Page 58 of Villa of Secrets

‘What can we do?’

‘There’s the European Parliament, but time’s a problem. Perhaps we can lobby the press. At least that would publicise your situation. Most people have no idea what really happened, and it may harm the lucrative tourist industry of this island if they did.’

He folded his arms across his broad chest and thought for a moment. ‘Your case will set a precedent. I suspect they’ve chosen you because they know you don’t have the finances to hire substantial legal aid. The whole thing’s devious and underhanded, and now I’m retired, I have nothing to lose by supporting your cause.’

‘You’re an incredibly kind man, Papas Yiannis. I wonder if any rabbi or imam would support a poor Christian woman against their own people.’

‘I’m sure they would. You read about the Turkish consulate. He was certainly a Muslim, and he risked his life for the Jews, far beyond the call of duty. There are good people everywhere, Naomi. Anyway, it doesn’t do to analyse people or religions too deeply. It simply comes down to justice and respect.’

‘Papas, what did you mean when you told them it’s your house?’

He smiled. ‘The day I took over this parish, the old priest, the one who sheltered Dora when she returned from Filerimos, gave me the deeds to this place. When your family and all the others were taken, the locals were moving into the Jewish houses, even before the ships had left port. The old papas went straight to the records office that had been set up to register property and had your house put in his name. He hoped your family would return.’

He lowered himself into Bubba’s armchair. ‘When he retired, he made me swear to make a will that on my death the property would return to your family.’ The priest lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. After an emotional moment, he drew a shuddering breath and continued. ‘He hoped by the time he reached retirement age, there’d be tolerance between religions. Unfortunately, the bigotry and narrow-mindedness are worse than ever.’

‘What a kind man,’ Naomi said.

‘A saint, in my opinion.’ He tilted his head back and sniffed. ‘What’s that delicious smell?’

Naomi smiled. ‘Lamb with beans. Can I interest you in some for supper?’

His eyes twinkled. ‘Oh, before I forget, I’m sprucing up the house, hoping Marina will bring her boyfriend home.’

‘Sounds like a plan.’

‘I bought a new sofa, very modern. They’re delivering it tomorrow, but the painters can’t start until next week. I wondered if you’d allow it to stand on your patio, until the decorating is done. My front terrace isn’t deep enough.’

Naomi recalled his traditional wooden-back sofa. ‘On condition I can have your old one?’ she said, grinning.

‘Of course. How’s the diary going? I can’t help wondering where you got to.’

‘Dora and Irini are going into town for Evangelisa’s things.’

‘A brave thing to do for her sister, don’t you think? Shows how much Dora loved Evangelisa, something that didn’t always come across in their day-to-day life.’ He paused. ‘But that’s quite common among siblings, isn’t it?’

Naomi felt the priest was telling her something important. ‘It’s obvious there was a strong bond between them,’ she said absently, thinking of Rebecca.

The old priest nodded, seeming content that Naomi understood Dora’s situation. The moment he had gone, she picked up the diary.

Chapter 26

Late at night, Tuesday, 25 July 1944

Evangelisa has agreed to stay behind and Irini and I will wait until she is asleep before we go back into the city for our things. Irini is also catching a few hours before we go, but I can’t, there’s too much going on in my head, I have brought my diary up to date, and I will wake Irini soon. I guess it’s around midnight, but as we don’t have a watch or clock between us, I can’t be sure. I hope our plan works, because I can’t imagine what will happen to my sister, alone on the mountain, if we get caught. I hope Giovanni would look after her.

Dear Diary, it’s time to wake Irini and set out for Rhodes Old Town. I hope I have lots of good news to tell you when I return. Until then, I’ll stuff you back under the mattress and hope Evangelisa doesn’t find you. With luck, we will be back before she wakes.

Wednesday, 26 July 1944

We made it back, but we are both exhausted and emotionally drained. I am writing this while Evangelisa boils some oatmeal for our breakfast. Who’d believe we would resort to eating horse fodder? Real hunger brings out the worst in a person.

I think about my family, and refuse to accept the rumours. Why would the Jews be rounded up, if not to labour for the Germans? Logically, they had to be well fed in order to work hard.

However, the night’s adventure has made me see my neighbours in a new, disturbing light. I have been naive. How can people I respected change so much? I have come to the conclusion that just because people appear to be respectable, and they smile and say the right things, does not mean they are good people.

What horrors awaited us in town! We are lucky to be alive. I think, in hindsight, making a special trip back, for Evangelisa’s dresses and a few possessions, was a childish and reckless thing to do.

Our journey started when Irini and I hurried out of the pine forest. We were relatively safe on the long trek back into town, knowing we’d see hooded lights, or at least hear engine noises if any vehicles approached.