They were taken back on board by a small life-boat. Xavier has nearly fallen overboard again, when it was his turn to step out. Erik managed to catch him by the collar of his waistcoat.

On the deck a crowd was waiting for them. Aside from the captain, his first officer, an irritated ship doctor and a few sailors, a bunch of sleepy passengers was hunched nearby. By captain's order, the passengers were dispersed from the deck very quickly.

A tall young man with a doctor's bag immediately ran to Xavier's side and started muttering constant stream of questions, simultaneously taking his pulse and fussing all over him.

Erik looked at Xavier once more, partly to make sure that he's not dreamed him up – a completely soaked, shivering man, who has attempted a polite conversation in the open ocean, a few hundred miles from the coast. The absurdity of the situation has clawed at him now and then.

Minor problems aside. Erik will find him later in order to express his gratitude properly. First things first. He needed to insure the safety of one valuable package. He briefly exchanged some words with the captain, promised him that he'd explain the situation later and hurried to his cabin using the pretext of changing into dry clothes.

The corridor was dark but darkness has never stopped him before. Of course, they had sent someone good, but Erik wouldn't be caught unaware twice in a row. As expected, the inside of his cabin was well and truly crushed. The inability to perform a decent search without turning down furniture was either evidence of haste or utter lack of professionalism. Whoever they were, they were obviously thinking him a fool, hiding documents in the closet or under the pillow.

Time has finally come to visit his old new friends and Erik knew where they could possibly be.

Emma was furious. She rarely allowed herself the luxury of surrender to emotions. Now, she's planning to channel her frustration. There was this person… However, she's seriously doubted the fact that this young woman was human. She glanced in her direction – here she was, sitting and watching Emma with her expressionless gaze like a pretty, but soulless doll. Emma has experienced an irresistible urge to do something, to cause physical harm, everything to wipe that frozen expression off her face. And where does William find them?

'Honey, I hope you do understand that I'm very angry now and you realize why.'

'Ma'am, I follow orders. And colonel's orders were: to eliminate the French spy, to destroy the package if found and to leave the ship. Your task was to provide me with a cover story. I'll steal the boat and leave the ship before dawn. The friendly vessel is probably following us right now on the safe distance. The agent's neutralized. The papers have disappeared, but my priorities were clear.'

'Laura, don't you find it strange, that exactly after your departure from the deck, it's become a little bit noisy? Your actions hadn't gone unnoticed. And if they are pulling him abroad right now, better pray him dead, otherwise…'

'Everything was calculated in advance,' her monotonous voice suited her face, 'the fall from the deck that high while the ship's moving will cause the loss of consciousness. Since the day of departure, I've carefully studied his habits. He usually doesn't speak with anyone, travels alone, so his absence won't be noticed for a long time. He always spends time on the deck after midnight. This is the perfect time and place to get rid of him easily and quietly.'

'A pity. In this case, you miscalculated, my dear.'

Emma got an empty look in response.

'You, my little girl, know nothing about men. I bet my reputation that our Herr Eisenhardt could possibly swim to the continent on his own, had he decided to do so,' maybe she exaggerated a bit, but it was necessary to teach William's lap dog a lesson. And Emma was a very capable teacher.

'Most importantly, I'm angry because you've destroyed my plans,' she let the irritation leak in her voice. 'Old duke and young, attractive widow. The couple made in heaven. I'd like to mention, that I selected candidates for three years, studied their awful preferences, spend a fortune to bribe the servants, compromised a couple of distant relatives, spend a whole year pretending to be heartbroken and how did this end? Laura came and ruined everything,' she bit her lip in frustration. Oh, how she wished and not for the first time to be able to get into someone's head and erase compromising memories.

She must act quickly and wisely. That old fogy had cost her too much. And who would have thought! This bitch will pay for it.

Suddenly, the girl stiffened and jumped to her feet. One powerful blow – and the cabin door swung open. Eisenhardt stood on the threshold just as she has previously predicted, smug and dangerous. Emma couldn't but appreciate the view presented by wet clothes.

Laura moved like lightning. Her opponent stood perfectly still. Emma always wondered where the knives came from. Thin blade materialized in Laura's hand as if out of thin air. Eisenhardt gave her a chance to approach him very closely and dodged to the side at the last second, grabbing her arm. Knife fell on the cabin's floor with a thud. Laura landed a kick but was thrown back with a considerable force. Normal person wouldn't have stood up after the blow, but our heroine has smoothly risen to her feet.

Well, that's it, thought Emma.

'Enough!' she said sweetly. 'First one to move without my order to do so, will get a bullet.'

Emma cocked the gun in Laura's direction.

'You jump very fast dear but I shoot faster. Same for you, sir.'

'You may call me by my name,' smirked Eisenhardt. 'Don't pretend that you haven't been following me around from the very beginning.'

Emma smiled wryly. Someone has clearly forgotten that only half an hour ago was tricked by a rookie. Cold weight of revolver nicely fitted her hand.

'Laura, honey, it was the last drop in the ocean of my infinite patience. Now, you will disappear from my room and from the ship. I really don't care how you'll manage it. And if I see you one more time, I'll shoot you without hesitation. I'm sure, Herr Eisenhardt here will be happy to provide a decent alibi.'

'You own deals are more important to you than the mission,' calmly noted Laura, and Emma was tempted to end her here and now.

'I'd advise you to hold your tongue.'

'He'll hear about it.'

'I've no doubt,' she decided to keep this young prodigy at gunpoint until she disappeared.

Emma counted to fifteen and lowered the gun.

Eisenhardt looked at her and grimly stated:

'It's not loaded.'

'Then, you're better than I originally thought,' those men, always looking for compliments. Anyway, she's happy to provide.

'More attentive, that's all,' he shrugged and turned to close the door. 'When your pseudo-cousin attacked me with a knife I saw you in the mirror above the dresser. It was evident, that you've unloaded the gun. The bullets are in your pocket.'

'I have to admit, you surprised me twice.'

Eisenhardt raised an eyebrow.

'Honestly, I hate guns. They are dangerous and unpredictable. There is always a chance of ricochet, especially in the closed-off space.'

'A sensible choice, I admit. Must compliment your…'

He was interrupted by the knock. Emma put a robe on her back dress and ruffled her hair. She gestured Eisenhardt to stay silent. He nodded in agreement and leaned against the wall near the door.

'Countess, are you all right?' an agitated male voice echoed the female one. 'We've heard suspicious noise!'

'I have no idea,' cooed Emma, rubbing her eyes. 'I was reading that exciting novel you gave me, Jane. Was so absorbed that fell asleep without turning off the light. I'm sorry if I disturbed you by accident.'

'Oh, no! We are sorry,' squealed Jane. 'This commotion made me so worried. Someone tried to commit suicide tonight, can you imagine it?'

'Jane, my dear, I'd happily listen to you, but, unfortunately, I'm very tired,' it was rather rude, but Emma decided to be abrupt.

'Excuse us, we were so worried. Good night!'

'Good night, Jane. Jacques.'

Finally. They are gone.

'What a nuisance…' dryly commented Emma and addressed Eisenhardt. 'Have a seat. You and I have something to discuss.'

'Like what?'

'For example, I'm curious, what's made rich, intelligent man, heir to two titles, participate in the games played by secret service. Are you bored? Restless? Insane? Is it really so entertaining, Herr Eisenhardt, or should I call you ser Erik Lensherr…'

'Thank you for your help, though, I suspect that you've been planning to get rid of this young protégé of yours before my arrival,' he stepped to the door. 'Excuse me, madam, but we have nothing to talk about.'

'Lord! How terrible of me!' she clasped her hands theatrically. What? Emma is allowed some grand gestures.

'Do you always regret accidentally helping anyone?' sardonically questioned Eisenhardt.

'No, I overdid my part,' she shook her head. 'I'm not playing noble any more. I have your documents. The scheme is as simple as ever.'

'I refuse.'

'Why so impatient? Hear me out, my dear. I know what happened that night a couple of years ago. I know that in the depths of your heart, you are suspicious. That fire was not an accident. Now it's more interesting, isn't it?'

Eisenhardt looked as if he would explode with anger. Her words revived his long-buried pain – that was as clear as day.

'It took me a lot of time to gather evidence,' continued Emma meanwhile. His feelings are written on his face. Could that become more amusing?

'Think for some time and come back in the afternoon. See you on the deck. Don't involve anybody. I have useful friends here, just to be safe.'

He silently stood up and opened the door.

'Sweet dreams, Eisenhardt!'

Early in the morning Erik did first thing he deemed necessary – checked the safety of documents. Previously, the idea to hide them in plain sight seemed ingenious. When he found the metal case empty, he nearly crumpled it in his hands. Irritated and angry, Erik hoped that fresh air of the deck will help him to put thoughts in order. No such luck. The weather outside was wonderful and a lot of people gathered on the deck. Chattering reached his ears. One would think it was everybody's inclination to discuss the last night's incident.

He's heard the story about a madman, who tried to catch a mermaid in the ocean, and this was only the top of the iceberg. Next was about a drunkard, who fell abroad inebriated and thus miraculously stayed alive. The suicide attempt was among the favorites. General audience always appreciated cheap drama. Strangely, but Xavier was not there, dispelling these ridiculous rumors. And it was good that Erik's name never came out. Captain was another one of Anna Marie's friends – he's certainly covered for him.

He found the right cabin with steward's help. Abruptly, the door opened after the first knock. Erik awkwardly stood, his hand frozen in the motion. Xavier blinked at him and then blushed, embarrassed. He was waiting for someone else, someone familiar, realized Erik.

In daylight, Xavier seemed a little older, his eyes not dark, but disturbingly blue. Chestnut longish hair, most likely wavy, was now sticking out in all available directions. He was a couple of inches shorter and therefore Erik's gesture looked utterly stupid – as if Erik was going to pat him.

Another foolish situation from the world of human relationships. No instructions available.

Hell, why are they standing there just silently staring at each other? Erik meaningfully cleared his throat out of desperation.

Xavier didn't react and he said the first thing which occurred to him.

'That crazy-suicidal-lunatic talk has finally driven me from the deck,' Erik cursed himself for the worst conversational starter imaginable.

Fortunately, the man did not consider it tactless and broke into a recognizable grin. The atmosphere shifted and Erik involuntary smiled in response.

'My apologies,' Xavier fidgeted for a brief moment.

'Please, come in and feel yourself at home,' he backed up his offer by literally dragging Erik inside.

So, Erik didn't really notice how he founded himself sitting in the plush armchair opposite the same item of furniture. Nervously muttering something, Xavier tried to free the second armchair from books and stacks of crumpled paper.

'How amazing that you decided to come, my friend! That night was a very chaotic one, and I apologize for the terrible faux pas, but I didn't get your name, sir?...'

Amused, Erik noticed how Xavier's cheekbones were slowly changing their colour from pink to crimson.

'Erik Lensherr, pleased to make an acquaintance.'

Instantly, he tried to cover his slip.

'Right now, I have to travel incognito,' added Erik in a tone, suggesting than no further inquiry would be welcomed.

Xavier nodded thoughtfully, seemingly to himself.

'Understood… Would you like something to drink?'

He produced a bottle of brandy and two glasses out of somewhere. Brandy in the morning must have an interesting effect on the incoming day, mused Erik, but soon he remembered the scheduled appointment with the woman known as "countess", who tricked him twice and took the offered glass. From this perspective, brandy seemed an excellent idea.

'Mr. Xavier, I came to…'

'There's no need to be formal. Call me Charles.'

'Well, … Charles, I came to express my gratitude. What I'm trying to say is…'

Erik was interrupted again.

'No, no. Sorry, but this isn't necessary!' Xavier was shaking his head in an animated fashion, floppy hair falling into his eyes.

'Everybody would do it. It's only natural.'

'Do you think so?' Erik could not resist the temptation to touch a nerve.

'Of course!' Xavier has to be seriously deluded or stupid. 'How could I not? After all, we're a small community of people in the middle of the ocean. Isn't it natural to look after each other?'

'No, not at all…' unfortunately Erik's answer was swallowed by knocking.

Xavier jumped to his feet. On his way to the door, he almost ran into his own stack of books, previously dropped to the floor.

Erik took a sip of his drink and thought that the whole scene was strangely familiar. Maybe, he's seen something like that in the theatre in Paris. Some funny play-acting. Life never ceases to amaze.

Xavier returned in a minute, a package in his hand and a beaming smile on his face.

'My medicine,' he stated in explanation. 'Caught a cold the first day.'

'Hope, this night's swimming didn't result in complications,' what was going on… Normally, Erik wouldn't speak in this manner with a person, whom he barely knows.

'Actually, I feel much better, can you believe it?'

'You'd be surprised. I can believe in many things – the majority of them is considered impossible,' brandy tasted better and better.

'Intriguing,' cheerfully replied Xavier. 'In our days, open-mindedness is useful and, if I may say, honorable. Especially if we take into account our destination. The continent is still full of fascinating mysteries. To tell the truth, I'm going there in order to gather data for my research,' he sheepishly continued.

Erik has seen scientists, mostly his parent's friends, and, unsurprisingly, Xavier did not fit in. The image, which was formed in Erik's mind, had little to do with this young, lively man.

Mistaking his perplexed expression for one of genuine interest, Xavier went on:

'… technology is becoming more and more advanced, but we know so little about ourselves. Who we are? Where do we come from? The theory of evolution is just the beginning of the greater path for mankind…'

Erik nodded from time to time, enjoyed his brandy while he was listening, listening, listening…

Later, Xavier dug the chessboard out of big trunk in the corner. Another reminder of his adoptive parents has caused a pang of uncertainty. But Xavier looked at him with such bright pleading eyes – Erik was stricken by the desperate loneliness hiding beneath cheerful façade. He agreed to play and did not regret it in the slightest. Erik hasn't come across a worthy opponent for a long time. Before leaving for lunch, he promised to play another game. He was becoming accustomed to Xavier's blatant expression of delight.

Woman, whose real name he still did not know and would hardly ever find out, was waiting for him on the deck in the provocative white dress aimed to render men speechless and women nervous with jealousy. Erik bowed slightly and offered his hand. They walked along the railing, until they reached the place with no curious ears nearby. For a while, Erik was staring at the waves in silence. He turned around, when noticed her attentive gaze on him.

Her eyes were not the same shade of blue as Xavier's, he noted without any reason.

Inwardly, he smiled.

'Madam, we're making a deal!'