"It does seem to be a fairly standard cruise ship," Skulduggery says, which is at least true on its face. "Almost perfect, too. But it's not quite right. Like somebody who's seen home videos of cruises, but never experienced the thing firsthand."

It would explain Gal Friday, anyway.

"Now you're just trying to intimidate me. Come on, I'd like to think we're friends, given the circumstances. You don't need to worry about me trying to pull one over on you."