Pauline Ashwell - Hunted Head

Marius said, “Is there anything else you need to know?”

“Guess not… When do I start?”

“When do you come to Donander?” He gestured toward the envelope. “Have you read the list of matters that have to be dealt with first? They will take four or five days at the very least. I suggest we make it a week from today. I will get in touch to arrange where we meet. Do you need money for anything?”

“No. Rent’s paid to the end of the month. There’s a bit of my grant left.”

“Let me know if you need more.”

He got to his feet, gave her a long, assessing look, and went away.

For some time Sandy continued to sit on her stool, letting thoughts drift in and out of her mind. She wondered whether her mother had really been concerned about her safety, or just that she might draw attention to her and Da. No way to tell, now; no way at all. Even if Marius had let her go back.

Well, she had learned a long time ago that it was no use brooding over things that were over and done with… Sandy straightened up and opened the envelope Marius had given her. Did his notes on Things To Be Done in the next five days include instructions for the safe transportation of fifty-three bacteria-free cultures of ciliates? She fished out the papers and began to read.