Opening the front door, Rhona caught the scent of something delicious. The relief at having her feet back on dry land was now further enhanced by the anticipation of a hot shower and a meal.

Magnus appeared from the kitchen to greet her. ‘I’ve put you in the room you had last time. Towels are on the bed. Take as much time and hot water as you need.’

Entering the room, Rhona went straight to the window, remembering how much she’d loved this view the first time she’d stayed with Magnus.

Luckily, the hulk of the MV Orlova had shifted out of sight, and she still had a clear line to the hills of Hoy. Magnus had joked on her first visit that if you could see Hoy then the rain was on its way. If you couldn’t see Hoy, then the rain was already here.

Rhona undressed and moved swiftly to the shower. As the water beat down on her head, the image and smell of the locus began to fade and she could focus on the forthcoming dinner.

According to Magnus, they would be joined tonight by investigative journalist Ava Clouston. It seemed Ava was reporting on the ghost ship for The Orcadian, plus various national and international outlets, since she was back home for a while, after the death of her parents. Rhona was intrigued to meet her and perhaps get her take on the mysterious MV Orlova, although, of course, there couldn’t be a discussion of what had happened on board today.

Heading downstairs, she found Chrissy and Magnus outside on the stone jetty admiring the view. Sunset had now turned the sky blood red against the dark hills of Hoy. It was stunningly beautiful and also devoid of wind, as though a Norse god was holding his breath at the splendour.

Chrissy was staring transfixed at the wonder before her. She might be a city girl but, unlike McNab, she could appreciate a world outside its boundaries. She had definitely taken a liking to the remote cottage they’d occupied during the Sanday case, once she was sure that the larder and fridge were well stocked.

‘A dram?’ Magnus offered, indicating the bottle of Highland Park and glasses set out on the outer wall of his own little harbour.

As Rhona smiled a yes, they heard a woman’s voice call his name.

‘That’ll be Ava,’ Magnus said, going to answer.

‘D’you know this Ava woman?’ Chrissy asked. ‘Apparently she’s an investigative journalist.’

‘I’ve read some of her reports, but never met her,’ Rhona admitted.

Chrissy lowered her voice. ‘Her parents died in a car accident, and she has to decide what to do with the farm. It’s over there.’ She pointed westwards. ‘Apparently there’s a teenage brother who wants to keep it on.’