18. CRETE
EIGHTEEN
CRETE
The White Rose sailed past Spinalonga at 7a.m., and Tess was on deck to gaze at the island where once lepers were banished from their homes and families, never to return. It must have been a desperately sad place, and yet she’d read that the lepers built themselves a community and got on with it. She’d have loved to visit the island, but this cruise was proving to be a mere taster for places she’d like to see in much more detail. She vowed to return. She couldn’t work out either why they’d had the best part of two days in Rhodes, but were only scheduled to have one in Crete, which was the largest island and where she’d have liked to spend more time. Ed reckoned that the captain probably hailed from Rhodes and he fancied the extra day with his family. Whatever the reason, if they wanted to see anything of this island, there was no time to waste.
As Spinalonga was left behind, Tess gazed at the White Mountains in the distance and the sprawl of Heraklion ahead, then returned to the cabin for an early breakfast before meeting up with Barry for her daily dose of culture. Orla, in the meantime, was going to have her hair done and would meet Tess for lunch, and to explore the shops .
‘I’m having withdrawal symptoms in the absence of any retail therapy,’ she moaned.
Tess set off and found Barry looking quite jaunty in a smart red shirt and white shorts. He too had acquired a tan, and was bright-eyed in anticipation of a few hours in his magic world of history.
Sailing into Heraklion, the first thing they saw was the impressive Koules Venetian fortress on the harbour walls, but their initial impression of the city itself was disappointing: dusty, noisy, chaotic, with cars, scooters, trucks, angry drivers and masses of concrete. Of course, it was the rush hour, Tess thought, looking around, but she doubted somehow that she was going to like this place very much. However, the museum did not disappoint. It housed a wealth of Minoan artefacts; the Minoans, Barry informed her, were the first advanced society on European soil some four thousand years ago. There were also classic Hellenic and Roman sculptures, frescoes, jewellery and pottery.
Barry was in heaven. And he’d been absolutely right: by the time they’d got round the greater part of the museum, the hordes of visitors were arriving in force.
As they emerged blinking into the sunshine of the square, Barry announced he was getting a bus to the Palace of Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement about half an hour’s drive away. Tess felt some concern at him setting off on his own. ‘Will you be all right?’ she asked, hoping not to sound too anxious.
‘I’m fine,’ he said, ‘I’ll be sitting on a bus most of the time, and I have my phone with me.’
Tess was already regretting that she couldn’t go with him, but she’d arranged to meet Orla outside the museum. After all, you could see the shops any old time, but she was gaining a taste for history now. She’d also like to see so much more of this beautiful island, as opposed to just its capital. There simply wasn’t time to do everything, and she resolved to come back one day in the not-too-distant future.
She and Barry parted company, and Tess waited for Orla, who was late as usual. When she arrived, Tess said, ‘After lunch and the shops I’d like to do some kind of short tour, to see something of the island.’
‘OK,’ said Orla, ‘we’ll have a gander round a few shops before lunch, and then we’ll do something else this afternoon.’
They gazed at outfits they couldn’t afford in the windows of the designer outlets on Daedalon Street and then, purely by chance, found the Zeus international restaurant, flying the flags of every nation and displaying an impressive selection of menus outside.
Tess laughed. ‘I’ve read that Zeus was born in a mountain cave in Crete, but there was no record of him being in catering!’
‘Good old Zeus!’ said Orla, studying the menus intently. ‘And look! We don’t have to have anything with lamb or aubergines or bloody vine leaves! Hey, steak and chips, lasagne, curry – have we died and gone to heaven?’
‘Don’t get too excited,’ Tess warned. ‘We haven’t tasted any of it yet. But I’m willing to give it a go.’
The proprietors had done their best to create a rustic atmosphere, though it was somewhat marred by the roar of traffic outside. But the staff were pleasant, there was wine already on the tables, and a nice garlicky smell permeated the air. Orla settled for the steak and chips which, she later admitted, provided a dental challenge. Tess had a lasagne and salad, which would not have been approved of by any passing Italian, but it was edible. Unfortunately the Greek wine, so generously provided, would be unlikely to have been approved of by anyone. Nevertheless, they needed something to wash it all down.
‘There are days,’ sighed Orla, ‘when I dream of Boulters and our lovely lunches.’
‘I’m inclined to agree with you,’ said Tess. ‘Do you want a second glass of this stuff?’
‘Oh, go on then. I suppose it’s better than nothing.’
What are we like? Tess wondered to herself as she refilled their glasses. At least it was free.
There wasn’t enough time to do a tour of any length, so they opted for the yellow hop-on, hop-off double-decker open-top tour bus, which transported them to the traditional parts of the city. It also took them to the fortress and out as far as Knossos, both of which Tess wanted to explore, but time was limited. She wondered how Barry was faring, but of course there was no sign of him during their brief stop at Knossos. She would be coming again, but it was extremely unlikely that poor Barry would. She’d love to see the mountains with their caves, and the cliffs on the south coast, all of which she’d read about in the brochure. Even without disembarking at any of the tourist spots, they only just made it back to the boat on time.
An hour later, as the liner slowly sailed out of Heraklion, Tess did her final lap of the promenade deck. Tomorrow they would be back in Piraeus and the cruise would be over. As she headed towards the cabin, she espied Alan coming towards her .
‘Hi!’ he shouted. ‘Had a good day?’
‘Yes, we did,’ Tess replied. ‘But did Barry get back OK?’
Alan nodded. ‘He did, but the poor guy’s completely knackered. Don’t think he’s feeling too good either.’
‘Oh, poor Barry.’ He’d obviously overdone it, she thought. ‘He did tell me about his problems.’
Alan nodded. ‘I was worried about bringing him along, you know. He was given a matter of months a year ago, and he’s still with us. But you just never know when…’ His voice tailed off.
‘I think it’s great that he came along, Alan. I know it must be a worry for you, but he’s so happy when he’s pottering round museums and things.’
Alan grinned. ‘Yeah, makes it all worthwhile. He’s a really nice bloke and life’s dealt him some rotten blows. But I have to admit I’ll be glad to get him home. And thanks for inviting him to join yourself and Orla.’
‘It really was a pleasure,’ Tess said sincerely.
‘Well, just on my way to meet up with Peggy,’ he said. ‘See you around!’ And, with a wave, he was off.
As she emerged from the shower soon after, Tess decided tonight was the night to wear the white shift dress she’d brought with her and, at one point, had wondered if she’d ever get into again. She’d bought the dress years ago in Pisa, on a Tuscan holiday with David, back when she’d been reasonably slim.
‘That dress is absolutely you !’ he’d said. ‘But you’d better not put any weight on! ’
Admittedly it had been a neat fit even then, and she’d never been slim enough to wear it since. She’d even hesitated to bring the dress with her, wondering if she could wear something so closely connected with David without feeling sad. But she was now recovering from that sadness, and he’d surely have approved of both her weight loss and tan, although he’d always insisted he loved her just the way she was. The dress was beautifully cut and a classic shape, but needed the tan to set it off. Tonight’s the night, Tess decided.
‘Wow!’ said Orla as she came out of the shower. ‘Don’t you look fantastic! What a pity there isn’t a half-decent bloke around here to appreciate you! There is that dishy doctor, of course, if you can ever manage to run into him again.’
Tess had been thinking along the same lines, particularly as it was their last night on board. Since she’d hardly set eyes on him all week, it seemed unlikely she’d run into him now. And it was a pity, because the dress fitted better than it ever had. Never mind – she was looking good for herself .
Tonight Ed’s camera shots were on display in the art gallery. She and Orla headed up there; Orla in a very attractive red dress, Tess feeling better than she had in years. The art gallery had some colourful paintings by Greek artists, which lined the walls. Some of them Tess liked very much, and might have been tempted to buy had they not been flying home with one suitcase per person.
Ed’s photos were displayed in a long line down the centre of the gallery, where Ed himself was holding court clad in a pink shirt and blue jeans. He was a talented photographer and had taken some wonderful unposed informal shots of passengers at hilarious moments; and of Greek scenes, old men and local children. There was one of Peggy tripping on the dance floor, several of people pulling faces as they talked, and one, Tess realised with horror, of herself fast asleep on the chair after too many drinks on that first night.
Orla roared with laughter. ‘I’ve seen that old bat somewhere before!’
‘I’ve seen this old bat around too,’ said Tess with glee, pointing at a particularly unflattering shot of Orla pulling a funny face.
‘Bloody hell!’ exclaimed Orla. ‘Whenever did he take that? I’ll throttle him!’
Then, as Tess turned round, she looked straight into the dark brown eyes of the dishy doctor. God was in his heaven after all!
‘Tess!’ he said. ‘Don’t you look lovely!’
Tess was dumbstruck for a brief moment before she was able to say anything. Then she said, ‘Thank you, Sanjeev!’ She wanted to add that he didn’t look too bad himself in his dark blue shirt and white jeans.
‘I’m finally free,’ Sanjeev said, ‘as the lectures are over, and so are the organised meals and sightseeing. It’s been interesting, but a little restrictive.’ He smiled.
‘I hadn’t realised you were on some sort of course,’ Tess said.
‘Well, it wasn’t exactly a course, more a series of lectures. Beautiful surroundings, of course, but quite intense. It has certainly improved my knowledge, as some of the professors who were giving the lectures are the best in the world. It was expensive, but worth it. Anyway, enough about me! Have you enjoyed the voyage?’
‘I have,’ Tess replied. ‘So many stunning places, but not enough time in any of them.’
‘I couldn’t agree more. This was one reason why I’ve never fancied cruising. I like to get to know a place, to get the feel of it, meet the locals, that sort of thing, and not to be forever moving on. Now, would you like to have a drink?’
‘Yes, please,’ Tess replied, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.
‘Have you been up to the Seagull’s Nest, next to the White Rose restaurant?’
‘No,’ Tess replied. ‘I haven’t yet reached such dizzying heights.’
‘Time you did then! Shall we go?’
‘Let me just have a quick word with my friend, otherwise she’ll wonder where I’ve got to.’
Tess found Orla standing next to Ed, who was surrounded by admirers asking about cameras and shutter speeds and a barrage of technical questions.
She nudged Orla. ‘I’m going with the lovely doctor up to the posh bar next to the White Rose restaurant.’
‘Good for you! At last! Enjoy,’ Orla said. ‘Wish I was coming with you, but Ed’s in his element here rabbiting on about his bloody photos. To be honest I don’t understand the questions they’re asking, far less the answers. See you later – maybe?’
‘Some excellent shots,’ Sanjeev remarked when she re-joined him. Tess prayed he hadn’t come across her less than flattering photo. She relaxed a little as they left the gallery.
The Seagull’s Nest was a calm oasis in mainly green and white – as opposed to the blue and white that appeared everywhere else. There were seagulls painted on the walls, and a great deal of foliage.
‘What would you like to drink?’ Sanjeev asked. ‘A cocktail, perhaps?’
Tess had sudden unwelcome memories of Sarasota Sunsets.
‘I’m told the Aegean Sunset is very good,’ he added .
Another damned sunset! Did she dare? Well, she thought, Sanjeev is not the type of man to be putting me to bed and, even if he were, at least she wasn’t wearing her big knickers.
‘I’ll have an Aegean Sunset then, please.’
Tess sat down on a green chair at a white table and looked around. Everyone was well groomed, talking quietly, and there wasn’t a tattoo or a medallion in sight.
‘Here we are!’ He placed two tall glasses on the table. Tess’s was a foamy concoction, topped with pineapple and a sprig of greenery which looked like mint, but wasn’t. Sanjeev’s looked different.
‘Cheers!’ They toasted each other and Tess asked, ‘What’s your cocktail called, Sanjeev?’
‘Ah,’ he replied, ‘this is called a Dis-Crete Devil! Clever play on words! Actually it’s a mocktail , no alcohol. I don’t drink, you see.’
‘Oh,’ said Tess, not quite sure what to say.
‘Not particularly for religious reasons,’ he added, as if sensing her discomfort. ‘I just don’t much like alcohol.’
With this in mind, Tess decided she’d better not gulp down her delicious drink, which she guessed was rum-based. She didn’t want him to think that she was too fond of her booze; that wouldn’t do at all. She’d concentrate on being ladylike and take delicate sips.
‘So, are you with a group, Tess?’ he asked.
‘Um, yes,’ she admitted, feeling slightly awkward. He was plainly awaiting some detail. ‘We’re called MMM, a social group.’
‘What does that stand for?’ he asked. ‘MMM?’
Tess hadn’t time to dream up an acceptable answer. ‘Well, it’s actually Meetings for the More Mature,’ she said.
He didn’t flinch. ‘And are you all ladies? ’
‘No, there are a few men as well.’ But not nearly enough, she thought.
‘So, I take it you’re not married or anything?’
‘Good heavens, no!’ Tess replied. ‘I was once, though. A long time ago. We divorced, and since then I’ve had a lovely partner, but sadly he died. What about you?’
‘Yes, I too was married years ago, but my wife died also. Cancer, would you believe? And I could do nothing to help her. Nothing. It had spread too much and she had concealed her symptoms.’ He looked sadly into space. ‘It’s made me all the more determined to do everything I can to help eliminate this disease.’
‘I’m so sorry about your wife. Did you have children?’
‘Oh yes, I have two sons. One is also a doctor, but he’s a GP, and the other’s a lawyer. I’m very proud of them both.’
‘I’m sure you must be. I have two children also; Matt’s a computer whizz-kid, works for Apple. Goodness knows where he gets his talent from – certainly not from me. And my daughter, Amber, is a make-up artist. She works on films and TV.’
‘We are very fortunate to have such clever offspring,’ Sanjeev said, smiling. ‘Are you enjoying your cocktail?’
‘It’s delicious,’ Tess said, remembering to take only a delicate sip because the glass was nearly empty, and wondering if he’d offer her another one. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lavinia sitting at a nearby table with three men. She couldn’t resist asking, ‘Isn’t that your friend over there?’
He turned round. ‘Friend? They’re all members of our group, but none of them is a special friend.’
‘The lady… she’s very pretty. ’
‘What, you mean Lavinia?’ He frowned. ‘She’s one of the organisers. Very bossy!’
‘Oh!’ said Tess, trying not to appear too delighted. She took a final sip, feeling much more relaxed now, much less inhibited. She had to be careful though.
‘Did I see you running round the deck the other evening?’ he asked.
‘That was me,’ Tess admitted. ‘I’ve been trying to get into shape.’
‘You’re a very nice shape,’ Sanjeev said, smiling.
‘Thank you. But I wasn’t, you see. I was really fat, and I’ve been dieting and exercising for months.’
‘Would it ruin your diet to have another cocktail?’ Sanjeev asked, looking at her empty glass. She noticed his mocktail was still half full. Well, bugger it.
‘No, not at all,’ she replied. ‘I still have a few weeks to go.’
‘Until what?’ he asked, picking up her glass.
‘Until Amber’s wedding. That’s my daughter, the make-up artist.’
‘You must tell me all about it. But would you like to try a different cocktail this time?’
‘No, no, an Aegean Sunset would be perfect.’ She resolved to drink this one very, very slowly. It had quite a kick, and that was on top of the awful wine she’d imbibed at lunch. Lousy it may have been, but she’d still downed two glasses. What would he think of her?
When he returned with the second Aegean Sunset, he asked, ‘This wedding, will it be a very grand affair?’
‘Not grand ,’ she replied. ‘Just big. And probably full of my ex-husband’s business associates.’ Tess took a gulp. ‘And his wife.’
‘He’s remarried?’
‘Yes, to Ars… er, Ursula. She’s very glamorous. ’
‘Ah,’ he said, ‘but you’re very glamorous too.’
‘Well,’ she said, ‘I’m doing my best.’ What a lovely man he was! She took a large gulp. ‘I joined MMM originally in the hope of finding a nice escort for Amber’s wedding.’ Best to be honest; she was a bad liar anyway. ‘But it’s not worked out. And do you know what? I really don’t care.’ She wondered why on earth she’d told him all that; he must think she was pathetic. Nevertheless, she felt she should qualify her last statement. ‘In this day and age women can choose not to have partners, and I’m certainly not going to bother.’ Not entirely true, of course.
‘Good for you!’ He sounded genuine.
Anyway, she was unlikely to ever see him again, so what did it matter?
Then he said, ‘I think perhaps we should eat.’
‘Yes, we should,’ she agreed.
‘Shall we try the White Rose restaurant next door? It’s supposed to be special and this is our last evening. This time tomorrow night we’ll be reduced to airline food, most likely.’
Wait until I tell Orla, she thought. The White Rose restaurant!
‘No hurry!’ he added. ‘Finish your drink.’
She was aware that the second Aegean Sunset was diminishing somewhat rapidly, while he was still finishing off his original Crete-whatever-it-was-called. One thing was for certain. She would not be having wine with dinner. Of course he wasn’t aware of the two glasses of that lousy plonk at lunchtime, but he must have noticed how quickly she’d glugged the cocktails.
When they stood up, she felt as if she was gliding. It was a good feeling. The White Rose restaurant was all white. White painted floorboards, white tablecloths, white chairs, stunning arrangements of white roses on every table for two. And here was Tess Templar in her white dress! Just as well she had no plans to down any red wine this evening; it could have been disastrous. One slip of her hand…!
‘Would you like to see the wine list?’ Sanjeev asked, as the white-clad waiter hovered over the table.
‘Oh, no thank you,’ she replied, hoping she sounded suitably virtuous. ‘Just water, please. And not fizzy.’
‘Make that for us both,’ said Sanjeev. The waiter looked sulky as he handed her the menu.
‘I’m vegetarian,’ Sanjeev said, ‘but I’m told they have some excellent dishes here. Are you veggie by any chance?’
There was no point in pretending she was. ‘No,’ Tess replied. ‘I do like meat occasionally, although I must admit I don’t eat nearly so much of it as I did years ago.’ And that was the truth. Furthermore, she decided it would probably not be a good idea to tuck into a rare steak right under this ethical man’s nose. She settled for smoked salmon as a starter, and sea bass for a main. And she’d kill for some lovely chilled Chablis to go with it… But no, no, no!
While they ate, he spoke about his sons, their wives, the grandchildren. One of his sons was having problems in his marriage, he said, sighing. They’d chosen their own wives, of course, whereas he’d had his wife chosen for him.
Tess nearly dropped her fork. ‘You had an arranged marriage?’
‘Oh yes,’ he said, ‘my generation frequently did. My family knew her family, you see, and I’d always known Nadira and that we’d be married one day.’
Tess was fascinated. ‘And you didn’t mind ? ’
‘Why would I mind?’ He looked genuinely astonished. ‘She was right for me.’
‘But were you in love with her?’
‘Love?’ He shrugged. ‘Love comes in time, along with respect and shared interests. The thing is, Tess, it worked .’
Tess had a feeling she’d been put in her place. ‘And mine didn’t,’ she said.
‘Many marriages don’t work these days,’ he went on, ‘and yet the couples concerned professed great love for each other when first they met. Isn’t that so?’
Tess nodded. It was a no-brainer; he was absolutely right. Time to change the subject. She told him she’d had breast cancer.
‘I’m sorry to hear it,’ he said. ‘But the prognosis is generally very good these days if it’s caught in time. Did you have chemotherapy and radiotherapy?’
‘Yes, both. It wasn’t pleasant but hopefully it’s done the job. I hated losing my hair.’
‘Of course you did – most women do.’ He surveyed her newly styled locks. ‘It always grows back though, and yours looks very thick and healthy.’
‘It is,’ Tess agreed. ‘It’s actually thicker and in better condition than it was before.’
She told him about Barry and how brave he was, and then wondered if she should be talking about cancer at all. After all, this man was on a holiday of sorts and probably glad to get away from the subject, if only for an evening.
‘I’m sorry,’ Tess said, ‘I’m sure everyone you meet socially tells you about their problems. It can’t be much of a break for you. ’
He laughed. ‘I’m used to it. And to be honest, I don’t have a lot of time for a social life. My family tell me I’m far too absorbed in my work, and they’re probably right. It’s just the way I am. Now, to change the subject – are we going to have a dessert?’
The last night! Throw caution to the wind! ‘Yes, please.’
She chose the ravani , diamond-shaped orange cakes served with cream, while Sanjeev settled for baklava. Then tiny coffees, strong and dark. And it was while she was sipping her coffee and wondering how the evening would progress from here that her phone rang. She was very tempted to ignore it, but then worried there might be a problem at home. It wasn’t; it was Orla.
‘Tess,’ she said, ‘really sorry to bugger up your evening, but I’ve just seen Alan and he’s desperately worried about Barry, who’s not at all well. Alan wondered about calling out the ship’s doctor, but I told him that you were with a cancer specialist and that perhaps he might do the honours? Could you ask him to have a look at Barry? I know it’s a big favour…’
‘Leave it with me,’ Tess said. ‘I’ll call you back.’
She turned back to Sanjeev. ‘I’m really sorry,’ she said. ‘It’s Barry, the guy I was telling you about. I hate to ask you, but he’s very poorly and we wondered if you could possibly have a look at him?’
‘Of course I can,’ he replied. ‘I don’t have any strong drugs with me because of customs regulations, but hopefully there may be some on board.’
He signalled for the waiter and paid the bill, refusing her offer to pay her share. ‘I wouldn’t hear of it!’ he said. ‘I asked you to dinner and I am paying. ’
Tess thanked him profusely as they headed back down to the lower decks, towards Barry’s cabin. As they walked, he handed her a business card. ‘That’s me,’ he said, pointing to the mobile number. ‘Have you got a card, or can you let me have your number and I’ll list it on my phone? I’d like to see you again when we get home.’
Tess’s spirits soared. ‘Oh yes,’ she said, rooting around in her shoulder bag. ‘I’ve got some somewhere.’ She was sure she’d had a batch of Curvaceous cards, but could only find one, dog-eared and grubby. ‘I’m sorry it’s so tacky,’ she said.
‘Thank you,’ he said, pocketing it just as they reached the cabin and a very anxious Alan opened the door. There were introductions all round and then Sanjeev went to the bed, where Barry was lying on his back, waxen-faced and moaning softly.
‘Oh my God,’ said Tess.
‘He’s scaring me to death,’ said Alan.
Sanjeev spoke quietly to Barry, felt his pulse, and studied the vast array of pills by the bedside.
‘I will need to see the ship’s doctor,’ Sanjeev said.
Alan found the telephone list, called the relevant number and then passed the phone to Sanjeev. Much to everyone’s relief the ship’s doctor said he’d come straight away. The doctor was young, probably in his mid-thirties, and was wearing an open-neck white shirt which was tucked half in and half out of his jeans. ‘Poor guy was probably getting ready for bed,’ Alan murmured.
The two medics conferred together for a few moments before a syringe was produced, the contents of which were injected into Barry’s skinny arm. Almost immediately Barry appeared to respond, some colour returning to his face and his breathing becoming more peaceful. After a moment, Sanjeev wandered over to where Tess was standing just inside the door.
He spoke quietly. ‘Don’t wait, Tess. I might be here for another hour or so to see how he reacts to this.’ He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek. ‘Thank you for your company this evening. I’ll be in touch.’
‘Thank you , Sanjeev.’ Tess spoke with feeling. It was nearly eleven o’clock and he was right; there was no point in hanging around because there was little she could do except get in the way. As she walked back towards her cabin, she felt very sad. She only hoped Sanjeev could do something to alleviate Barry’s suffering. As far as her so-called ‘romance’ was concerned, that seemed to be fated. Perhaps Sanjeev would get in touch when they got home.
When she got back to the cabin there was no sign of Orla. Well, it was the final evening and, in spite of Orla’s denials, Tess was sure that she and Ed were getting on very well indeed. It would be interesting to see how that one panned out when they got home, and whether Ricky was still in the picture. Holiday romances – who knew?
Tess went out onto the balcony to sit and watch the moon and the stars and their reflections on the water, as the liner slowly made its way back to Piraeus. Tomorrow night at this time they’d be at Gatwick again, and then all this would rapidly become just a memory. It was always nice to get home, of course, but always a little sad that holidays, and the individuals you met, could never be recaptured. She could hear some distant conversations, and some faint bouzouki music. She wondered if she should ring up either Sanjeev or Alan to find out how Barry was, but decided against it in case it woke him up.
Tess sat gazing at the water for nearly an hour before she decided to go to bed.