My Island in the Sun Ch. 02

My island in the sun Ch 02

A man finds his Greek roots and his dream island

This is part 2 of a series. You'll need to read Chapter 1, for the story to make sense. There will be no sex in this chapter, so scroll past if that's not what you're looking for. I would greatly appreciate honest feedback to help me improve my writing style.

This is self edited, so any mistakes are exactly where I want them to be!

As the plane swooped down over the bay on its final approach, the sea appeared a mere arms length away from the belly of the aircraft. AJ could see throngs of tourists gathered around the end of the runway watching as he waited in anticipation as the flaps opened as touchdown beckoned. Moments later, the wheels hit the ground and unlike many runways, the aircraft was suddenly travelling uphill as the spoilers and brakes slowed their speed more abruptly than AJ could have anticipated. Several hundred yards later the plane slowed and started to turn left and taxied towards the terminal where it was guided onto its' stand.

His fellow travellers were up and out of their seats as soon as the seatbelt lights went out. All of them, eager holidaymakers, heads swivelling like Meerkats on drugs, buzzing with excitement, then rushing like ants to disembark, collect all their luggage and race headlong into the adventures that awaited them.

AJ was not in a rush, he was here, not for a holiday, but had come to start a new chapter in the story of his life, in a new place, but with people he knew and had missed for the last year or two.

As he stepped out of the doorway onto the mobile stairs, the hot air hit him, instantly memories of Afghanistan rose unbidden into his mind. Where scorching heat, the burden of coping with a 50 pound Bergen along with upper body armour, all the while concentrating on your surroundings and surveiling the horizon for threats made sweat envelop your whole body, this resulted in dehydration being as big an enemy as the Taliban, what made it worse is the balance between carrying enough water, versus the exertion of any extra weight. When you're reduced to drinking your own dehydrated urine just to stay alive, it isn't exactly fine dining at the Ritz.

As they say on TV, "don't try this at home".

As he descended the steps, a feeling of calm descended over him, for the first time in a long while AJ felt at peace with himself. He slung his carry on over his shoulder, but as his left foot touched the tarmac, what felt like an electric shock coursed through his body, his knees buckled as he stumbled forward, confused at what was happening to him he barely managed to remain upright. Just as soon as the feeling had shot through him, it quickly dissipated, his equilibrium returning to normal. As he looked around it appeared that no-one had even noticed the incident, making him suddenly question his sanity, he decided it must have been a simple reaction to the temperature or the bright sunlight, what other explanation could there be!

AJ was soon in the baggage hall, having passed through passport control, bypassing non-EU citizens with his Greek passport, which he had applied for and received before leaving the UK. As he had waited until all the other passengers had alighted, there were no queues to slow his passage through the airport. As he approached the carousel, he could see that his luggage was now alone, slowly circling around, waiting for him to collect it, AJ quickly scooped up his case, making his way through to the arrivals area, and the exit to catch a taxi down to the port area. As he approached the doors to the outside, his uncle Dimitri was coming towards him with another man. It left him wondering how they happened to be there as he arrived, as far as he was aware no-one knew exactly when he was arriving.

"Ajax, I've waited a long time to meet you" exclaimed the stranger. Confused, AJ turned to Dimitri, "Ajax" AJ asked! "Come with us AJ, this is your uncle Kostas, there's a lot to explain and I'm sure you'd rather sit in comfort to do it, rather than loitering outside the airport frying in the afternoon sun."

As they reached the car park Kostas pressed the key fob in his hand and AJ heard a bleep, and then saw the lights flash on a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a sparkling white soft top. "Nice" whistled AJ, "fishing pays well round here, obviously"

Dimitri chuckled to himself, "Yes, there's a lot to explain".

Kostas drove down towards Chora, the only town in Skiathos, As they reached the edge of the town AJ saw the new port stretching out before them, however they then turned right, away from the port, and AJ was left wondering where they were going as he was expecting to catch a ferry over to Alonissos, where his Greek roots lay.

They pulled up outside of a taverna, (Greek restaurant) Dimitri indicated to a table far over to one side, and called out to the waiter to bring coffees for them.

"Once we have our coffees brought over, we'll explain everything to you. I know you have questions, but please wait till I've finished as you may have your answers to a lot of your questions by then".

Another waiter approached the front of the taverna and put a stand with a sign on it, saying the restaurant was closed. "Won't we have to leave if they're closing?" Kostas answered AJ "they're closing so we won't be disturbed, we, or I should say you, own this taverna". AJ just had more questions bubble up into his head with this last statement. However, Dimitri and Kostas were going to blow his mind with all the information they would divulge in the next hour or two.

As they sat and drank coffee, the last remaining customers left the taverna, and the waiter came to deliver a further order of drinks, which included a bottle of Plomari Ouzo, an aniseed aperitif, along with a bucket of ice, and one of still water, which Kostas explained was a required accompaniment with all important Greek discussions, Dimitri popped ice into three glasses and topped them up with Ouzo from the bottle.

"You wondered how we knew you had arrived in Skiathos didn't you Ajax", AJ did, but interrupted, "why do you call me Ajax, Kostas" "That's your real name" Kostas stated, as if it was the most obvious answer. "Let us explain everything before you start slowing things down, with further interruptions" he chuckled.

"We are not your true Family AJ, Kostas and I have been your sworn protectors from the day you were born. Your father Leander, was a Lion of a man, he was not only strong and brave, he was also descended from the Demi-god Perseus, the son of the God Zeus and a mortal woman Danae"

Dimitri continued the explanation at this point, "Zeus had kept his eye on the descendants of Perseus, at the urging of Athena, after Megapenthes who was the son of Proteus King of Argos, killed Perseus in revenge for the death of his father, for which he lay the blame squarely on Perseus' shoulders.

"Leander, had inherited strength through the bloodline from Perseus, but had limited powers as every generation is diluted slightly more"

They all had some more Ouzo, sipping it gently whilst the conversation continued.

Kostas interjected at this point. "We know Polydectes, the king of Seriphus, was most envious of Perseus, who sent him on the dangerous mission to slay Medusa. It didn't turn out as Polydectes had hoped when Perseus returned with medusas' head and used it to turn Polydectes to stone eliminating the threats to him, once and for all"

"Whilst other gods didn't actively seek to harm Perseus or his descendants, Athena the Goddess of wisdom and warfare, saw it as her duty to protect the male line, Athena created the triumvirate, who are specifically, three guardians appointed for millennia as watchdogs of the dynasty, your Dynasty Ajax"

"So, do I now call myself Ajax, or what" AJ questioned" Dimitri laughed hysterically "out of all we've told you so far that's what you take from it"

"Well, no but why have I been called AJ all my life to now find out my name's Ajax"

"Well the reason for that takes us back to how we knew you had arrived here today" said Kostas. "I am the fisherman of the Triumvirate, your family for the want of an easier explanation, I don't fish on the water as you have been led to believe, more accurately, I trawl for information"

"Your identity papers are manufactured to disguise your identity, from a young age you were taken by me and your Aunt Larissa away from Greece, as your Father had been killed by descendants of Polydectes using poisonous Gorgon blood, which is fatal to mortals and gods alike this was one of their final acts as Athena had the whole family wiped from the face of the earth, ending their bloodline" explained Dimitri.

"At this point, we felt that we could offer more protection while you were still of a young age by moving you to another country, and I agreed that as your personal bodyguard, together with the risk management expert of the Triumvirate, who was your Aunt Larissa, that England would be the ideal environment for you, hiding you away in the sleepy countryside"

"So, unlike Kostas, everyone else including me will continue to call you AJ, that way we will keep you under the radar, so to speak"

"I'll get Kostas to get used to calling you AJ, don't you worry about that"

"Kostas, through his consulate contacts could keep a track on your movements as you grew into a young man, and your choice of a military career, provided even further protection. With you being in a zone protected from outside threats, outside of hostile enemy action anyway" laughed Dimitri.

"Your natural abilities were emerging at an exponential rate, faster that has been seen before in primogeniture, and with covert oversight by Kostas we could allow you a certain freedom to develop naturally, to be what you have now become"

"As soon as you received your passport my contact at the Greek consulate in London tipped me off, and I set my computer programs to scan all movements of your passport. That's how we were there to meet you at the airport this morning" added Kostas.

"Did you have a reaction of some sort when you stepped off the aircraft?" asked Dimitri.

"As I stepped foot on the ground, what I thought was an electric shock coursed through me, and I was disorientated for a split second"

"That was the full emergence of your powers, your Greek connections rejoining your body. That makes us more confident you were right to return to your homeland now Ajax, a confirmation that you will not need to depend on us as much moving forward" Kostas explained.

"Part of your continuing legacy passed down directly from Perseus is that you will feel the inherent need to protect the vulnerable when you come across injustices, you will not fail to do the right thing, and it is one integral part of your whole"

Dimitri added "that's not to say you can't lead your own life, you will walk your own pathway and build your future in your own way"

"The first thing I need to do is find a job and somewhere to live, I'll think about everything else after that"

"Did you not listen" Kostas seemed a bit annoyed. "This Taverna belongs to you, it is part of your birthright, your inheritance, and you own many businesses across the Aegean. They are managed on your behalf, and have been since your father died, when you were but a baby"

"You also have many choices on where you want to live"

AJ would also find out in the next few days that along with being the owner of many businesses across the Aegean He had Millions of Euros in stocks and shares of the three wealthiest companies in Greece, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, National Bank of Greece and Eurobank Ergasias Services and holdings. The latter having a major presence across Europe, including the UK. Their history in the Greek banking sector dated back to 1924, when his predecessors first invested in a big way, which was the foundation of the fortune built ever since. AJ had a light bulb moment, his bank account was with Eurobank, and had been since he was sixteen years old!

"Hang on a minute, you said Larissa was the risk management expert, now she's gone, what's happening there"

Dimitri sighed, "We had a premonition sent to Kostas by Athena, somehow in a way we can't understand, and she sends messages to him, through the surveillance systems that we use, that Larissa was not long for this world. That was the real reason Aella returned to Greece. She has undertaken the training and responsibilities from her mother, and is now your risk management expert" she assesses risks in business, but also on any possible risk to your life and personal threats.

AJ began laughing hysterically, "really, the stubborn Whirlwind herself is undertaking risk management, isn't that a contradiction in itself"

"You will see for yourself how much Aella has changed, she can still be that fiery girl but she has a determination that belies the wildness of her nature, I should know, I am her father after all"

"We better go and get underway to Alonissos, and Aella await you AJ" said Kostas, smiling away.

"What ferry are we catching, I'm looking forward to getting back on the sea"

"No ferry, AJ, from now on you travel in style, it could not only be dangerous but rather unseemly to be seen getting on a ferry"

"Whatever you say Uncle Dimitri, I can still call you Uncle, can't I, it's as natural as breathing, and I can't stop doing that either"

"You're the boss" said Dimitri, "your rules, your choice, and it's a great cover story. Remember, we're here to make sure you remain safe, so you can keep paying us in the manner to which we have become accustomed. Not that you knew you were paying us".

AJ laughed at that as they made their way from the taverna. As he walked towards the Jeep AJ saw someone sitting in the driver seat. Kostas introduced him, "AJ, this is my Son Giorgos (pronounced yaw-gos) obviously you need no introducing to Giorgos" he laughed!

"Giorgos, manages the Taverna and the other rental properties on Skiathos for you, and gets to have the use of the Rubicon, unless you need it. But you have other choices of motor vehicle to use"

AJ was starting to feel slightly overwhelmed with the information overload and all that had been revealed to him today. However, deep inside him he could feel what seemed like another person. An inner voice calmed him and told him that he was in control of his destiny and he felt far more settled, in a way he never had.

They drove the two minutes around to the old port, it took that long as it was slow going with people wandering around, not aware or caring about traffic. "That's how you can tell who the holidaymakers are" Laughed Giorgos.

They pulled up at the end of the port, by what AJ would describe as a motor launch. His luggage was handed over to the crewman onboard, who was introduced to AJ as Lykos, apparently, Lykos was the pilot for the launch but apparently, also a crew member of another watercraft over in Alonissos. As they all got aboard he was quickly shown around as Lykos cast of the lines and got underway and as soon as they were far enough away from port they reached a cruising speed of 32 MPH. Lykos explained the craft was in fact a Protector Targa 38 ft RIB with twin outboard motors, it had a sports layout and could be used for many different Leisure pursuits including water skiing, and it was ideal for exploring the hidden coves and beaches only accessible by sea. It even had two berths and a head. It also boasted an impressive entertainment hub, wet bar, grill and a large sun lounge area towards the bow at the forward of the cockpit.

A little over 17 minutes after leaving Skiathos Lykos told AJ they would be docking in Steni Vali on Alonissos in a couple of minutes. "Patitri is the main port of the island, but to keep a lower profile we prefer to use Steni Vali" Dimitri explained to AJ. "Everyone knows us here, and will not hesitate to let us know if something out of the ordinary is going on, that they feel we should be aware off".

As they approached the port, AJ saw a massive motor yacht, and he could see someone waving from the stern area. They docked next to the behemoth, where AJ looked up and immediately recognised Aella. His day was suddenly catapulted from bewildered wonderment to an explosion of unadulterated joy and he jumped the 6 foot gap of the stern of the Targa and sped around and leapt on to the swim deck of the other craft.

"AJ", screamed Aella, as he scooped her up into his arms and swung her around and around. Aella was howling with laughter, "put me down so I can take a good look at you, how I've missed you over the last few years".

"You've missed me, I've travelled over 1400 miles just to see you" AJ said with tears in his eyes"

"I hope those are happy tears AJ"

AJ replied with "Fysika', chal'romai pou el'mai xana' me ton kaly'tero' mou filo" (of course, I am just so happy to be with my best friend again)

"When did you learn to speak Greek" said Aella, smiling at him!

"About 1 minute ago, it would seem" it is a part of the new inner me it would seem, today just brings more surprises at every turn.

Bemused but not overly so Aella simply turned, "well, do you want to take a look around your domain of the sea"?

"This is mine, as well as the Targa"?

"Everything you see is yours' apart from me of course" Ella snickered.

"Where do I sleep then? I presume I have been given a bunk somewhere" AJ cackled.

"Follow me, I'll take you to the owners cabin" AJ was overjoyed to follow Ella again, it evoked memories of childhood days, when they spent endless days rambling the local countryside.

They went down a staircase from the saloon, and along a corridor, until they entered a large cabin with a spacious double bed, with nightstands each side, as AJ looked around, he found a walk in wardrobe that was filled with womens' clothing. "Don't worry they'll be moved out to another cabin for me"

"THEY'RE YOURS, well, I'm not pushing you out of your cabin, to take it over Aella, just find me somewhere else, and I'm used to sleeping almost anywhere"

"Well, you can use the guest cabin tonight, it has a Pullman bunk so it's quite comfortable, we'll see how the land lies tomorrow, eh!"

AJ had a quick look in the bathroom before leaving the cabin, and was most impressed with the ceiling shower in the shower area, air conditioning and the white onyx marble flooring.

He asked for his cases to be stowed in the guest cabin, and Aella said she'd get a crew member to see to it soon.

They went back up the staircase, AJ behind Aella, as they entered back into the saloon a raised voice exclaimed "where have you been Aella, and who the hell is this, I've only been gone a day, and I come back to find you with a stranger on the boat"

AJ immediately rose up to his full intimidating six feet 5 inches and snarled back "And just who in the hell are you, coming onto this vessel without an invitation, from me!"

Andreas was momentarily silenced, who was this man, and why was he suddenly acting like he was the master of the vessel, where he had had free reign over the last two months.

Dimitri and Kostas appeared coming down from the sky lounge, having heard the commotion. They had spent the last few months in Skiathos attending to the businesses and ensuring that AJ was not under surveillance or any other dangers that they needed to keep on top of.

"Andreas, this is AJ, he is the owner of this boat, but has been out of the country for some time, but has now returned with my father and uncle. Let me introduce you"

"AJ this is Andreas Papadopoulos, Andreas, AJ, My father Dimitri and my Uncle Kostas".

Andreas shook hands with Kostas and Dimitri, as he took AJs' hand, AJ felt the inner voice within him snarl, as if with disapproval of this man. Although he was not used to this voices sudden appearance deep inside his being, he instinctively knew he could trust the spontaneous response it evoked.

He didn't want to react to the abrupt revulsion that this man caused to his whole psyche. AJ had long ago learnt throughout his military career, that it is better to hold your cards close to your chest, and play the long game.

"I am here to take Aella out to dine, we may see you all later but don't wait up" said Andreas with a cocky smirk on his face. AJ looked to Aella, who didn't seem to happy with this attitude, but turned to the others saying "see you later"

As the two alighted from the swim deck, AJ turned, "there is something not right, I have a bad feeling around Andreas, and we need to check him out".

Kostas said he would get his people at Hellenic Telecommunications looking into all his calls, texts and online presence, and left to go and make some calls.

"I will speak with Aella tomorrow, as she is now the specialist in risk management, she needs to be aware of anything that could compromise us and you!"

"Come AJ, I will introduce you to your captain and the rest of the crew"

They found Georgos, the captain on the fly bridge. He told AJ that he had heard so many stories about him from Dimitri, but also offered that Aella never stopped singing his praises. Lykos was also there, and asked AJ and Dimitri what they wanted to do about dining that evening.

AJ felt the rumble in his belly at the mention of food." I suppose we better head out and get something, I haven't eaten since the stopover at Athens airport, Kostas and Dimitri haven't either, at least not while I've been with them.

"I need to introduce you to your chef and engineer, also the junior deckhand let's go to the Galley and find them".

Lykos showed AJ the way to the Galley, but there was no-one there.

"They will probably be in the engine room", and Lykos led the way down one more level and passing two doors, one port one starboard, "these are the crew cabins, on the off chance you need to find someone, and there's no-one about".

At the end of the narrow corridor there was a sealed door with spinwheel lock, that from experience on board many a Royal Navy ship, AJ knew that the engine room would be behind that door.

As they entered, AJ saw a young man and woman who he guessed were in there mid to late twenties, working on the pipework next to the starboard engine, and it appeared, to him anyway, that they were refitting some type of gauge.

"Ah, Lykos why are you down here gracing us with your presence"

"This here Is AJ, you know of him, so we've come down so he gets meet the rest of his crew"

"AJ, this is Mara, your chef, she is also the engineer on board". Turning towards the young man, "last but mostly least, this young rascal is Nikos, he is Kostas youngest son, you already met his brother Giorgos at your taverna in Skiathos so now you have met the whole bunch" Lykos said while snorting slightly.

"Wow, Mara you're very young to be a trained chef and an engineer" gasped AJ.

"Exactly how old do you think I am?"

Suddenly feeling put on the spot, AJ blushed lightly and stuttered "I would guess at no more than 27 or 28?"

Mara burst into fits of laughter and had to hold onto one of the pipes to steady herself.

"I'll be 40 years old in three weeks time, but I'll take that as a compliment, you've got to take all you can get at my age. It has a lot to do with the clean air and healthy living on the Greek Islands. Factor in that I'm the chef and provide a balanced diet with mostly fresh produce, and you have a winning combination"

"Well I for one am very impressed, I'll definitely be following your diet plan, you are proof to its' success"

"Flattery will get you everywhere young man" chortled Mara, trying hard not to break into laughter once again.

On a whim, AJ told the three there that he would like to take everyone on board out to dine that evening, so he could get better acquainted with everyone.

Mara told Lykos that they should be finished in another 15 minutes and then would meet them in the saloon, when they had showered and dressed appropriately for dinner.

AJ headed for the guest cabin to take a quick shower and freshen up. Once again he was impressed with the appointment of the fixtures and fittings. There was a WC with Hydro brush, bidet, cupboards and drawers, superb shower area and opulent marble flooring. He had a quick shower, then spent a little while trimming his short beard, after which he applied a little beard conditioner to keep it in tip top shape. After many years in the military keeping clean shaven he had longed to have a stylish clipped beard, and had now vowed to make the most of it.

As he looked in the mirror, AJ was quite pleased with the change to his face the beard had brought out. He thought it lent a certain dignified look and that it even made his eyes stand out more. Anyway he thought, that's enough time revelling in self reflection, so he made his way back into the cabin. AJ chose a pair of light blue shorts and a white short sleeve shirt. He slipped on a pair of deck shoes, to wear until they were ready to leave and carried a pair of loafers in his left hand, leaving his right free to help ascend the staircase to the saloon level.

Lykos had relayed his request to all the others on board, and everyone except Mara and Kostas was congregated in the Sky lounge towards the stern of the boat. Nikos asked him if he would like a drink while they were waiting, telling AJ they had only Mythos beer on draught. But they had a choice of bottled beers, that included Fix dark in 250ml stubbie bottles, which is like a light stout. They also had Alfa in 330ml bottles, which is another Greek beer. They stocked the bar with a wide choice of spirits, including the ever present heavily stocked Ouzo, those having many choices from different distilleries.

AJ decided on a draught Mythos, whilst he was not a heavy drinker he had occasionally been able to buy bottled Mythos in the UK, and was quite partial to the smooth and cooling taste.

"Here in Greece we serve beers in a frosted glass from the freezer" Nikos proudly told AJ. "I make sure to always keep plenty on hand when I know we will have need of them. "There is nothing better than an ice cold Mythos to start the evening".

"I agree wholeheartedly" AJ told Nikos, after savouring his first swallow of Mythos on Greek soil

As he went to take another sip from his ice cold glass, he saw Mara appear at the top of the stairs into the saloon, with Kostas following directly behind her.

"I wondered how long you two were going to be" cackled Dimitri, "we were starting to think we may have to send a search party down for you".

AJ noticed the furtive looks the two exchanged each other, and saw Dimitris' smile widen as he saw an opportunity to make mischief and hopefully embarrass his brother.

"AJ, I know you have already met Mara, our illustrious chef and engineer, but you haven't yet met Kostas' partner, brother why don't you introduce her"

"OK Big brother have your fun, AJ, Mara is my partner, my lover and companion in life" "Mara, meet AJ, our Boss, benefactor and whole reason as to why we are all on this boat"

At that point everyone broke down into laughter, Mara trying hard not to tear up and ruin her makeup, with how hard she was laughing.

"Nikos, if you please, could I have a glass of white wine for the lady and a Mythos for me" Kostas asked his Son. Nikos poured their drinks, along with one for himself, and brought them over and joined the group.

They sat around on the chaise lounges and Divani sofa cushions, chatting amiably. AJ though was observing all these people he had only met today, apart from Dimitri of course. He thought himself a good judge of character, and had feelings that he hadn't had in quite a while. He felt that he was home, amongst people he would now call family. An incredible feeling of calm and contentment washed over him, suddenly he felt the inner person sigh with relief. He realised these sensations, or feelings were becoming an integral part of him.

As the sunset sunk over the horizon in a burst of orange and reds, Dimitri suggested that it was time to head over to the taverna, before they all withered away from hunger.

Apparently, Lykos had found time earlier to walk the 100 metres from the boat to the taverna, Tassias' Cooking to let them know the seven of them would need a table at around 8-30pm. However, once Tassia herself heard who the table was for, she told Nikos it would be theirs for the whole evening!

As they were seated, AJ appreciated the family feel of the Taverna, Tassia was the owner and head of the kitchen, but also found time to come out to greet all the customers. That impressed him, what was just as impressive was the view, they were still just a few metres away from the sea, and the gentle lapping of the waves. Captain Georgos told him it was ideal spot, as he could still keep an eye on their boat from his chair.

"Just looking at the boat, I noticed it hasn't got a name, like the others. Why is that?" he asked Georgos.

"Well, that is because we have only had her for a little over three months, Kostas found out through his fishing expeditions that you had put in your application for discharge, he had a feeling, and rightly so that you would be turning up on our doorstep at some point in the near future, before the Sanlorenzo SX112, we had a Sealine F42/5, that only had two cabins and 6 berths, so we needed to upgrade, which gave us the opportunity to wait till you arrived, leaving you the honour of naming her"

"I know you keep telling me that I am the Boss, I only hope that I can rise to the challenge, although I've only had the afternoon to observe things, the way everyone works together like a fine Swiss timepiece, coupled with the fact you've managed fine without me, I don't think they'll be any bossing to be done" laughed AJ.

AJ decided to try the traditional Alonissos Fried cheese pie as a starter and was soon delighted with his choice. The flavour from the Feta cheese exploded on his taste buds, and the crispy delicate pastry was a delicious addition to the texture of the cheese, combining in such a delightful culinary experience. He already decided that it wouldn't be the last time he had this flavoursome dish!

Waiters brought out a selection of wines for the table along with still and sparkling water. AJ took one of Tassias' chosen wines for the meal, which was a chilled rose' from the ice bucket. After taking a taste, finding it surprisingly refreshing, he decided to have a glass with his meal, along with a tumbler of still water, which he kept topping up throughout the meal. However, he stuck to the one glass of wine as he had already had a Mythos on the boat and didn't want to overindulge.

Everyone else around the table had selections of fried Zucchini balls, grilled Talagini cheese, stuffed vine leaves and even fried Zucchini flowers. These were things AJ had never even heard of before. Larissa had always stuck to traditional English fare while they lived there, it was apparently to ensure he didn't talk about things that were different to everyone else, to make sure he would ever intentionally stand out.

AJ then had Red snapper for his main, while all the others chose from grilled meats and Pasta dishes, Mara however chose Scorpion fish, which again was something that AJ had never heard of before. Mara explained to him that Scorpion fish are exceptional sit and wait predators. They only hunt at night and spend daylight hours resting in crevices. They remain in the shadows, before pouncing on unsuspecting prey. AJ pondered on the comparison between the behaviour of the Scorpion fish and how he had carried out covert missions on previous tactical operations while in the Royal Marines.

Tassia, came out as they all finished, directing the waiters to clear the dishes from the table. AJ could see they were getting preferential treatment, Mara, sitting to his left whispered that it was not only them, but also the case for the rest of the owners of the boats moored at the port. Two buckets of ice were placed on the table, along with Ouzo in a special dispenser made from glass, cradled in a custom made stand. Apparently you can no longer buy these Ouzo dispensers, you either have to be given one as a gift or wait for it to be handed down in the family!

At that moment AJ was glad he hadn't drank too much wine, as he already found he was partial to a few glasses of Ouzo. As long as it was accompanied with ice and plenty of it!

Before much longer AJ felt himself tiring, he realised that it had been such a long day, full of revelations. He had thoroughly enjoyed the light hearted conversation throughout the meal, amongst the people, without exception, he now considered family. His head was starting to go into information overload while trying to put that information in some semblance of order. Dimitri was sitting to his right, so he whispered to him, asking if it would be rude for him to leave.

"I am going to head back with AJ now, Kostas will settle the bill, so you all stay and enjoy the rest of the evening" announced Dimitri.

As they headed the few metres back to the boat, Dimitri told AJ "we will be heading back over to Skiathos tomorrow morning to visit Eurobank and pick up your new corporate cards".

With that, AJ boarded the boat and headed straight to his bunk, falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, oblivious as to, despite the plans made by Dimitri, what lay ahead for him tomorrow.

As he slept, his inner voice/personality was already planning, ready to hit the ground running!

This is the end of the chapter two, please leave comments and scores, and any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Unhelpful and unnecessary comments will be deleted.