She turned away and looked at the roller door. If she could lift it up just a little, she might be able to scramble underneath. The bottom of the door disappeared below the waterline, but Steph pulled up her sleeve and, crouching low on her knees, ran her hand downwards. The water was colder than she’d expected, but not unbearable. The bottom of the roller door was only a few inches below the water level. She cupped the edge with her hand and tried to yank it upwards on the off-chance it wasn’t locked from the inside. She gave it several attempts but it wouldn’t budge.

She sat up and flicked the water from her hand and forearm. She couldn’t see a way in, not without breaking the glass, which would then alert Dominic to the fact that someone had been there.

As she took a moment to ponder her dilemma she became aware of the sound of a vehicle approaching, and not just at a steady speed – it was coming in fast. Her heart missed a beat and her stomach flipped. The car engine grew louder as it raced towards her.

She stood up, switched off her torch and pushed her back flat against the end of the building. If it was Dominic returning, she hoped to God he wouldn’t have any reason to come out to the back of the boathouse.

Steph made a conscious effort to control her breathing and listen hard to the sound of the car. It was slowing. She could see the bright beam of the headlights swing round, lighting up the bank and the water. They were flicked to full-beam, enhancing the lake still further.

A car door opened and then closed.

‘Steph! Steph? Are you there?’ The voice was loud and clear in the quietness of the evening.

Steph froze.

It was Harry’s voice.

He called out again and this time he sounded closer. Steph hugged the wall even further. She couldn’t think straight. Was he friend or foe?

‘Steph. Stop hiding. Come out.’

He sounded really close now. As if he was at the other end of the boathouse. Then she heard his footsteps on the boardwalk. He was coming down the side of the building. How was she going to explain what she was doing here and, more to the point, why she was hiding?

Self-preservation took over. She had only one option.