“My father’s. Distinguished Service Order. A step below a Victoria Cross.”
“Oh wow, well you don’t want to lose that.”
When Alistair sat down, Kaden handed him the four sheets he’d printed. “I made rough outlines for fictional stories. Two set in Russia and the UK and the other two set in the UK and Afghanistan. I’ll leave them with you to read through and have a think about. Two are spy thrillers, one is more of a psychological thriller and one is a murder mystery featuring a United Nations investigator.”
“One of my cover stories.”
“I wondered when I looked through your papers. I had trouble coming up with something factual. It was too difficult to judge what needed to stay secret. But I’ll leave these with you and you can let me know which one you’d like to go with. If any.”
“What made you choose Afghanistan?”
“Taa vallata talali yay.” You’ve been there. “Ao zaa zaba poheegam.” I know the language.
Alistair gaped at him. “You speak Pashto, Russian… Anything else?”
“A little French.”
“I’m surprised the Foreign Office didn’t make you an offer.”
“I’d have to have applied first.” He smiled. “It wasn’t on my radar.”
“You think I applied? I was approached at university. What made you learn Pashto?”
“I game online with a guy in Afghanistan. His name’s Jalis. He’s about the same age as me.” Kaden pretended to hesitate.
What are you doing?Joe sounded frantic.
Shush.“Jalis wants to come to the UK. In fact, he’s already on his way here.”
“I assume not legally. There are no visa stations there.”
“No, not legally. His parents died when he was ten and he was brought up by relatives who want him to marry. He refused and they’re threatening him because he’s gay. A month ago, there was an attempt on his life. I told him to try and get here, and said he could stay with me.”
Alistair nodded. “I understand that instinct to protect. I’ve lived through times when being gay was dangerous.”
“It still can be.”
“It can. Less so in this country but still… It’s appalling what families will do to those they should care for.”
“I thought, if I can help and I don’t, then who am I?”
Joe sighed.You are a good person.
“A noble sentiment. Is he coming over on a small boat?”
Kaden nodded. “That was his plan. We’re not in touch now. I don’t know if he’s lost his phone. I hope that’s all it is. I suppose I’ll only know if he made it when he turns up. He has my address, my email and phone number.”
“Are you sure you’ll be safe?” Alistair regarded him anxiously.
“I trust him. As long as he gets here safely, it’ll be fine.”
“I don’t think what you’re doing is without risk but I applaud your bravery. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite you.”
“Well, that’s a cheery thought. Let’s get another book out before that happens. You’re one of my few sources of regular income.”
Alistair laughed.
When Kaden saw his dad, he struggled to hold himself together. He knew the hug he’d given him was not only too hard, but had lasted too long. He hadn’t been able to help himself.
