Andreas’ room was small and had a view of parked cars. No matter, as long as it was quiet. He called Lila from his cell phone.

‘Hello, my Prince Charming.’

‘Damn caller ID takes away all the mystery.’ Andreas was smiling.

‘But not the romance, lover boy. So, how goes your island holiday off alone with Yianni?’

‘Terrific, nothing but beautiful beaches, fine food-’

‘And the bodies?’

Andreas paused. ‘I thought we agreed not to talk about that sort of thing.’

Lila laughed. ‘I meant live ones. Find any to rival mine?’

‘Sorry, I’m a bit edgy. No, none like yours. That person doesn’t exist.’

‘Perfect answer. It’s just what an almost nine months pregnant woman wants to hear. You’re learning, Kaldis.’

‘I have a great teacher.’

Lila laughed again. ‘So, when do you think you’ll be back?’

‘I’m hoping tomorrow.’

‘I hope so, too. I saw the doctor today and he said, “Any day.”’

‘Should I come home now?’

‘No, it’s not that close, but if you’re planning to be away for more than a few days I can’t guarantee the little one will wait.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll be back.’

‘I know.’

Neither spoke. It was one of those ‘should we marry’ silences, or at least that’s what Andreas thought. He was the son of a working class cop; she was from one of Greece’s oldest, wealthiest families, and the young, socially prominent widow of a shipowner. Things had just happened between them. And the attack made him her protector. His move from his walkup apartment into her penthouse on the chicest street in Athens he saw as temporary, until the baby was born. Sooner or later Andreas knew she’d come to her senses and he didn’t want her feeling bound to him by marriage. Until then, though, he’d continue to love her more than anyone on earth. He’d just not propose.