The group laughed riotously, and Scott slipped out of the pub then dashed across the car park to his vehicle. Scanning his immediate surroundings for the girl, he was surprised to see that she had already left the area. He jumped in his car and set off. Where would I head for if I’d just split up with my partner?

He exited the car park and checked his speed, determined that his eagerness wouldn’t be his downfall. He drove down one of the smaller roads close to the pub. When he didn’t find her, he retraced his route back to the pub. Then he decided to take the main road. Finally, he found her sitting on a bench near a bus stop. Resting her chin on her clenched fist, she appeared to be deep in thought.

He pulled up alongside her, looking around him cautiously, making sure no one saw him approach the girl. He threw open the passenger door and called out, “Hey, do you want a lift?”

The girl scratched her head, confused, and pointed at her chest. “Who? Me?”

“Yes. Sorry, I don’t make a habit of picking up strangers in the street, I assure you. I was in the pub and saw what went on. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay after your little contretemps with your fella.”

“Oh, thanks! That’s very kind of you. I’m waiting for the bus, but have no idea how often they run, to be honest. I haven’t used public transport for years. Do they even run at this time of night?”

He shook his head and shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. Jump in. I’ll drop you off anywhere you like.”

“Are you sure?” she asked after a few seconds of hesitation.

“Of course. It’s not safe being out here on the streets at this time of night. If I drove off and left you, then read about your murder in the paper in the next few days, I’d never be able to forgive myself for not forcing you to come with me for your own safety.”

The girl’s eyes widened as his words sank in. She rushed forward and hopped in beside him.

He smiled, beaming from ear to ear, and held out his hand for her to shake. “Scott Taylor at your service.” Up close, he realised that she was older than she had first seemed. He would need to have all his wits about him to tackle this one.

She giggled briefly and shook his hand. “Tracy Brand. Nice to meet you, Scott. I really appreciate you giving me a lift.”

“Right, where to?”

“Gosh, I don’t really know. I told my flatmate that I would be out all night. I had planned on staying over at John’s house before…”

“Your flatmate won’t mind you going home, surely?”

“She has a new boyfriend staying over. I said I’d give them a bit of space, you know?”

“I understand. Well, I’m not from around here, just here for the weekend. I stay in a motel. You’re welcome to spend the night on the couch in my room if you’re desperate.” He left the suggestion dangling without pushing her at all for an answer.

After a while, she nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure? That’ll be twice you’ve saved me tonight. Not sure how I’ll be able to thank you.” A shyness descended, and she looked out of the side window as Scott drove off.

“Nonsense. It’s an honour and a privilege to come to the aid of a beautiful damsel in distress. I’d much rather take you under my wing than leave you out here alone with all sorts of nutters running around on the loose.”

“Thank you. You’re so kind. Where are you from?”

He thought quickly. “Devon.”

“Oh, what part? I used to go on holiday to Torquay with my folks when I was a kid.” After a deep sigh, she added, “They’re both in a care home now. Mum has Parkinson’s Disease and Dad Alzheimer’s.”

“How sad. I’m sorry to hear that. I used to live in Dawlish, just along the coast from there.”

The car fell silent until Scott pulled into what appeared to be a privately run motel’s car park. “I won’t be long. I’ll go in to collect the key.”

Returning from the reception office, he found the woman outside the car, resting against the passenger door.

He held the key up and jangled it in his hand. “We’re hot to rock.” Feeling nervous all of a sudden, he didn’t have a clue where that saying had come from.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry to have wasted your time. I think I will go back home and face the wrath of my flatmate after all.”

“No! I mean, what’s the point in falling out with her for weeks on end over a silly incident that could be simply averted?” He held up his hands. “I promise not to lay a hand on you. I’m even willing to give up my bed for you. How’s that?”

His heart skipped a few beats while he awaited her decision. Eventually, she nodded and smiled at him. “What the heck. You’re right, anything for a quiet life regarding Jill. She does tend to like hearing the sound of her own voice sometimes. Okay, I’ll do this on the proviso there is no funny business. Any sign of that, and I’m out of here. Got it? I’d get my own room if I could afford it.”

He crossed his heart with an extended finger. “There’s no need to go to that expense. I swear. It’s the room at the end.” Scott opened the door to reveal a small, sparsely decorated room. The room consisted of a double bed, a two-seater sofa, and a small dressing table and stool. On top of the table was a tray laden with tea and coffee-making facilities. “Fancy a coffee?”

She shrugged. “Why not?” Then she placed her handbag on the floor and flopped onto the end of the bed. “Do you always stay here when you’re in the area?”

“Now and again. Depends what calls I have to make the following day and if they’re local or not. Sugar?”

“One, thanks. What do you do?”

“I’m a… don’t laugh, underwear rep.”

She burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Underwear as in lingerie or the type Bridget Jones likes to wear?”

He finished making the drink then handed her a cup and saucer. “Definitely the former. The sexier, the better for girls nowadays.”

Her cheeks flared up.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. That’s why I tend not to tell folks what I do for a living.”

“Oh! What do you usually say then?”

“That I’m a double-glazing rep. I generally get bombarded with light-hearted abuse when I divulge that.”

She chuckled. “Now that, I can believe. Do you get a lot of free samples to take home to your wife? You are married, I take it, a good-looking guy like you.”

He turned away from her and took a sip of his drink to contemplate his answer. “I was. She just couldn’t get used to me staying away from home five days a week. We’re going through a divorce right now.”

“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. Could you not try and get a job closer to home? That is, if you want to save your marriage?”

“We talked about it. I told her that I’d be willing to jack this job in, just to remain married, but she said it was too late and that she’d fallen out of love with me.”

Tracy sipped her coffee. “That’s such a shame. It’s a bit like my situation with John. I think our relationship is drawing to a close if tonight’s outburst is anything to go by.”

“Have you been together long?”

“Just over two years, on and off. I think we’ve spent more time apart than together in that time. I know he uses me.”

“No! Really? For sex?”

She stared down at the cup she was holding and gulped. “Yes. Isn’t that the way all men think? With their dicks?”

Scott had just taken a drink, and he sprayed it across the room. Wiping his mouth on the sleeve of his jacket, he apologised. “Crap! I never expected you to say that. Do you really think that’s true?”

“Of course. Don’t you? Especially nowadays. Don’t you think people have reverted to the hippie era? You know, free love or ‘putting it around,’ as I call it?”

Scott hesitated answering; he had to think fast. Maybe you’ve made a huge mistake, buster. Perhaps this girl doesn’t spread her legs for all and sundry after all.

She coughed to gain his attention. “Hello? Penny for them?”