“I guess your mum hasn’t had any luck with Raymond,” says Suze.

“She would have texted if she had.”

“I can’t believe we staked out that tent for a whole day. And nothing.”

“Not nothing,” I say. “Janice got a banjo.”

Suze gives a feeble snort of laughter, and I can’t help smiling too.

“So…what are we going to do? Where do we go next?” Suze bites her lip. “Let’s face it, there’s not much point me trying to chase Tarkie anymore.” She speaks calmly, but there’s a wobble in her voice.

“Maybe not.” I meet her eye, then quickly look away again.

“But what about your mum and dad?”

“Oh God.” I slump in my chair. “I have no idea.”

“Should we try Raymond’s house again? Or just go back to L.A., like your dad said all along? I mean, maybe he was right.” Suze lifts her gaze to mine, and I can see it’s taking her a lot to say this. “Maybe this was a stupid idea.”

“No!” I say automatically.

“We can’t go back yet,” protests Danny. “We’re on a mission. We need to see it through.”

“That’s all very well.” Suze turns to him. “But we have absolutely no idea what to do next. We’ve failed at getting through to Raymond, we don’t have a single other lead, a single idea—”

“Actually…” I break in. “I did have one idea.”

“Really?” Suze stares at me. “What?”

“Well, a kind of idea,” I amend. “It’s a bit far out. In fact, it’s a bit mad. But it’s one last possibility. And if it doesn’t work, maybe we give up and go back to L.A.”

Both Danny and Suze are regarding me with interest.

“Well, go on, then,” says Suze. “What’s this crazy last-ditch idea?”

“OK.” I hesitate, then reach into my bag for the “Wilderness Creative Festival: Guide to Artists” booklet. “Before I say anything, have a look at this.”

I watch as they survey the page; I watch as their faces jolt in surprise, just like mine did.

“Oh my God,” says Suze, and looks up at me incredulously. “So what…I mean, how do we…”

“Like I said, I have this idea.”

“Of course you do,” says Danny. “You always have great ideas. Spill, Beckeroo.”

He gives me an encouraging smile and sits back to listen, and once again I feel that flicker of adrenaline inside. That positive spirit. Like old friends coming to give me a little inner hug.


TWELVE

Having said that, everyone thinks it’s a mad idea.