Breach by Olumide Popoola Read Free Book Online Page A

have come back and told you about rude drivers, unwashed and sweaty. It is so bad that one truck company has started checking on their drivers; anyone caught is thrown out. The story made the rounds. You thought it was a good sign – at least someone was thinking about the women here. ‘They just don’t want to get caught. No one cares at all. Don’t be fooled,’ someone corrected you.
    Even though her face is not showing it, Mariam is still optimistic. In that everything will work out, I have a plan way of hers.
    ‘I’m not sure,’ you say.
    ‘What else can I do?’
    Her phone is ringing again. She taps on the red symbol and calls straight back.
    ‘Yes. Tomorrow or the day after. Western Union.’
     
    It’s colder than you expected, so you pull the hood over your head. Mariam had suggested you leave in a cardigan, with a blouse underneath, to attract business. You looked at her; she dropped it. Yes, she is your friend, but she’d better not push you too much. This is morethan you wanted to do for anyone. ‘Once only, for you,’ you said.
    It’s a long walk. The lorries used to come up close to the camp but since the last police crack-down they’ve had to find a new spot. You walk along the street, on the grassy slope.
    The parking place has a row of trees that shield it from the road. There the drivers who need to rest park before they cross the Channel. You recognise one of the women and pull your hood closer around your face.
    ‘If you’re like this, no one is going to pay you.’
    There is anger in her voice. It is not directed at you, you know that. Still, it is cold. Two women are walking between the lorries, knocking at the doors, high up.
    ‘Come.’
    ‘Mariam, it’s not the right thing.’
    ‘Are you going to leave me hanging?’
    She is not the same. Not optimistic, not the lighter of you two. She hurries towards the lorries at the other end, where the two women have already disappeared into parked vehicles.
    ‘I will start with that one.’ And she’s gone. You watch her exchange a few words, but the lorry door closes again. She goes to a smaller red vehicle that looks old and dusty. No one even opens. Then, as she walks to the next one, a man jumps from the driver’s cabin. A couple of minutes later he helps her climb up. The door shuts.
    You are still standing where Mariam has left you.
    ‘You all right, sweetheart?’ A driver has returned from behind the bushes. His podgy hands are on his fly, pulling at the zip.
    ‘Looking for something?’
    A couple of strides and he is close to you.
    What were you supposed to ask? Mariam and you have not spoken about the details. No time. She said, ‘Once. Once is nothing. I need your help today. I can’t go alone.’ You replied, ‘But I don’t want any of the others to know. No one, nothing!’
    ‘How are you?’ You cough, your mouth dry.
    ‘If you want to make some money I can help you out.’
    You lower the hoodie.
    ‘Nice!’ The driver whistles, bending his torso to the right, looking you up and down. ‘Must get the guys all crazy down there in the Jungle.’
    You check the rest of the parking area. It’s quiet.
    ‘Where are you parked?’
    He points over to a new model in silver.
    ‘After you.’
    The cabin is cramped but warm. He pulls the curtain shut behind him. You sit in the middle, he on the outside passenger seat. He starts fumbling your breast, opens the zipper to the hoodie and reaches inside. You put your hand on his.
    ‘Money first.’
    ‘Don’t worry about that. I’ll pay.’ He pulls his zip back down. His hands are cold on your breast, but you are sweating. Mariam would do the same. Her motherwill die if she doesn’t receive the right treatment, fast. She is right, you will forget it. Quickly. It will be another part of this journey. There are so many things to forget, this is not the worst of it.
    You take off your hoodie, lift the top underneath, showing your body.
    ‘Money first.’
    He laughs, a bit of