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tunnels – thought they were cool. He rabbited on about the rock formation. He was so busy trying to tell me how metamorphic rocks were created, he didn’t see me hesitate before I plunged in.
    I picked up Tia and cuddled her to give me courage. Jago’s voice echoed off the cold stone. I held my breath and counted slowly to distract myself.
    At last we were out in the bright sunshine of Coppet Hall Beach.
    â€˜I’ve done a lot of research on this place,’ Jago said. ‘Did you know that Coppet Hall comes from the words Coal Pit Hall?’
    â€˜Course I did,’ I said.
    I didn’t. And, I thought maybe I should do a bit of research on Carreg. It was annoying having a stranger tell you things about your own home.
    Jago’s caravan was nice. The curtains were half closed, so it was cool and shaded inside. It had everything: little shower room, fridge, microwave, and a TV. They hadn’t had time to use it and their stuff was still packed. Jago rummaged through a blue backpack and pulled out a small hammer, goggles and some other bits and pieces.
    He arranged them neatly on the floor, naming them as he did. ‘Rock pick, collection bag…’
    I think he was trying to impress me. He didn’t.
    â€˜Come on. Get your swimming costume and let’s get to the beach.’
    I’d slipped Tia off the lead and looked in the cupboards for a saucer or something to give her a drink of water.
    It was a while before I noticed that she wasn’t in the caravan anymore. The door was open and Tia was gone.
    I panicked. Raced outside into the heat and blinding light of the day.
    â€˜Tia! Tia! Here, girl. Tia!’
    The caravan site was almost deserted; everyone was at the beach. I saw a couple with two small children trailing buckets and spades and ran towards them.
    â€˜Have you seen a dog? A little dog?’
    They shook their heads.
    Jago ran in the other direction shouting for Tia at the top of his lungs.
    I climbed onto a hedge and scanned the site. White caravans stood in neat rows. Most of them with wet costumes and towels fluttering from the windows.
    I couldn’t see Tia anywhere. I felt the sting of tears in my eyes.
    I bolted across Coppet Hall car park and headed for the tunnel. I could see Jago threading his way through people on the beach – searching and calling her name.
    Before I knew it I was in darkness. The cold stone chilled me like a shower of water. I pushed past people, ignoring angry comments. ‘A dog? Have you seen a little dog?’ My voice rang out in the damp vault of the tunnel.
    Then, in the arch of bright light at the far end, I saw a silhouette. Someone running, cradling something in their arms, a baby, or maybe a small dog?
    I rushed after her, out of the tunnel and into the sunshine.
    Tia heard my shout and immediately struggled so violently that the woman dropped her. Tia ran to me and leapt into my arms.
    Relief made me weak. I sank to the floor burying my face in Tia’s fur.
    The woman was watching me, a strange look on her face. ‘I just found her wandering around … I, um … thought I’d better take her to the police.’
    â€˜Thank you, thank you so much, I thought we’d lost her. I don’t understand it, she’s never wandered off before. She’s usually quite clingy, like a little limpet.’ I knew I was gabbling but was so relieved I couldn’t stop.
    The woman didn’t laugh, didn’t even smile, she just stared. ‘Yes, well, I’d better get going.’ She blinked and pushed her glasses back up onto the bridge of her nose.
    Again she gave me a strange look but just then Jago rushed up looking as happy as I felt.
    â€˜You found her.’ He was gasping for breath and his long blonde hair was wet with sweat.
    â€˜Well, it wasn’t me. It was this lady who…’
    But the woman was walking away towards Carreg. Walking fast.
    I shrugged. ‘Don’t ever