THREE
WILLIAM FORBES
After tying up the launch, I stepped expertly from the boat onto the steps that led up the harbour wall to the walkway above where William Forbes waited anxiously for our first meeting. In seconds I found myself face to face with my soon-to-be house guest. The man exchanged a firm handshake with me, somewhat at odds with his hunted or perhaps I should say haunted appearance. I experienced little doubt in my mind that, rightly or wrongly, William Forbes held a genuine and serious belief that someone or something was out to do him harm. His stood hunched against the mild breeze, his shoulders stooped as though he were hiding from some unknown and unseen enemy. He wore a camel-coloured overcoat, an old-fashioned trilby hat and well-polished brown brogues, and under his
