They arrived at Serville at nine o'clock the following evening. Deborah had refused to let go of her father and the father was not complaining because he also held on to her as though his life depended on her.

Sharon herself slept most of the way, her head on Bryan's shoulders.She woke when the plane touched the runaway, embarrassed colour flushing her cheeks as she lifted her eyes and met Bryan's dark eyes.

'What time is it?' she asked as she smothered her hair, feeling hot and tired, needing something to say.

'Just after right', he said. He was watching her, his eyes unfathomable.

She turned away, looking through the...