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‘He contacted the ship via our satellite radio. That is highly unusual. But we try not to use that for passengermessages, especially if they are not urgent. I realize our internet signal has been intermittent, but our engineer is working on it and the email will be up and running shortly. Please, try to enjoy yourself on this cruise.’
Olivia frowned. Enjoy herself? That seemed like the last thing she’d be able to do. ‘What about this line? About wanting me to be safe?’
‘If you want, I can introduce you to our head of security, Pedro, but I can assure you, you are perfectly safe on board.’
‘What about the deaths yesterday?’ she asked, annoyed by the captain’s patronizing tone.
The captain’s expression changed immediately, his eyes losing all their previous warmth. ‘Who have you been talking to?’ he asked gruffly.
‘I was in the medical bay at the same time as the couple,’ she said, taken aback by his tone. ‘The doctors couldn’t hide it from me. They were too worried.’
‘And have you told anyone on board?’
‘No,’ she said quickly. ‘But have there been any updates? Are the police involved?’
‘I’m not at liberty to discuss this with you. What I can say is there is no need for all these questions. The couple involved are recovering in hospital in Ushuaia.’
‘So they’re not dead? There’s no autopsy?’
‘No. I hope that puts your mind at rest.’
Was there something warning in his tone? Olivia couldn’t quite tell. ‘There is one more thing …’
‘Yes?’ He was moving towards the door, obviously ready to usher her out as quickly as possible.
‘That night, I saw someone exiting their cabin. Cabin sixteen. I was on my way to the medical centre to getseasickness medication. It was a member of the crew. I described him to Liam – he said it sounded like his roommate.’
The captain nodded. ‘Ah, right. And then you hit your head?’
‘Yes … but I didn’t tell you that, did I?’
‘I am informed of every incident that happens on board my ship. It just took me a few moments to piece it together. That crew member had been sent in to fetch the couple’s passports in preparation for the helicopter flight.’ He leaned forward. ‘Olivia, I know this is a difficult journey for you. You are uncomfortable on boats, your partner is not on board, the pressure of the showcase on your shoulders. I am sure you have much to worry about. But as far as your safety on this ship is concerned, rest assured, you are in good hands. Our barometer shows that we have clear skies and good weather ahead. Please, try to keep any dark thoughts from your mind. It won’t do you any good on the ship – or on the shore.’ At that, he spun on his heels and walked out of the office. There couldn’t have been a clearer dismissal, and yet she felt distinctly uncomfortable.
Someone was lying to her. But she remembered the tone of Dr Tove’s voice last night, the fear lacing her words. That wouldn’t be so easy to fake. The captain was most likely trying to keep her from panicking.
She thought now that she’d heard from Aaron, she would be able to take the captain’s advice and relax. But instead, the questions just kept on mounting. Between the dead honeymooners, Maxwell’s threat and Pierre’s warning …
Olivia had never felt more on edge.
19
The next morning, Olivia stood in the mudroom, watching through a porthole as theVigilsailed to its first Antarctic mooring, off the coast of Barrientos Island. It wasn’t the vast expanse of snow and ice that she had been expecting but instead something far more stark and inhospitable: a jagged shard of rock protruding from the dark water, rising up behind a semicircle of shingle beach. The sky had a distinctly grey pallor, the colour of smoke from a smouldering bonfire, haze hanging thick in the air. There was a strong smell wafting from the land too, thanks to the vast colony of gentoo penguins nesting and squawking in their hundreds.
She was already fully kitted out in her drysuit and kayaking jacket, breathing into the inner linings of her gloves. Beneath the suit, she had on multiple layers of clothing – thermal undergarments, another jumper and her thickest fleece-lined leggings. Tucked into her pocket, she carried a small digital camera, locked in a waterproof case.
‘You look like you could use some of these,’ said Liam. He handed her a set of handwarmers – the kind you shook to activate. She took them gratefully, stuffing them into the lining of her gloves.
‘It’s colder than I expected. And we’re not even that far south yet.’
‘Trust me, when you get out on the water, it will beworth it. Never gets old for me, no matter how many times I lead a trip. Kayaking in the Southern Ocean!’
She offered a weak smile. ‘It’s pretty wild.’
‘Normal to be nervous. You’ll be in good hands with Melissa.’
‘Yes, thank you for arranging that.’
‘She’s new, but she’s good.’