She fled, his singing echoing in her ears. In the safety of her room she cleaned her teeth with ferocity and put the last of her belongings into her suitcase. As she closed the bag, there was a sound behind her and she turned to see Piet leaning against the doorpost, watching her. She closed her eyes briefly, and launched into an apology, but he cut her short.

‘I can’t take you to Nanyuki today,’ he said. ‘There’s a lot to do before the man from the Game Department arrives. Lars will drive you.’

‘Thank you,’ she said in a small voice.

‘So, I have to go now,’ Piet said.

‘Yes. Of course. Well, goodbye. I . . .’

She stopped, conscious of the fact that she had ruined her friendship with the person who meant more to her than anyone else in the world. Then he strode across the room, and gripped her arm. She looked at him in alarm, but he was laughing as he pulled her towards him and kissed her.

‘Aren’t you the most surprising girl, Sarah Mackay? And mighty desirable too, in spite of your terrible language. I imagine you learned that from your brother. Or the nuns? No, I don’t suppose it was the nuns, somehow. You’d want to be careful you don’t shock your new employers!’ He smiled down at her, brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her again. ‘Good luck with the job. Call us on the radio when you get there. You’ll be back soon, heh? And I’ll be waiting.’

He was gone before she could catch her breath, leaving her utterly confused. Had he simply been making fun of her childish outburst? She could hear him as he walked away along the verandah, singing cheerfully.

‘Shit, bugger and bollocks, the truth is there for me . . .’

‘What was all that about in the dining room?’ Hannah walked with her to the pick up where Lars was waiting.

‘What?’ Sarah tried to look vague, aware that she was hopeless at deception.

‘Why is my brother so weird this morning? And that dreadful song was obviously aimed at you. What’s going on?’

‘It’s a stupid joke. I’ll explain it some other time, Han.’ Sarah did not know what to make of Piet and this was no time for confessions. Lars had started the truck.

Hannah made a face. ‘All right – keep it to yourself if you want.’

‘I’ll tell you when I come back.’ Sarah squeezed Hannah’s hand. ‘Thanks for everything. I’ll be in touch as soon as I’m settled.’