I sigh. ‘Yes. You’re on the life insurance, like we talked about. Once the insurance people have decided I’m definitely dead, we can get back together somewhere discreet and split the proceeds, me with my new name and papers obviously. Though you mustn’t let on that we’re an item in the meantime. Maybe we could even get married at sea eventually, by a ship’s captain. Though I don’t know if that’s an urban myth or not. I don’t know if they’re actually allowed to perform marriages.’

Some of that wouldn’t bear close scrutiny but Rick can’t believe his luck in being with me, is not very bright and it’s all stuff he needs to hear to make sure he gets the job done.

He smiles. ‘You want us to get married?’

I look up at him coyly through my eyelashes, the way I know he likes. It makes him feel powerful. ‘Maybe. One day. What do you think?’

He laughs. ‘Wow, Lola, you’re full of surprises. I didn’t know you were traditional like that. But yeah, why not? I know we’re not exclusive at the moment,’ he presses himself against me again, ‘but I’d give everyone else up for you. I mean, look at you! You’re so fit. I’m totally punching.’

‘I said I wanted to be with you, didn’t I? So accept it,’ I say, somewhat shortly, not wanting to be drawn down this particular avenue of conversation which, along with the lack of air in this cupboard, is making me feel somewhat nauseated. ‘Now, do you remember what the plan is? Or do you need me to run through it again? You take Anna up to the top deck, wrapped in the awning like you said, I will hide out in here. Once you are sure that no one and no camera can see you, you throw her off, so she goes past the bar’s window – hopefully some of the punters will stop necking their champagne long enough to see her. Then make sure you get back down and continue about your business as usual without anyone seeing you.’

54

New Year’s Eve 2021, 22:00

Fizz

The Caribbean