I feel stupid sitting in the gutter. I could’ve tried hiding behind one of the scrawny gumtrees along the footpath but don’t see much point. Besides, suspicious behaviour would draw attention a lot faster than just standing here would, so spoke Rhi the queen of sneaky. This way I could jump in the car and Sam could take off as fast as possible. Still, a few people go past having a good look. Fuck this town is full of dorries. I conveniently ignore my own past dorrie-ing behaviour.

I keep second-guessing this whole thing. From where I said to meet down to the whole misadventure. My mind keeps circling back to my twin and getting stuck. I have to find Laney.

‘Waaaa!’ Someone screams right in my ear and fingers dig into my sides sending me up about two metres. I spin and swing, straight at Rhi’s stupid face. I pull the punch just in time and get her on the susoo instead.

‘Argh, ya bitch!’ She doubles over clutching her chest. ‘That hurt.’

‘Well, it wasn’t meant to tickle. Don’t sneak up on a black one or you’ll get what’s comin to ya.’

‘Bloody hell. I just came ta tell ya I talked to Ty.’ She eyes me resentfully, rubbing her hurt susoo.

‘Well, come on then.’

As the last words leave my mouth a beat-up Holden pulls up beside us.

‘Ah fuck!’

Rhi is staring open-mouthed at Toni Miller’s car. Too late. I grab her by the arm and dig my fingernails in. No one realises I have long, hard fingernails because I never really use them or paint them. They also tend to forget that I have my mother’s height and my father’s build, which means height, weight and strength, enough to handle her anyway.

‘Ow, ow, fuckin ow!’

Only Rhi could express pain, anger and get in some swearing in just four words. I fling open the back door and push her straight in. I keep shoving till she slips across giving me space to jump in. I slam the door behind me and look at a shocked Sam.

‘Drive!’

Grabbing Rhi’s head, and a whole lot of unnecessary hair, I yank us both down low. Sam takes the hint and hits the gas. Rhi’s shock only lasts till the end of Mount Rose Street and she starts struggling. Even without looking I know where we are because Sam hasn’t turned once.

‘Up to the aerodrome, Sam,’ I gasp while holding my slippery cousin down. Things escalate fast to swearing, elbowing and hair pulling. The car stops and I release her, leaping out and ripping my hands through my hair in frustration. I hear two car doors open and feet come storming up behind me.

Pulling my hands free I spin on the nearest target. ‘What the fuck, Sam?’

‘Don’t even – this is your problem! I thought you asked her to come!’