‘So, let me get this straight,’ said Graham, seeing Dave Hooper’s fists clench once again. ‘You knew that a young adolescent – one of our students – was caring for a seriously unwell parent, that his home was under threat – and you chose not to share this information with any of us who were in a position to help him?’

‘No,’ Boil replied. ‘You see, the thing was—’

And before he knew it, Boil found himself violently wrenched from his chair and pinned up against the wall once again. But not by David Hooper.

By Graham Sopweed.

‘HOW DARE YOU!’ the headmaster screamed in a fury. ‘HOW DARE YOU LETYOUR OWN CHILDISH VENDETTA GET IN THE WAY OF A STUDENT’S WELLBEING! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE BRYSMORE NAME! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE NAME OF TEACHING! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO YOURSELF, AND YOU ARE LUCKY I DON’T LAYYOU OUT HERE AND NOW!!!’

‘Graham, I’m . . . I’m so sorry,’ Boil blubbered. ‘Please, Graham, just listen to me. Graham—’

‘YOU CAN CALL ME MR SOPWEED!’ yelled Graham, dropping Boil to the floor in a snotty heap.

The headmaster took some panting breaths. He imagined this was how a volcano felt after it had erupted. And it felt good.

He turned to face Dave Hooper, who managed a smile. He smoothed down his cardigan and returned to his desk.

‘Mr Hooper,’ he began, his voice calm and even. ‘In light of this new information, Mr Boil will be immediately suspended, pending a full investigation. I will deal with him in due course. In the meantime, our sole priority will be finding your son. I will be closing Brysmore with immediate effect so that all our staff and families can join the search for Elliot, and we will not rest until he is found. Where can I contact you?’

‘I’m staying with Reg, the postman, and his wife in the village,’ Dave said, shooting a death stare at Boil. ‘I’m currently between addresses while I mount a legal challenge to reclaim my home.’

‘I see,’ said Graham, rising to shake Dave’s hand firmly. His legs felt stronger than they had in a long time. ‘We will find him, Mr Hooper. Elliot is a good boy. And I swear to you, once he is back safely, we will do whatever it takes to make everything up to him. And to you.’

‘Thank you,’ said Dave.

‘We will find him,’ Graham asserted. ‘I promise.’

Dave Hooper nodded and made his way quietly out of the office.

Call Me Graham looked down at the simpering heap of history teacher on his carpet.

‘Graham – Mr Sopweed . . .’ Boil wailed.

‘Lance?’

‘Y-y-yes?’ Boil replied.

‘Shut up,’ said Graham.

And, stepping over his former deputy, Graham strode out of his office, determined to find Elliot Hooper and get him home to his father.

8. Call to Arms

8. Call to Arms