I have been put to work helping the SS camouflage the submarine. The work is terrible, and my hands are a mess. We cut vegetation and branches from the riverbanks and ferry them to the submarine by dinghy. Crocodiles are a constant threat. The sun beats down mercilessly on the steel decks and the submarine is like an oven. No one can handle it below deck during the day, which is why I caught my first sight of Ilse. She was on the conning tower with a parasol, looking pale and withdrawn. Not once would she meet my eye. It has upset me tremendously. Heider barks orders and scans the swampy forest on both sides of the river for natives, whom he shoots with either the heavy machine gun or sometimes a hunting rifle. I believe the SS grow restless. It’s obvious that they do not share Heider’s motivations, but their fear of him keeps them silent. Apparently, he has banned all BBC radio broadcasts and they are growing resentful at being kept in the dark. I am hoping for a mutiny. The longer this goes on, the more likely it seems the men will take matters into their own hands.

* * *

Near Kamindimbit, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

‘Chuck the stuck-up bitch over the side,’ Boerman counselled. ‘She’ll be crocodile dung by morning.’

Sura watched Goki’s face turn a shade darker.

‘You forget Kaboro has promised he will take her as far as the border. And if Nash or the girl get off this boat, they become witnesses, not to mention the villagers and missionaries in Timbunke who will testify that we picked Carter up.’

‘So, she went missing anyway.’ Boerman grinned. ‘Happens all the time.’

Goki flicked his fingers in exasperation. ‘She’s an American citizen, all right? The American State Department could make life very difficult for the boss if they lean on PNG, and we don’t even know who Mia Carter is yet.’

‘So, let’s find out.’ Sura was still seething from the confrontation. She had been publicly shamed, and the pain would not be excised until those responsible were made to pay.

Goki stared at her. ‘What do you propose?’

Opening her attaché case, Sura pulled out a folder.

‘Just because Kaboro has burdened us with an uninvited guest, it doesn’t mean he can ignore protocol.’

After telling Jaap to stay put and keep out of trouble, she led Goki below decks and rapped three times on the cabin door.

‘Doctor Carter, I need a brief word.’

The American’s blue eyes were cold when she opened the door.

‘What can I do for you?’

Sura held out a document. ‘You need to sign this.’

Mia made no move to take it. ‘What is it?’

‘It’s a waiver, from any claim that you might make against Shangri-La Productions during your passage to the Indonesian border.’

‘Shangri-La? How ironic. No, I don’t want to sign it.’