All the way back to the West Country, Sarah's eyes were glued to her mirror. At times she thought she might be followed but then there was clear road back again. In the early hours of the morning once off the motorway, the traffic was not very heavy.

Should she carry on to Tim's parents. Since Tim wasn't there, it seemed a bit of a cheek. She couldn't go home because of the danger she may be putting her family into. Somerset was the only option. At least she would feel there were friendly people about. Perhaps the spirit of Exmoor would protect her.

It was 5 o'clock in the morning that she pulled into the drive of the house Peter had promised she could use as her own. The house was lit up in the moonlight and looked very friendly. She spent half an hour finding a place of concealment for the hard drive although she was dead tired. The bed she tumbled into wasn't even made up. Sarah couldn't have cared less and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

At some time in her sleep, she met the Hobby Horse. Again it was on the hill above the house. This time it wanted to dance its special dance. Then it inclined its head to the East in the direction of London. Mists in the distance seemed to part. It became light and she had a sensation of movement through space. Hills, fields and roads flashed by. Quickly at first then slower until a solitary car came into view travelling towards her. Instinctively she knew who the three people in the car were. As the car drew closer, the faces of the youth called Terry, Hesdyke and Sam confirmed her suspicions.

She had the feeling of movement again like an elastic band drawing her back and the car rapidly disappeared from view to be replaced by the Hobby Horse that stood patiently on the hill next to her. The Hobby Horse then inclined his head to the West towards the sea that was speckled with the colours of the dawn.

"What is it you want to tell me old boy?" said Sarah, but got no reply. The Hobby Horse just looked at her sadly.

"Is it just that the colours are nice?"

He nodded his head.

The elastic was pulling again and the bedroom walls were around her again and her sleep deepened.

With no alarm or children to wake her she slept in and the first she knew was the sound of a hammering on the door. Fearfully she looked out through the window to see the smiling face of Ralph grinned at her and she suddenly felt everything was going to be all right.

"Hello my dear. How are you this morning. Settling in well are you. Beth suggested that I check you out to make sure you don't need anything. I'm going shopping and if you want I could take you along for some provisions".

"Give me five minutes to spruce up and I'll be right with you" smiled Sarah a big weight off her mind - Somerset had that affect on her and so did Ralph.



"Tim, this has to be a quick call. I've got his hard disk!"

"You've got what?"

"Sam's hard disk - it was removable!"

"That's dynamite - I'll be back as soon as possible to look after you - probably sometime tomorrow".

"I'm a bit worried about the opposition, I dreamed that they were on their way to Somerset last night. Terry does know I've been in this area and it wouldn't be too difficult for them to find out where I am from the locals".

"Difficult to assess that one - you say you dreamed it?"

"Ralph is here so I'm being well looked after".

"That's good. Peter's house is probably as good as anywhere at the moment. Even if they do come to the area, it would be a while before they found you. Sometimes it's better to stay still than to run. A big kiss and I'll be back with you as quick as I can! Just keep Ralph around".

Sara turned and looked towards Ralph who grinned back at her.