A Dedicated Man

TWO

Sally and Kevin raced the last few yards and collapsed, panting, by Ross Ghyll. They were high up on Tetchley Fell, on the south side of the dale, having walked to the source of one of the numerous becks that meander their way down to the Swain.

When they had caught their breath, Kevin kissed her, thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth, and they lay down together on the pale springy grass. He touched her breasts, felt the nipples harden through thin cotton, and slowly let his hand slide down between her legs. She was wearing jeans, and the pressure of the thick seam against her sex made her tingle with excitement. But she broke free and sat up, distracted.

‘I’m going to tell the police, Kevin,’ she said.

‘B-but we-’

She laughed and hit him lightly on the arm. ‘Not about this, stupid. About last night.’

‘But then they’ll know about us,’ he protested. ‘They’ll be sure to tell.’

‘No, they won’t. Why should they? You can tell them things in confidence, you know, like Catholics and priests. Besides,’ she added, twirling a strand of hair between her slim fingers, ‘my mum and dad know we were together. I told them we were at your house and we forgot about the time.’

‘I just don’t think we should get involved, that’s all. It could be dangerous, being a witness.’

‘Oh, don’t be daft. I think it’s rather exciting, myself.’

‘You would. What if the killer thinks we really saw something?’

‘Nobody knew we were up there. Nobody saw us.’

‘How do you know?’

‘It was dark, and we were too far away.’

‘He might see you going to the police station.’

Sally laughed. ‘I’ll wear a disguise, then. Now you’re being really silly. There’s nothing to be afraid of.’

Kevin fell silent. Once again he felt he’d been outwitted and outreasoned by a mere girl.

‘I won’t tell them who you are if it bothers you so much,’ Sally went on, reassuring him. ‘I’ll just say that I was with a friend I’d rather not name. Talking.’

‘Talking!’ Kevin laughed and reached for her. ‘Is that what we were doing?’

Sally giggled. His hand was on her breast again, but she pushed him away and stood up, brushing the grass from her jeans.

‘Come on, Sally,’ he pleaded. ‘You know you want it as much as I do.’

‘Do I now?’

‘Yes.’ He made a grab for her ankle but she stepped nimbly aside.

‘Maybe,’ she said. ‘But not now. Especially with someone who’s ashamed to admit he was with me last night. Besides, I have to be home for tea or my dad’ll kill me.’ And she was off like the wind. Sighing, Kevin got to his feet and plodded along behind her.