The ship docks in Ancona, Italy. Piers is in great spirits, and arranges to meet Sharon for some food, their romance blossoming beautifully. But first he must entertain two old naval college friends, Jens and Antoine. The arrogant Jens wastes no time in attempting to humiliate and goad Piers.
Meanwhile, Captain Marlowe, who has been confined to his cabin, starts to suffer from delusions associated with his early on set dementia. After bumping into Carole, he tracks Piers down to the café where he is meeting Jens and Antoine, accusing him of being a traitor and attempting to steal the captaincy from him. Someone close to the ship is found murdered, Jack and a devastated Kate are on the case.
Various suspects are in play. Jens appears to be the prime suspect, and has ample motive. Antoine, too, has his own secret - he had been in love with the victim and feels downcast at being rejected by him. Even Sharon, the ships doctor, is in the frame.
But when the murder weapon is found, a dagger that Marlowe had been brandishing in the café, it appears that Marlowe himself is surely the culprit. He is arrested and looks likely to be charged and incarcerated.
Jack, however, senses there is more to this and vows to bring the true culprit to justice.
