by Sewell, Ron
He rang her and she answered. “Petros, thanks for calling back. Two ships in the Med with the same name just don’t happen. I checked with the Royal Navy archives and came across the incident where another vessel disguised as a hospital ship and named Gradisca opened fire on HMS Cavalier and Cassandra resulting in damage to Cassandra.
“HMS Cavalier recovered the crew from a lifeboat. There’s a detailed report on the questioning of the crew but tells us nothing except the ship was a wreck and ready for the scrap-yard. If a cargo existed, it went to the bottom when the captain blew holes in the hull.
“The other Gradisca was a hospital ship and at the time was on its way from Alexandria in Egypt to Algiers, an almost identical course one day or so behind. In Egypt a British control commission searched the entire ship, checked the medical staff and removed one thousand prisoners for internment in a POW camp.”
“They say the truth is stranger than fiction and here we have it,” remarked Petros. “Verifiable facts, where two and two don’t make four. The ship, which sank, do we have a position?”
“I’ll check.... Here it is, 15.10 East and 34.50 North.”
Petros took a deep breath. “You don’t happen to know the depth of water?”
She laughed. “Not a chance but I can find out. Why, are you into deep sea diving these days?”
“No way. I owe you, Susan, and more than a meal. I’ll let you know how this works out.”
“What are you searching for?”
“To be honest it could be something valuable or absolutely nothing. The question is, the Germans used three trains as decoys and one rogue ship, why? What were they trying to hide? Thanks, Susan. I’ll be in touch.”
He shuffled his notes together, folded, shoved them into his pocket and shut down the computer.
At the exit desk, the young assistant said in a formal manner, “Twelve Euros.”
Petros paid and strolled out into the afternoon sun, sat on a concrete bollard and waited for a text from Bear.
The text came, El-Greco. Room 324.
Petros flagged a taxi and in less than five minutes strolled into reception. “Room 324 please. My friend booked the room.”
The middle-aged man gave Petros’ passport a fleeting look as he handed over the key. “Breakfast six until ten in the main dining room.” He raised his hand and pointed. “The lift is over there unless you wish to use the stairs.”
In the comfortable room, Petros found Bear stretched out on one of the beds asleep, snoring. He sat on the edge of the other bed and began to read his notes. No trains, two ships with the same name and Germany’s last chance to strip Greece of its valuables.
The other bed creaked as Bear rolled over. “Find anything interesting?”
“Yes and no. No mention of the trains but two ships with an identical name. One departed the same day as the trains”
“Simple,” said Bear, “The Germans shipped the gold out but it’s now at the bottom of the sea.”
“But why the trains?”
“I sometimes think you have shit for brains. How you finished Sandhurst I’ll never know.”
“I worked harder at school.”
“The only thing you worked harder at was behind the bike shed. Anyway, the SS were into heavy diversionary tactics. The whole of Thessalonica knew about three trains being prepared. The different resistance groups for once cooperated to stop the trains and recover whatever. A ship sailed late into the night and no one gave it a second glance.”
“The trouble with your fantasy is you might be right.”
Bear rested his back against the padded headboard. “I have my moments but what’s next on the agenda?”
“We return to Cyprus as planned.”
“What no deep sea diving?”
“It’s a little deeper than I want to go.”
“How deep is deep?”
“You’d need a manned submersible. But there are other factors to consider before we even go along that road.”
Bear shifted his feet to the floor and stood. “We don’t do salvage. This is out of our league.”
“I know and we require permission from the Greek government to investigate the wreck.”
“Why,” said Bear. “Whatever it is, it’s been underwater for seventy years and they haven’t bothered their arses. As far as I’m concerned, it’s finders, keepers.”
“I don’t think they know where the ship is.”
“And you’re going to tell them?”
“No choice. We could spend a fortune salvaging whatever might be there and they can take it and not give us a penny.”
“That can’t be right.”
“You’d better believe it. Do you remember the forty-three million in gold bars recovered from HMS Edinburgh? The then conservative government returned fifty-five percent of their value to the Soviet Union and forty-five percent to the salvage company and made them pay fifteen percent VAT on their share. Get this wrong and you’re out of pocket. What we need is a lawyer who understands the law of salvage.”
“So the plan is?”
“When we get back, find the best lawyer available.”
Bear checked the time. “I’m off for a dump, shave, and shower. When you’re ready we find somewhere for dinner. I’m starving.”
“As plans go, that’s the best today. What time’s our flight to Larnaca?”
“Nine in the morning, it’s an early start. I’ve booked an alarm call for six, breakfast for six-thirty and a cab for seven-thirty.”
Petros lay on the bed and closed his eyes. “I wonder if there’s any treasure?”
“From past experience the more you think the more problems you create. At the moment I couldn’t give a toss,” said Bear as he closed the bathroom door.
Chapter Seven
Maria and Jocelyn arrived at Larnaca airport ten minutes after Petros’ and Bear’s flight from Thessalonica landed.
“Back in less than a week,” said Maria.
“Makes a change,” said Jocelyn. “Those two men seem to forget time when they’re together.”
“At least they take care of each other. On their own, I hate to think. There they are.”
The two women waited until clear of the crowd before hugging and kissing their men.
Jocelyn checked Bear’s face and head. “Makes a change, no cuts or bruises.”
In a line of four they strolled to the dark blue pick-up.
“Did you find the train?” said Maria.
“We did and plenty of skeletons,” said Petros.
“Dare I ask what was on this train?”
“Rocks, boxes filled with rocks. Hundreds of Greek resistance and German SS died for boxes filled with rocks,” said Bear.
Jocelyn frowned. “Why did the SS guard rocks?”
“It’s a long story and we’ll tell you when we arrive at Eleni’s.”
Maria gave her husband a sidelong look. “You’re planning a collection.”
Petros smiled. “For once I’m not sure. It depends on other people and if it’s worthwhile.”
With Maria driving they soon arrived at Eleni’s.
Alysa, on seeing her papa, jumped from Eleni’s lap and ran to him. He lifted her high in the air and held her close.
“Where did you go?” asked Alysa.
“Papa and Bear have to work.”
“Why?”
To earn money.”
“Why?”
“Alysa will you stop saying why.”
“Why?”
“Because it drives your papa mad,” said Maria. “What were you doing with Eleni?”
“Looking at pictures of you as a baby.”
“How do you know they were of me?”
“Because Eleni told me, silly.”
“No flies on that one,” said Bear. He checked the time. “A cup of coffee and a few sandwiches might be good.”
Eleni chuckled. “Bear, don’t ever change. You can make the coffee and the sandwiches are in the fridge.”
/> ***
In the cool of the courtyard, Bear and Petros described their search.
“And of course smarty pants here,” said Bear, “had to check a few facts that bothered his tiny mind. To be fair he might have discovered something. The Germans prior to leaving Greece robbed the country blind. We know Nazi Germany charged Greece an occupation tax. Whoever thought of using three trains as a diversion knew what they were doing. While everyone focused their attention in the wrong direction, the gold left in an aged tramp steamer disguised to appear as a hospital ship. The irony is this ship ran into the Royal Navy. But when discovered those in charge planned her sinking. Why this ship was forgotten might be due to an accumulation of events or those who knew died at the hands of a Greek firing squad. The actual truth we’ll never know. This ship is another overlooked seventy year old wreck on the sea bed with a cargo of gold.”
“We cannot be sure she carried gold,” said Petros. “My guess is if it wasn’t gold, it was something of significant value. There are certain procedures we must follow before we consider searching for the wreck.”
“Who would know?” asked Photis.
“If we started any salvage operation half the world. First, I talk to the Greek embassy in London. If they’re not interested, I obtain an official letter giving me permission to salvage. The owners of the ship are for the moment unknown. As a rule, non-historic shipwrecks are fair game for salvage.”
Bear held up his hand. “At the moment it’s guesswork and a load of big ifs. If we receive permission to retrieve the cargo from the wreck, we have to find it first. The Navy plotted its position but I don’t suppose they bothered to check if it happened to be a mile or so out. And that covers a large area of the seabed.” He checked his watch. “Soon be dinner time.”
“Bear, I’ve known you for far too many years and still can’t understand how you can eat so much, remain fit and active.”
“Simple, my metabolic rate is so high it demands feeding, so I oblige. Actually I like my food.”
Everyone laughed.
***
The following morning, Bear rose early and went to the kitchen, made two cups of coffee and returned to the bedroom. “Are you awake, Jocelyn?”
She sat up and took the steaming cup of coffee. “If I wasn’t I am now.”
“Fancy a day out? I’ll ask Photis for the loan of his pick-up. Have lunch at a beach taverna.”
She placed her cup on the bedside table. “What are you after?”
He grinned. “Nothing I haven’t had already.”
“You cook breakfast and we leave when we’ve eaten. I’ll have three slices of toast.”
He bowed. “Your wish is my command.”
She tossed a pillow at him and missed.
Bear was in the kitchen cooking bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms when Jocelyn descended the stairs.
“Smells great but where’s my toast?”
“On the table with a pot of Eleni’s homemade strawberry jam.” He spooned coffee granules into two cups and added freshly boiled water. “Coffee, madam.”
***
The time was passing nine when Bear and Jocelyn departed the house and headed for Paphos. At half ten they stopped at Aphrodite’s Rock and strolled through the underpass to the stone-covered beach.
Bear stared at the blue sea and perfect horizon. “Nice and peaceful. We don’t have many moments like this, do we? Either you’re working or I’m away collecting.”
She grabbed his hand and they sat. “Is something bothering you?”
“Yes and no. Thanks to teaming up with Petros I’m worth a few quid and it causes me one big headache.”
“Can’t think why.”
“When I die the government takes the cream from everything I’ve worked for and no doubt my ex will try to grab her share.”
She shrugged. “So what’s the problem?”
Bear put his right arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Will you marry me?”
She stared at him, surprised. “Can I have time to think about it?”
“No.”
“This is rather sudden. But after the years we’ve lived together we might as well.”
“I suppose I’d better buy you an engagement ring.”
“A large solitaire diamond,” she replied enthusiastically.
“You’re only marrying me for my money.”
She grinned. “Is there any other reason?”
“What about my good looks, charm, and appealing nature?”
“Shut up.” She pushed him back onto the stones and kissed his lips hard. “And of course, I love you.” She leant on one elbow and stared at him. When shall we get married?
“You choose.”
“I’d like to be a June bride. Don’t ask me why.”
“Go for it.”
“I’ll hire a wedding planner.”
“Not a bad idea, save all the hassle.”
“I’ll ask Maria to help.”
“Trust me she’ll jump at the chance having done a brilliant job for Andreas.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s go buy you a ring and make it official. Then I can have lunch with a clear conscience”
“You love food more than me.”
“No chance.” He playfully slapped her backside.
***
Maria spotted Jocelyn’s ring as she entered the house and embraced her. “So, she’s making an honest man of you.”
“I’m as pure as the driven snow,” said Bear, “but I had a strange moment and asked the question. To my surprise she said yes.”
“Bear’s asked Jocelyn to marry him,” said Maria as Petros strolled into the house,
He slapped Bear on the back. “About time. When’s the wedding?”
“We haven’t decided on a date but it will be a small affair.”
“Smallish,” said Jocelyn.
“I stand corrected.”
“You’re a good man but she’s a better woman,” said Eleni as she descended the stairs. “Before you leave we’ll have a celebration.”
“Not necessary,” said Jocelyn.
“My house makes it my decision. It’s a long time since we had our friends around.”
Bear and Jocelyn turned and faced each other. “We’d better do as we’re told,” said Jocelyn.
Eleni sat in her chair. “Of course you and Maria will have to make all the arrangements. I’m getting far too old.”
Photis entered and everything was repeated.
***
The following week became a blur of organisation with Eleni giving her approval or not. Two days before they were due to leave, the guests arrived, danced, and feasted into the early hours.
Outside in the courtyard Bear and Jocelyn stood by the old well.
Bear hugged her. “I do love you.”
“I love you too but after my first attempt at marriage you were the problem I didn’t want.”
He laughed. “And now?”
“Your the problem I can’t live without.”
“Glad to hear it. As guests of honour, we had better go back inside.”
“Listen to them. They’re having a great time. I bet they don’t even know we’ve gone.”
Maria opened the door and strolled towards them holding a bag. “A taxi will arrive in a few minutes. You have a suite booked at the Four Seasons for two days, all-inclusive. I’ve packed a few things for Jocelyn. Bear, whatever you want you’ll have to buy.”
“Why?” asked Bear.
Marie handed him the bag and kissed him.
“Men,” said Jocelyn.
Chapter Eight
Their flight to London was straight forward; an unusual tailwind reduced the journey time to four hours. Alysa amused the other passengers by singing nursery rhymes as she strolled back and forth along the central aisle.
On exiting the airport Bear and Jocelyn jumped in a taxi while Petros, Maria and Alysa wandered to the short stay car park where Jack, Petros’ stepfather, wait
ed. In less than an hour, they were home.
Alysa screamed with delight when Charlie, sliding on the polished floor, collided into her.
“Stupid dog will never learn,” said Petros.
“Yarlie not stupid,” said Alysa. “My dog.”
Petros ruffled the animal’s coat. “Okay, not stupid, just dumb.”
“I love my aunt,” said Maria, “but it’s always great to be back in our own home.”
“Couldn’t agree more. I’ll take the suitcases upstairs and dump the washing in the laundry basket. Then I’ll have a shower.”
***
At breakfast Petros sat at the table eating a piece of toast while Alysa deviously dropped spoonfuls of porridge to the floor where Charlie waited.
Petros lifted his head from The Times and said, “Stop feeding Dog,”
“Yarlie hungry.”
Maria arrived with her arms full of washing. “Eat, young lady.”
Alysa shoved an overflowing spoon into her mouth as her eyes met her mother’s.
“I’ll be in my office,” said Petros. He stood, winked at his daughter, strolled to room used as his office and sat in front of the computer screen. His fingers tapped the keyboard and the screen filled with information on the Greek Embassy in London. He scanned the information from consular affairs to general enquiries. Again he checked the fields for booking an appointment with an official. With a shift of the cursor he brought up the details on the ambassador. His credentials fitted; graduated in law, served in the navy and studied shipping law. He closed the enquiry and returned to the kitchen.
Petros poked his head into the utility room. “I need to go into town. With a bit of luck I’ll talk to an official at the Greek embassy.”
“Don’t be home late,” said Maria. “Your parents are coming for dinner.”
“I’ll be here in plenty of time. Must change.” Ten minutes later wearing a navy blue blazer, grey trousers, white shirt, tie, and polished black shoes, he kissed Maria and Alysa goodbye.
***
