“If he’s the kind of friend I think he is, it doesn’t matter where he is.” She let out a shuddery breath. “We meet so many people in our lives. Many become friends, but only a few remain friends. When you come across remarkable people, people you imagine being friends forever, you should do whatever it takes to keep them in your life.”

“Thanks, Faye.”

“Hmm? For what?”

“Everything.”

Twenty-Nine

Twenty-Nine

Bev and Helen were sitting on a bench opposite the main rangers’ office, the rays of the late afternoon sun on their backs, when Simon drove the big Land Cruiser into the parking area. Acknowledging the women with a quick wave, he and Geoffrey hurried into the office, closing the door behind them. The women stood to meet Diane and Bruce as they made their way across the dusty lawn.

“No sign of Derek then?” asked Bev.

“You heard?” said Bruce.

Bev nodded. “The rangers told us they’ve sent a team to the cabin to keep looking. They’ll stay the night if necessary.”

Bruce looked towards the road. “We passed them on the way here. Simon said there will be divers too, if necessary. Tomorrow. When the water subsides.”

They were silent as the three women sat on the bench.

“And Clare?” asked Bruce, still looking into the distance. “Did you hear anything more about her? The helicopter?”

Bev ran her fingers through her hair. “Just that they were in touch with a few hospitals. Trying to arrange it. Before nightfall. Did you . . . erm . . . say anything to Geoffrey about Derek? I mean, his knowing about the storm?”

Diane glanced at Bruce, nodding. “He didn’t say anything. He’s . . . he’s worried about Clare.”

A flock of Cape weavers, their nests hanging like grassy baubles in a tree behind the main office, flitted and chatted noisily among the branches as they prepared for the night. For a while, the group watched the birds.

“What do you think? Where is Derek?” said Helen.

When there was no reply, she glanced at her friends. “Bruce? Diane?”

Diane stared at her boots, giving her head a small shake.

“We’ve got to believe that he found a way to get across the river and has gone to help Faye with Clare,” said Bruce. “When the helicopter arrives, they’ll radio back and we’ll hear that he’s with them.”

Diane glanced at her husband, but remained silent.

“You don’t think so?” asked Helen, looking at her.

“I don’t know what to think. I saw the river. It was impassable today. I can’t imagine him crossing it yesterday. It doesn’t seem—”

Bruce cut her off. Even so, his voice was subdued, as if he wasn’t convinced by his own words. “He could have found another place—somewhere that was easier to get across.”