Kumar looked disdainfully at the man beside him. “I believe it must have been a significant comfort to him. Buddhism teaches that the quality of a moment can be valued more than corrupt longevity. The ripples are felt throughout the world and time.”

“Thanks for the lesson,” Marcus said.

“In fact, Mr. Darling, it was advice.”

“Was it?”

“Yes,” Kumar said. “We have reason to believe that you were one of the men who shot at the sampan.”

“I did what? I don’t even know how to fire a gun!”

“You can tell that to the chief interviewer in the Maximum Security Changi Prison in Singapore,” Kumar replied.

“Changi? You’re not taking me to the logs,” Marcus said.

“I have consulted with my superior, who is with representatives of your government. They agree that it is within our rights to ascertain your innocence,” Kumar replied.

“This is wrong!” he shouted. “I want a lawyer!”

“You will have one, though it may be a few days before he can see you,” Kumar said. “Singapore’s courts are always very busy.”

“I want one of my uncle’s lawyers!”

“I’m told they are going to be fully engaged as well,” Kumar said. “May I suggest a compromise, however?”

Marcus asked what that would be.

“Tell us who your captain dealt with,” Kumar said. “Do that, and we will return you to Cairns.”

“I thought this was about shooting the sampan,” Marcus said.

“It can be,” Kumar said.

“You bloody bullock,” Marcus said.

“I am not bloody,” Kumar replied. “Not yet.”

Marcus huffed for a moment, then said he would have to think about it. On the way back to the cabin, he agreed to cooperate with Kumar. The lieutenant radioed to inform FNO Loh that he had a successful chat with Marcus Darling. The young man seemed willing to cooperate. Kumar also told Loh that they had located the real Peter Kannaday.

Back in sick bay, the medical officer finished cleaning the body of the seaweed that had collected on it. He picked it away carefully, using long tweezers and cotton swabs. Then he covered the body with a sheet and left it on the gurney. There was nothing else he could do. The body could not be touched until an autopsy had been performed onshore. He turned off the light and locked the door. It had been a long night of caring for the half-drowned sailors. He needed to rest.

Captain Peter Kannaday was alone. He was at sea, where he belonged.

And one thing more.

He was at peace.

EIGHTY - Darwin, Australia Sunday, 7:46 A.M.

EIGHTY

Darwin, Australia Sunday, 7:46 A.M.