“Not today.”
When they got back downstairs, Jasim picked up a small canvas bag with the Benning Park logo on the side, grabbed his keys and led the way out. He locked the door and clicked open his car. The boot lid lifted as they approached. Ru put his backpack inside and Jasim set his bag next to it on top of a blanket.
“Tell you what. You take us down the drive.” He tossed the keys at Ru who was so astonished that he dropped them.
“I don’t have a licence.”
“You won’t be on a public road. It’s fine.”
“Oh God.” Ru picked up the keys and climbed in.
Jasim settled next to him.
“How do I adjust the seat?”
“There’s a button at the side.”
Ru slid his seat forward until his feet touched the pedals. “Where do I put the key in? What’s this for? What’s that for? Why are there so many dials? How fast will it go? Can you put the roof down? The music on? Where’s the button for the ejector seat? Do I need the satnav? Oh, is this the missile launcher?”
Jasim laughed. “Slow down and breathe. Key goes into that slot and press start.”
“Accelerator, brake, clutch.Accelerator, brake, clutch.”
“It’s an automatic.”
“So I don’t need to do anything? It drives itself?”
“No, just no gears. Let’s keep it simple. Foot on brake, put it into Drive, foot off brake and you’ll move.”
Ru sucked in his breath as the car edged forward. He tentatively pushed his foot on the accelerator and they went a little faster.
“Ooohh,” he whispered.
“Look out for the trees.”
“Where? Are they crossing the road? Invisible trees? Oh shit.” Ru carefully negotiated his way down the drive and pulled up short of the gates. He put the car into Park and breathed a sigh of relief. “Your turn now. I hope you saw what you need to do. I don’t want to have to repeat it.”
They changed places. Jasim put the top down and they set off, the gates opening as he drew nearer, then closing behind them.
“Thank you for letting me have a go.”
“Thank you for not hitting the invisible trees. It’s always a worry.”
Ru laughed. “How far is it to Dr Mitchell’s?”
“Forty minutes, but we’re going the long way round. He’s not expecting us until eleven.”
Ru leaned back in the seat and relaxed. It was exciting being in a car with the top down. He could hardly believe Jasim had let him drive. Though there seemed little point doing anything about getting a licence when he couldn’t afford a car.
“Should I have brought my bike? How am I going to get food?”
“I’ll ask Leigh not to starve you. By the way, why do you keep your food in your room and not in the kitchen?”
“In case I fancy a midnight snack?”
“Was someone taking your stuff?”
“Maybe a squirrel.”
