“I’m sorry to hear that,” Barrick said, nervously looking around off screen. They’d suggested he come to the ship but he refused, and found his normal reluctance to talk over a wave working against him this time. “But the deal was made, and half the money paid. If that’s gone -”

“No, we have the money,” Zoe said firmly. “I just need the details.”

“Look, I don’t like to discuss business over an open link –”

“Then send the co-ordinates.”

Barrick paused, then nodded. “Fine. I’ll get someone to do that straight away.” He leaned forward slightly. “He’s not the first, you know.”

“What?” Zoe stiffened.

“Mal. There’s been at least five that I know of. People getting killed in the dark, all their valuables taken off them.”

“But the sheriff didn’t mention -”

“The law around here ain’t worth much,” Barrick said, then glanced guiltily over his shoulder as if someone might have been eavesdropping. “Folks don’t generally go to him. They take care of matters themselves.”

“I’ll bear that in mind.”

Barrick nodded, all business again. “You sure you’re gonna be able to get the job done?”

“We’ll get it done.”

“Good. And … well, good.” He switched off at his end.

There was a slight beep and Hank leaned forward. “Info’s here,” he said softly.

“Yes,” she responded, but she wasn’t really listening.

“What is it?” he asked. “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”

In the galley the others were talking, sitting around the table, notable for its lack of Freya.

“She ain’t gone into their bunk,” Kaylee said, her eyes still red from crying.

“I know,” Simon said, Bethany asleep in his lap. “I had to threaten her with a sedative even to lie down, but she’s in one of the passenger rooms.”

“Ethan and Jesse are with her,” River put in, her hair hanging down around her face as if she was trying to hide. “They’re asleep.”

“That’s good.”

“They’re exhausted.”

“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Simon promised.

Jayne moved a little in his seat. “We’re gonna get paid for t