Ahab imagined he could hear the ringing of a ship’s bell. His eyes flicked to the photo of the sunken ship. He should’ve known the sirens’ curse wouldn’t release its grip that easily. ‘And why won’t he answer questions?’

‘As I learned today from a very talkative psychiatrist, trauma affects the brain in different ways,’ said De Corrado. ‘And clearly Forest is severely traumatised. I know Linda has been giving you updates – so you know that Forest is not saying anything. But the truth is, he might always shut down when confronted with those questions. Or he could have no memories of that time – who knows what he’s repressed in order to survive? The psych thinks if he’s around familiar things from his past, he might anchor himself enough to stop repressing it all, but there’s no guarantee.’

Ahab began thinking of ways he could hasten that process, his mind turning to the next cupboard, full of photo albums that might do the trick, but then he caught the way she was looking at him, like she knew what he was thinking.

He sighed. ‘I’m not . . . I’m not going to push him too hard. I am happy he’s back. Even if he never gets his memories back, or never wants to speak about it again, it’s good he’s here, but . . . Alexandra suffered, under Jesse . . . If Forest’s returned, there’s a chance she’s still alive, too. I didn’t do anything, back then; I want to do something now. And maybe the clock is ticking.’ He rested his finger on the string linking Alexandra’s photo to Forest’s.

‘You think Davey’s involved, don’t you? Isn’t that why Ivy won’t let you on her property?’

‘You have done your research,’ said Ahab. ‘You would’ve had to dig deep to find that tidbit.’

‘Ivy’s not as powerful as you think she is.’

Yes, she is that powerful, thought Ahab.

‘I used to think Davey was involved. But he’s since convinced me he didn’t knock Jesse off,’ said Ahab. ‘I’m satisfied now, alright? I had other things happening in my life at the time. I was distracted.’

‘Yes, your mum’s ice addiction. Miriam. It’s almost like you were taking your anger out on Davey.’

His anger flashed and he turned on her. ‘Be careful, detective.’

‘Of course,’ she said, a smile in the corner of her mouth.

He had to stop losing his temper every time someone mentioned his mother.

He closed the cupboard with a thud. ‘I’m happy Forest is back. Really happy. Let’s go and toast to his return.’ He gestured to the door.

De Corrado studied Ahab. ‘Why did you show me this board, Master Publican?’

‘It’s a good conversation starter,’ he said. ‘Come on, let me show you the room you’ll be renting.’