Burning Bright

Chapter 24

As we left the compound to head to the bandstand, another relic of the British rule, the photographers were out in force and the (significantly increased) compound security guards struggled to keep them from swamping us. Eventually, they were pushed back, and Eoin and I managed to walk the short distance to the bandstand relatively unscathed, Eoin trying not to look as weak as he obviously felt, where we met Veronique, Pierre and a couple of other representatives of the tiger sanctuary. They spoke first about the work of the sanctuary while Eoin mustered his strength, and then he stood up to the microphone and looked out over the sea of faces and flashing cameras, the noise level increasing significantly.

His professionalism as an actor was not wasted, and by raising his hands in the air and looking round the assembled throng in a gesture Jesus would have been proud of, he managed to quell them into something approaching silence.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to say how glad I am to be standing here talking to you. Your support of the tigers which has allowed my timely release has been truly humbling and I thank you all for your donations, each and every one of you.’ His eyes swept the audience so that he was looking directly into as many eyes and cameras as he could. I felt a shudder as I knew just what effect that gaze would have had on me. Still had on me. ‘I cannot comment on the court case except to thank my own legal representative, Manish Mahinder, and the magistrate for his . . . reasonable approach to the sentencing. I would also like to thank the British Deputy High Commission for going well above and beyond their duty to make sure I received everything I needed. I will be forever in their debt. And my agent, Moira Herbert, who has also done an unbelievable job in co-ordinating the press releases and putting updates on twitter on my behalf. So, once again, thank you for your support of the Vimla Tiger Fund, however large or small your donation, to ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures. I would thank you all by name, but I simply don’t have the time. But you know who you are and you have my undying gratitude.’

Pierre stepped in to control the questions we were allowing as otherwise everyone was shouting at Eoin. He pointed at one man near the front.

‘How long will you be staying in India?’

‘I have to stay until I have paid all of the fine, but I’ve really no idea how much that is. And I want to finish my documentary.’

Pierre pointed to a second reporter.

‘How have your fans reacted?’

‘Unbelievably. I simply can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done and their messages of support. Obviously, all their donations will go to the Vimla Tiger Sanctuary, but the speed with which they raised the money has been incredible.’

‘What will you do after you leave India?’

‘I can’t honestly answer that as I don’t know how long I shall be here.’

‘How were you treated in Vimla Prison?’

Even from behind, I could see Eoin flinch, but we had prepared for this question. ‘Let’s just say, it’s not an experience I would like to repeat, but fortunately for me, some brilliant people got me out of there unbelievably quickly.’

‘Are you going to appeal the decision?’

‘Yes.’ There was a pause until it became clear he wasn’t going to add anything to that answer.

‘Do you want to tell us about your new girlfriend?’ someone called.

A cold grip froze around my heart and Eoin glanced at me, but then we both saw Veronique flapping her hand as though brushing away the press interest. Of course.