Laure jumps in. ‘We really appreciate your time today, Rosamund. Erica has ended up in an unfortunate situation, but as Dr Marcus – I mean Marcus – has disappeared, we don’t have any way of reversing the treatment. This is why we need your help. You’re the only other person who knows how to do it. And undo it.’
‘Damn right I am,’ says Professor Brandt. I’m starting to like her. ‘And it’s my lawsuit that’s made him disappear, so I’m more than aware of the situation.’
It’s feeling faintly promising. She certainly seems to be on our side when it comes to a dislike of Dr Marcus.
‘The nanotechnology was never meant to be used for things like this,’ she continues, waving her hand at me, to indicate that I am ‘this’. ‘How old are you?’
‘I’m forty-eight,’ I say, realising how ridiculous that sounds.
‘What a waste of technology that was meant to do some good.’ She shakes her head and stares out of the window. I feel like we’re moving off topic, so despite Laure’s instructions, I wade in.
‘So can you help us… me?’
‘I’d like to, but I’m working on a time-critical project providing urgent medical assistance to refugees in Syria. And unlike you, they have real problems.’
I can feel everyone wince. Merlyn speaks for the first time. ‘In Erica’s defence, she has learnt a lot from this experience and…’
Professor Brandt cuts her off: ‘Danke, Scary Spice. I don’t need the backstory. My sole interest in Yuvana Labs is legal – retrieving my patents and ensuring this technology serves those truly in need.’ She glances at her watch, which is as Swiss as you can imagine. ‘Sorry I couldn’t be of more use to you.’
It’s feeling a lot less promising.
I look round at everyone and Laure shrugs, Cassia looks like she’s about to burst into tears, Merlyn looks irked at being called Scary Spice and it’s hard to tell what Peach Jumpsuit’s expression is, but that’s par for the course.
Professor Brandt’s assistant appears magically, opening the office door and then standing with one arm outstretched, as if she is cabin crew demonstrating emergency exits. I get that horrible pre-exam feeling in my chest. This can’t be happening – it’s my only chance, unless Dr Marcus returns, which is looking less and less likely.
One by one, we file out of the room, shoulders hunched, faces resigned. There’s nothing more to say. Merlyn goes first, then Cassia, then Laure, who mutters, ‘Thanks for your time, Rosamund,’ and then Peach Jumpsuit, who is in front of me. As she draws level with the door Professor Brandt touches her on the shoulder. She turns, and Professor Brandt looks at her, puzzled.
‘Mrs Crump?’
‘That’s right, Rosamund. I didn’t think you remembered me.’
‘You were Dr Marcus’s housekeeper weren’t you? Back in the Nineties, when we were first working together?’
‘Yessssssss.’
‘I was only in my twenties,’ says Professor Brandt. ‘That was a long time ago…’ She smiles for the first time. ‘I remember once I had a bad cold and was feeling homesick. You made meKartoffelsuppe, do you recall? The potato soup my mother used to give me.’
‘I do recall.’ Peach Jumpsuit smiles. Everyone else has gathered just outside the door to listen in.
We all look at Professor Brandt, who is silent, but clearly thinking hard. I can definitely hear my heart beating.
‘Okay,’ she says, at last.
We don’t know what she means yet so we don’t say anything. Then she turns to me.
‘I’ll help you, Baby Spice. Consider it a favour returned. But on one condition. The “Woke Up Like This”scheisseis put to bed once and for all. The technology has huge potential, and it was never my intention for it to be used for this… mockery of nature.’
This must be a little awkward for Portia, whose skin is tighter than cling film around a Camembert. But who cares – she’s saying yes.
Cassia leans in the door and speaks for the first time. ‘You’re a wise woman!’ I knew she would say something cringey. Thankfully, Professor Brandt ignores her.
‘And one final thing. I will need access to Yuvana Labs – Mrs Crump, will you be able to arrange this?’
‘Of course. We don’t have a lab team now though…’
‘Well then – I will need all of you to help,’ says Professor Brandt, with such a headmistress air about her that we all justquietly nod, and I am sure that the three of us who haven’t yet been assigned a Spice Girl silently wonder which one they are.
