Page 42 of Below the Deck

‘That’s not what I meant. I just wouldn’t be surprised if, you know, he’d approached her some time. Hit on her. Decided toreward her with special favours because he’s taken a liking to her.’

‘Oh,’ said Eleni. She stared at her hands.

‘Has he – has he ever done that to you? You can tell me, Eleni.’

Eleni got to her feet. ‘No – he hasn’t. And I think it’s time I went to see where Nick’s got to.’

‘Ah, Eleni – don’t go … I’m sorry if I upset you, I’m only trying to help …’ But Sam’s words were met with silence as Eleni walked off briskly, back inside and away from him.

Sam stayed at the dinner table, alone and contemplative. Clearly, he wasn’t going to get anything more out of Eleni about Rory: to be fair, if she said too much, it could cause no end of drama between Nick and Rory on the rest of the charter – Sam had already seen a hint of that this evening.

Johanna stepped out of the salon and began clearing the table. ‘Can I get you anything else?’ she asked.

‘I’m good, thanks.’

Johanna started stacking plates, turning away just as Sam thought of something. Eleni and Lucy hadn’t opened up to him this evening; maybe, though, the same couldn’t be said for the other people he was sharing this yacht with: the crew. Perhaps they might be a little more willing to get things out in the open. He could only try.

‘Johanna?’

She turned back. ‘Yes? What can I get you?’

‘Oh – nothing. I just wanted to check you’re all okay. I know Michaela hasn’t been feeling well. Is she better now?’

‘Yes, she’s fine – thanks.’

Before Sam could say anything else, the stewardess walked briskly inside.No luck there, either.

But this trip wasn’t over yet. He had another day to go, and he wouldn’t give up: it was his duty to discover if any of these women were feeling unsafe; if they were facing danger of any kind.

Because Sam already had a good idea of what – or rather,whothat danger could be.

He just hoped he wouldn’t have to keep it to himself for much longer.

GENDARMERIE MARITIME DE POLYNÉSIE FRANÇAISE

CASE NUMBER: 247849

POLICE EXHIBIT SIX

Transcript of audio from CCTV footage,Lusso di Marecamera 3 (Main Deck awning), conversation between Michaela Stevens and Johanna Nebeker

09/06/26, 23:45

Johanna:They’ve all gone down. We can talk. Oh my God, Mic! Have we ever seen a dinner party crash and burn that fast before?

Michaela: I’m not sure we have. This tablecloth’s not coming back from it, that’s for sure. Here, pass me the other end …

Johanna:Poor Talia, though. She looked ready to burst into tears before she even sat down. I feel bad for her, to be honest. Imagine being married to that …

Michaela: I know. But I don’t think her husband’s the only thing worrying her.

Johanna:Fair point. And did you see the way Eleni jumped in, trying to diffuse everything, when they were all going in on Rory?

Michaela:And how it was the women, apologizing for the men’s behaviour? Aaah. It grinds my gears …

Johanna: Me too! Are you okay, though? After … you know.

Michaela: Yeah. Nothing’s happened so far today. It’s been a massive relief to stay away from guest duties, though – I’m just sorry you’re having to pick so much up on service.