Page 152 of Waiting for Ru
“Got knocked off.”
Ru let out a choked laugh. “If you like.” He turned to Waqas. “Please let him live in peace. That would be the best thank you for saving your daughter. Give Jasim a chance to live.”
Waqas regarded him carefully. “You are an extraordinary young man, Mr Ruari Byrne.”
Ru held his breath.
“Our country isn’t yet ready for someone like you, but maybe one day.”
Waqas touched his hand to his heart, then held it out. Ru hesitated, then took it.
“Thank you for the life of my daughter. There will be no threat from us. Live your lives. Take care, brother.Ma’aasalaama.”
After Waqas left, Ru turned to Jasim. “Did he mean it? That seemed too easy.”
“He decided not to face a tiger.”
Ru gave a choked laugh. “I better contact the Home Office and tell them everything is okay, that you’re not about to be abducted.”
Jasim groaned. “Are you joking?”
“No.”
“What did you do?”
“I sent an email. Maybe more than one email. I was worried Waqas would whisk you away.”
“Give me your phone.”
Ru pulled it from his pocket, entered the password and handed it over.
Jasim tapped in a number. “Yes…” He tapped in another number and waited. “Hi Michael. Yes, green, stand down. I don’t know if… Oh. Right. Yes, in… Where am I?” he asked Ru.
“Bournemouth Hospital.”
“Bournemouth Hospital… I’m fine… No, there’s no danger of that.… I know.” He looked at Ru. “My friend, Ruari Byrne contacted the Home Office because he was concerned I’d be taken out of the country. He meant well… Yes, he’s very loyal. And persistent. And brave, yes… But that’s not going to happen… Please… Thank you.”
Jasim ended the call and handed the phone back to Ru.
“Are you going to tell me who that was you spoke to?”
“My lawyer.”
“Ah, you’re awake.” A nurse had come into the room. “The doctor’s just doing his rounds. Can your visitor wait outside?”
“Call Leigh and ask him to come and get you,” Jasim said.
“But—”
“You look exhausted. Where did you sleep?”
“On the floor in the prayer room.”
Jasim sighed. “Call Leigh.”
Ru left the room. When he was back in the corridor, he rang Leigh.
“Hi, Ru. How is he?”
