‘As well as being a first-rate cameraman, who has worked with me for years, Jaap is also a certified commercial diver. To replace him at this late stage would be risky, but of course –’ she dropped her eyes – ‘it is entirely your decision.’

‘Very well. But you will not embarrass me again, is that clear? A ship is a small place.’

‘Absolutely, Father.’

Wijaya put his hand under her chin and looked into her eyes.

‘Promise me now that you will respect and obey Goki’s commands. The expedition will be dangerous, and I cannot afford to lose you.’

He almost sounded sincere. Sura kissed the back of his hand.

‘I swear it, Father. This means as much to me as it does to you.’ Kissing him again, she rose to her feet. ‘Salam. I will make you proud of me. You’ll see.’

General Suyanto watched her go before picking up the topmost photo on the desk. Unwittingly, the agent had captured the impulsive ferocity Sura worked so hard to conceal. Suyanto sighed. His beautiful daughter had inherited his drive, and she had an almost frightening intelligence, but she was also headstrong and vicious. Tommy had numerous childhood scars to prove it. After almost losing him to a swimming pool incident, they had never left him alone with Sura again.

A bamboo side panel slid open and Goki stepped out, resplendent in his uniform with its chest full of medals, including the prized golden star of the Bintang Sakti. The squat commando had served General Suyanto for more than two decades. From wet work sorting out the fanatics in Aceh, to covert intelligence gathering in Timor, he was a lethal and efficient operator, and Suyanto had absolute faith in his abilities.

‘What do you think? Speak freely.’

Goki blinked slowly. ‘She’ll be a handful, sir. Especially with her muscle man, but it’s nothing I can’t manage.’

‘Are you sure you don’t want backup? You’ll be a long way from help.’

The commando shrugged. ‘Do you really need another loose end, sir? It would mean more cleaning up when this thing is done.’

‘I suppose you’re right,’ Suyanto conceded.

There were preparations underway for the disappearance of the Indonesian contingent – compensations with no-fault damage waivers for grieving relatives to sign. No doubt, Sir Julius was making equivalent arrangements in Port Moresby. With two tonnes of gold at stake, it was vital no one was left alive to tell the tale.

‘You will need to watch her very carefully, Goki. She’s devilishly clever.’

‘A chip off the old block, sir.’ Goki gave a rare grin.

‘And very precious to me. So, when you dispose of Boerman, make sure she can’t do anything stupid. Understood? I want her brought back in one piece.’

The commando fired off a smart salute, about-faced and departed.