No, they had to find another way to take down Blackbeard. They had to save the cave for when he was out of the picture.

‘Ahab, I want that product out of my house!’ said Shelby.

‘Let’s grab Davey on the way and talk in my room,’ said Ahab. ‘Be careful, De Corrado is back.’

Forest made to follow, but Ahab gave him a stern glance. ‘No. You stay put. This doesn’t involve you.’

At least he could try to keep the boy out of this side of things. As much as possible.

Once they were in Ahab’s room, Davey and Shelby embraced and then sat beside each other.

‘We’ve got the product,’ said Shelby, her hands in Davey’s. ‘Now we have to decide who should take it to Blackbeard. Mack says it should be him, but he’s not . . . thinking clearly right now.’

‘Not a chance,’ said Davey.

Ahab stood at the doorway to the balcony, smoking furiously. Shelby had explained what had happened in their lab. It was stupid of Mackenzie to try the ice. What if he got hooked again? At least Shelby hadn’t felt the need to hide the truth from him, so presumably Mackenzie was showing restraint.

‘Mackenzie is the only choice,’ said Shelby. ‘Who else could it be?’

‘He’s living in our house!’ said Davey. ‘Blackbeard will know you’re involved. He might even work out you’re the cook!’

Ahab nodded in agreement, then stepped outside to discard one cigarette and light another. Davey had his eyes on him when he came back inside. ‘Shelby’s right,’ said Ahab. ‘It has to be Mackenzie.’

‘It could be you,’ said Davey.

Ahab scowled. He should have seen that coming. ‘I already told you, I’m not getting involved.’

‘I had the same idea,’ said Shelby. ‘But Mackenzie said everyone knows Ahab’s straight now. Blackbeard’s crew would never buy it.’

‘Straight people become crooked,’ said Davey.

‘Not this one,’ said Ahab. ‘I’m not peddling your ice.’

‘We need to hire someone, then,’ said Davey. ‘A middle-man to work as a drug runner.’

‘And who do you suggest?’ said Shelby. ‘Is there anyone you used to work with who you’re sure isn’t working for Blackbeard? Who the hell can we trust?’

‘Trust a hundred per cent? Only the people in this room . . . and the fake Forest. If he was working for Blackbeard, I’d be dead by now.’

Ahab felt a sinking feeling in his gut. He didn’t want them getting the boy involved. ‘No. You’re not using him.’

‘Why not?’ said Davey, voice rising. ‘He’s the reason we’re in this mess.’

‘And he’d be safe,’ said Shelby thoughtfully. ‘We know Blackbeard doesn’t want him dead.’

‘But if Blackbeard finds out he’s involved in a drug syndicate, that could change. And he’s only a kid!’