The Green Lady (38 page)

‘What on earth is that?'

‘Don't you recognise it? Look, I even made the temple.' Yiorgos pointed at the side.

‘You made an edible replica of the mountain overlooking the HMC plant?' Mavros said incredulously.

‘Yes. There's even a tunnel going down to where you were imprisoned.' The Fat Man grinned. ‘And at the bottom, I put a miniature figure of Hades.'

Mavros shook his head. ‘And what about Demeter, the Green Lady?'

‘She isn't in season, you fool. I'll do her next spring.'

Spring and fertility, Mavros thought. It had been a nightmare for Lia Poulou, but perhaps things would turn out better for Niki and him – if she took him back.

‘Here,' said Yiorgos, handing him a plate. ‘Eat your portion of Viotia.'

Mavros obliged. Paradheisos hadn't lived up to its name and the Olympian gods were long gone, but the Fat Man had made his own version of ambrosia – even if the pomegranate seeds on the top were a flourish several kilometres too far.

M
any thanks to Kate Lyall Grant and her excellent staff at Crème de la Crime for turning this one round quickly. Great jacket, people, and best review ever, Kate! And to my peerless agent Broo Doherty of Wade and Doherty for devotion well beyond the call of duty.

Just after I finished this book, my traitor body presented me with a third bout of cancer. Yet again, Drs Haris Katsifotis and Miltos Seferlis and their superb team at the Polykliniki Athinon saved my posterior or thereabouts. They really are my heroes. My sister Claire braved Omonia Square at night to keep me company in hospital, while brother Alan provided essential music and related magazines.

My friends did their utmost to keep me going. Victoria Crosses to Robert Wilson, Julia Wallis Martin, John Connolly and the dedicatees. I'd also like to acknowledge the moving support I received from Facebook and Twitter friends, many of whom I've never met in the flesh. Paul Johnston and Alex Mavros have their own pages on the former, while you can follow me at @Paul1Johnston on the latter. You know it makes sense. My website
www.paul-johnston.co.uk
also provides information about this book and the rest of my, ahem . . . oeuvre.

Finally, my deepest love to Roula, Maggie and Alexander. Long live Kloutsis.