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‘That will be made much clearer for future cruises, I promise. But hopefully that means the originals can go to the world’s top museums and galleries – be seen the world over.’
‘I hope so. It sounds like you need it to be a success from what Maxwell has told me. It’s a shame that I never got to meet your partner. I’ve been told a lot about him.’
‘I do miss him very much.’ Emotion rose in Olivia’s chest, threatening to overflow. She needed to change the subject. ‘How did you and Maxwell meet?’
‘Oh, at Soho House in London. I was over doing some work a few months ago, and we’ve been flyingback and forth between London and Vilnius ever since. He is very good to me – if a bit intense.’
‘He seems very devoted.’
‘On that front, we feel the same. He has supported me through some very difficult times, even in our short relationship. He’s very protective of me. In fact, I think he would do anything I asked of him.’
Olivia swallowed as Lucinda clapped her hands together. ‘I suppose we should get ready for this midnight sun party.’ She stepped away from the railing, opening the door and gesturing Olivia through. ‘What deck is your cabin on?’
‘Deck five.’
‘Then this is where I leave you. See you up there?’
Olivia nodded.
Back in the cabin, Annalise and Janine were taking shots from what looked like small vodka bottles snatched from an aeroplane or hotel minibar.
‘Want to get into the “midnight sun” spirit?’ asked Janine, waggling the bottle at Olivia.
She shook her head. ‘Not for me.’
‘Sensible.’ She leaned in close, and Olivia could smell the alcohol on her breath. ‘Just don’t let me get too drunk and do something stupid.’
‘Or someone, right, Janine?’ Annalise laughed.
Janine threw a pillow at her. ‘Definitely not that. I’m not ready for that yet.’
‘Bad break-up?’ Olivia asked.
‘Something like that,’ Janine muttered.
‘Amen,’ said Annalise, raising her shot glass.
Olivia thought about Ingrid and Cutler in their suite.She took Janine’s hand. ‘You promised to look out for me. It’s the least I can do for you as well.’
Janine smiled. ‘Then it’s a deal,’ she said, before knocking back the rest of the bottle.
They didn’t have to wait long for dinner. The captain had agreed to have the entire cabin at the table, but, as a result, she was sitting about as far from the captain as it was possible to be. But Olivia didn’t care. She had retreated now into the company of her cabinmates, keeping a watchful eye out for the man with the shaved head – but there was no one who roused suspicion.
At least the food remained top-notch. And the drinks were flowing. Patty took a sip of her cocktail – an Antarctic Sunrise, made (allegedly) with real glacier ice. She was already several drinks deep – at this rate, Olivia wasn’t sure any of her cabinmates would make the midnight sun party. Plenty of activities were planned for that magical moment they passed 66º 33′ south, starting with a champagne toast, live music at the bar and a fancy-dress party.
Even now, it was impossible not to be transfixed by the view outside the dining-room windows. Even though they were finishing dinner and the hour grew close to ten thirty p.m., it was light outside, the sun sitting low on the horizon. It cast shadows on to the icebergs, turning them a light shade of golden. Tonight the sun would never fully set beneath the horizon. They would get to experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun.
The familiar three bells rang over the intercom, and Patty gripped Olivia’s arm. ‘It’s happening!’
‘Greetings, crew and passengers of theVigil, this is Elisabet. I hope you all have enjoyed the showcase, a nicemeal and the rest of your evening at sea. But soon we will come to the point that we have all been waiting for. In approximately fifteen minutes, we will reach 66º 33′ south. Or, as it’s more commonly known around these parts, the Circle. If you would please make your way on to the deck for a special surprise when we cross over …’
Leaving them hanging on that cheerful tone, the tannoy switched off and immediately there was a burst of excitement from the dining room.
‘Come on, it’s time,’ said Patty.
They pulled on their jackets and joined the rest of the passengers, a sea of red flowing out on to the forward deck. They all looked so similar, indistinguishable with their hoods pulled up to ward against the cold, and Olivia felt comforted by the sense of anonymity. If she was being targeted – and after what had happened at their cabin, surely it couldn’t be denied now – she couldn’t be distinguished.
The crew came out in costume. They were wearing brightly coloured leis around their necks, oversized sunglasses and swimwear on top of their blue jackets, all to celebrate being in peak ‘summer’ – even in the freezing cold.