Club Ded (Part 7).

Christina's burial was the next day and Myra was touched that so many of the townspeople of Port Krios and the surrounding villages turned out, showing genuine grief. The Mayor of Port Krios was in attendance in full regalia and at a small reception afterwards came up to Myra and expressed his thanks on behalf of the entire population. Somehow that did make Myra feel better about the whole episode and once more she began to feel good about herself.

The reception also afforded her an opportunity to meet many of Krios's leading citizens, all showered her with praise for her efforts and appreciation of Christina's sacrifice. Half way through the proceedings Andrios excused himself, saying he had a previous engagement to attend. Myra suspected that it was the Old Cow's burial, but didn't ask, though she sometimes wondered if he did indeed sling her off of Devil's Rock...After that Myra slipped in to a relaxed existence, tooling around the island, enjoying her celebrity status. Andrios was always there, offering good council with his old world charm. Myra was growing increasingly fond of this kind, fatherly man. But she was concerned about the future and worried about her parents, to whom she had written, but had not spoken to since she arrived. She mentioned this to Andrios, wondered how she might place an international call. "By all means" came Andrios's reply "But I should tell you that you'll be doing more than speaking to them very shortly. London called yesterday-you are going home Senorita Myra. I don't have all the details as yet, but transport is being arranged. That makes you happy, yes?"

"Well," replied Myra hesitantly "I don't know about that. Who knows what those faceless bastards will do to me when I get home?" Andrios smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Myra's right cheek. "Don't worry my dear. The department knows your worth. Trust me-there is nothing to fear." Andrios gave Myra a gentle smile. "But how can I be sure Andy?" Myra questioned. Andrios looked at her and his face became slightly hard. "Because my dear, if they wanted you dead, I would have killed you by now." Myra's mouth dropped, then she laughed. Then Andrios laughed, then they were both laughing. But as she laughed her blue eyes became watery. Suddenly she found her face buried in his shoulder, gently sobbing. "That is good Myra, that is good" comforted Andrios "Tears cleanse the soul."

Within a couple of days Andrios came in to Myra's office. "Good news. You are to be ready to leave for the UK as from tonight. It could be any time from midnight until tomorrow noon. I suggest you pack your personal and your er...diplomatic luggage. And tonight I wish to have the pleasure of your company at dinner." With a beaming smile Andrios left and Myra began to pack. She got her few things together, then set about placing all arms, etc., in diplomatic baggage. The cash that was in the safe she also placed in the diplomatic bags, save GBP 5000, which she intended to give Andrios as a parting gift. At dinner she told Andrios that there was five grand in her desk drawer for him. He smiled his gentle smile. And then she told him that was the remainder of the money she intended to go and visit Christina's family, saying that no one had probably told them anything that had gone on and she felt that they deserved the money. Andrios looked concerned. "Don't worry luv" Myra comforted, "I'll make up something good."

After a sleepless night Myra rose early. As she looked out of window the sleek, slender shape of a type 42 frigate, bathed in the morning Sun rode at anchor just off the harbour mouth. She could see Andrios's Land Rover coming up the road. "This is it" she thought. Within an hour Myra sat in the back seat of the ship's helicopter. By the time she had been escorted to a cabin only slightly bigger than the one she arrived in the rocky outline of Krios had began to recede. As they passed Devil's Rock Myra's eyes following a trail of dust making it's way to the top of the cliff. It was Andrios's Land Rover. She could just make out his figure. He stood for a moment then threw what appeared to be a wreath into the crashing sea below. Then his right arm extended and made an exaggerated wave. She waved a silent hand through her porthole and at once felt a tear roll down her cheek...

A sharp knock on her door brought her back to reality. She wiped her face and opened the door. A sailor stood at attention, saluting. "Captain's compliments Ma'am. Thought you might care to visit the Bridge. This way..." Myra soon realised she was something of a celebrity. "Morning" said the captain as he rose from his seat. "I am Captain Loxbury-D'Acry. Delighted to meet you". He introduced the officers of the watch. "Well, lnspector, I must say this is somewhat unusual. We were coming back from a NATO exercise when we were diverted to pick you up. Scotland Yard obviously has a high regard for you. Something of a flap on, I understand. Still enough of that. Perhaps you would can to join me and my first officer for lunch? Good! One O'clock then." That was just the first of many social invitations Myra was to receive. "Compliments of the Ward Room Ma'am. Request the pleasure of your company at Dinner." "Er, the lads were wondering if you would like a wet down the mess."  Shipboard life certainly agreed with Myra. "Better than a bleedin' cruise, this is darlin'" as she told one young officer. When the ship arrived at Portsmouth some ten days later, Myra was still nursing a hangover...As they passed into the dock, HMS Victory stood, flying Nelson's famous signal "England expects every man to do his duty" Little did The Admiral think that nearly 200 hundred years later his words would apply to a lady named Myra...