”We need to get this up on our shoulders.” Jane explained as she wrapped her top around the branch. Tag stared, wide eyed before following her lead.

”On my count?” he said, bracing himself. ”1…2…3..” they grunted with the strain but slowly, the bucket rose, slopping water as Jane stumbled.

”I got it.” she paused, allowing her body to adjust to the weight. Already her shoulder screamed in pain, it felt like someone had drilled a hole into the joint and poured lava in the wound.
Tag steadied the bucket, its frantic and painful swinging slowed, then ceased.

”Let’s go.” Jane moved slowly, leading the way.

It took almost an hour but eventually the bedraggled group returned to the cave.

”Shouldn’t we try and hide it?” Maura asked softly. Of the group, she was the only one not bloodied and aching. She had tried, of course she had, tried to lift the ever increasing weight but the height difference between herself and both Jane and Tag had sent the bucket flying towards her, spilling its valuable contents.

”I’ll just get some palm leaves.” Maura blushed deeply as Jane’s tired gaze settled on her.
The brunette was tired, sore and more than a little pissed. She was still no closer to finding a way off this, albeit beautiful corner of hell.

”Can you believe her?” Tag was also sore, his tone clipped and sharp. ”Carry this thing back here and now she wants us to build a cover?” More than anything else, he was scared.

Jane glared at him. ”She’s trying to keep us alive!” she snapped, ”Which is more than you’ve done.”

Tag opened his mouth to argue but the words abandoned him. Slinking back into the cave, he curled up in the farthest corner, welcoming the shame that crept into his being. She was right, he’d done nothing that could be considered useful. Yes, he’d collected some wood but anyone could do that, he’d not come to the table with anything that could keep them alive.

”Maura?”

Her head bobbed up from a group of ferns

”I’m going to try and find John.” Jane smiled warmly. ”I’ll be back before it gets light.”

Maura pushed through the scrub and wrapped Jane in a hug. ”Please be careful.” she pleaded softly, her warm breath tickling Jane’s earlobe.
Jane pulled back slowly, running the pad of her thumb gently over the contours of the doctors face, memorising every line, freckle and dimple. Jane pulled her closer, meeting her lips in a sensual kiss.