“In a way, it is. Before Christmas we met in Los Angeles for a week with the screenwriters and learned from her what she wanted. I’ve been sending information to her for months, as have my friends. But the time is coming when I’ll have to return to the US, so I’m trying to make the most of it.”
“It sounds like you were an expert on him to begin with.”
“I’ve studied his works for years and have learned incredible things about his life while he spent time here in Greece.”
“How long have you been in Patras?”
“About six weeks.”
Their food came and it looked delicious, whetting her appetite. She ended up feasting on a plate of all sorts of fish and rice in a divine cream sauce.
“This is delicious, but I feel guilty that the poor taxi driver is probably at the hospital in pain. If he has a family, they must be so upset this happened.”
“Your compassion is commendable.”
“I’m sure you’d feel the same way. Do you think it was his fault?”
“I’m not sure, but I can find out what hospital he was taken to. Maybe then we might learn details.”
“Would you do that? If I could, I’d like to tell him how sorry I am for what happened. I’ve relied on taxis all through Greece. The drivers have always been wonderful and I’ve been so lucky. It astounds me how well they speak English. If I had to drive a Greek person around, I wouldn’t be able to communicate. It’s shameful that I only know a few words after all these months.”
“Not everyone is as appreciative as you. I’m impressed, kyria, and I’ll see what I can do on our way back to Patras.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you care for dessert?”
“I couldn’t manage one, but please order for yourself if you want to.”
“I’d rather drive you back to Patras while we find out about your taxi driver so you can relax.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. An accident that was out of your hands would unnerve anyone.”
He summoned the waiter and they left the restaurant for the limo. They sat across from each other as they’d done before. On the way into town he got on his cell phone and made a series of
calls. Zoe knew that if anyone could pull strings to find out private information, he would be the one.
“I have good news,” he said after hanging up on his last call. “The driver received a cut on his eyebrow that was stitched up. He’s already been released from the hospital.”
“That’s a great relief to me. I’m glad it wasn’t his nose.”
Her knight chuckled. “The driver of the truck wasn’t injured. He was given the citation for not being careful.”
“I can’t thank you enough for finding out that information for me. I’ll sleep much better tonight.”
By this time the limo had pulled up in front of her apartment without needing directions. When the stranger had heard her give the police her information, he’d clearly remembered the address.
“What are your plans now?” he asked.
“Work. I’ll make use of today’s loss of time by transcribing some tapes I’ve made during interviews here. Tomorrow I’ll leave much earlier for the ferry and go to Ithaca.”
“You have to eat dinner. Will you dine with me this evening?”
She tried not to look at him or she’d get lost in those penetrating black eyes. “You’ve done more than enough for me when you’ve already missed your board meeting. I’m very grateful to you for coming to my rescue, but I refuse to take up any more of your time.”
Zoe started to reach for her purse when he said, “Would you mind if I came by in the morning and drove you to the ferry?”