‘Not by basically kidnapping someone from their own home and—’

‘Would. You. Have. Come. Otherwise?’ Mr Marshall has his teacher voice back.

Connor looks at Hailey, at his shoes, back at Mr Marshall. ‘Probably not.’

‘Probably? You’ve purposefully stayed away.’

‘You still went too far.’

‘If ever you become a parent, Connor, you’ll understand that there is no too far when it comes to your child, but admittedly I was angry Hailey was asking for you and I knew you’d never come. I may have been too rough. That’s not an apology though.’

‘I didn’t expect one.’ In truth, Connor didn’t feel he deserved one. ‘And you’re right.’ Connor nods. ‘I wouldn’t have come.’ It is a day for honesty.

Finally. He wants to tell the truth. But first there are things he wants to know.

‘Are Ryan and Tyler here?’ He is certain they are.

‘Here?’ Mr Marshall casts his gaze around the room. ‘Why would they be here?’

‘I thought you’d taken them, the way you had me. To punish us. For that night.’

‘What, so you think they’re locked in the basement or something.’ Mr Marshall draws a sharp gasp as he studies Connor’s expression. ‘You do think I’ve got them locked in the basement. What do you take me for?’

Mr Marshall fetches the landline and bangs it on Hailey’s bedside table. ‘You can call the police and tell them what I did to you and they can come and search for Ryan and Tyler again, but I can promise you they are not here. Have never been here.’

Hailey had flinched at the sound of the phone slamming down and Mr Marshall gently leans into her with a smile. ‘Sorry. It’s okay. I’m not angry.’ He curls his fingers and strokes her cheek until her worried face relaxes. He turns back to Connor, this time speaking calmly.

‘You’re the one Hailey wants. That Hailey needs. You’re the one I wanted to come. Hailey should be able to communicate in some form, her medical team can’t understand why she isn’t, but it’s something to do with you. Protecting you, perhaps? She doesn’t want to answer my questions. But… that doesn’t excuse what I’ve done so report me if you must.’

Connor stares at the phone but he makes no move to pick it up.

‘I just wanted her to see you. For you to see her. To see if she might… Can you just…’ Mr Marshall’s voice brims with emotion. He crosses to the chair in the corner and straightens a cushion that doesn’t need straightening. He tugs the curtains open wider before drawing them closer together again. He pinches his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose before he lowers his hand and turns to Connor again.