‘My best man, Goki, will lead the expedition. However, given the extreme nature of this remote cave, we are contracting an expert Australian cave diver and his associate. Of course, they will know nothing of our true purpose and will be terminated once their usefulness is at an end.’ He put his finger under her chin and raised it until he could look into her eyes. ‘Which is why I need you. Your film cover story is the perfect lure. Can I count on you to help me, my darling?’

Taking his hand, she kissed it fervently.

‘Thank you, Father. Forgive my impulsiveness. I am always honoured and grateful to serve you.’

* * *

Being the truthful account of Dr Jürgen Fürth (George Ford), Wednesday, 30th May 1945

My execution is certain if this is found. Yet the overriding emotion is a stubborn desire to record events, because the world must know of this crime and I do not believe I will return home to tell of it. Three days ago, SS Standartenführer Martin Heider and his Leiberstandarte honour guard seized the giant Japanese submarine I-403 conveying us back to Europe.

Had we known of their plot, we would have alerted the Japanese. Unfortunately, their code of Bushido was their undoing. It was beyond Captain Nishigori’s comprehension that a member of the officer class could act so despicably, which is why he failed to disarm Heider and his brutes when the news came in that the Fatherland had surrendered. The SS struck in the middle of the day when the submarine was running deep, and most of the crew were asleep. To ensure they were not overwhelmed by weight of numbers, the cowardly SS closed the main crew compartment and threw in smoke canisters. More than a hundred sailors suffocated. The SS then seized the officers and engineers.

We didn’t think the SS were capable of operating this vessel. The I-403 is like an underwater town, with multiple decks, weapons, stores and seaplanes, and can sail all the way to Europe without refuelling. We also thought it impossible that any of the surviving Japanese could be persuaded to help. However, the translator, Hideko, proved traitorous and convinced two engineers to join the conspiracy.

Thus far, Heider has refused to tell us what his plans are. Ambassador Hartmann tells us that there are 4000 kilos of gold aboard, payment for German war technology, and he believes Heider is planning to steal it. The question is, where can he possibly go? It seems we are doomed. If he finds a haven, Heider will kill us to protect his gold, or the Americans will blow us out of the water.

* * *

Sura Suyanto hated it when Jaap Boerman stared at her with his mouth open, for it made him look like a big, stupid schoolboy.

‘You’re flying to Jayapura tonight?’ he groaned. ‘But why?’

Putting down the diary entry, she sighed into the mirror on her dresser.