Basil Jaak found Cara's words puzzling. When did teachers have to arrange a substitute teacher on their own while applying for sick leave? If a sick teacher couldn't find a willing substitute, would they have to forget about taking sick leave?
With that thought, Basil approached a teacher and asked, "Excuse me, I am here to apply for sick leave on behalf of someone. Could you please tell me the procedure at your school?"
The teacher that Basil had approached gave him a once-over and tried to ask, "Are you here to apply for leave on behalf of Miss Sutton from the English department?"
Basil asked in surprise, "How did you know?"
"I had seen you pick up Miss Sutton from the school gate before," the teacher explained.
"Ah, I see!" Basil quickly offered the teacher a cigarette and politely asked, "Could I know your surname, teacher?"
