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Her hand stayed in Graysen’s as he walked her across to the campsite where the swags were set up. Either everyone was asleep or still over at the homestead; each swag was in darkness, and all was quiet.

In the distance the eerie howl of a dingo broke the silence and Sandra shivered.

‘Zip up well,’ Graysen said as he let go of her hand. ‘Thanks for the company.’

‘Thanks for the friendship.’ Sandra stood on her toes and brushed a kiss across his cheek. ‘Sleep well, Graysen.’

Once she was in the swag, Sandra closed her eyes and placed her fingers to her lips as happiness and calm filled her.

Yes, maybe too much.

Chapter 14

Old Hamilton Downs Homestead to Standley Chasm

Graysen put the newly-charged battery into his camera. He looked around the swag checking that he had everything before stepping outside. Another clear and cold morning greeted him. He couldn’t help but look over at Sandra’s swag; it was zipped up so she was either in there or had gone across to breakfast already.

Paul came out of the double swag, looked at Graysen for a brief moment and then dropped his gaze.

‘With two sugars, babe,’ Cecily called out.

Graysen grinned. Room service in a swag in a paddock.

Zed and Miska were sitting at a table in the sun with Sandra.

‘Morning all,’ Graysen said brightly, enjoying the warm smile from Sandy.

‘Morning, Graysen. All ready for a big day?’ Zed asked.

He patted the camera on his chest. ‘Batteries are recharged. Both the camera’s and mine.’

Gawd, first time anything like that had come from him for a long time. Maybe he did have a sense of humour buried in there somewhere.

‘Please join us,’ Miska said. ‘We’ve all eaten but still have to get our coffee.’

‘Thanks.’ He put his camera on the table.

‘Mind if I have a look at some of the photos you’ve taken?’ Zed asked.

‘Sure, go ahead. These are just for my pleasure. I’m not on a contract this trip.’

Zed picked up the camera and started scrolling through while Graysen went to the other end of the veranda where breakfast was laid out.

Clive was loading his plate. ‘We can’t complain about the food, hey, mate,’ he said.

‘You’re right there. It’s very good.’

‘A good tip for the chef, I think.’

‘They’re all good.’ Graysen made a note to make sure he had enough cash to give the three guides a decent tip at the end of the trek. He filled his bowl with granola and fruit and headed back to the table.

‘Some fantastic shots, there, Graysen. What sort of lens do you use?’

‘Most of those were taken with a Pentax 150-450 mm.’

‘Great clarity.’ Zed lowered his voice. ‘What are the ones of Paul and Cecily? It looked like he was trying to push her over the cliff.’

‘Just some stupid behaviour. They were mucking around yesterday and then he dunked her in the water at Bond Gap.’