The Trafficked

80

In the morning, Mann got ready to go. They were due to leave in ten minutes. Father Finn was giving them a lift to Manila airport on his way down to see the charity commission about the refuge.

He looked up to see Becky standing there.

‘You ready?’

‘I think I might stay on here a bit longer, Mann.’

‘Sure?’

‘Yes…’ She sighed and ran her fingers through her newly washed hair. ‘…and no. I can see to things at this end. I can write my report up, email it over. I will have to go back and give evidence soon enough, but I am due some leave. I think I will spend it here, help rebuild the centre. Maybe I will stay on afterwards, if the Father agrees.’

He appeared behind her. ‘We need all the hands we can get, and you have a very capable pair. I will wait for you at the Jeepney, Johnny.’

She walked with him outside. They stood together at the back of the Jeepney whilst the Father finished off his preparations. Mann had already said goodbye to the rest of the staff. The breeze was fresh but the smell of the fire was still bitter in the air. They stared awkwardly at one another.

‘Will you come back this way soon?’

‘Yes. I have some things I have to do first-loose ends that need tidying. I’m owed a lot of holiday. I will come back and take you on a tour of the islands and you will see the real magic of this place.’

‘I am going to miss you, Johnny Mann.’ She stepped forward and hugged him.

‘Ouch!’

‘Oh, sorry.’ She stepped back.

‘I don’t mean it. What’s a bit of pain between us? Come here. I want to remember this hug, it might have to last me a long time.’

She pressed herself close to him and rested her head against his chest. Then she pulled back and looked up at him with a mischievous smile on her face. Mann looked down into the dark golden eyes, rimmed with eyelashes like coal.

‘See! Jack the lad! I knew it.’

He grinned. ‘Come here. It’s nice to hear you laugh again. I am going to miss you, tough nut. You are one of the sexiest, brightest, sassiest women I know, and you have a great arse…’ He slipped his hands around her waist, drew her to him and kissed her hard on the lips. ‘When you are ready, call me.’