Page 29 of Savage Protector

“I see.”I think.

“I also checked your father’s accounts, and sure enough, seven months ago he transferred the sum of thirty-six thousand, six hundred and fifty pounds to his brother-in-law. Does that sound like your college fund?”

“I didn’t think it was as much as that. I thought it was about thirty-five thousand.”

“There must have been some interest earned. It’s done pretty well since, as well. Abdul invested wisely, in a stocks and shares ISA.” He looks up, grinning. “He’s obviously thinking of tax efficiency.”

“Tax…?”

“There’s no tax payable on an ISA,” he explains. “And he’s earned an average of six percent on it over the last seven months. The balance now stands at thirty-eight thousand, four hundred and eighty.”

“I just want my thirty-five back,” I begin.

“Bollocks,” Zayn declares. “We’ll have the lot, interest as well. It’s yours, Leila. You need that cash.”

“Maybe, but?—”

“Give me your bank details,” Frankie interrupts my protests.

“It’s just a building society account, and there’s nothing much in there…”

“Which building society?”

I tell him the name, and moments later my paltry bank balance appears on the screen.

“Is this you?” he asks.

I nod. “How did you do that? Isn’t this stuff supposed to be secure?”

“Nothing online is secure, not really. Not when a decent hacker gets to work.” He taps a few more keys, and the balance on my account miraculously changes. I am now the proud owner of thirty-eight thousand, five hundred and thirty-five pounds.

“There you go. It’s all yours now.” Zayn gives me a hug. “Spend it wisely.”

“Better still, invest in an ISA,” Frankie suggests. “Like Uncle Abdul.”

We’re heading backdown the gravelled pathway towards the clinic when Zayn’s phone rings. He answers.

“Hey, Megan.” He pauses, then, “Yes, she’s still with me. We’re just on our way back.” Another pause. “Okay, I’ll tell her.” He hangs up.

“What was that about? Tell me what?”

“Megan’s ready to discharge you. Clean bill of health.”

“Oh. Well, good. But…”

“You could go to Stirling, start getting settled in.”

“I’m not even sure about that house. Working for your boss…”

“Well, your choice. You can certainly afford somewhere else now. While you decide, Mrs McRae has found a guest room for you in the castle if you want it. Just for a few days. It’s not especially large, but there’s an ocean view, I gather.”

“That’s really kind.”

“I’d prefer it if you don’t leave just yet. I need to have a word with Uncle Abdul, just to make sure he fully understands the situation, and the consequences if he attempts anything else.”

I just stare at him. “You can’t. He’s…he’s dangerous. You saw that.”

He simply smiles at me. “He’s going to discover just how dangerous I can be. I think I can persuade him to listen.”

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