Page 82 of Larapinta

Sandra nodded. ‘I know. We’ve got three people’s lives depending on us and we’ll get there. I give you my word. Did you get some sleep?’

Jenny reached out and squeezed her hand. ‘I did, but crazy dreams. The sooner we get home to Sydney and in our own soft bed, the better. Next holiday will be on a crowded beach, I think!’

‘Safety in numbers?’

‘For sure. Sandy?’ Jenny’s expression held curiosity.

‘Yes?’

‘If you and Graysen ever get to Sydney together, we’d love to have you stay.’

Sandra’s cheeks heated. ‘Early days yet, Jenny. Who knows what will happen?’

‘I can see that you care for each other. Don’t let it go.’ She stood and brushed her hands down her cargo shorts. ‘Anyway, the offer’s there. I’ll give you our mobile number before we all head off home.’

‘Thank you. I’ll do the same. And if you and Clive are ever in Darwin . . . the same invitation stands.’

Jenny grinned. ‘I like our positivity. ‘It’s going to be a good day, Sandy.’

‘It is. I’m just going to head up there for a toilet stop before we go.’ Graysen had headed away from camp in the other direction.

‘Here, take my torch. ‘Jenny pulled a small flashlight from her pocket.

‘Thanks,’ Sandra said as she headed bush.

It was still dark half an hour later when she followed Graysen to the end of the gorge, but there was a promise of pink dawn light in the sky. They had said a brief goodbye to Jenny and Clive, and Sandra knew Andrew was in good hands. Jenny had given them two apples and some trail mix bars, and Clive had loaded Graysen’s pack with four bottles of water. ‘You’ll need it more than we will here, and with any luck, you’ll be back before noon.’

Jenny and Sandra hugged each other, and Sandra crouched beside Andrew and ran her fingers over his hair before she dropped a kiss on his forehead.

‘We’ll see you soon, Andrew. Stay well.’

Graysen pointed to his camera bag. ‘There’s no point me taking my cameras with us,’ he said. ‘I’ve got the memory cards in my pack, but if you could keep an eye on my cameras, Clive, I’d appreciate it.’

‘Not a problem, mate. Be careful and we’ll see you soon.’

As they reached the end of the gorge, Graysen pointed out the waterhole where he’d collected the water to wash Andrew’s wounds yesterday. They walked steadily in the faint dawn light, not speaking as they made their way east. Soon they came to a narrow gorge that led north towards the direction of the main trail.

‘I’ve spent a lot of time through the night thinking about which way we should go,’ Graysen said as they stopped. He reached out and took her hand. ‘We can go back to the trail but it’s going to be a very big climb. There’s also the danger that they might be up there looking for us. On the other hand, it’s a long track and the chances of meeting them are probably very low odds but there is always that chance. What do you think?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘I’ll leave it up to you. I do worry that we’ll get lost, and come to a dead end if we go bush. Maybe it’s worth the risk?’

‘If it was just me, I’d have no hesitation,’ Graysen said looking up at the ridge way above them. ‘But I don’t want to put you in any danger.’

‘And I don’t want you to be in any danger,’ she said squeezing his hand.

‘Six months ago, I would have forged ahead up there, and not given any thought to, or cared about putting myself in danger. Even three months ago, I wouldn’t have cared if I’d lived or died. Coming out here—and meeting you—has changed me.’

‘What are you trying to say, Graysen?’

‘I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but you’ve put some meaning in my life again. I don’t want to rush things, but I needed to say that before we head up to the ridge. If we get out of here safely, I’d like to explore that, because if we didn’t it would be hard to let you go. Now we need to get going. Up the hill to the trail?’

Sandra leaned into him and put her arms around his waist. ‘Yes, together. We will survive this. We will get help for Andrew and we will make sure that those people will get what they deserve. Going through what we went through when Peter was murdered has given me a deeper strength and a belief in good. I know I struggled for a long time, but I know I’ve dug deep and tapped into the strength these past few days. Being with you has enhanced that for me too and I’m going to dig deep and keep this strength in place. I don’t mean my physical strength. I mean my ability to cope mentally, and my emotional strength. I hope that you stay around and help me find it. It would be really good to have you in my life. Now, before we start climbing . . .’

Sandra lifted her hands to Graysen’s face and cupped his cheeks gently as she stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. They stood there in a close embrace for a long moment until Graysen pulled away and Sandra reluctantly stepped back.

‘Let’s make a start,’ he said quietly. His expression held something that sent an exquisite feeling all the way to her toes.

‘Keep looking around and listen. There should be other hikers up there, but at the first sign of any danger we take off together.’