‘You won’t shoot me,’ challenged Jack, his bravado disguising his doubt. ‘You need me to sail your trading fleet to the Japans.’

Pursing his lower lip thoughtfully, Sir Henry regarded the logbook. ‘But now that I have this “bible to the seas”, I no longer have any need of you.’ He set the precious rutter aside and glared at Jack, his face grave and bone-white in the pale moonlight. ‘You were supposed to be my golden goose, the key to restoring my lost fortune. But you had to ruin everything by snooping round Lupus Hall and finding your good-for-nothing sister! Then you brought those plague doctors to my door, or whatever those devils were. As soon as I realized the house was under attack, I summoned the local militia – although a fat lot of good those bumbling idiots were! Lupus Hall is burnt to the ground, and all because of you! Now, Jack Fletcher, you’ll pay for that debt with your life.’

Jack tensed, preparing to spring out of the way of the oncoming bullet. But Sir Henry’s finger didn’t pull the trigger.

‘Well? What are you waiting for?’ said Jack, his heart pounding in his chest. ‘If you’re going to shoot me, then go ahead and do it!’

‘No, I’m not going to shoot you,’ Sir Henry replied with a sly grin. ‘That would spoil my prize Persian rug … and be far too quick for my liking.’

He rose from his armchair, keeping the pistol’s barrel pointed at Jack’s chest.

‘Constables!’ he cried, summoning four armed men into the library. ‘Arrest this boy and his accomplices – who I wager are outside – for breaking into my house and stealing my property.’

44: Three Tides

The sun rose red like a bloodshot eye above the River Thames, a cold autumnal mist hanging low over its waters. Only the clink of sailing lines and the squawk of seagulls disturbed the peace of the waking dawn. There was a chill in the air that cut to the bone, hinting at the impending winter. Ships, moored at the myriad wharfs and jetties, shifted and creaked with the incoming tide. Sailors and dockhands shook off the heavy cloak of sleep and set to work, as the bells of the city churches tolled in mournful unison. London was stirring and a new day beckoned.

But for Jack and his friends it would be their last.