CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY TWO – THE BUSTLING MARKETS

"Where is it?" he demanded, his voice strained as he backed away from the spot where Jasmine had nearly stepped. Jasmine shook her head, burying her face in the crook of his neck as she tried to regain her composure. "I-I don't know. It was right there, by those flowers!" Gordon continued his cautious retreat, his arms tightening around Jasmine's trembling form as they put as much distance as possible between themselves and the snake's last known location. It was only when they had retreated a safe distance down the trail that they allowed themselves to breathe, their laughter mingling with the residual adrenaline that coursed through their veins. "Did you see the size of that thing?" Jasmine gasped, her eyes still wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief. Gordon shook his head, his lips quirked into a rueful grin. "No, but I definitely heard you. I think they might have heard you back in Sydney!" Jasmine swatted his arm playfully, but her relief was palpable. "Oh, hush. You wou