Shauna irritably watched him walk off down the track. In search of Claire Milo, who was long gone. She had better be, anyway. Already, Shauna felt this part of her life was over and done with, and it galled her that Josh wasn’t letting go so easily. But he would. Eventually, he’d have no choice but to let the damned thing drop.

She heaved a sharp sigh and settled down in her seat. Then a dirty pickup truck came around the bend in the lane and juddered to a stop in front of the car.

Shit, she thought as Jeb Cleaver got out of the passenger side and came strolling over with that distinctive rolling gait of his. He walked like he had so much between his legs he could barely contain it, she thought, not for the first time. And she ought to know. She clambered out and met him halfway.

‘We shouldn’t be seen together,’ she told him. ‘You should go.’

What if Josh came back and found Jeb here with her? Ciaran was behind the wheel, staring at her – looking like a real creep with that milk-white blind eye. They were all creeps, the Cleavers. With luck, they’d have outlived their usefulness to her once she had Josh where she wanted him.

Instead of answering, Jeb pulled her in for a kiss, his meaty arms enfolding her. He stuck his tongue in her mouth and Shauna forced a response, feeling so tense that for a moment she was revolted.

‘We did you a big favour last night,’ he whispered against her lips.

Shauna tried to pull away. If Josh came back . . .

But Jeb held her tight.

‘You did yourself a favour too, didn’t you, with Claire Milo,’ she said.

‘Fresh meat is always the best,’ said Jeb with a grin.

‘And she’s gone,’ said Shauna, wanting it confirmed.

‘We looked down the church not half an hour since. Refilled the grave, too. Nobody there.’

Shauna nodded, satisfied. Then a thought hit her. What if that little cow had snuck back to the campsite. Hid out in that brand-new trailer Josh had bought for them to live in when they were married? She wouldn’t, would she? No. She wouldn’t dare.

‘You have to go,’ said Shauna urgently.

‘Just one more kiss . . .’ said Jeb, and started slobbering over her again.

Shauna endured it. For the time being, she needed to keep the Cleavers sweet. So she smiled at Jeb while wondering how Josh’s search of the camp was going.

In sombre mood, Josh unlocked the brand-new trailer he’d bought in such high spirits to house his new bride. Claire also had a key, and he hoped she was in here, prayed she was – and then he stepped inside.

It was empty.