“We’ve already contacted the Royal Geographic Society,” Cabrillo went on, “and I’m sure they’ve told your family that you’re okay. A charter helicopter is standing by in Japan to get you to a proper hospital as soon as we’re in range. Are you sure you don’t remember anything else about your attack? It’s very important.”

Tory’s face scrunched with concentration. “No, I’m sorry, I don’t.” She looked to Julia. “I think you’re right. My brain has blocked it all out.”

“Last night when you were brought aboard you spoke to the ship’s third officer. Her name is Linda Ross. Do you remember talking to her?”

“No,” Tory replied a little testily. “I must have been delirious.”

Cabrillo went on despite a warning glance from Julia. “You told her your name and said you were a researcher. You went on to talk about the attack and said one of the pirates searched your cabin while you were hiding. You told Linda he wore a black uniform and black combat boots.”

“If you say so.”

“You also told her that you saw two other ships nearby. You said that you thought one of them was an island at first because it was so big. You described it as being perfectly rectangular. The other ship was smaller, and it appeared the two were going to collide.”

“If I don’t remember being trapped on the Avalon for four days, I certainly don’t remember what happened minutes after the attack. I’m sorry.” She turned to Julia. “Doctor, I think I’d like to rest now.”

“Of course,” Julia said. “My office is just outside your room. Call if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Tory gave Juan an odd look. It passed quickly, and she said, “And thank you for saving my life.”

He touched her shoulder again. “You’re very welcome.”

“Helluva looker,” Max remarked when he and Cabrillo were in the corridor outside the medical bay.

“Helluva liar,” Juan said.

“She’s that, too.” Max tapped his pipe stem against his big teeth.

“Why, do you think?”

“That she’s a good liar or that she lied to us at all?”

“Both.”

“Haven’t a clue,” Max said. “I’m just glad Linda had the foresight to debrief Miss Ballinger last night.”

“I wouldn’t have thought of it,” Juan admitted.

“The shape you were in, I’m amazed you even found your cabin.”

“Linda said the way Tory described the ships and the pirates’ uniforms made her think our passenger might have some military training.”

“Or she’s a researcher, just as she and the Royal Geographic Society claim, and she applies her scientific observation skills to everything she encounters.”