Kaboro found safe anchorage in a wide bend off the main channel, where a flock of white storks patrolled the shore. The sunset was intensely beautiful, smudges of mauve and burnt orange contrasting with the cumulonimbus clouds, which shrouded the peaks of the distant mountain ranges, all reflected in the lake like a gigantic mirror. It was the kind of beauty which made Nash think how wonderful the natural world was, a feeling tinged with sorrow for what was being lost.

After taking some photos, he went and found Douglas, who was sitting on the edge of the helicopter pad, working his way through a second six-pack of beer. They had not spoken since that afternoon, and Douglas seemed content for it to stay that way. Sitting down beside him, Nash sighed.

‘I know you’re pissed I told Mia we’re here, but no one is going to beat us to the scoop now, are they?’

Taking a long pull of beer, Douglas took his time answering.

‘The point is, it ain’t your show. So, could you just humble yourself a little? At the rate you’re burning bridges, they’ll pull the fucking plug on us.’

‘Frank, something stinks here, and it has done ever since they got on the boat. Forget about intimidating Saworno and undermining Kaboro, look at this incredible sunset . . . Why isn’t Boerman getting it in the can? I spent hours last night talking film with Sura and I swear she has no interest whatsoever. If you ask me, they’re behaving like a gang of thugs with something to hide.’

Douglas grunted. ‘They’re rough around the edges – so what? That’s kind of how it is out here.’

‘You think I’m too First World sensitive?’

‘I was going to say precious.’

‘Frank, there are principles here.’

‘Which are fine when you can afford them. When was the last time you earned 250K for a month’s work?’

‘You’re telling me I should have left Mia to that mob today?’

‘No.’ Douglas shook his head irritably. ‘I backed you up, didn’t I? Even if it was her bloody fault.’

Nash frowned. ‘So, I should just shut up and stop asking questions so you can make a buck? I’m sorry, Frank, you might be relaxed with dodgy business arrangements, but it’s not the way I operate.’

Douglas thumped a fist on the deck. ‘Goddamn it, Robbie, you control the diving. No one can fucking make you do anything you don’t want to do.’

Nash became aware Douglas was drunker than he’d thought, and held his tongue. Douglas flung his bottle angrily into the water.

‘I’m not a fucking mind-reader. But it’s like you’re doing everything possible to fuck this deal up.’