‘Poppy attacked Benji during lunch break last Thursday. She pulled his hair and slapped him on the arm.’

‘And he never said a word?’

‘No, not a peep.’

‘How did this mum know about it?’

‘Her daughter Lucie saw it. She’s in their class as well.’

‘Did she know what sparked the fight?’

‘She didn’t say; all she wrote was one minute they were standing there chatting, the next Benji was yelling because Poppy had grabbed his hair.’

‘Have you got a name for the mum?’

‘Tess Edwards. She messaged me on WhatsApp. It proves I was right about Poppy and Benji not being as good friends as I thought. Tess also said that Lucie said it’s not the first time Poppy’s lashed out at school.’

‘At Benji?’

‘She didn’t say specifically. But she did say Poppy was known for being a right madam.’

‘Had you ever seen them fight in your presence, when they hung out after school?’

‘Never. She was always really well behaved when she came round for tea. They got on well when they were together.’

Maggie remembered the conversation between her, Nathan and Renshaw about who organized the play dates.

‘Was it her dad who brought her round and picked her up?’

‘Yes, Ewan. I haven’t met her mum yet. She works long hours, I think.’

‘That explains your reaction when we bumped into her leaving the Welfare Room yesterday, before I brought you home,’ said Maggie.

There was a pause.

‘Julia I went to school with is Poppy’s mum?’

Imogen’s shock seemed real enough to Maggie.

‘Yes, she is.’

‘I – I had no idea. I mean, Ewan’s mentioned his wife in conversation but now I think about it I don’t think he’s ever told me her first name. And when we were at Rushbrooke her surname was Cox.’

‘It’s Hepworth now,’ said Maggie. ‘I think she was quite taken aback to see you too after all this time.’

‘I didn’t really notice, not with everything . . . well, you know,’ said Imogen.

‘That’s understandable. Did you manage to get any sleep last night?’

‘Not really. I kept thinking I could hear Benji calling for me from his bedroom. In the end I got into his bed.’ Her voice broke. ‘I want him back, Maggie. I want my little boy home. He was all on his own last night. Usually he sleeps with his old teddy – not to cuddle, just on his bed. He can’t get to sleep unless he knows the bear is there. It should’ve been with him last night.’

‘You’ll be able to see him today,’ said Maggie softly. ‘It’s being arranged for this morning. I’m waiting for the time to be confirmed.’

‘Thank you. Can I ask you something though?’

‘Of course, ask me anything.’

‘Will there be a post-mortem?’

‘Because of the circumstances and nature of Benji’s death, I’m afraid so.’