You’ve still got those time switches, have you?’
‘No, but there’s some in the cave here. I saw a box of them.’
‘There you go, then. I’m not saying it’ll be easy but I reckon it’s possible. Perfectly possible.’
‘And I’m sure Alopex’s sister will be very grateful if we pull it off.’ Sykes smirked at Tanner, who looked down sheepishly.
‘I’ve got to admit, Stan, I can’t bloody stop thinking about her. It’s ridiculous – I only talked to her for about five minutes, but there was something about her, don’t know what quite, but I don’t like the thought of her being a prisoner of those Nazi bastards. I don’t like it one little bit.’
‘Just do me a favour, will you, Jack?’ said Sykes. ‘Don’t go upsetting Alopex again.’
‘Alopex? Oh, he and I are mates now. Putty in my hands.’ He grinned.
‘Where is he?’
‘He’s gone down to the village. We’re going to meet him in Krousonas later.’
‘And what about the captain?’
‘What about him?’ said Peploe’s voice.
The two men turned and saw him walking towards them.
‘Morning, sir,’ said Sykes. ‘We were just discussing a little plan of action.’
‘Oh, yes?’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Tanner. ‘You see, I was thinking that most of these Cretans here aren’t exactly well trained. And, of course, no one can handle explosives like Sykes.’
‘So we were thinking we should take it upon ourselves,’ added Sykes, ‘to get Alopex’s family out of choky and carry out a bit of mischief while we’re at it.’
‘Oh, were you?’
‘Yes, sir,’ said Tanner. ‘It’s the least we can do after the rest of us were forced to leave them in the lurch like that.’
‘If I’m honest, the same thought had crossed my mind,’ said Peploe, ‘but we’re going to need their help too, you know.’
‘Yes, but this will only work if there’s a few of us,’ said Tanner. ‘It’s a small-scale operation. You, me, Stan here. Maybe one other and perhaps a couple of
‘I certainly doubt a few days’ delay will make any difference to our chances of getting off the island,’ said Peploe, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
‘It’ll help them, sir,’ said Tanner, ‘especially if we pull this off. These Cretan lads are being good to us, but they’ll be a hell of a lot more helpful if we show a bit of willing. And we’ll be able to prove that, whatever the rest of the British Army might be like, we Rangers are not men to run away in a hurry.’
‘A matter of honour, eh, Jack?’ Peploe smiled.
‘If you like, sir, yes.’
Peploe thought for a moment. ‘All right. This is going to need consideration but let’s at least put it to Satanas and Captain Vaughan.’ He paused and looked out towards the mountain peaks ahead of them. ‘This is a beautiful place, isn’t it? If only we weren’t at war, I’d be really enjoying myself.’
‘Well, sir,’ said Tanner, ‘I’d rather be here planning our revenge than sitting at Alex feeling fed up and guilty for running out on the place.’
Peploe laughed. ‘That, Jack,’ he said, ‘is the difference between you and me.’
Saturday, 31 May, 6.30 a.m. Golden shafts of light now lit the mountains as Rangers and Cretans brewed up German ersatz coffee over newly made fires. Clutching an enamel mug of
‘Tanner suggested as much last night,’ said Satanas. ‘I was sure he meant it – he is almost Cretan, he has so much pride. I was less sure you would want to risk your men on such a venture.’
‘With the greatest respect,’ said Peploe, ‘we think we might be the best men for the task. We also feel we owe it to you to try.’
Satanas appeared to be genuinely touched by Peploe’s offer. He smiled and clasped the captain’s shoulder. ‘I would not like to blame any of you for another man’s folly. We know you are good, brave men.’
‘And I would like to go with you,’ said Vaughan. ‘I know where Pendlebury’s cache is and the streets and alleys of Heraklion as well as anyone.’
‘First,’ said Satanas, ‘we must go to Krousonas. There we will meet with Alopex and hopefully learn some news from Heraklion.’
They got going soon after. Peploe left Lieutenant McDonald in charge of the Rangers, then, with Tanner and Sykes in tow, followed Satanas, two of his
‘The monastery of Agia Irini,’ said Satanas. ‘The abbot, Father Gregorikis, is a good man and a friend.’
As they passed through the gates, a monk appeared and led them to a room in a low terracotta-roofed building across the courtyard from the church. Inside was a long oak table with benches at either side. Alopex was there, with the abbot and another man. Alopex stood up as they entered. Tanner saw the cut around his eye and the bruising on his face, and nodded in acknowledgement; he was, he realized, glad to have the big Cretan as an ally rather than an enemy.
Introductions were made. The abbot, dressed in black, his face almost entirely covered with a thick white beard and his head with an elaborate black hat and cape, greeted them in turn, clasping their hands in both of his and muttering some words Tanner was unable to understand. The other man was Yanni Mandoukis. He looked exhausted, his eyes hollow, his lean face unshaven and dirty. Tanner watched Satanas embrace him, then sit on the bench the abbot indicated with his outstretched hand. It was cool and dim in the room, the walls plastered and whitewashed, the air slightly musty, earthy. A monk entered bearing coffee – real coffee this time, thick and sweet.
‘Yanni fought alongside us in Heraklion,’ said Alopex to Peploe, Tanner and Sykes. ‘He has family here in Krousonas.’
‘He fought well,’ said Vaughan.
‘The Germans have taken his wife,’ said Alopex.
‘But not him?’ said Tanner.
‘He was not there,’ Alopex explained. ‘They arrived two days ago, ransacked his house, looking for weapons. They took his wife too. It seems I am not the only one these bastards are trying to ensnare. They have been carrying out a number of raids on houses, taking people and questioning them. As you said, my friend,’ Alopex looked at Tanner, ‘someone must have talked.’
Tanner saw Mandoukis look away, at his fingers, then at the abbot, then at some distant spot on the wall opposite.
‘Do you know where your wife and the others are being held?’ Peploe asked Mandoukis directly. He looked quizzically at Alopex for help.
‘The Germans are using the Megaron as their headquarters,’ said Alopex, ‘but his wife is being held in the Sabbionera Bastion.’
‘It’s right next to the Megaron,’ said Vaughan. ‘Down by the east side of the harbour.’
‘He is pretty sure my family will have been taken there too.’
‘How does he know?’ asked Tanner. He saw Mandoukis glance anxiously at Alopex again and then at Satanas.
‘He arrived back at his house just as his wife was being taken away,’ said Alopex. ‘He followed them. We must get Petrina out as well.’
Mandoukis looked at Tanner, then touched his eye. He breathed in heavily, his face racked with despair.
‘We need to know for certain that is where they’re being held,’ said Vaughan.
‘Leave that to me,’ said Satanas. ‘I will get this information for you.’
‘How?’ asked Tanner.
