Untouchable

by Sibel Hodge

‘Maya,’ he said. ‘Thanks for ringing me. You got the card, I take it?’ ‘Yes. Can you tell me what this is all about?’ ‘Not on the phone. Can we meet somewhere?’ I hesitated, thinking of some kind of trap again. ‘Why can’t you tell me on the phone?’ ‘Lots of reasons, but we really need to do this face-to-face. I’ve got something for you. Something of Jamie’s you probably want to see.’ ‘What is it?’ ‘Again. Not on the phone.’ ‘Can’t you post it to me?’ ‘It’s not the kind of thing you’d want to fall into the wrong hands. Or to get lost. We can meet somewhere out in the open, where there are lots of people. You choose the place.’ ‘Where are you?’ ‘North London, but I can meet wherever you want.’ My mind suddenly went blank as I tried to think of somewhere. Did I want this person coming to St Albans? What if they followed me home? But then they’d posted the card, so they already knew where I lived. ‘How about Molly’s? It’s a café on St Peter’s Street in St Albans.’ ‘Okay. When and what time?’ ‘Can you make it today?’ ‘No, I’m afraid not. Tomorrow? I can get there by ten.’ ‘Okay,’ I said breathlessly. ‘Ten tomorrow.’ ‘I’ll see you then. And Maya…I’m really sorry about Jamie.’ ‘Thank you.’ ‘It’s very important that you don’t tell anyone about this. Your safety is at risk if you do.’ ‘Why not? Is it—’ But the dialling tone sounded in my ear then as Mitchell hung up, cutting me off.

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.