A Killing Moon (38 page)

‘Did you allow my Kassia to pray?’ said Proch. Ostrowsky hesitated. A bullet smashed into his heart and he crashed back on to the mattress, dead instantly. ‘That’s what I thought.’

Proch searched Ostrowsky and removed car keys, wallet and telephone before opening the window. He lifted Ostrowsky’s head and shoulders through the gap and pushed him incrementally until gravity did its work and the body splashed into the black water below. He dismantled the gun and flung both parts into the North Sea after Ostrowsky. He did the same with the businessman’s smartphone, the bullet casing and his gloves, stained with Tymon’s blood.

Using his handkerchief, he opened the cabin next door and placed the car keys and wallet quietly on the floor. Ashley was still unconscious on his bunk, but Nick was snoring for England. Proch closed the door, wiped the handle and returned to the outdoor deck, where he took out a pre-paid mobile phone and rang the only number on the speed dial.

‘Hello,’ said the voice on the other end.

Proch paused for a second. ‘Sorry, I have dialled incorrectly.’ He rang off and dropped the phone over the side, then returned to his cabin for the rest of the journey.

Brook put down his mobile and sat on his bench watching the moon emerge from behind a dense cloud. Tigerbob sat on his lap asleep, and Brook was reluctant to move, despite his thirst for tea.

An hour later, he texted Noble to set up a meeting with Jake Tanner and his solicitor at the earliest opportunity.

‘Sorry, Jake,’ he said aloud, a tight smile forming around his mouth. ‘If justice is to prevail, there can be no peace.’