They’d already agreed to meet Shelby at the MV Anne, their houseboat lab, so that’s where they were headed. When they passed a police car on the way, Ahab slowed, and Mackenzie thought he was about to flag it down, but then he sped up again, sticking close to Mackenzie. ‘We need Shelby to see he’s safe first!’ he shouted.

Finally they pulled into the Dempseys’ bush block, where the Anne was moored.

When they came to a stop, Forest vomited on the sodden ground. ‘It hurts,’ he croaked.

‘We’re getting you out of here as fast as we can,’ said Mackenzie.

A fleet of vehicles was parked right on the beach, forming a circle, a bonfire burning on the sand.

Ahab lifted Forest from the bike and let it fall to the ground. ‘Here he is! Here’s the boy, Shelby.’ He carried him tenderly, careful of his leg. ‘Just a moment longer, Forest, then we’ll get you to an ambulance.’

Mackenzie limped after them.

Shelby emerged from the middle of a huddle of people, men and women, all with that same wary look on their face from years spent working in the underworld. Mackenzie recognised some of them from Margot’s Revenge, most notably Tranquil. They waited a respectful distance, Davey among them.

His brother wouldn’t meet his eyes.

So Shelby had really done it. She’d summoned Blackbeard’s crew. From where she was situated in the middle of them, it was clear she was in control. She’d taken on the mantle.

Shelby looked like a sick caricature – the shotgun strapped across her back, two holsters criss-crossing her chest, handguns in place. Shelby had learned quickly about how important optics were in the drug game – she was demonstrating to the crew she was not someone to be trifled with.

Mackenzie couldn’t believe it. She’d fallen so far, so fast.

The Black Wind droned, and Mackenzie’s heart was a storm.

‘Here he is,’ shouted Mack. ‘He needs the hospital.’

‘Shelby?’ said Forest from Ahab’s arms.

She looked between the three of them. ‘So you really did it. I can’t believe it.’

‘Where’s De Corrado?’ said Ahab, stern as ever.

‘She’s safe – she cooperated well. She’s in the back of that car,’ said Shelby, pointing at a sedan. Dim thumps could be heard from within. ‘Naturally we can’t let her out until we’re long gone. You three can take that car to get back. Although I’ll have to insist you let me and the crew have a head start.’

‘Shelby,’ said Ahab. ‘You’re not seriously . . .?’

‘Not what, Ahab?’ Shelby’s voice was cold. ‘De Corrado saw me shoot Ivy. She knows about the Business. Either I become Blackbeard or I kill her. We have no choice.’