Chapter 12

After the man had shot his load and discarded the cum-filled condom, he mumbled “Thanks” as he did his pants up. He returned to his car without another word. Benjamin pulled his pants up and was about to leave when he thought he heard someone in the leaf litter a little further up in the thicket.

“Hello,” he called out. “Who’s there?”

His question went unanswered, and tired after so much walking, Benjamin put the noise down to his imagination and returned home. When he arrived, he called out for Clarke, who didn’t respond. Slightly baffled, since Clarke was always home at that time of night, he went upstairs and knocked on Clarke’s door. When there was no reply, he carefully turned the knob and peeked inside. The room was empty.

He walked the length of the hallway to his own room, undressed and had a hot shower. After towelling himself dry and pulling on his bathrobe, he left his room just in time to catch Clarke arriving at the top of the stairs.