‘I sat here and bawled my eyes out. Don’t tell the boys. I even decided I was going to build a hut and live up here and never go back to town.’ He gave Nicole an embarrassed grin. ‘Trouble was, some other hermit already had it staked out.’ He laughed. ‘Charlie found me here. When I saw him, I thought I was in deep shit. We all heard the rumours about the crazy old fella in the boatshed. We even helped spread them. I thought he was going to eat me or something.’

Nicole laughed, unable to help herself.

‘I know, stupid, hey? He didn’t, obviously. Didn’t even say a word to me. But I remember the look in his eye. He knew about Grandpa, for sure. I reckon he knows more about what goes on in this town than anyone else, you know?’

Nicole smiled wryly. She didn’t doubt it. She remembered Charlie’s words to her: ‘The less you’re seen, the more you see.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Nicole took Danny’s hand and squeezed.

He squeezed back and didn’t let go. ‘Thanks. Anyway, Charlie said nothing. He sat just behind the tree line over there, looking out for me I suppose. Come dusk he got up and waved his hand for me to follow and he led me back to town. Just as well too, ’cause I had no idea how I’d got here or how to get back, and I doubt I could have built a sturdy enough hut to sleep in for the night.’

Nicole let out a little chuckle and Danny smiled at her.

‘I tried to find my way back a few times after that, but never managed. Then, one day I followed Charlie. Like every kid before and after me, I’d tried to follow him many times and learn his deep dark secrets. And like every other kid, I’d failed. But, that day he let me and led me here. I soon learned the way on my own. As I got older I figured out the four-wheel-drive route and I warn Charlie when I’m coming. Truth be told, it’s as much for my sake as his. Sometimes he still freaks me out a bit.’

Nicole laughed out loud.

‘I came up here a lot too after my gir—’

Nicole turned towards him and saw pain in his eyes.

‘Well,’ he shrugged, ‘let’s just say there was a time in my life when I really needed to come up here a lot.’

‘So why did you bring me here?’ Nicole asked.

‘It always seemed like a good spot for lost souls.’ He shrugged. ‘Thought maybe it might be some comfort to you.’

Nicole could feel tears welling.

‘It’s all right.’ Danny put his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. ‘You’ll find your path again. We all do.’