Ahab had spread the story around Shacktown in such a way that Forest was considered the hero. Because of Forest’s bravery, the mystery of what happened to Alexandra and Huck had been solved. All those who knew Ahab understood how important that was to him. Ahab also gave Forest the credit for the archaeological find of the decade – what was now being called Alexandra’s Cave – and for being instrumental in dismantling the local drug cartel.

That news had turned heads. Some members of the Business still walked the streets of Shacktown, but most had left town for pastures new. When Mackenzie had asked Ahab what he planned to do about that, Ahab had shrugged. ‘They don’t have a leader. The oceans around here are becoming a national park, so they can’t operate as they used to. They’re harmless. And they know what will happen if they ever try something in my town again . . .’

These days, Forest was more grateful than ever that Ahab was on his side. And Ahab, from what he could see, was as content as it was possible for the man to be. Even now, he was stealing a glance at De Corrado. Forest loved that.

Mackenzie winked at him. Clearly he saw it too.

‘Stop it, you two,’ said De Corrado, meaning Mackenzie and Forest, but she wasn’t even looking their way. ‘I know what you’re thinking.’

‘Let them think what they want to think,’ rumbled Ahab.

The story grew more complicated as far as Blackbeard’s crew was concerned. De Corrado’s team hadn’t been able to track down many of them, and Shelby had conveniently forgotten any names or identifying features.

From what Mackenzie had told him, after Davey’s death, Shelby had spun a quick deal with Tranquil. He could have the crew and she wouldn’t give up the location of the rendezvous, or anything else that would implicate them. In exchange, she wanted Pirates Bay and Shacktown left alone. Tranquil was only too happy to take that deal.

Ahab suspected it was because Ivy had been so well respected – Tranquil wasn’t keen on having any of her family around, should any of his crew decide the operation should revert to Dempsey ownership.

Forest shifted a little closer to Mackenzie.

‘How was Shelby today? I mean . . . with you.’ He kept his voice low.

Mackenzie nodded. ‘Oh, yeah, she still hates me. I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me for taking Davey from her – how could she? But I think she loves me, too, you know what I mean? One day she’ll work out which feeling is stronger, and we’ll see what happens then. It’s not for me to decide.’

He looked out across the bar for a moment, lost in thought. Then he smiled that new authentic smile of his, made whole.