creatures rubbing round her ankles the second they were inside the gate.
The door opened and a tiny dark-haired woman with wild curly hair rushed out to greet them, embracing Sofia in a tight hug.
‘Angeliki!’ Sofia’s voice was so loud that Maddie had to cover her ears.
‘Sofia!’
The answering call from the other woman was even louder, and the two of them eventually disentangled after more cheek kissing and exclaiming, before Angeliki turned to greet them.
‘Welcome.’
Maddie made do with a handshake as did Charlotte. Sofia was still beaming with joy.
‘I take it you two know each other?’
‘Yes, Angeliki is a friend of Grace’s, and I hope she’s become my friend over the last year too.’
‘Vevaíos!For sure we are friends.’
Sofia made the heart sign with her fingers.
‘I didn’t expect to find you here today though. It’s a real bonus.’
Sofia patted her friend on the shoulder once more before turning to the others.
‘Angeliki has a veterinary practice in the town. She’s very dedicated and works all hours.’
The vet did a mock curtsey.
‘Thank you for that. I volunteer here for the odd shift and do some of their urgent operations as well as regular sterilisations of the cats to keep the population down. Can I show you all around?’
‘That would be great.’ Maddie frowned. ‘Why do I detect a slight Scouse accent?’
‘Because I trained and lived in Liverpool for ten years.’
‘That’ll be it then. Great city.’
