The past weeks had taken years of planning. Countless hours in his cell, plotting and perfecting every aspect of the crime to come. Now it was over. He had done what he needed to do. All debts were paid and he could look forward to a life free from his past. Free from the things that had weighed him down. And now free from England. The country that had imprisoned him. The country he hated.

He turned, leaned his back against the rail of the ship and raised his face to the sun. Within minutes he could feel his skin burning. Penfold did not care. He had been pale for far too long.

It can sometimes be difficult to gauge time. To have any sense of whether minutes or hours have passed. Different factors can influence it. Including the sun, which can be almost hypnotic.

This happened to Wisdom Penfold on the upper deck of the Harwich to Hook ferry. He lost all track of time as he enjoyed the feel of the sun on his skin.

Right up until the moment the ship began to turn.

Penfold had grown used to the movement of the ferry. The rhythm with which it rode the waves. Nothing about it bothered him. At least not until now.

The feeling as the boat now moved to its left was different. Not at first. At first it could be ignored. But a full minute later and it was still turning. At this speed, that meant a full ninety degrees. Enough to change the shadows on the deck and to cast them onto Penfold himself.

Confirmation of his worst fear.

We’re turning around.

Penfold’s heart began to race. His grip on his rucksack doubled as he moved along the deck. As fast as he could risk without drawing attention to himself.

A short distance away was a crewman. Not a steward, instead someone who looked like he might actually know something. Penfold headed straight for him.

‘Excuse me.’ Penfold tried to seem unconcerned. ‘We seem to be turning around. Are we?’

‘I’m afraid so, sir. The captain has ordered us back to port.’

Stay calm. Stay composed.

‘Why?’

‘Problem with the boat, sir. We have to get her looked at.’

‘What sort of problem?’

‘A technical one. Nothing to worry about but it needs to be dealt with. That can’t happen at sea, I’m afraid.’

Don’t panic. Don’t draw attention.

‘Can’t it wait until we get to Holland? I have friends waiting for me there.’

‘Captain’s orders, sir. If we don’t get the problem dealt with we could cause permanent damage to the boat. Harwich is only two hours away. Hook is four.’

Might be bullshit. Might not. Roll with it.

‘Sounds like a no-brainer, then.’ Penfold forced a smile. ‘I assume there’ll be compensation for the delay?’

‘I’m sure there will be, sir. Cheaper than ruining the ship.’

‘Thanks.’ Penfold maintained the smile.

Stay natural.

‘Well, good luck with whatever it is.’

‘Thank you.’