‘The officers will want to speak to you all, starting with those in Ryan’s classes, followed by everyone who knew him. Nobody is to leave school premises today, not even at lunchtime. If you’re upset, please speak to your form tutor. Right. That’s all for now.’

Connor stands.

‘Not you, Connor.’ Mr Marshall gestures at him to stay where he is. ‘You’ll be the first person the police will speak to, naturally.’

Naturally.

It is PC Amin this time asking questions. Connor’s tongue is thick, his mouth dry, he is close to tears.

‘Ryan will be okay, won’t he? When did he go missing?’ Connor asks again. He can’t get his head round it. Where is he? He can’t remember not having him by his side. Joint birthday parties; the boys dressed as pirates, matching eye patches and stuffed parrots on their shoulders; the junior football team, both boys refusing to play if the other was on the sub bench; getting drunk at the park for the first time, staggering home, holding each other up, collapsing into laughter every few steps. ‘Something’s happened to him. I know it.’ Connor drops his head into his hands; it’s too heavy for his neck. The room is spinning.

‘Have some water,’ PC Amin urges.

Connor watches his hand reach for the glass as though it’s someone else’s hand. Someone else in his body. He’s floating high above himself. He takes a sip. The water is cold and, as it trickles down his throat, he begins to cool down.

‘Take some deep breaths,’ PC Amin says. He breathes with Connor.

In. Out.

In. Out.

‘Better?’

‘Yeah.’ Connor sits back in the chair.

‘If you need a break—’

‘No.’ Connor is closest to Ryan. He wants to help.

‘Connor. PC Amin has a lot of people to talk to.’ Mr Marshall has been pacing the room but now he places his palms on the desk and leans in to Connor. Traces of tobacco on his breath, clinging to his clothes. Connor thought he was always dead against smoking.

‘If there’s nothing helpful you can—’

‘I’ll ascertain what’s helpful and what isn’t, Mr Marshall,’ PC Amin says firmly.

Connor can’t look at Mr Marshall. He knows his nostrils will be flaring. He likes to be the one in control. Anger radiates from him but all he can feel is terror, not because of his head teacher but because he might never see his best friend again. There are so many people he might never see again, who are such an important part of his life.

Fergus.

Tyler.

Ryan.

Hailey.

Where will he be without them? Who will he be? He begins to hyperventilate again. The world isn’t safe. Who else is at risk? Kieron? Him?

Connor struggles to calm himself.

‘Okay?’ PC Amin asks gently when Connor has taken another few deep breaths. He nods.