He glanced up to see Shaun’s head dipped over the cliff. ‘That’s exactly where we’re going. So, remember what I told you. One gap in the rock at a time. No fuss. No frills. Just you, me, and the cracks. It’s like climbing a ladder.’
‘A ladder?’
‘Yeah, you can do that. I know you can. So, right hand first. Go for it. Touch it. Test it. That’s it. Solid, yeah?’
Ginny looked only at her hand. ‘Yes.’
‘Good. Try and find somewhere to place your foot. Give it a little test. Make sure it holds.’
‘Found one.’
‘Good. Okay, now let’s start climbing. Don’t think about anything other than the next hole in the wall.’
‘Oh, I moved.’
Will smiled, really wishing he could cradle her into his arms, but she needed to be free to climb, and the cliff was perfect for a novice.
The sea whooshed close to the rock pools and shingles below, and light snow fluttered around them in the icy wind.Sirens suddenly filled the air at the same time a helicopter flew over.
‘Keep going,’ yelled Shaun, holding both his arms down. ‘You’re almost at the top, Gin. You’ve got this.’
Ginny was shaking terribly, but she was moving up, and that was all that mattered to Will. He could hear muffled voices and knew the helicopter was on standby.
‘Don’t pull so fast, Shaun,’ Will called, seeing Ginny edging away from his care. ‘Slow and steady.’ He came face to face with Ginny. ‘Don’t want you covered in scrapes, do we?’ He could already see marks on her cheekbones and forehead.
‘I’m climbing a cliff,’ she muttered.
‘That you are, love, and doing a fine job of it too.’
‘Not sure I want to do it again.’
Will grinned. ‘Ooh, I don’t know. With these skills, you would make a good teacher. Just next time use the safety equipment, yeah?’
‘I knew I forgot something.’
Will laughed, then his chest tightened, causing a major coughing fit. He gripped the rope, feeling himself being pulled upwards. It seemed like Shaun had no more patience, either that or the firefighters had gained control of the only harness Will had.
‘Will?’ Ginny’s voice was filled with panic.
‘I’m okay,’ he lied, moving her a little faster in case his chest infection took over again.
Whoever was up top, heaved Ginny the rest of the way, leaving Will to help hoist her up from below, and before he knew it, he was lying by her side on the grassy verge.
‘You’re a hero, mate,’ said Shaun, patting his shoulder, but no, Will was simply relieved.
He sat up, looking around at the flashing lights, mounds of people, and paramedics surrounding Ginny. The hoveringhelicopter flew off as Samuel pushed his way through the rescue workers.
‘You all right, Will?’
Will scrambled over to Ginny, but the medics had her on the gurney and were taking her over to the ambulance to check her over.
Lottie whizzed to the vehicle. ‘Is she okay? Please tell me.’
‘I’m fine, Lott,’ said Ginny, just as Will reached her side.
‘Does she need stitches?’ he asked the female paramedic.
‘It’s not deep. A butterfly stitch will do.’
