Follow a Stranger

pushed herself back a little. “No,” she whispered. “I’m so

sorry ...”

She heard his teeth snap together and felt the raging

fury inside him, although he said nothing. She felt singed

and weary. He was right to be angry with her. She had

been silly to attempt the climb.

“Do you think you can make the rest of the way with my

help?” he asked tensely.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Slowly, inch by painful inch, they descended. She felt

his arm tensed permanently to grab her if she fell again,

and dreaded the interview that must take place at the

foot.

Then, at last, they stood upright beside the jeep. Marc

opened the door without looking at her and she wearily

tumbled into the passenger seat. He slammed the door and

walked round to the other side, got in and then sat staring

at her, his arm along the seat.

“You stupid little fool!” he said harshly. “Were you mad

to attempt that climb? I thought you were out exploring

with Pallas and Sam. It was only when Jake got back that

I discovered the truth, and I tore the skin off his back for

letting you go up there alone. I drove here like a maniac,

expecting to find you in pieces at the foot, only to see you

stuck up there, like a fledgling bird.’" He glared at her

with burning ferocity. “If you weren’t in such a state

already I would gladly teach you a lesson you won’t forget!

Never try that climb again. Do you hear?”

She nodded, silenced for once.

“Show me your hands,” he commanded, after a long