Suddenly all her irritation toward TJ fades away. She’s known him for so long, and despite his ego and the office politics there is genuine care and respect between them. Plus, she desperately needs an ally. She gathers her things, feeling short of breath. ‘Okay, look, I know it sounds crazy but I think the housemates were selling pornography. Photos of kids they were babysitting. My source claims high-profile people were involved, but I don’t know how far it goes. Find out whatever you can. Dawn’s blocking me, but we can meet up later. Away from the office.’

‘But, Oli—’

‘I’ve got to go.’

AUGUST 2004

AUGUST 2004

Funny how you can suddenly become someone you never thought you’d be. Do things you never thought you’d do, good and bad. Like that time Alex slapped her foster sister across the face when she told everyone Alex stole the biscuits from the kitchen. Or that time in high school when she realised she actually understood how to do the equations Mr Ayles was writing on the board.

Progress, thinks Alex, it’s all progress. New things.

The professor explains what he wants them to do. The terms are clear: refuse, and they can kiss their future at the university goodbye. He has more than enough evidence to get them expelled. He also hinted at his ability to get them in trouble with the police, mentioning another student that found herself facing unexpected drug charges. Do what he asks, and there is serious money to be made. They stand in his office, breathing in the stale air, listening to him describe how it works. How it is foolproof.

The three of them leave his office in silence. Everything feels different. The air, the light.

‘See you at the house, I’ve got class,’ says Evelyn, fleeing to the bathroom. Alex can tell she’s upset.

Alex and Nicole walk side by side down the scuffed corridor.

‘Fucking hell,’ Alex says.

‘I know,’ Nicole says. ‘It’s insane.’

‘Do you think he’s serious?’

‘Absolutely. We do it, or we’re screwed. I think he could stitch us up way beyond just being kicked out of uni. You heard him.’

Alex laughs, the sound hollow and wrong. She laughs again.

‘I think we have to,’ Nicole says. ‘I mean, he’s right, it’s not like anyone gets hurt.’

Alex recognises her pragmatic tone. She’s always explaining why certain things make sense.

They push through the doors and step outside. Everything looks the same. Strangers file past. A couple lie on the grass, kissing.

‘We don’t want to get kicked out.’ Nicole slides her sunglasses on. ‘Or worse.’

Alex’s nostrils flare as she inhales. Thinks about what the professor said.