I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction. ‘If you break it, you’ll be footing the bill. For that and my mattress.’

He took the radio out of his mouth. ‘I don’t know anything about your mattress.’

‘Bullshit.’

‘I bet it’s soft, though. Has it seen a lot of action? I bet the springs are trashed because you’re so strong and athletic—’

‘Oh, please.’ I was losing patience. ‘Grow up.’

‘I’d like to grow up. I’d like to become a man. But I need help.’ He leered, and I knew he was trying to make my skin crawl. ‘Can you teach me, miss? We can try now. While the others are gone. I promise I’ll do everything you say.’

‘In that case, you can radio Mr Steiger. My bin was bait and you’re the one it caught.’ Dipshit. ‘If I were you, I’d start grovelling.’

Jake dropped the porn-star routine and scowled. ‘I got lost.’

‘Yeah, right.’

‘I never touched your fucking bin!’

‘Doesn’t matter. You’re here. Which means you’re the main—ow!’

The radio hit my arm as Jake launched himself at me. His shove sent me staggering. ‘Bitch!’

‘I’m not your mother, Jake.’

‘Fuck you!’

I was backed against a planter, but when he tried to kick me, I stepped aside.

Then I picked up a rake. It was the best I could do. Suddenly he was more than just an irritation.

The gloves were off, and I was alone.

‘Now you’re scared,’ he said, baring his teeth in a smile that was more like a snarl. ‘Now you’re really fucking scared.’

‘I’m scared you’re making a big mistake.’

His answer was to stamp on the radio.

At that instant I heard the buzz of distant voices. Jake heard it too. I saw him retreat a step, but I didn’t let my guard down. I didn’t take my eyes off him.

‘They’re back,’ I said. ‘Early. That’ll be your fault.’

The radio crackled. I glanced at it—and when I looked up again, he’d bolted.

‘Jake!’ I didn’t bother running after him. He was a lot younger than I was and had too much of a head start. ‘Jake! Don’t be an idiot!’

My radio spluttered a second time. I scooped it up, but the antenna was damaged. It wasn’t really working. I tucked it into my pocket and went to see who’d come back.

Warren had already reached the parade ground when I got there. He’d slogged up the jetty road with Rhys and Joe and a group of tired-looking boys. Some of the boys were collapsing onto the grass. Some were bent double, hands on knees.

‘Hi,’ I said. ‘Listen—’

‘Have you seen Jake?’ Warren asked.

‘Yes.’

His face brightened.

‘But he ran off into the bush.’ I pointed. ‘You might catch him if you hurry.’