‘Marie-Thérèse Calvet, that was a mistake. You gave them an excuse to treat you like any other sexually motivated psychopath. They’re not going to be able to see past that to the reality, because they’re small-minded and stupid. You might think you’ll get a chance to explain yourself in court, but, trust me, you’re probably not going to make it to court. After what you did to Dr Calvet, they’re not going to need much of an excuse to shoot you down like a dog.’

Mann wiped a hand over his mouth, showing his distress at last. ‘Why are you talking to me like this?’ His voice was a plea that Tony needed to answer.

‘Because it’s my job to help people who get themselves into a tight corner. Most people will look at someone like you and they’ll think you’re evil. Or sick. Me, I just see somebody who’s been hurt. I can’t undo the hurt, but I can sometimes make it possible to live with it.’

It was the wrong thing to say. Mann pushed himself away from the wall and began to pace agitatedly in the tiny area between the bulkhead and the chart table. His air of vulnerability had vanished, replaced by an angry menace. His words tumbled over each other, his hands clenched and unclenched in spasms. ‘You’re a fucking psychologist. You twist words. You come here, to my boat, my place, and you tell lies about me. You have no right. You all tell lies. You say you want to help. And you never help. You make things worse.’ Suddenly he stopped and took a step towards Tony, blocking his path to the door, looming over him. He spoke slowly and clearly. ‘I could kill you now. Because I don’t believe you. Nobody knows who I am. Nobody knows me.’

Tony tried not to show the fear that had surged in his chest. He suddenly understood that no matter what he had thought standing on the wharf, he very much wanted to stay alive. ‘I know you, Willi. I know your motives were pure,’ he said, feeling his throat constrict, knowing his only chance was to keep talking. ‘You saw what had to be done, and you did it. But you’ve done enough to make your point. Let me speak for you. Let me explain.’

Mann shook his head vigorously. ‘They’ll take my boat away. I would rather be shot down like a dog than let them take my boat away.’ He made a sudden lunge towards Tony. In his urgency to escape, Tony tipped off the chair and crashed to the floor, screaming in pain as his bruised shoulder and broken ribs hit the deck. He cringed against the wooden boards, waiting for the blow that never came.