Page 85 of Savage Protector

Empty space. Zayn is not back yet.

I’d hoped—expected—that he’d arrive back overnight, but no. I’m alone in the bed.

I resisted phoning him last night, but only just. He told me he might be away for days, and he only left yesterday afternoon, so really, it’s not even been one full day.

What can he be doing in Birmingham? I didn’t even realise his boss had business there, but what do I know?

I swing my legs out of bed and perch for a moment. It’s still early, not quite seven o’clock, but I won’t be getting any more sleep. Might as well hit the shower, then go down and see what there is to eat. With luck I could run into Jack Morgan, or Jenna, Tony’s partner. Either of them would know when to expect them back, I should think.

My toxicology exam is later today. A four-hour paper, starting at one, and I absolutely can’t be late for it. I’m feeling a bit more confident, I’ve done a lot of work in the last couple of days and I may even have a sporting chance of passing.

I shut off the shower, wrap a fluffy towel round my hair, and drape myself in another, then pad back into Zayn’s bedroom. Thirty minutes later, hair still damp but no longer dripping, I make my way down to the kitchen.

Ruth is seated at the table trying to convince a dubious toddler of the merits of breakfast cereal.

“Try a little, Faith. It’s nice. Look.” She takes a mouthful herself, then takes an exaggerated show of how delicious it is. “Yum, yum. Mmm…”

Faith eyes her coolly before tossing her spoon on the floor and demanding a banana.

Ruth knows when she’s beaten. She sighs and reaches for the fruit bowl. “I guess there’s nutrition in a banana… Oh, morning, Leila. There’s coffee made if you want some.”

I prefer tea, but coffee is okay. I pour myself a cup and top up Ruth’s. “Any cereals left?”

“Loads.” Ruth shoves the box in my direction. “Bowls in the cupboard.”

I sort myself out and take a few mouthfuls, then set my spoon down. “Is Jack about? Or Jenna?”

“Jack’s in the office. Not sure about Jenna. Can I help?”

“I was wondering when to expect Zayn and the others back, that’s all.”

“Ah. Sorry, I’ve no idea. Missing him?”

“Yeah, I suppose. And he was going to give me a lift to the university later. It’s my exam today.”

“Someone else will give you a ride, that’s no problem. Or you could borrow my car. I’m not using it today.”

“Oh, well, I’m not sure…”

“Do you drive?”

“Yes, I passed my test two years ago, but I haven’t had much opportunity to practice.” I was always a bit of a nervous driver and certainly can’t afford my own car yet.

“Well, it’s time you did. That’s settled, then. It’s the white Peugeot in the garage. I’ll leave the keys on the table for you.” She gets to her feet and scoops up her daughter. “We need to be off. Good luck with the exam.”

She hurries off, leaving me to finish my breakfast alone. I take the opportunity to plan my day.

I have a couple of hours for last-minute revision, then perhaps an early lunch and set off to the university at around noon. The car is great, better than public transport, but I’ll still have to find somewhere to park, and I prefer to arrive a few minutes early, just to collect myself.

Back in Zayn’s apartment, I settle down in my usual spot by the window, files, books, and my laptop scattered in front of me. I’m reviewing recent field studies to assess the harmful impacts of new technologies on human populations and the environment, and most of it is familiar enough. I just need to go over my notes from the start of the year on diagnostic techniques…

Shit.I rifle through the documents before me but have to face the facts. My diagnostic stuff is in my old notebook, and I haven’t seen that among the papers and such like that Zayn collected for me. It must be still in my flat. I left a pile of notes in the bottom of my wardrobe, yes, that’s where it will be.

I check the time on my phone. It’s not yet ten o’clock, I have plenty of time to nip over to the flat, collect my notes, then head down to the university library to finish off my prep for the exam. Zayn said there was work going on, something to do with security improvements, but if the locks had been changed, he’d have told me, surely. And he did definitely say that Mehrban and Iftikar had been warned off and there’d be no more trouble from them. It’s safe enough for me to go about my normal business again.

My decision made, I grab my coat, shovel all my stuff into my huge leather work bag, and make my way down to the kitchen for the car keys Ruth promised me.

I find them just where she said they’d be and pocket them before strolling out to the garage. Jack’s there, with three of the men. He points out the white Peugeot and wishes me luck for the exam.

---