‘Deputy Commissioner Warren wants some feedback on Mossop. We could get the parents and the school in for a formal apology,’ Robinson said.

‘What about the other boys?’

‘Led astray by Mossop.’

‘Let it rest, that’s my request,’ Cardilini said, suddenly feeling tired.

‘Warren will appreciate that.’

‘I’m not doing it for him.’

‘I didn’t think for a moment you were.’

‘Anything else?’ Cardilini asked.

‘You tell me. Is this going to blow up in our faces at some point in the future?’

‘How?’

‘When you were in the toilet, did you put pressure on him to change his story?’

‘No,’ Cardilini said emphatically.

‘You sure?’ Robinson asked.

‘Yes. But what will it matter if he changes his story again?’

‘Exactly. Stay clear of anything to do with St Nicholas.’

‘Shall do.’

‘So you’ve accepted the coroner’s verdict?’

Cardilini looked down the passageway to the front yard. Paul was standing idly watering the lawn. He had his finger on the end of the hose causing the water to fan, just as Betty used to do, just as he’d be able to do for the rest of the summer without a care in the world and with a future to look forward to.

‘Yes.’

‘Don’t take it hard. You behaved like the real thing, Cardilini, not many coppers would do that.’

Cardilini laughed out loud. Paul turned around with a quizzical look, Cardilini nodded and smiled to him.

‘I’m serious, keep doing that and you can have Bishop’s job. Don’t say anything but he’s talking about retirement.’

Cardilini laughed again.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘Nothing. Is the school going to address any of the complaints about Edmund?’

‘Oh, yeah. Braun has been instructed to offer Lockheed reinstatement and give a proper hearing to any boys who feel unjustly treated. But the school still won’t accept any accusations against Edmund, naturally enough, without Edmund being able to defend them. We’re all learning from this, Cardilini, so don’t get on your high horse about it.’

‘If you ever see me on a high horse, give me a kick up the backside.’

‘With pleasure. Drop by the station today to sign this off so the deputy commissioner can sleep peacefully.’

Cardilini hung up and walked to the front flyscreen door. Paul had moved to the right side of the lawn. Cardilini pushed through the flyscreen door and let it clatter shut behind him.

‘How’s it going?’ Cardilini asked.

‘Nearly finished.’

‘There’s a sprinkler, you know.’

‘I know. You laughed, can’t remember the last time you laughed,’ Paul said turning to his father.

‘Yep, me either, you working tonight?’

‘I told you I was.’

‘That’s right, and I’m cooking bangers and mash.’

‘And some greens, Dad.’

‘And some greens. I’m back at work tomorrow.’

‘Fantastic. Finally, Dad, we’re both on track. Mum would be proud.’