The Collectors Book Five (The Collectors Series 5) (41 page)

              Petros showered and entered the kitchen wearing the robe.

                            Albert poured boiling water onto instant coffee and handed him the mug and milk carton.

                            Maria and the two girls arrived followed by Gertrude.

                            “Sit at the table. Albert, tea for the ladies and I’ll have a cup of mint tea.”

                            For a while they talked of the weather and other mundane matters, until Gertrude stood and said. “You’ve stopped shaking, your colour has returned. Albert can take you home. You mentioned you live in Pangbourne by the river.” She peered through the window. “Use the Range Rover, Albert. No problem if you drive carefully.”

                            Petros held back a smile as Albert simply said, “Yes dear,” put on his coat and went outside. “We’ll take our own clothes and have yours cleaned and returned in a couple of days.”

                            “It would be an insult to offer you money,” said Maria, “but next weekend I'd be happy if you came to our house for dinner.”

                            “Love to,” said Gertrude,” and you are correct. Offering money for human kindness is insulting. Albert’s outside with the car. I’ll get your clothes.”

                            Maria and the girls stood and stretched bruised arms.

                            Gertrude returned with a bulging laundry bag. “Your wet shoes are by the front door. Make sure Albert drives slowly; he can be a bit of a tearaway at times.”

                            Petros gave Gertrude a hug. “Thank you. You saved our lives.”

                            She shoved him away. “You men can be so silly.”

                            Alysa and Lucy waved. Maria gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t forget dinner next Saturday.”

                            With the door open the four of them dressed in their strange attire ran and jumped into the waiting Range Rover and slammed the doors.

                            “Bet you a pound to a penny my wife told you to make sure I drove slowly.”

                            Petros, in the passenger seat nodded.

                            After a few miles of crawling along flooded roads, they entered Pangbourne and in minutes drove into the drive of Petros’ house.

                            Rain pounded on the vehicle’s roof.

                            “Wait in the car until I open the door,” said Petros. “Albert, fancy a hot drink or something stronger.”

                            “Better get back or she’ll worry. What time next Saturday?”

                            ”Sevenish,” said Maria.

                            The moment Petros opened the house door Alysa and Lucy leapt out and ran. Maria grabbed the wash bag. “Thank you, Albert.”

                            Petros and Maria stood by the front door and waved as he drove away. Inside Charlie welcomed Alysa and Lucy.

                            Charlie sniffed, barked, and lay in front of Lucy with his head between his front paws.

                            “See Yarlie love you,” said Alysa.

                            “I’d better contact the police and tell them we’re okay. You never know some bright eyed bobby may have spotted my car.”

                            “You loved that car, didn’t you?”

                            “I did, we’ve been together a long time. If it’s fixable, I’ll have it repaired but it didn’t look too good on its roof. I’m going to change.”

                            “Alysa, get into your pyjamas. Lucy, you can wear one of my night dresses and it’s an early night for both of you.” She watched as the two girls ran up the stairs passing Petros coming down.

                            “I feel a whole lot better wearing my own clothes.”

              Tears flooded from Maria’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around him.

                            “Mama why are you crying?” asked Alysa standing in her pyjamas at the bottom of the stairs.

                            Through watery eyes, she smiled at her daughter. “Because we’re together and safe.” She nodded, grabbed Alysa’s hand and they went upstairs.

                            “It’s an early night, Dog.” Petros turned out the lights as he reached the top of the stairs.

                            Charlie barked and settled in his basket.

The dusk is here down by the sea

A summer’s day, a nice cool breeze

And as the sun be sinking lower

A silence with its awesome power

The hour, the day is ended

Peter Duggan