From Biddy: I can do that! I don’t have any meetings. Half past three, yeah?

From me: Ace! Lifesaver! Thanks so much XX

To Sarah: Biddy’s going to get the kids. Do you still have that photocopy of the court letter Zac gave you?

I put the phone down, got back on the computer. Natural Opulence in Collingwood – I wrote down the number, reached for my phone, started to –

From Sarah: That’s good about the kids, I’ll let Zac know. I had to give the photocopy to my uni so they’d give me an extension, remember? They might still have it, I can check

I put my monitor to sleep, strode past Agnë’s empty desk, down in the lift, out onto the street, kept walking, heard chanting in the distance, rang Natural Opulence. The woman sounded young, early twenties.

‘Yeah, hello,’ I said. ‘This is a weird thing to ask but I met your logistics manager at an event recently, and he gave me his card, which I’ve since lost. Do you think you could put me through to him? His name’s Zac Batista.’

‘Zac Batista?’ she said. ‘I’ll just pop you on hold for a second.’

A protest march was making its way up Swanston Street – silent, loud, silent, loud – placards and flags on sticks.

‘Yes, hello there,’ said the woman. ‘We don’t have anyone of that name working here, I’m afraid. I’ve just checked with everyone upstairs.’

‘Oh, are you sure? Maybe I got his job title wrong.’

‘No, I’ve checked,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry. It might have been a different company.’

The demonstrators were chanting about the government, why actions on the environment spoke louder than words, why our children and their children wouldn’t forgive us. They knew we were fucked, surely – we all knew. Greed and nihilism had won and soon enough, there would be nobody left to forgive.

My children. What had Zac done to them? They wouldn’t forgive me.

I crossed back over Swanston at the lights, started climbing the library forecourt stairs.

From Zac: Dude, just taking a break between classes. I think I may have messed up Apple Music again – it’s not working Can you add me again? Also, why is Biddy getting the kids today??

I’d get him good and proper, once all the evidence was in.

I stopped between the columns at the library entrance, texted Agnë: I’m so sorry for my behaviour this morning, Agnë, there’s no excuse! If anyone asks, please tell them I have a bad headache and need to go home.

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