The clearing was completely dark and a light breeze skittered dry, old leaves across the grass. Gemma dropped her backpack and the extra pack she had carried on to the ground with a sigh. “Phew, I swear that track just grew another mile longer.” “I’ve unlocked the car. Hop in while I load the bags.” He stowed the luggage into the boot of the car and stashed his camera equipment securely behind the driver’s seat. Gemma was already ensconced in the passenger seat with her belt buckled. “It’s a long drive home,” she said when he climbed in beside her. “Good job I booked us in at a hotel, then. If we hurry we can get there before the restaurant closes.” Jerome started the engine and turned on the headlights. “Hotel?” Jerome concentrated on steering down the pitch-black track. “I felt bad about everything that’s happened this weekend and I thought at least one night in a nice hotel might make it up to you a little bit.”
