Chapter 35

Chapter 35

‘We're going to get out of here, Mia. We're going to be OK.'

Did any part of her believe this was true? Naomi wasn't sure, but she felt compelled to say it, so complete, so consuming was her friend's despair.

‘This is not the end for you, for us …'

Mia looked up at her, her eyes wan and sad. But was there a spark of something there? A need to hope despite all the horrors and privations she'd endured?

‘I know it seems hopeless, but remember they are out there looking for us right now. Whole teams of folk searching. And how many places can there be like this? They will find us.'

Naomi was talking without thinking, expressing any hopeful thought she could muster. And now to her surprise and pleasure, she saw Mia respond.

‘Do you really think so?' she whispered.

‘Totally. You've never met my mum, you don't know what she's like, but let me tell you she will be going nuts right now, kicking the cops' arses, hammering down their door. She won't let up until she's got them all out looking for me.'

Naomi dearly wished this was true. And there was no question her mum would be going out of her mind with worry. But would she really have the courage, the strength to make anyone listen? She'd always been such a meek character. Would she rise to the occasion in this dire emergency? Even if she did, would anyone be interested in another teen runaway?

‘She sounds great,' Mia offered, sadness punching through her admiration.

‘Yeah, she's a right hard ass. She'll be front and centre in the search, but she won't be doing it alone. No, she'll have search teams, sniffer dogs, helicopters, the works, sweeping the whole city.'

‘But how will they even know where to start?'

‘Because I told her where I was bedding down,' Naomi lied. ‘And I don't think I moved far from there, with him I mean …'

Naomi pushed that thought away, didn't want to think back to that crazy, fateful moment when she'd accepted his offer of a lift.

‘So when you think about it, they haven't got a very wide area to cover. I'm betting if we listen closely, we might even be able to hear them, getting closer …'

And, now for the first time, Mia smiled, her teeth catching the sliver of light that crept underneath the door, glowing like a beacon. Mia genuinely seemed to be listening, enchanted by the idea of ranks of boots marching remorselessly towards their hiding place, the slow, dull murmur of a helicopter as it zeroed in on them.

‘Do you honestly think that? That they're doing all that for us ?'

She seemed shocked at this notion, the idea that anyone would care enough to search for her, for them. Naomi felt a rush of emotion, a sense of deep sadness at Mia's total lack of self-worth, but pushed these feelings away, determined to keep their spirits high.

‘You better believe it. I guess there might be a reward of some kind too. Cash, or perhaps a medal of some kind for the person who finds us first. Not sure what they'll give to a dog if he wins the race. Sausages, maybe? A bacon sandwich?'

Mia smiled at this notion, letting out a little laugh, which hit Naomi like a shot of adrenaline. From nowhere she felt a surge of determination, resolve and purpose. So now she didn't hold back, letting her imagination run riot as she continued to spin her inspired, detailed narrative of industrious endeavour and imminent salvation. She didn't believe it, didn't know where this stuff was coming from, but as her heart thrilled to see Mia's broad, believing smile, she knew that both girls needed these lies today.