24
Four days later, after the final exam finished, Barbara Appleton took Jasmine’s arm as they left the Town Hall and steered her along the street towards the padang and the waterfront.
‘My driver’s waiting for me,’ Jasmine protested, seeing Bintang leaning against the car, smoking.
‘Then tell him to wait. I told our syce that the exam didn’t finish until four, so we have an hour to walk by the sea and talk.’ Barbara Appleton was clearly unused to being gainsaid.
Jasmine apologised to Bintang and told him the plan. He nodded and followed them at a distance.
‘Why is your man following us?’
‘Ever since the Emergency began, he’s been under instructions to stay close to me. The Hyde-Underwoods whom I’m staying with are extra protective because of my parents not being here.’
Barbara roll
