Daniel could sympathise. He remembered his own first big storm, back when he’d been a deckhand. It was really the first time he had understood all that talk of the ocean as a ‘cruel and unforgiving mistress’. That was when he’d come to terms withthe fact that she could never really be controlled. It had terrified him and seduced him. He was a man who strove for control in all things, and here was one thing he could never tame.
‘Any idea where she could be?’ Daniel asked.
‘I sent Oscar out to scout the obvious places, but this boat is bloody huge, Daniel. It’s hard to know where to start.’ Even through the distortion of the radio, Daniel could hear the exhaustion in Vicky’s voice.
‘I think I know where she is.’ It was Ore, speaking like she’d just had a revelation.
‘How would you …?’ Daniel began but before he could finish the sentence Ore was stumbling to her feet. He stood up just in time to catch her as she lost her balance. The swaying was less severe, but the boat was by no means sailing smoothly.
‘Thanks.’ Ore steadied herself. ‘Just trust me,’ she said and locked Daniel in a stern gaze. Finally, he nodded.
‘We’re going to find her,’ he reported back to Vicky. And then he turned to Dudley. ‘You got this,’ Daniel said and before Dudley had time to protest, he was leading Ore out of the wheelhouse, the door slamming behind them.
‘I think she’s in the cinema room,’ Ore said and then frowned. ‘Although I have to admit I have no idea where that actually is.’
‘Lucky I’ve memorised the entire layout of the boat,’ Daniel said.
‘Of course you have,’ Ore replied, rolling her eyes. ‘Please, Captain, lead the way.’
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Daniel smiled to himself, pleased to be the beneficiary of that much famed English ‘teasing’.
