Page 135 of Villa of Secrets

They entered the Old Town by Freedom Gate, and walked though imposing walls that were forty-feet-thick in places, and dated back to 1330.

‘I can hardly believe we own a piece of this world heritage site. It’s absolutely amazing, isn’t it?’ Rebecca said.

Naomi nodded. ‘And stunningly beautiful, don’t you think?’

They took in the Temple of Aphrodite on their left, the decorative Arts Museum on their right, and opposite that, the Byzantine Museum. They turned into the Street of the Knights, treading the cobblestones and admiring the inns and residences of the Knights of Saint John. Carved sandstone architecture, clearly influenced by various countries such as Spain, Italy and France, lined their way. At the top of the street, they stopped to stare at the Palace of the Grand Masters, then carried on to browse souvenir shops and café-bars that lined the tourist’s way.

They passed the dusty-pink domed building of Suleiman’s Mosque. Naomi nodded at it. ‘Remember the Turkish Consul, all the lives he saved? What a brave man.’ They continued in silence, each with their thoughts of Bubba’s diaries, until they arrived at the Gate of Saint John.

‘Dora and Irini came through here with their belongings, didn’t they?’ Rebecca stared at the road over the moat.

Returning to Freedom Gate, they stopped in Jewish Martyrs’ Square. ‘Look, I don’t want to rush this,’ Naomi said. ‘I can imagine many hundreds of women and children gathering here, the whole wretched situation. The Rhodians hiding behind their shutters, watching Jewish families leave.’ She peered at the buildings, all tavernas or tourist shops now. ‘I’d like to go into the Jewish Museum and the Synagogue and find our family’s property, but I need to get back to Costa. It’s been lovely, Rebecca, but I’m starting to fret.’

‘No, that’s fine, don’t worry. It will be interesting to see how everyone’s coped without you.’

They both laughed.

*

Spartili Street was deserted, Naomi’s house empty. Suddenly afraid her grandmother had suffered a relapse, she called Angelo. Bubba answered. ‘Where are you?’ Naomi asked.

Bubba giggled. ‘I’m in one of those pop bars, drinking beer and eating a burger, child. But I’ll get Angelos to bring me home for a nap before we go for dinner. Costa’s here. Do you want a word?’

‘Naomi, love. Are you feeling better? They told me you needed a little space after all that happened. I can’t wait to see you,’ Costa said. ‘I’m coming home right away.’

‘I’m so relieved you’re okay, darling; the boys are too. Are they both with you? Wish I was there, but . . . Bubba’s in a bar?’ Naomi stuttered.

‘And loving it. I can’t wait to have you to myself, Naomi.’

‘You sure you’re okay, Costa? I mean, concussion, should you even be drinking?’

‘Don’t worry, we’ll be back in ten minutes.’

Naomi hung up and turned to her sister. ‘Bubba’s in a bar, swigging beer and eating burgers with your husband, my husband, and our sons, I can hardly believe it!’

‘Before you know, she’ll be smoking pot,’ Rebecca quipped.

‘She’s already done that, right?’ Naomi said and they both laughed.

Chapter 57

Bubba was sleeping, the boys still in the bar, and Rebecca back in her rented room with Fritz.

Naomi allowed Costa to lead her to the bedroom. He sat beside her, both of them silent, thinking of all that had happened over the past twenty-four hours. She turned and peered into his eyes and saw so much; fatigue, the remnants of fear, a spark of wildness that had attracted her to him decades ago. She found it impossible to be this close to him, and not marvel at the handsomeness of him. That a man of such beauty had fallen in love with her remained a mystery.

‘I thought I’d lost you,’ she whispered.

‘You’re not that lucky.’ She loved his gentle smile. ‘Come here, woman,’ he said tenderly taking her into his arms. ‘How many nights I’ve dreamed of being right here, with you. We have some catching up to do.’

*

That evening, family and friends gathered at Antonis Restaurant, in the nearby village of Trianda. Halfway through the meal, Marina rushed in. ‘Naomi! I have great news. Lord Bloomberg wants to talk to us about Pandora’s Box! We have an appointment with him next Monday. I can’t believe it.’

Naomi stared at her. ‘How did that come about?’

‘I took the opportunity to have a word with him after the court case, you know, thank him and all. I told him Pandora Cohen had started a family business of pure, natural, lotions and potions, and we were looking for funding. He’s interested in Pandora’s Box!’

‘Well done you! Can the day get any better? Why don’t you and Jason join us?’ Naomi said, waving the boy in the doorway over.