Serenity

THE STORY SO FAR: Frankie is stranded aboard sailing boat Serenity with the owners, Lois and Miles Carmichael, after hired skipper Adam disappeared overnight along with all Lois’ valuables. Before abandoning them, he knocked Miles out, leaving him with a head wound, then sabotaged the radio. Frankie wasn’t supposed to be on the boat, but fell asleep in the spare cabin after cleaning it. Adam had a ban on mobile phones and, as Frankie’s was out of charge, she was unable to contact flatmate Rik with whom she has recently become close. Rik came to Fuerteventura after a painful relationship break-up, but has been showing signs of being over it. The boat is adrift in high winds off the Canary Islands and Lois is panicking because blood is seeping through the pad ex-paramedic Frankie put on Miles’ head.

Miles isn’t going to bleed to death, Lois,’ Frankie said. ‘Believe me, I’ve seen a lot worse than this. Don’t worry.’

She might not be able to do anything about their predicament, but she could at least sort out the cut on Miles’ head.

‘I’m going to remove the pad now, Miles,’ she said. ‘Sit very still for me.’

As she said that, Serenity lurched and Miles laughed.

‘Easier said than done,’ he replied.

‘How can you make jokes?’ Lois cried.

‘Because I’m fine. You’re fine. We’re all fine. That’s all that matters. We can replace your jewellery and