She says the magic words; I feel my spine stiffen. I stand. Giving her another kiss to the cheek, I turn on my heel and go to Laney’s room. I don’t stop to change out of the clothes I’d worn yesterday, the ones I’d slept in and been dragged around in. I pull Laney’s old softball bat out of the cupboard and stay there for a second, drinking in my twin’s room. I lift the coin purse out, remove the necklace and lay the purse on Laney’s pillow. I don’t want Rhi to lose it. Necklace secured back in my bra, I go in search of Uncle’s keys. Mum’s keys would’ve been easier, but I needed a proper four-wheeler for that last bit of road, and Mum’s old Corolla wouldn’t manage it. They’re easy to find, lying beside the couch where he’d bedded down last night. His mouth is wide open and he’s snoring softly. I feel bad but I take them keys. The old girl is waiting for me by the back door, Sam’s torch is clutched in her hand. She passes it to me, squeezing my fingers.

‘You can do this,’ she whispers.

Making it out to the car, I go over the basics in my head before even putting the key in the ignition. I know starting it will wake them, but they have no other cars at the house that can follow me and there’s no way the cops will be out this early. I’d been bush-bashing with Dad as a kid so I know how to drive on backroads. Still, I won’t have much time before they figure something out.

I’m already out of town heading for the Potters’ place when I realise May never said Laney or I will get out of this.

I keep my brain focused on directions the whole way out, even as I bounce my way over that shocker of a track. I’m so scared of getting lost or stuck, or doing something wrong, my whole focus is on driving. I need to go slow for this bit but my heart keeps demanding I hit the accelerator. Mum and Uncle won’t be far behind, just a run up to Aunty Mel’s place to grab her car and they sure as hell won’t have to be as careful. As I drive, the light and heat increase, but I’m so cold inside I want a jumper. The hour-long trip feels like it takes half the morning.