Jack had ordered an air-conditioned car. The journey into Malaysia had the unreality of a strange dream and the same sense of urgency. Jack kept glancing at me surreptitiously, and although it was cool inside the car the heat beat down unbearably and shimmered on the busy road ahead and glittered on the windscreen.

I had a sense of familiarity as we drove past the few rubber plantations left. I remembered suddenly the big black Humber my dad used to drive and this long, empty road to Malacca and Port Dickson as Saffie and I played I Spy. In those days there wouldn’t be another vehicle on the road for miles. I saw again the flash of white from the trees where the tappers collected the milky rubber and the shadows and sunlight flashing and flashing as the car purred towards the coast.

At midday I began to feel nauseous and knew it would get worse if I didn’t eat. Jack immediately turned off for the nearest town, which was called Palah, and we found somewhere to have a meal. I stopped feeling sick but I did not feel well. My head ached and the sweat ran down my legs and arms.

Jack watched me. ‘I’m going to book a room somewhere so you can lie down until it gets cooler, Nik…’

He waited for me to say I felt fine and would he please stop fussing, but I didn’t. I needed to lie down.

The room was basic but clean. I took my dress off and lay on the bed thankfully. Jack went to find me bottled water. I lay there worrying, glad to let my guard down while he was gone. I was anxious for my baby. I was anxious for Fleur.

I must have slept because I was woken by voices outside my door. Jack was talking to someone. I struggled up on one elbow in a befuddled state, wondering where I was or what time of day it was.

Jack came in, sat on the bed and felt my forehead.

‘You’re cooler now. You had me worried. You were running a temperature and you’ve slept so heavily and for so long. Four hours! I phoned Mohktar to tell him where we were. He was a couple of hours behind us and he’s stopped off to see how you are. Nice guy. We’ve found a doctor to take a look at you.’

I felt embarrassed. ‘Jack, there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m just hot, pregnant and anxious, that’s all. The doctor will think it’s a total waste of time.’

‘Just let him take a look at you, please.’

I leant forward to kiss him. Sweet, protective Jack. ‘OK.’

The doctor was Chinese and spoke poor English. He nodded at me and felt my forehead and pulse. Then he examined me thoroughly. His hands were small and gentle and I knew immediately they were safe and knowing.

When he had finished he gave me a searching look and went outside. I heard him talking to James Mohktar who translated for Jack. Then he came back and looked down at me.