‘Just so we’re clear on this point, Carl – for the record – the police are not accusing me of anything. They didn’t arrest me, I’m not involved, I didn’t do anything. People need to know that.’

‘Understood.’

‘Good. As long as that’s clear.’

‘To a large degree it’s not actually important what they pulled you in for. What is important is that we can’t afford for the school’s reputation to be besmirched. I also understand from the deputy head that two detectives were here yesterday afternoon. Came here, Joe, to the school. To ask about you. Seems awfully involved just for a missing person, doesn’t it?’

‘They’re being methodical.’

‘You know how the head feels about having police on site. It’s the sort of visit that makes the rumour mill grind that little bit faster.’

Naylor. So much for his assurance that he’d be discreet.

‘Sorry about that,’ I said through gritted teeth. ‘I’d no idea they were going to come here.’

‘So, in light of all this,’ he gestured at the computer monitor, ‘I’ve talked to the head this morning. He’s really rather exercised about the whole thing.’

He let it hang there for a minute, seeming to relish the moment.

‘And?’ I said finally.

‘And as of now you’re suspended from teaching duties until further notice.’

I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly.

‘You’re suspending me?’

‘That’s right. Effective immediately.’

‘On the basis of a picture on Facebook?’

‘On the basis of you being embroiled in a police investigation.’

‘Embroiled? What does that mean?’

‘You’re part of a police investigation. The school has to be seen to have acted responsibly if this leaks to the media. Which, as we both know, is pretty much inevitable in this day and age.’

What he was saying finally registered with me.

‘You’re actually serious, aren’t you?’

‘Deadly serious. There will also be an internal investigation overseen by the chair of governors, as per school regs.’

‘Whatever happened to being innocent until proven guilty?’

‘This is not a court of law, Joe.’ He spread his hands wide as if indicating the world around us. ‘This is the court of public opinion, which is much more fickle and likely to judge by appearances.’

‘A kangaroo court, you mean.’

‘It’s reality. It’s how the world is, how people are.’

‘The rule of the mob, more like.’

‘The decision has been taken.’

‘You can’t do this.’

‘I’m doing it. With the head’s full sanction.’

I felt the blood pounding in my head, and swallowed hard on a dry throat.

‘This is crazy, it’s not fair. It’s wrong.’

‘Don’t worry, you’ve got enough years of service here, so you’ll be on full pay. At least for the time being.’