Page 12 of Savage Redemption

Again, he doesn’t flinch. “I’ll need funds to get started.”

“Baz will transfer fifty thousand euros to you, to be repaid before anything is credited against the ransom.” I slant a glance in Baz’s direction. “Are we done here?”

“Think so, boss.”

“Wait.” San Antonio is on his feet. “When does this?—?”

“Immediately. Baz, get him something decent to wear. I want him on a plane within twenty-four hours.”

CHAPTER 3

Rosie

“What’s going on, Rosie?”

I look up from my magazine, tearing myself away from the finer points of selecting just the right wedding venue. Oakwell Hall seems nice…

My stepmum, Eva, closes the door quietly behind her and approaches the sofa where I have several magazines scattered across the upholstery. She sweeps a few aside and parks herself next to me. “Well?”

“Give me a clue,” I hedge.

“I spoke to Mattie Henderson.”

“Who?”

“Professor Matilda Henderson-Bridges. Head of Faculty in the Department of Musical Arts. The same Professor Henderson who interviewed you last week. She offered you a place, from next year.”

“It’s not for me,” I begin. “I need to?—”

“Of course it’s for you. Manchester is one of the best faculties in the country, a Russell Group college. And they’re prepared to defer your entry for a year, two years if need be.”

“I know, but?—”

“I pulled in favours, Rosie. A lot of favours.”

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate it. I do.”

“But?”

“You know the ‘but’.”

“No, I don’t. Manchester is within a day’s commute. You could attend on a day basis and still live here. They’ll even stretch it over four or five years. You could do your degree part-time if you want.”

“Eva, you’ve been brilliant. Dad, too. But I just can’t. You know why.”

“If you need more time, then take it. Take as long as you like, I’ll square it with Mattie.”

As a university professor herself of some renown, Eva is in a position to exert influence. The academic world adores her, and I’m lucky to have her in my corner. I don’t doubt she can swing it for me, but it’s impossible. I can’t just slip back into ‘normal’ life, pretend nothing’s changed.

Everythinghas changed. There’s no going back, not now, not in a year’s time, not ever.

I get to my feet. “I need to?—”

“Your dad’s with her. She’s fine.”

I shake my head. “She needs me.”

“Of course she does, and you’re here for her. You’ll always be here for her, and so will I. So will your dad.”

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