Chapter 70

“You will not resign. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.” Was he relieved? “And anyroad, they didn’t kill me.”

“No, they didn’t.” Thank God. “What did they do?”

“They returned later that same day and cut me loose. They told me that story about Malossini being so excited seeing the island that he lost his balance and fell overboard. Supposedly the sharks got him.”

“You sound as if you don’t believe that.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know what really happened, but when I told them there were people in London who’d need proof Malossini was dead, they gave me his signet ring. His father gave him that ring; he was never without it. And it was his ring, make no mistake. Only—if he’d been eaten by sharks, how in bloody hell did they get their hands on it?”

“I’d feel better if you had actually seen the body.”

“You needn’t tell me, sir. I know it was my error. I let them get the better of me. I’ll—I’ll accept whatever disciplinary action you see fit to impose.”