If Mrs. Fonseka saw me still around she would probably physically drag me out of this house and I’d never live that down. As a matter of fact, it was best if I wasn’t seen at all. Especially not by Spencer.

But it wasn’t Mrs. Fonseka under the staircase. It was Laura. She had her phone pressed up against her face tightly, and her eyes darted around like she was hiding away from everyone.

I paused, leaning away from the railing so she couldn’t see me if she happened to look up. What had she been trying to tell me earlier? I’d been too distracted wondering if my ridiculous plan had worked to care. She’d thought the fight had been about her. But why?

I snuck another look, and I saw her wipe away tears and mutter angrily to herself.

My pulse quickened.

What are you up to, Laura?

“Yeah, look, can you hear me now? I have to be quiet. The cell reception in my room is absolute bullshit.”

Her voice was low, but there was no one around to hear her but me.

“Of course I’m being careful. But you don’t know—no. No!”

“You’re not even hearing me out.”

“Look, it’s getting dangerous. You don’t understand.”

What was Laura on about? Who was she talking to?

I wonder if it had to do with Spencer?

I should have paid her more attention.

I clenched my hands into fists, digging my nails into the flesh of my palms. It didn’t hurt nearly enough to center me, but it did allow me to think clearly.

I strained to hear what else she was saying, but I could barely make out anything over the beating of my heart. It sounded like whoever was on the other end was doing most of the talking.

Laura’s pause was so long that I wondered whether she hung up and left. I was about to peer over once more when her voice rang out again, loud, clear, and half an octave higher.

“I don’t want to do this anymore, you hear me? Kaavi is my friend. I can’t do this anymore. Please don’t make me.” She stifled a sob and hung up. I could hear her footsteps echo back toward her room and the door slam shut.

I struggled to keep my breathing even.

Was someone forcing Laura to do something to Kaavi?

This didn’t make sense.

It took every ounce of energy for me to make my way outside. No one paid me any attention, thank goodness, and I just about collapsed into a trishaw and gave the driver my address.

Plan A might have been an absolute failure, but I was sure of one thing—I wasn’t the only one with an agenda.

AUNTY JOSEPHINA

Interview Transcript: Josephina De Lannerolle (abbrev. JDL)

Date: January 25, 2020

Location: The Mount Lavinia Hotel