‘And he was at breakfast three days ago – several people remember that,’ Leo says. ‘Since then, any possible “sightings” are more vague and less definite, but the records show that his room hasn’t been opened except by cleaners since February fifth. So it’s likely he went missing that day.’

Nico nods. ‘I see. I only met Stuart briefly, but he’s been with you for a little while now – does he strike you as the kind of person to simply go missing of his own volition, without a word to anyone? Alice – I believe you – erm – knew him quite well? What do you think?’

‘In all honesty, no, he doesn’t seem like someone who would do that,’ I say truthfully. Don’t blame him, I’m saying to myself silently. Someone did this to him. Someone on your precious ship. You allowed it to happen. Do the right thing. Do something about it. Find out who did this.

‘There’s a rumour circulating that he was planning to go swimming,’ Leo interjects, ‘but I think that must be a false rumour. I don’t really think that’s something he would—’

‘Swimming!’ Nico explodes, his face reddening with anger. ‘Christ. I assume your crew know that’s strictly forbidden, Leo?’

‘They do,’ Leo says tersely. ‘And they also know that there are serious repercussions for anyone caught doing so. But in spite of all the space and the luxurious suites many of them have bagged for themselves during this lay-up, life on board can get pretty claustrophobia-inducing and that sometimes leads people to do things they shouldn’t. Especially if it gives them a sense of freedom, as arguably, and of course foolishly, swimming in the sea might do. Perhaps during the next lay-up,’ he adds pointedly, ‘we could consider leaving one of the swimming pools operational for the crew.’

Nico’s face darkens – he didn’t like that. ‘Yes, we could consider it,’ he says, ‘though it involves more personnel and more expense. I would hope that, usually, crew members would follow instructions as a matter of course, swimming pool or not.’

I shift awkwardly, literally sitting on my hands. Both men are clearly trying to pass the blame on to each other. This isn’t about you, I want to shout. A man is missing. He’s probably dead. Do something.

‘There is another possibility,’ Leo adds. ‘I have been in touch with HR at head office and explained the, erm, situation. It turns out that Stuart had a malpractice suit pending against him so it’s possible that … well, without putting too fine a point on it, it’s possible that it was causing him some stress and he went swimming with the explicit plan of not coming back.’