Flora waited a few moments before heading over. Dylan was surprised, and pleased – she was thankful to note – to see her. ‘Gypsy Girl,’ he said, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her towards him. ‘Where have you been? I’ve missed you.’

‘I had to sneak out,’ she said, rolling her eyes. ‘My sister’s acting like my bodyguard.’

‘Can you stay out all day?’

She laughed, giddy to be in his company again. He was like her drug: she felt intoxicated just being near him. ‘Yep. Until nine thirty this evening.’ She didn’t tell him her mum only let her come to the fair if she stuck with Heather. But as long as she was back by dark her mum couldn’t really say anything. ‘What was your stepdad doing here?’

‘He’s not my stepdad.’ Then he grinned and raised an eyebrow. It was then she noticed he had something in his hand. A clear packet of what looked like white powder. Even she knew it was more than just a bit of weed. ‘Got us a little treat for later,’ he said, kissing her nose. ‘It’ll make you feel on top of the world.’

Heather had searched the house and grounds but Flora was nowhere to be seen.

‘She’s gone,’ she said to Jess, throwing her arms wide in despair. ‘I can’t believe she’s gone.’ So much for their plan to keep Flora away from Dylan.

Jess looked down at their sketch pads at her feet, as if the answers were among the graves they’d drawn. She sighed and bit her lip.

‘What?’ snapped Heather. She could see her best friend was fighting an opinion.

Jess glanced at her. ‘It’s just … she is sixteen.’

‘But Dylan’s no good for her.’

Jess crossed her arms and stuck out her chin defiantly. ‘That’s not your decision to make, though, is it?’

Heather stared at her, aghast. They usually agreed on everything.

‘Look, what have you got against Dylan anyway? He seems okay.’

‘Okay? He gave her drugs, Jess.’

‘She smoked a bit of weed. It’s no different from drinking alcohol.’

‘I’ve not had alcohol. Have you?’

Jess looked sheepish. ‘Yeah. At Christmas Mum lets me have a Snowball. And at Gina’s party a few months ago we had some cider.’

Heather stared at her friend with a mixture of awe and disapproval. She knew Gina and her cronies still had time for Jess. It was just her they glared at when they walked past. She’d never got an invite to Gina’s party and it hurt that Jess hadn’t revealed before now that not only had she been invited but she had actually gone. Heather didn’t want to be possessive. She knew Jess liked her best, but still. Sometimes it was hard not to feel left out.