Should we put our faith in the public inquiry? Can we trust that this tragedy will be investigated fully and without bias?

When will the people of Sedgefield receive justice?

1

‘I can’t publish this!’

If it weren’t for the digital age, Leanne’s editor would be tearing her copy to shreds right now, but Mal Smithson had to settle for glaring at his computer screen.

‘You asked me to do a personal piece, and this is it.’

Mal spun around to face her. ‘A personal piece, yes. Not a personal vendetta.’

Leanne slumped back onto the faded sofa shoved against the wall opposite Mal’s desk. The cushions sagged. ‘I’ll admit it needs some work and maybe I got a bit carried away towards the end, but it’s only a first draft.’

‘I couldn’t care less. Even the tabloids look restrained compared to this,’ he said, crossing his arms over the straining buttons of his denim shirt. His cuffs were frayed, as was his patience.

‘I won’t allow this scandal to be kicked into the long grass,’ Leanne warned. ‘I’m the only reporter on this paper who actually lives in Sedgefield, and it’s my duty to be the voice of the people.’

‘What you’ve written is inflammatory and libellous, and you know it is,’ he said, struggling to keep his voice level. ‘No amount of editing will make it fit for print.’

Mal’s deepening wrinkles made him appear much older than when Leanne had first met him less than four years ago. She had been working as a freelancer at the time, but her move from Leeds to the north-west had felt permanent, and the job at the Cheshire Courier meant she could stay in Sedgefield. She had thought they would get on well and, despite their current locking of horns, they did.

Her editor reminded her of a jaded teacher who was too set in his ways to consider retirement, and twenty-nine-year-old Leanne could pass easily as his student, with her dark clothes, lilac hair, and Doc Martens. In many ways, a student was exactly what she was. Mal had learned his craft back when newspapers were the main source of public information and, although times had changed, he continued to take that responsibility seriously, and expected his staff to do the same.

‘We cannot and will not speculate on the wider causes of the fire until the findings of the public inquiry are published. The evidential hearings provided some, but not all of the information the investigators will be privy to. You’re doing the town no favours by spreading false rumours. We have to be patient, Leanne.’

‘And meanwhile, this paper is doing all it can to protect those individuals who don’t deserve our patience and understanding,’ Leanne hit back. ‘I don’t suppose your decision has anything to do with the fact that Phillipa Montgomery is friends with the Courier’s owners?’