He rested a hand against a gumtree, looking up at the sky, full of moon-streaked clouds and a dusting of stars. He was at the end of a short driveway, and inside this house the people were still awake – through their open curtain he saw the whole family sitting at the table, chatting and laughing. It was comforting and yet at the same time it left him feeling incredibly lonely.

‘You’re okay, kid,’ he said to himself, tearing his eyes away. ‘You’re okay. Quiet. Go quiet . . .’

Finally, letting the silence of the night sky fill his body, he fixed his mind on Homeward and continued on his way.

He reached the property and walked down the driveway, seeing Mack’s car parked beside Shelby’s Jeep. Mackerel was on bail, so Forest figured it was a safe bet he’d be the one answering the door himself, assuming it was the police coming to check on him.

He rang the doorbell and, a moment later, was proven correct.

Mackerel only opened the door a crack. ‘Forest?’ he said. His bleary eyes and heavy voice revealed either fatigue or drunkenness. Probably both. ‘Why are you here?’ He smelled of whisky.

Forest ducked past him. ‘Take me to your room, we need to chat in private,’ he whispered, faking confidence.

Mackerel, clad only in his jocks, led him to the bedroom he’d just moved into. Open suitcases lay on the floor, full of crumpled clothes. Deodorant cans were lined up on the table, and abstract artwork had been taken off the walls and piled up in the corner. It was very nice for a guest room, thought Forest, but Mack clearly didn’t belong there.

‘Why are you here, Forest?’ said Mackerel, sloppily pulling on a shirt and shorts he’d found on the floor.

‘Promise you’ll keep it a secret,’ said Forest. ‘You’re the only one I can trust.’

‘Is it about Davey?’ said Mackerel quickly. ‘Has he made contact?’

‘No,’ he said. ‘Ahab just came to Ivy’s, and I overheard him telling her that Blackbeard wants to make sure I’m alive. But I don’t understand why. What does he want from me?’

‘Blackbeard wants you alive?’ whispered Mackerel. He looked away from Forest – he had the feeling he was trying to hide the fear in his face. ‘If he wants Davey dead . . . Then you’re the heir to Dempsey Abalone. Maybe he wants to recruit you, so that the Business can keep the cover of being part of the abalone trade. I mean, it’s good news if he doesn’t want to kill you.’

Ahab said it might be something I know.

No, something Forest Dempsey might know.

The Treasure Cave . . . it might have something to do with the Treasure Cave.