Patricia rose up as he questioned, "How much is left on her HECS debt?"

"I can find out, but I'm not sure."

"Pay it out, whatever it is. The poor girl has been working for slave wages for the last five years, it's the least I can do for her," he nodded with a grimace.

Patricia arched her eyebrows but remained silent. He appreciated that his helper knew when to keep quiet.

He was tired and irritable from barely getting any sleep the night before, and when the door ...