Page 88 of Villa of Secrets

‘They did, but Rhodes was returned to Greece. The bureaucracy, lack of documents, and legal costs meant eventually most realised the futility of the situation.’

‘So they’re allowing a hearing to put an end to the claims once and for all?’

‘Exactly. However, each step is hindered by procedure. The latest tactic? Every benefiting family member must attend court. Bear in mind, many live on the other side of the world, extended families but not rich. The case could take decades. How could they possibly afford to stay here all that time?’

‘Dirty tricks?’ Rebecca said.

‘Precisely. The cases were in alphabetical order, but many families have dropped out. Now, we’re first, the Cohens. We set the precedent. That’s why it was so important that you came. At the moment we’re awaiting instructions from our new lawyer and a definite date.’

Rebecca yawned.

‘Boring you, am I?’ Naomi joked.

‘No, sorry, so tired all the time,’ Rebecca said.

‘Ah, it’s the pregnancy. It will pass after the first trimester.’

‘I’m always afraid I won’t get that far.’

‘I have a feeling you’ll be fine. Why don’t you go to bed? We’ll talk tomorrow.’

‘Sounds like a plan.’ Rebecca got up and kissed her sister on the cheek. ‘Thank you, Naomi . . . for everything.’

*

Rebecca plumped a pillow and settled down. Whatever came out of the court case, she was pleased it had brought her back to her family.

She ran her hand over the diary. Her grandmother’s revelations were shocking. She wondered what Fritz’s grandfather’s journal would be like. What were his experiences of the war? The opposite side of an appalling story, she guessed; but they would never know.

Above all, Rebecca was inspired by Bubba’s bravery and selflessness, and she resolved to try and find that quality in herself.

She opened the diary and started reading.

Chapter 38

Late-afternoon, Thursday, 24 August 1944

Last night, when Giovanni had gone, I pulled off my dress and slid into bed. Irini’s body was cold. She mumbled something.

‘What?’

‘Don’t leave me, Dora. I’m afraid I’ll never see you again.’

‘We’ll always be together, Irini. I promise you. Now stop worrying, and sleep.’

We’d had no time alone since I came back from the swamps. I held her close, thinking we needed to talk some more, but dreams of Giovanni overcame me and I fell asleep.

At sunrise, Irini bridled Zeus. I went through the goodbyes again, spending too much time on Evangelisa and not as much as I would have liked with Irini.

‘Stay safe, Dora,’ Irini said squeezing my hands before she gave me a leg-up into the saddle. ‘I can’t wait for your return.’

I left for Kamiros Scala, nervous to ride Zeus alone. Irini had tied a rope from under the bridle to his chest. She assured me this would keep his head down and stop him from trotting off. Still, I was afraid and clung to the reins.

I wish I was braver; therefore, I am braver!

Mid-afternoon, after a long and tiring journey, I arrived at the abandoned fishing hamlet of Kamiros Scala. I secured Zeus to the village trough and worked the pump handle. He drank noisily. I stashed my duffel, the gun, and my dress in a crevice, and with my folding knife between my teeth, I ran across the rocks and leapt into the turquoise sea.

Oh, the glorious water!