Treading across the broad limestone outcrop, the two hikers were the only people for as far as their keen eyes could see.

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Behind them lay rolling hills swathed by rugged grass. Off to their left, the landscape descended rapidly in a series of sheer cliffs until it reached a meandering, narrow valley. On the right and in front of them, bare outcrops were interspersed with undulating expanses of grass and other low-lying foliage; a few streams surged along, the water clear and sparkling in the sunshine – these snaked around and plunged into small waterfalls on their way. If the travellers had wanted to gauge their position, distant mountain ranges far ahead of them suggested the direction north.

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To say the area was peaceful would be a huge understatement. Tranquillity reigned here in the invigorating freshness of the late summer air, in the breathtaking beauty and sheer vast openness, and in the near-silence. The two companions could hear their own breathing over both the gentle breeze and the soft hisses of moving water. Nothing man-made was apparent, excepting the occasional aeroplane high overhead: emitting a wasp-buzz drone and cutting a contrail across the clear blue sky.

​

Andy and Gemma had been to this region more than twenty times since they first met at Acam’s Advertising in the big city. Andy had already been working for the prestigious firm for six years, running one of its two advertising teams. When the second Team Leader, Chet Rawlings, had abruptly quit – leaving a brief email and never being heard of again – Gemma was hired to take the man’s place. Gemma had been twenty-four and a rising star at one of Acam’s rivals. Three years later, and Gemma’s team now outshone Andy’s in their levels of success.

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In terms of work ethics, Gemma and Andy contrasted. Andy, though only mid-thirties, was a believer in old-style, harsh autocratic management. His team worked extended hours and most weekends; he responded to any errors or delays with acid criticism; and his staff hated their work so much, they often quit or found positions elsewhere. Gemma used her personality to nourish the skills and dedication of her people. No one had ever quit Gemma’s team. They loved their work, appreciated Gemma’s trust and support, and produced swift, high-calibre results. Her team also kept to regular office hours most days and rarely came in on weekends. Ed Cadance, Acam’s director and immediate superior to both Gemma and Andy, often said the two teams were like different companies. All attempts by Cadance to encourage Andy to adopt Gemma’s successful style were opposed.

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Despite their differences, Andy and Gemma spent time together outside work. Since both were very career-focussed, neither dated often, and a platonic friendship grew between the pair. Gemma enjoyed the outdoors, from rock-climbing to canoeing to hiking, and Andy’s main way of relaxing was long walks in the country. They began by visiting the Brecon Beacons National Park. Andy later had Gemma explore areas he liked to roam outside the park – well away from other holidaymakers. It became a routine. Every possible month they would drive to South Wales on a Friday night, book into a village inn, and rise at 6AM Saturday and Sunday to drive out and spend the daytime hiking. There was no suggestion of a blossoming romance, and often hours passed without conversation, but the weekends left the pair refreshed and recharged. Attempts at other activities together had failed. Once, Gemma had lured Andy to an Escape Room challenge, which she adored, but from which he emerged bored and frustrated. He’d later baulked at the suggestions of rock-climbing or canoeing.

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In physique, the pair were also contrasts. Andy was medium height and of a stocky, muscular build. Fair-haired, he had natural curls Gemma envied. His rounded face and solid features spoke of a strong character; his blue eyes could reflect sincerity and compassion or narrow in rising anger. Outside the office, Andy had a playful laugh and a calmer temperament. Suave, handsome and capable of great charm, he also always looked smart – whether in a business suit or in his top-of-the-range hiker’s apparel. Gemma had said a few times that Andy could be imagined as a young James Bond.

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The woman was long-legged and tall, just under five foot ten. Her slim build was the result of exercise and a high metabolism – the latter allowing her to boast she could eat chocolate gateau and never feel guilty. Gemma’s face was narrow and softly formed. Kindness in her dark eyes, and lips always about to smile, highlighted her pleasant nature. This was a person who cared about those around her and would help in any way she could. Shoulder-length black hair was often worn loose and free, but hung in a plaited ponytail now. Her interests combined the physical and mental, the latter including all kinds of puzzles, the more complex the better. Whereas Andy’s clothing always looked to be tailor-made, Gemma dressed for the occasion. When hiking she wore faded old jeans, a plain T-shirt, a lightweight padded jacket and a baseball cap. Her food, water and essentials were in a small backpack – tiny compared to the bright red, steel-framed rucksack her companion bore. Gemma’s sunglasses were a cheap plastic pair she wasn’t worried about losing; Andy’s had to be worth at least four hundred pounds.

 

*     *     *

 

This would be their final trip as equals. By the end of the next week, one of the pair would receive a massive promotion and the other would become their subordinate. Ed Cadance was retiring from Acam’s, and he was going to announce his replacement soon.

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They hadn’t argued over who was better suited to the top job, and had even wished each other good luck. Both Gemma and Andy believed the role should be theirs. Gemma could quote her track record of consistent superior achievements and profit, compared to Andy’s poorer returns and high employee turnover. Andy felt his longer time at the company and therefore greater experience, were more important.

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And the issue went deeper.

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If Andy won, Gemma was going to quit on the spot. She could never work for an overbearing asshole like Andy. There was a new job waiting elsewhere for her, and she’d be able to take her staff along too.

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To Andy, the thought of Gemma becoming his boss was repulsive. He saw her close relationship with her staff to be a weakness, a threat to company business. The man also knew Gemma would want him to adopt her methods, and this infuriated him more.

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Things would never be the same after Cadance’s announcement, so much was certain.

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Perhaps this was why they chose to take a last trip together. It had been Andy’s idea. Reasons had gone unspoken. Only the pleasure of the journey mattered. And so far the weekend had gone well. A good drive down here yesterday in Gemma’s jeep; a great meal at the inn; a restful sleep; and a fine breakfast before visiting this heaven of nature. Neither of them talked about the promotion, since they never discussed work outside the office. They could relax, be the best versions of themselves, treasure this calm before the storm to come.

​

“This is the best weekend we’ve had for ages,” Gemma said, her gaze drifting from one horizon to the other. “Perfect weather. Air so crisp and clean...”

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Andy replied, alongside her. “Beats the city stink, doesn’t it?”

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“Yeah.” Gemma switched her tone to the more dramatic voice she used when reciting a quote: “‘Far from the toxic smog, they ventured into a land of beauty and wonder...’”

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“Definitely one of yours,” Andy replied.

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“You know, it’s a little annoying that you’re the one person who can tell whether I’m quoting someone famous or making a quote up.”

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“Maybe I’m more observant. Or maybe everyone else switches off and thinks ‘not another damn quote’?”

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“Hey! My quotes are good. And I have a million of ’em.”

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“At least, I’m sure.”

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The woman changed the conversation. “Remember the last time we were here? I’m sure we got hit by a Welsh monsoon.”

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“We could’ve canoed back to the inn. I honestly thought our car might be washed away before we got back to it.”

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Gemma paced to the edge of the outcrop and sat, dangling her legs over – not that she was doing anything risky, the drop was just four feet. She unfastened her backpack and drew out a bottle of flavoured spring water.

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Andy strode to stand behind her. She could imagine him poised there like a ship’s captain looking for land, one hand shielding his eyes (no baseball cap for him – it might spoil his perfect hair). No doubt he’d counter her quote by offering one of the lines of poetry he claimed to have stored in his busy little brain.

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The woman somehow heard the sickening thud of impact before she felt it. Less than a heartbeat later, the noise was obliterated by the explosion of pain across the back of her skull. More sensations came in an unbearable rush. Nausea. Eyesight swimming, blurring, fading to near-blindness. The snap of her jaws clacking together, and a fear she might have bitten off the end of her tongue. Weakness pervading her body as if all the strength – or all the blood – were pouring away...

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Amid this awful maelstrom, Gemma tried to comprehend...

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What the hell is happening..?

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Andy hit her again.

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And again.