Free The Dead Travel Fast by Nick Brown Page B

of all things in life. I know these things because the entire island knows. There was an argument, perhaps even a fight, depending which version you believe, between the two senior police who investigate the murders. The pale Athenian and Samarakis: The entire world saw it. It was on the steps of the big new police building in Karlovasi.
    “So I have a good idea whose body they examine over there:that fat pig Samarakis is a very bad man to cross and he has many wicked connections. But we will not talk more of it, as I see it has begun to spoil your day, Steve; and it is a day that was going so well, was it not?”
    She didn’t wait for a reply, just gunned the engine and sent the car screaming through the narrow silent streets of Marathakampos. It had disturbed his day and to an extent, he figured, that even she couldn’t guess. It took the whole of the nerve jangling car journey before he regained his earlier sense of anticipation.
    The car tore into the courtyard and screeched to a stop. He saw several expensive black windowed cars parked up and members of staff carrying baggage from them into the house, and he hadn’t even remembered a toothbrush.
    “You get out here, Steve, and go to my father’s terrace; there you will find a surprise, then you play cricket. You will find the uniform laid in the changing tent. Today will be busy, but tonight after the party you might like to walk with me in the garden.”
    She reversed at speed out of the courtyard and the car screeched noisily away. He entered the house and followed the sound of laughter and voices, emerging shortly after onto the crowded terrace. Vassilis saw him and motioned for silence which instantaneously followed his gesture. He moved towards Steve took him by the arm and led him to the centre of the crowd which reshaped itself into an audience around them.
    “This is Doctor Steve Watkins, the man who saved the life of my son, who would now like to thank him in front of you all for the gift of his life.”
    In the shadows under the awning at the far side of the terrace Steve recognised the young driver threading his way through the throng of guests. He was pale but apart from a dressing round his neck looked in much better shape than Steve had expected. He crossed to Steve, mumbled thanks in English and then kissed Steve on both cheeks, looking unhappy at having to perform such an act in public. In fact, Steve felt he resented being brought face to face with his obligation. Vassilis led a round of applause as the kiss was delivered and himself embraced and kissed Steve on both cheeks. Then raised his arms above his head in an archaic gesture and pronounced,
    “It is fitting that Doctor Watkins is able to take the place of Antonis in our island team, and now we will process to the chapel for the blessing. Afterwards we will take a stirrup cup and pour a libation before we go to meet our opponents on the cricket field.”
    He led the way down the steps towards the chapel; Steve found it hard not to laugh, but didn’t have time to think further as a soft hand gripped him by the arm and looking round he saw Brandi next to him, this time sober. She squeezed his arm and whispered in his ear,
    “You and I have unfinished business, I’ll catch you up later at the party, until then enjoy your little game with the boys.”
    Then she headed away towards the garden with the other women and Steve realised that this was to be an all-male ritual. Everything he hated. They filed into the incense laden air of the chapel, each making a little genuflection before standing at a pew. Vassilis gestured for them to sit.
    Father John slithered from the shadows behind the altar looking even more creepy than Steve remembered, so much so that he didn’t want to look at him so, instead, he looked at the wall paintings; but they were even worse, so he sat with his eyes closed wondering when he would wake up.
    To his relief the blessing, whatever it meant, was short and didn’t