‘Because you could all be in danger,’ Tilly said flatly. ‘There’s a crooked copper on his way there – the constable who was with the sergeant when he came to grill me about Gerry. He’ll be looking for Matt, and chances are he’s already harmed his sergeant, so he hasn’t much to lose. You should either get to the camp or go to the airstrip now. You’ll need time anyway to set up the lights. When the plane leaves, head for the camp. We should be there by then. But whatever you do, don’t go back to the homestead.’

Sounding somewhat subdued, Sophie agreed that she wouldn’t. Tilly pressed the off button and handed the phone back. ‘That’s sorted.’

‘Thanks.’ His lips twitched. ‘She’s a bit like a tank in motion, your cousin. I didn’t know that shouting worked.’

‘It’s about the only thing.’ Tilly gave a faint smile. ‘Have you a first-aid kit in your vehicle? Murderer or not, Matt needs painkillers.’ He nodded. ‘I’ll see what you’ve got while you get him into the cave.’ Taking the torch, she rummaged under the seats until she had what she sought. There seemed to be nothing stronger than paracetamol, so she tore off a strip and filled the thermos cap with water, then took them in to their captive, now sitting propped against the wall opposite his victim. Glaring at her, Matt nevertheless opened his mouth and she tipped them in, following them with a slug of water. He’d protested furiously about being left, loudly asserting that he needed a doctor and that he wasn’t sharing space with no stiff.

‘Tough,’ Connor said flintily. ‘You made him one. I’d call it no more than your deserts. And I daresay the police will see to your medical needs when they get here.’

‘Bastard,’ he roared. ‘I’ll sue you for this. I got rights like anybody else.’ They began moving off and he yelled after them, ‘You can’t do this!’ as they left him there.

Tilly was having second thoughts. ‘Do you think we should leave him? He really does need medical attention for that knee.’

Connor caught her hand in his. ‘And if it hadn’t been for that poor sod under the tarp, I’d have been attending your funeral. Let’s not forget that. His bloody leg can fall off for all I care.’

‘You’re very fierce,’ she said, but her heart was warmed by his vehemence and she smiled in the dark. ‘What about Gerry, Connor? It seems awful just to leave him. Shouldn’t we take his body back with us?’