Passage by Night - Jack Higgins [19]
Morrison turned to Manning. 'Did you know about this?'
Manning shook his head. 'I've never been to Harmon Springs. They don't exactly encourage visitors. Still talk Greek amongst themselves and stick to the old customs. I can believe what Viner says. They're pretty tough customers. I can't think of much on top of the sea or below it that would frighten a Greek. They're the best divers in the world.'
'How come you know so much about them?'
'I was in the Aegean for three years during the war with the Special Boat Service.'
Morrison's face was pinched with excitement as he turned to Viner. 'Got any contacts down there?'
Viner shook his head. 'I'm afraid not. Most of what I've told you is hearsay. I can guarantee the information to be accurate, but that's all.'
'It's good enough for me,' Manning said flatly.
Morrison stared down into his glass for a moment or two. When he looked up, he had regained his composure. 'I could let you have money. As much as you need, but that's all. If you go, you're strictly on your own. We know nothing about you.'
Manning got to his feet and crossed to the window. Rain splattered against the glass and a small wind moved in from the sea, calling to him as it moaned through the rigging of the fishing boats moored to the wharf. A sudden shiver of excitement moved inside him. He smiled to himself, turned and went back to the table.
'If I'm going to get anywhere at Harmon Springs I'll need a good cover story. Let's have another drink and see what we can cook up.'
7
Beware of Greeks
It was just before noon on the following day when the Grace Abounding came into Harmon Springs. Seth was at the wheel with old man Saunders acting as deckhand and Manning stood at the rail wearing a panama hat and lightweight suit in tropical worsted.
As the boat rounded the curve promontory crowded with its white houses, a single-masted caique, sails bellying in the breeze, moved out to sea, passing so close that he could see the great eyes painted on each side of the prow to ward off evil spirits.
He raised his hand in greeting, but the man at the tiller ignored him completely and Saunders spat over the rail. 'Nasty bastards they are down here, Harry. Half of them still build their boats to suit themselves.'
The engines began to falter as they slowed to enter harbour. Several deep-sea launches were moored to the jetty, but on the white curve of sand, brightly painted caiques were beached and fishermen sat beside them mending their nets while naked children chased each other in the shallows.
It was like something from another world and by some trick of memory, Manning's mind went back through the years to the war and his time in the Aegean with the Special Boat Service.
He went into the cabin. A couple of cameras in leather cases were on the table and he slung them over his shoulder. He put on a pair of sunglasses, picked up a canvas grip and went up on deck.
They were already working alongside the wooden jetty. As he watched, the engine stopped, and everything seemed curiously still in the great heat. A couple of youths leaned against the rail smoking and three old men dozed in the sun, but no one made any attempt to catch the line that Saunders threw to them. He cursed and stepped over the rail, picked up the line and ran it round a stanchion.
'Lousy bastards!' he muttered.
As Manning joined him, Seth moved out of the wheelhouse. 'We'll hang around for an hour or two, Harry. Just to see what happens.'
Manning shook his head. 'I'll be in touch, Seth. Don't worry.'
He stood there waiting and Seth sighed