Would they be struck by lightning? That would be the ultimate experience, he thought. Rained on, thundered at, and finally electrocuted. He would be burned onto the rock, and where was Steve with his rake? He laughed again and lumbered on – Maria went just ahead of him. They were ascending the last section, for the path was widening. The thunder hit once more, but the next moment they had reached the stack, and it gave them the security they needed. Not only was its base broader, but there were wide crevices to lean against and hold on to. It soared high above their heads, just like a tower, and though the rain poured on they spotted cover. Maria climbed on all fours, and he followed her into a shallow cave.

‘You’re okay?’ she said.

‘No.’

‘You’re not?’

‘I’m still shaking. How are you?’

‘I thought maybe you had a heart attack.’

He wiped his eyes.

‘I nearly did,’ he said. ‘What would you have done, if I had? You’re trained, aren’t you?’

‘This is my holiday, remember? I’m not on duty.’

‘Then let’s have some tea.’

‘You think we deserve it?’

‘I need that sugar.’

‘I have a treat for you, then. And for me, too.’

Maria drew her bag round onto her knees, and pulled out the remains of their lunch. He unwrapped the sandwiches and passed one to her, feeling her fingers as she received them. They munched happily, and he watched her swallow. He saw a piece of cheese on her chin, which she wiped away, and when she drank, the liquid was so hot she spilled some down her front. They ate the two biscuits, and she then produced a great slab of chocolate. They sat close as she unwrapped it, the foil revealing thick, brown, nutty squares. When the first dissolved on his tongue, the sun came out, and he saw the horizon.

He swallowed.

‘I was lying to you, Maria,’ he said. ‘I’ve never been here before.’

26

‘Lying?’ she said. ‘Why?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Lying about what? You said you knew this place.’

‘I don’t. I was lying.’

She laughed.

‘Wait,’ she said. ‘I showed you the map, and—’

‘And I lied to you. You asked me if I’d ever done this walk, and I should have said no, but… I thought if I said yes, you’d think it was a good idea if we went together.’

He paused, and she stared at him.

‘It sounds stupid,’ he said. ‘I know that. You would have probably thought it was a good idea, even if I’d told you the truth. Two heads are better than one, and all that – but… I suppose I wanted to pretend to be knowledgeable. And useful. So it seemed safer to say I knew the area, but… I don’t. I’ve never been here before in my life.’

‘Oh,’ she said.