Melody didn't protest, she wasn't that stupid. Instead she did as he said, went inside and asked with the cashier who had the expression of someone who really didn't want to be there either, but managed a humourless smile at the very truncated explanation that she had run out of gas and pointed at the machine that made hot drinks. She paid for the container and tin and two hot chocolates before heading back out to the van.

As she approached she held out the capped cup to Brian. "Wasn't sure if you wanted coffee at this time of the morning, in case you wanted to get back to sleep, so I hope you like hot chocolate?"