A few minutes later…

A little while later, you slip out of the shadows to confront Justin.

‘James!’ Justin doesn’t look surprised – in fact, he almost looks pleased. ‘What an unexpected pleasure. I was just wondering when or if I’d ever see you again.’

You stalk towards him. ‘Wish granted.’

‘Oh, come on, now. How stupid do you think I am?’ Out of nowhere, Justin’s produced a tiny, engraved pistol, which he’s now pointing steadily in your direction. ‘You’re going to turn around and walk away, or I will shoot you. Federico here will testify it was in self-defense. I’d really rather leave you alive, though – the fallout is going to be insane.’

You stop, letting your shoulders sag. ‘Fine. You win.’

Justin blinks, looking delighted. ‘I’m sorry?’

‘You win,’ you grind out, standing motionless on the jetty. ‘Emma broke up with me. It’s over. I’ve got nothing left.’

Justin looks enchanted. ‘Thank you for coming all this way to tell me. I’m almost sorry I can’t allow you a taste of **** in return. But you and I, we understand each other.’ He gestures expansively. ‘We both played the game, and you lost. Answer me one thing, though. Whatever happened to ****-Soo? You two were getting on so well.’

‘He tripped and fell,’ you grind out. Justin actually chuckles.

‘I see. Well, I imagine it was a fair fight – and there are a thousand more ****-Soos out there. He was good at his job, but I don’t mind paying for another one. So… no hard feelings, all right?’ He flicks a speck of dust off his miniature gun. ‘As far as I’m concerned, you can live out the rest of your life in peace. I’m a generous man.’

You shake your head slowly. ‘You’re a cunt.’

Justin laughs warmly. ‘Well, we’ll agree to disagree. Goodbye, James. Say bye to Emma for me. That is, if you ever see her again.’

You watch him climb into the seaplane, gun still pointing unwaveringly in your direction. A few moments later, he’s strapped in, looking for all the world like a 1920s pilot in his stupid furry hat and brown scarf.

The plane’s engine starts up with a rattle, then a steadily increasing roar. Justin waves at you with the hand not holding the gun. You give him the finger.

Then the plane glides across the water, faster and faster, skids lifting into the air.

For a moment, everything seems calm.