Now, a couple of hours later, they were zooming south on a sunny afternoon, with the wind blowing in their faces, the radio playing hits of the sixties and Euan’s surfboard strapped to the roof. Keely smiled and shut her eyes. This really was a new beginning. She was going to a place where no one knew her, and anyone who did know her wouldn’t know where she was. She could just disappear.

Her eyes flicked open and she stole a quick look at Euan. Was she mad? He could be a serial killer and she hadn’t told a soul she was going with him. Apart from his mention of Margaret River, she didn’t even know where he was taking her. Then she remembered his sister. Maggie knew about Keely’s existence and even if she was in cahoots with Euan the hospital had kept records when they’d discharged her. And not sure about the reliability of Euan’s phone, she’d given the police Maggie’s number when she’d filled out the report. Keely bit her lip. She wasn’t usually given to such wild flights of imagination.

“Are you okay?”

She took in Euan’s worried expression and felt a flush spread across her cheeks. “I’m fine. I just remembered I haven’t contacted my parents…”

“You can use my mobile if you like.” He frowned. “Although it might be flat. We have a landline at home.”

“Thanks. They won’t be expecting to hear from me for another day or so. I’ll call them later.”

His face relaxed.

She reassured herself that Euan was as he seemed, a good Samaritan and nothing more. Gradually the motion of the car and the comfortable seat rocked her to sleep.

“Keely, are you hungry?”

His gentle question brought her back to life. She looked out the window at a sign drawing visitors’ attention to Busselton Jetty.

“A little,” she replied, trying to shake the fog of sleep so she could make sense of her surroundings.

“I’m not a very good host. I promised to look after you and I haven’t even fed you.”

Keely gripped the pillow and sat up cautiously. Her stomach grumbled but she wasn’t sure if it was from hunger. She had eaten a small breakfast at the hospital but had sipped only liquids since then.

“What about a bowl of homemade vegie soup?” Euan asked. “I know a place that makes all kinds of things to tempt a wayward stomach.”

“Sounds good.” She would have preferred to keep going and not worry about food but she didn’t want to rebuff his hospitality.

They drove through Busselton and Euan pulled up opposite a brightly painted cafe. Keely waited while he went in. It was a beautiful afternoon and the sun was warm on her arms through the window as she nestled against the seat and gazed drowsily at her surroundings.