‘And tell them what?’ Yegor’s voice became deeper and he did a very passable imitation of Martin’s baritone: ‘“Hello, I’m Martin Schwartz, the chap who once sued the Kalinin shipping company and its captain. Yes, I know nobody wanted to believe my claim that my family didn’t jump to their deaths even though all the evidence pointed in that direction. Yes, the press wrote that I was blinded by my grief and in spite of the chloroform rag beside the bed I was set on finding someone to blame for the tragedy. I lost all the cases and my credulity back then. But this time I’ve got real proof that something strange is afoot on this ship.”’ Yegor laughed as if he’d cracked a dirty joke.

‘They will listen to me,’ Martin retorted. ‘This time there are too many witnesses.’

‘Are we now talking about the crazy grandma who even in esoteric forums is regarded as batty? Oh, yes, and have fun with the FBI. They’ll be rolling up here, you see, as soon as we report our Passenger 23. Anouk Lamar is a US citizen. They’ll seize the ship and order a month-long search—’

‘Which will cost you millions.’

‘And you the truth, Martin. Do you really believe the FBI will make you the same offer that I am?’

‘What offer?’

Martin had the feeling that his right ear was getting hotter; he put the phone to the other side of his head. ‘I’ll let you speak to the girl,’ Yegor said. ‘For as long and often as you like. The FBI, on the other hand, will immediately remove you from the case because they’ll believe you’re prejudiced. Only I can grant you unfettered access to all areas of this liner.’

‘So you’re expecting me to find out what happened to her without making the matter public?’

‘Correct.’

Martin closed his eyes. Opened them again. Couldn’t assemble a clear thought in his head.

‘Where is Anouk?’ he asked.

‘Dr Beck will take you to her. First thing tomorrow morning.’

‘I want to see her now.’

Yegor laughed. ‘This is the problem with wishes. Only the wrong ones come true straight away. Have a good sleep first. Tomorrow is without a doubt going to be a tiring day.’

15

Querky: are you going through with it then?

Moonshadow: yes, thanks so much.

Querky: for what?

Moonshadow: for helping me! i wouldn’t be able to manage it without you.

Lisa clapped shut her notebook and pushed it under the duvet, because she thought she’d heard a noise in her mother’s cabin, but it was probably only the fixed furniture creaking as the ship moved. No knock at the connecting door.

Phew.