Hawkwood doubted whether Renner had been party to his captain’s intentions. The first officer’s delivery of the summons appeared to have been without guile, suggesting he’d not been taken fully into his captain’s confidence. It had been a sound move. Had Renner been in on the plan, his demeanour would probably have been a lot more guarded and that might have alerted Hawkwood and Lawrence that all was not as it should be.

“Hello, Major.” Hawkwood smiled wearily, though his mind was racing. “How’s the leg? Lost the cane, I see. That’s good.”

A small vein pulsed at the side of Quade’s throat like a worm trying to burrow out through his skin. Wrong-footed by Hawkwood’s apparent lack of consternation, and perhaps disappointed that he’d not been presented with an excuse to shoot, his gaze moved from Hawkwood to Lawrence and then back again. “You bastard! You Goddamned Limey bastard!” His finger whitened on the trigger.

“Major!” Winans warned sharply.

For a moment Hawkwood had been convinced that Quade’s anger would get the better of him, but thanks to Winans’ intervention the major stood down. Letting his breath out slowly, Hawkwood looked for the nearest escape route. From what he could see, there didn’t appear to be one.

Lawrence, who’d been staring at the American in shock and bewilderment, turned and enquired cautiously, “Friend of yours?”

“Old acquaintance,” Hawkwood corrected. “Allow me to present Major Harlan Quade, Thirteenth Regiment of Infantry.”

“Ah, yes.” Collecting himself, Lawrence brought his heels together and rewarded Quade with a formal nod. “Your servant, Major.”

Still simmering, Quade’s eyes narrowed as if he was unable to decide whether Lawrence was mocking him or being genuinely courteous.

Captain Winans broke the tension. “It would appear introductions are unnecessary. I suggest you both take a seat.”

Hawkwood and Lawrence remained standing. Hawkwood knew Lawrence was waiting for him to make the first move. All he had to do was say the word.

But then Winans laid down his pistol within close reach and said, “As you wish, though if you are contemplating something rash, I would advise you to reconsider. I doubt you’ll want to risk exiting by the stern windows, and there are armed men posting themselves outside the door even as I speak.”

From the passageway there came the sound of boots hitting the deck.

Hawkwood caught Lawrence’s eye and gave a small shake of his head.

Not yet. The chance may come later.

They took the proffered seats. It was all they could do. The brandy and coffee mugs had been removed, Hawkwood noticed. No home comforts this time around.

Captain Winans picked up a sheet of paper from the table. His eyes hardened.

“You can put that away,” Hawkwood said. “We know what it says.”