Lars left early the next day. Despite his hangover he was in better spirits, and he promised to keep in touch. He was going to his uncle’s farm in Kiambu for a few days, he told Sarah, and then he would fly to Norway. He promised to let her know when he had a long-term plan. She watched him drive away and hoped they would see each other again. Piet must be devastated. Maybe she should call Langani. But then she would have to explain that Lars had come straight to Buffalo Springs. That might put her in an awkward position with Hannah. She groaned and picked up her camera. Better to get out into the bush and start work. She could think out there. She gathered up her notebooks and set off with Erope to find her elephants.

She dropped by Samburu Lodge a few days later, to enjoy an ice-cold beer in the bar. It was a change from the often lukewarm drinks from the leaky paraffin fridge in camp. Standing on the verandah, watching the tourists coming and going, she felt like an old stager, one of the locals, and she was proud of this identity. She placed a call to Langani, but it was Mike Stead, the new manager, who answered. Piet and Hannah were out, he said. He would give them a message, if she cared to leave one. Sarah was disappointed. She would phone another time, she told him. As she made her way out towards her vehicle, Sarah heard her name called out. There was no mistaking the voice.

‘It’s the Irish scientist! What are you doing all alone? Have they released you from your labours, let you down from your watchtower?’ She turned to look up into the knowing eyes of Viktor Szustak. ‘You will stay for lunch with me, and tell me all you have discovered.’

‘Viktor.’ She regarded him with suspicion and distaste. ‘Actually, my tower is a little grass-roofed hut with an army of geckos and a noisy group of hyraxes. Thanks for the invitation, but I need to get back right away.’

‘Good. I was about to drive over there.’

‘So, what brings you to Samburu?’ she asked

‘I came to see you. Only you. I have a room here,’ he said, gesturing behind him. ‘Come to bed with me now. We can go to the camp later, after an afternoon of passion!’

‘How many women have you propositioned today?’ she asked mockingly. He was play-acting, she was sure, but she felt strongly that he should not be flirting with her. She was Hannah’s friend. In fact, he should not be flirting with anyone.