It was different now as Johnny watched all the kit being unloaded. It was for good reason that technology moved on, of course, especially when his daughter’s life was at risk. Climbing to this day was an underestimated sport, and Johnny knew all too well the cost of not taking the dangers seriously. Conceit led to death, and Johnny had pulled enough bodies off the mountainside to witness it first-hand. The advances in equipment saved thousands of lives worldwide, every year. The scores of coloured carabiners (biners) clanked together on the ropes, and an array of other mountaineering kit was hefted out of the back of the bus in hardy bags, tied with the latest kernmantle ropes, all graded by numerous charts and tables.

‘Impressive kit. Everest next?’

‘They need to learn the kit as much as the skill.’

‘Tell me about it. Is there a written exam too?’

‘Yup. They have that at the weekend. In no time at all, mate, she’ll be belaying you off the top of Bowfell Buttress.’

‘I don’t doubt that for a second, having seen you in action.’

Johnny turned around to find Josie close up to Callum, apparently saying their goodbyes.

‘Hey, you two. I can take Callum home, or are you sorted for a lift?’ he asked Callum.

‘I was going to get a bus, it’s only a couple of miles down the A66.’

‘And what time is the bus?’ Johnny asked. He noticed Josie bend her head and shake it.

‘I don’t know.’

‘Right. I’ll take you, come on. We live in Pooley Bridge so it’s on our way.’

Callum shrugged and did as he was told. Josie smiled and Johnny could tell that, despite her protestations, she was chuffed to be spending a little more time in his company.

As they thanked Kev and left the centre, Josie turned up the radio and settled into the front passenger seat, with Callum behind her.

‘Cool,’ Callum said from the back seat as they pulled out of the car park.

‘What?’ Josie asked. Johnny strained to listen to their conversation to report back to Kelly later, if she made it back from Broadmoor tonight.

‘Did you see that campervan? That’s what I want eventually. I’ll take it across Europe and down to Greece.’

‘Wow,’ said Josie in awe.

Johnny looked in his rear-view mirror and spotted an ancient looking Fiat van that looked as though it had seen better days. Callum had a point, though; those old Fiats had tons of character, and with a lick of paint, and tender loving care, one of those things could easily smash Greece in a summer.

Chapter 44

‘Ted. Did you look at the images I sent to you?’

Ted was watching the six o’clock news, eating his mashed potato and Cumberland sausages off a tray, sipping a fine glass of Malbec.

‘Hello, Kelly. Good trip? Don’t you ever breathe?’