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delicious tingle in the pit of her stomach, the overwhelming desire to move closer to him and rest her head in the nook of his shoulder. Even now she could feel the warmth of his hand radiating through her arm, through her entire body. She had so wanted to lean into him. Instead, she’d excused herself like a nervous teenager, and disappeared into the bathroom.
    She cringed just thinking about it.
    Eventually, she’d gone back and sat on the sofa as if nothing had happened. Simon had just smiled and said nothing, which was typical of him. But the more she replayed the evening in her mind as she drove along, the more uncertain she became. Had she got it all wrong? Misinterpreted his actions?
    Then her whole body seemed to droop. What was she thinking anyway?
    Oh, Jack!
    She could see him so clearly; his smiling face, soft brown eyes, and sun-bleached hair. He’d been like sunshine to her, the light and warmth in her life. As she drove along, cocooned in a world of her own, her mind drifted to that wonderful morning in South Carolina all those years ago when she woke up to sunshine flooding through her window. Jumping out of bed, she’d left the hotel for an early morning jog and swim, something she only ever seemed to do on holiday. Pulling her cotton joggers over her swimsuit, she set off along the stretch of fine, muddy brown-coloured sand. It hadn’t looked that inviting, but the sea had pummelled it flat which made it easier to jog on.
    Enjoying the freedom on that sunny morning, she’d run a long way before realising how hot she was. Pulling off her joggers, she started running towards the surf until frantic shouting made her stop. Someone was tearing up the beach, pointing vigorously out to sea.
    Oh my God! That single black fin gliding in the waves, just a metre from shore.
    She could feel the goose bumps even now. If Jack hadn’t stopped her…
    Ah, but what a wonderful time she’d had with him on that holiday. As a marine biologist, he knew that shoreline like the back of his hand. And they’d spent long, hot days out on his boat, monitoring and tagging the marine life.
    They’d slipped so easily from friends to lovers.
    The sound of a car horn jolted her back to the present; and she blinked to get rid of Jack’s image. Sighing, she looked up at the sky. The sun had disappeared now, and the clouds hung low and heavy. She glanced in her rear-view mirror and sat bolt upright.
    The grey jeep from the airport was still there.
    She couldn’t see who was driving because the driver’s sunshade was down. She took her foot off the accelerator to let the jeep pass, but it slowed too. When she accelerated again, it accelerated.
    Her heart started thumping and she gripped the steering wheel tight. Seeing a picnic rest area looming, she swerved in at the last minute and stamped on the brakes. The car tyres skidded to a halt on the soft gravel-like surface, throwing up a cloud of dust all around her. She slouched down in the seat while the jeep sailed past. Her eyes stayed glued to it until its tail-lights had disappeared into the distance.
    Feeling ridiculous, she flopped back into her seat, and pushed the gear into park. What was wrong with her today? She was so jumpy.
    Her mobile rang and she fumbled to answer.
    “Hi, Jess. Where are you?”
    “ Sharon! ” She could hear the relief in her own voice. “I’m on the road to The Palms. And before you say anything, I know Nigel wants me to ring.”
    “He’s tried phoning.”
    “I’ve been driving. I’m parked up at a picnic spot at the moment.” Should she mention that grey jeep? No, Sharon would think she was as paranoid as Susan Chambers. “Have the police confirmed our murdered woman is Western Energy’s Ellen Chambers?” she asked, voice business-like.
    “Yes, and the media are running the story. Simon’s handling the Aussie media, and London the UK lot. I’ve forwarded his updated press lines to your laptop. He wants you to do media interviews at The