Page 21 of Savage Protector
I shake my head. “I studied so hard. I thought, maybe…”
“We could phone them.”
“They’d want proof of ID before they’d talk to me. I have nothing. Really, I need those emails, but there’s no way now.”
He regards me thoughtfully. “There might be. Are you able to walk?”
“I think so. Why?”
“We need to go and talk to someone.”
“But I can’t. I don’t even have anything to wear.” I tug at the hospital gown. “I’m not even sure where my own things are.”
He gets to his feet and goes to the door. “Megan? Do you have a minute?”
The doctor appears and glances over at me. “Is everything all right?”
“I’m fine. I just?—”
“Is Leila well enough to come with me for an hour or two?” Zayn asks.
“Where to?” the doctor replies. “She still has a concussion.”
“To see Frankie. We have an IT issue he may be able to help with. It’s important.”
“Just up to the castle, then? And straight back?”
“We promise. Scout’s honour.”
Her lips flatten in indecision, then, “Well, okay. But two hours max, and you stay with her the whole time. She can’t be left on her own until the concussion is completely cleared. And you see her safe back here when you’ve finished whatever this urgent business is.”
“It’s a deal. And Leila needs her clothes, or something else to wear.”
“Well, she certainly can’t wander around the island like that. I’ll see what I can find. Give us fifteen minutes or so.”
“I’ll be back.” He gives me a cheery wave as he leaves. And…was that an actual wink?
5
Zayn
I’m backat the clinic a quarter of an hour later, having made sure that Frankie is in his den and expecting us. I also took the opportunity to update Ethan on my progress so far. I reported on what I’ve discovered, or should that be confirmed? I already suspected I knew what had been going on and I was right. I told him about the cancelled email address and what I intend to do about it.
“Good idea,” he agreed. “Frankie should be able to retrieve the messages. Let’s hope it’s good news.”
Fingers crossed.
I also told him about the stolen college fund.
“How much was it?” he asked.
“Leila said it was around thirty-five grand when she last saw the account details a few months ago.”
He whistled. “A handy little sum. I assume you’ll be intending to take it back?”
“I thought I’d have a word with Frankie while we’re there. He should be able to hack into Abdul’s bank account and move the money.” Some years ago, Casey developed a really nifty bit of software for tracking cash between transactions and moving money from one account to another. Abdul won’t even know we were there until he checks his account balance.
“One more thing,” he said as I was leaving. “She won’t be here long, will she?”
