‘I thought that too, but no, it’s something to do with some evidence they found when they examined the place where Benji fell,’ she said, sighing heavily. ‘They won’t tell me what it is.’

‘Do the governors know they’re here again?’ asked Alan, fearing what Gus would make of this latest development.

‘I’ve just got off the phone with the chairman. He’s coming in.’ Mrs Pullman welled up again. ‘I was already deeply concerned about how Benji’s death might affect Rushbrooke going forward and now I’m even more fearful.’

‘I’m sure it will be nothing,’ said Alan. ‘I was there as well, don’t forget, and there was nothing where he landed except a pile of rubble. I wouldn’t be surprised if the girl’s behind it, that she’s made up some story about there being something there to get herself out of trouble.’

Mrs Pullman stared at him. ‘Why would she need to do that if it was an accident?’

‘It was,’ said Alan quickly, kicking himself for not catching the mistake before he said it.

‘I do hope you’re being truthful with the police, Alan,’ she said.

Her cool tone shook him.

‘I am, I swear.’

‘An official from the fire service came to speak to me this morning about the Pavilion.’

Alan’s next breath caught in his throat.

‘I was very surprised by what they said.’

He could barely look at her, but knew that to avert his gaze now would be tantamount to confessing.

‘Where has all the old sports equipment gone, Alan? Because the fire official said the only things destroyed in the blaze were two old sofas.’

This he could answer.

‘It’s all in the other shed,’ he responded swiftly. ‘I decided to have a clear-out, see if I couldn’t fix up the Pavilion so the kiddies could use it again. I know the school can’t afford a major repair, so I’ve been doing bits and bobs in my spare time. It was going to be a surprise.’

She looked as though she was weighing up whether to believe him.

‘If I looked in the shed I’d find every last bit of the missing equipment, is that what you’re saying?’

Alan was baffled, then appalled when he realized what Mrs Pullman meant.

‘I haven’t nicked anything, or sold it, if that’s what you’re getting at? Are you calling me a thief?’

Mrs Pullman’s face fell. ‘I’m sorry, Alan, but I had to ask. I was very shocked to hear the Pavilion was virtually empty. I shouldn’t have been so quick to judge.’

‘I should’ve said something before now. I’m sorry.’

‘Did you organize the sofas?’

‘I did. I got them from a mate who does bulk collections for the council. You’d be amazed at the perfectly good furniture people throw away.’