He sipped his coffee. ‘I didn’t know you used to go up to the Lake District?’

Alice buttered a piece of toast. ‘Yep. I went after university.’

‘Camping?’

‘Stayed in a youth hostel,’ Alice said. She didn’t elaborate. She had never talked much about her parents and childhood; he’d pressed once and she’d snapped at him that she preferred to leave some things in the past.

He could understand; some wounds were too raw to expose. He’d felt like that about Roland for years, but it was amazing how things could change if you gave them a chance. Maybe there was a lesson there for Alice.

‘I’m glad we’re going there,’ he said. ‘You can show me some of your childhood haunts.’

‘Not really childhood. I was there with my boyfriend. Sure you want to hear what we got up to?’

‘Maybe not,’ he said. ‘He was called Ned, right?’

‘He was. We actually broke up while we were there.’

‘Who dumped who?’

‘I did the dumping,’ Alice said. ‘Please!’

‘You dumped your boyfriend on holiday?’ Tom shook his head. ‘That’s a hell of a move, Alice.’

‘It wasn’t working,’ she said. ‘He had to go.’

‘I guess I’ll watch my step then,’ he said.

‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘I would, if I were you.’

Alice

The cottage she had found was a remote, converted farmhouse, overlooking the lake. It had not been cheap, but money was not an issue. It was exactly what she wanted; she had been planning to browse for a suitable place to stay, a place which had the characteristics she needed, and then to find one which was so perfect – well, it had made this seem fated.

In the lounge there was a large picture window looking out over the lake. Opposite her the steep scree slope ran down to the black water. It was as still and deep and indifferent as she remembered.

She remembered this place. It hadn’t changed at all.

Wast Water. It was not the kind of place that changed.

Tom appeared by her side, Jo in his arms.

‘This place is amazing,’ he said. ‘It’s like something out of Lord of the Rings. I half expect a Balrog to rise up from the water.’

‘A what?’

‘A Balrog. Although they may be fire demons, so perhaps it’s unlikely there’s one in the lake’

‘What the bloody hell are you going on about?’ she said.

‘Never mind.’ He smiled at her. ‘I take it you didn’t read Lord of the Rings, then?’

‘No,’ Alice said. ‘Perhaps I can while we’re here. I think we’re going to have plenty of time.’

‘I hope so,’ he said. ‘Maybe things will settle down.’

Tom