Page 30 of The Mission

“I’d been down that run a couple of times and the last time I went up Mark and the rest were ahead in the queue. When I skied off the chairlift, they were gathered at the top of the slope. It was busy in front of them, and there looked to be enough room to get past behind. I was on the correct side of the barrier, but the edge collapsed under me.”

“There’s no way that should have happened,” Rurik said. “There’s a steep drop off from the bottom of that gulley.”

“It needs looking at.” Conrad wasn’t sure he’d have the energy to get to his feet when the car pulled into the station.

“I’ll tell someone,” Rurik said. “So Mark and the others were aware you’d fallen?”

“Yes.”

“Who was in the group? Staff? Clients?”

“I didn’t really notice.”

“And they left you?”

“Mark told them to ski down. There was nothing they could do. No point in hanging around getting cold. I was fine with that. I’d have told them myself. Mark said he’d stay.”

“And did he?” Rurik asked.

“For a while.”

“How long?” Arlo sounded furious.

“Not long.”

“Did he at least wait until it was clear you’d be able to reach the top?” Rurik asked.

Why should he make excuses for Mark. “No, but if you asked him, he’d say he did. I wouldn’t have left anyone until they were on their feet at the top with firm snow under them. Then I’d have skied down with them.”

“What a bastard,” Arlo muttered. “Do you want to come straight to our place?”

“I need to go back to the hotel to get changed.”

“But you’ll still come tonight?”

“Yes.” If he could stay awake.

“Rurik brought his car so we can take you back to your hotel and wait for you.”

“I can make my way to yours. But I’d appreciate a lift back. What time is it?”

“Five,” Arlo said. “Come as soon as you like.”

Conrad almost fell asleep in the car. Arlo nudged him when Rurik pulled up outside the Alpenland Chalet.

“Sure you’re all right?” Arlo asked.

“Yep. Thanks for the lift, Rurik.”

“You’re welcome.”

Arlo helped Conrad get his skis from the roof rack.

“I was scared,” Arlo whispered.

“So was I.”

“You’re not to leave my sight tomorrow.”

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