“It’s a public lecture on the systemic causes of urban violence. They’re expecting five hundred people. The guest lecturer who was scheduled to do it has just phoned to say he can’t make it. They want me to take his place. I’m explaining why it’s impossible.”

“Could you do a lecture at such short notice?”

“Yes, I could. I have all the notes I need, and the visuals too. But that’s not the point. Vuyiswa has gone home for the evening and I’ve never left Ben with anyone else before.”

“You could leave him with me. I’d take good care of him. You know I would, Tom.”

But still Tom hesitated. “I’m not sure…”

“Look, sometimes you have to accept help when it’s offered. No one raises a child in a vacuum, Tom. Not even you.”

“Yes, but…”

“Listen, the offer’s there if you want it.”

Jamie turned away and focused on clearing the coffee cups. If Tom thought this wasn’t a big deal to her, he’d be more likely to say yes. She heard him sigh. Then he lifted the phone to his ear.

“Hello, Bongi? Okay, I’ll do it. I’ve sorted out my childcare issues. Yes, I’ll be there at 6.15 to set up.” He laughed. “Sure, sure … you say that now. Okay, I’ll see you later.”

He disconnected. “Now Bongi wants to marry me and have my children.”

Jamie smiled. “Well, you’ve helped her out of a big hole. Five hundred people coming to a public lecture, and the lecturer bails? Total nightmare.”

“Listen, are you sure you’ll be okay with Ben? This is a busy time of day for him. It’s all go from now on. Suppertime, bathtime, storytime, bedtime. They don’t call it suicide hour for nothing.”

“We’ll be fine, don’t worry.”