Chuck threw back his head and laughed a big belly laugh. ‘I’ll have to tell Rosalie that. She’ll crack up. She always said that one day I’d meet my match in the business arena. I think today might be that day. But don’t worry, Mike. If anyone has to do any sucking up around here, it’s going to be me. I’m told that this new firewall program of yours is going to revolutionise the worldwide web. Going to make someone a mighty big parcel of money, too. My lawyers are already working out a deal which will give both of us the best of that world.’

‘I’ll look forward to having my lawyers look at it,’ Mike said, playing it cool.

But he couldn’t wait to tell Natalie.

‘I suppose you’d like to tell your little lady the good news,’ Chuck said, making Mike wonder if he was a mind-reader.

‘Yes, she’ll be pleased.’ Very pleased.

Now, she wouldn’t have to wait long for her second million. Not the most inspiring thought.

Natalie would be the one who ended up having had it all. A satisfying sexual fling with him. And a nice pot of money to take with her afterwards, making her an even more desirable catch for some man who wanted what she wanted. Marriage and children.

Mike’s jaw clenched down hard when he thought of her marrying some other man. Of her smiling at him, and getting pregnant by him and being happy with him.

And where would he be whilst all this was happening? He’d be alone, as she’d said he’d end up being.

But wasn’t he better off being alone? You didn’t hurt anyone when you lived alone. You didn’t destroy lives.

‘I think it’s time we joined the girls for lunch,’ Chuck said. ‘It’s being served on the upper deck where we can get a good view of everything. The plan is to cruise around your magnificent harbour during lunch. After that, we’ll be heading out through your heads and up the coastline to Pittwater. I’m told that’s one of Sydney’s most panoramic waterways. I dare say you’ve already seen it, being Sydney-siders, so while Rosalie and I act like typical tourists you two newly-weds might like to have a little lie-down.’ And he winked at Mike.

When Chuck strode off in the direction of the steps that led down to the next deck, Mike shook his head. Everyone was conspiring against him. But what the hell? A little lie-down with Natalie might be a necessity by then, given he had to endure sitting next to her during what would probably be a long lunch, looking at the size of Chuck.