‘High-def cameras they’d keep in the cabins, but why aren’t we seeing stuff like tripods, sound booms, underwater lighting rigs and camera housings?’

‘What’s all this shit for, then?’

‘My guess is salvage.’ With the bitter taste of disappointment in his mouth, Nash turned to Kaboro. ‘You want to explain what the hell is going on here, Lieutenant?’

‘Mr Nash, honestly I have no idea.’ Kaboro sounded as aggrieved as he looked. ‘My orders were only to take you to the mouth of the Hoosenbeck.’

‘That’s it?’

Kaboro thought for a moment. ‘Yes, aside from awaiting further instructions from Sir Julius.’

Nash picked up the welding mask. ‘Then I suggest we see what Sura has got to say for herself.’

They found her in animated discussion with Boerman on the sloping main deck, utterly oblivious to the tender sweeping the river for the victims of their stupidity. Such arrogant indifference summed up everything wrong about them, and Nash felt a surge of rage balling up in his throat as he marched up, holding the welding mask.

‘What the fuck is this?’

Sura flinched as if he’d slapped her.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘There’s no film equipment in the hold, just a shitload of salvage gear. I guess it explains the lack of a script.’

Sura took a step back, the pink end of her tongue darting out.

‘Mr Nash, you are jumping to conclusions. Why don’t you calm down so we can discuss this?’

‘Stop lying!’ Nash exploded. ‘You lured us here under false pretences and it’s just cost two people their lives.’

‘You’re way out of line, Nash,’ the big man growled, but the threat rang hollow, and his eyes kept darting between Nash, Douglas and Kaboro.

‘I’ll bet you didn’t even bring a camera.’ In the ensuing silence, Nash gave them both a knowing smile. ‘The expedition is over. You might as well spit it out. Why are we here?’

‘I do not answer to you.’ Sura’s voice was thick with hatred.

It has to be money, thought Nash, keeping his eyes fixed on hers.

But if their purpose was salvage, what did they need him for? Perhaps what they were looking for was in the Hoosenbeck after all.

He turned to Kaboro. ‘Lieutenant Kaboro, are you back in command?’

‘Affirmative,’ he boomed authoritatively. ‘From now on I will make all operational decisions.’

Sura’s lips drew back, reminding Nash of a cornered snake.

‘My company owns this ship.’

‘But you don’t own us.’ He smiled grimly. ‘And until you come clean on what your real purpose is here, you’re going nowhere except the closest police station to make a statement.’

‘Fuck you, Nash!’

Unable to contain himself, Boerman muscled forwards.

‘Stop right there!’ barked a loud command.