Chapter 18

The first thing Mia saw on entering the bridge was Jaap Boerman crouching over Goki’s prostrate form. The Afrikaner’s huge hands were clamped to either side of the smaller man’s head, and his startled expression reminded her of a little boy caught in the act of some wrongdoing.

‘What do you want?’ Sura was looking flushed, although the heat was yet to bite.

‘What do I want?’ Mia’s eyes narrowed. ‘Give me that first aid kit.’

‘He’s bleeding,’ reported Boerman helpfully, lightly jumping to his bare feet.

‘I can see that. Give me some space to examine him.’

Sura and Boerman sullenly pushed past, and Mia was grateful for the comforting presence of Moses and his assault rifle.

The livid contusion on Goki’s forehead appeared to have been caused by striking the windscreen, but the blood pooling thickly on the deck was from a nasty laceration on the back of his close-cropped head. Moses got Mia a fresh tea towel from the sink which she used to stem the flow, pressing as firmly as she dared because she suspected he had a fractured occiput.

‘I need to get him to a proper bed,’ she told Moses. ‘Do you think you could get some help to carry him down to my cabin?’

‘No problem, miss. Shall I ask Mr Boerman?’

She glanced outside to the quarterdeck, where the big man was making no attempt to conceal his interest.

‘I think one of your own men is best.’

Moses called down to Singkepe. Together they lifted Goki up while Mia supported his sagging head. In the process, something clattered to the floor and Singkepe frowned. Reaching down, he grabbed the vicious-looking combat knife and slid it into his boot. They carried the unconscious man past Boerman, and Mia felt her skin crawl as his eyes tried to meet hers. Down in the cabin, the soldiers carefully placed Goki on his side on the bottom bunk before Mia took Singkepe aside.

‘Sergeant, I’m not sure this man’s injuries are from the collision.’

‘What do you mean?’ He frowned.

She pointed to the back of her skull, then mimed slamming something down with two hands. Singkepe’s eyes widened and Mia suddenly felt uneasy. Had she really seen Boerman assaulting him? It was a serious accusation. One that would be hard to prove and impossible to retract.

‘I don’t have definite proof, but I’m worried all the same.’

Singkepe observed her closely before nodding.

‘Moses, wait outside the door. No one is to enter.’ He nodded at Mia. ‘Let him know if you need anything. I will pass on your concerns to Lieutenant Kaboro.’

Closing the door, Mia leaned against it for a moment and took several deep breaths to compose herself.