I’m worried about the residential kids, she blurted out. I don’t know why I came back here, what I thought it would achieve, but it was better than doing nothing.

What are you worried about? I asked her.

I think there’s something going on. They’re too close to each other, if that’s possible. I could feel her leg jiggling nervously against the table leg. We’ve had a few incidents and they’ve all completely closed ranks, so we’ve not been able to find out what happened and who was involved.

What sort of incidents? I asked, thinking about Bradley and Courtney and the videotape.

She bit her lip. I can’t tell you. They’re children in care, and I’m their social worker, so some things have to be kept confidential. But I know something at that school isn’t right.

Since Leon ran away, you mean?

No, she said, looking out of the window next to her. I’ve been worried about it for a while. Have you ever known anyone who’s been in a relationship with someone really manipulative? They’re besotted with this person, but you know they’ve actually been completely brainwashed, and they’re just not interested in themselves any more?

I looked down at my drink. I’d never had a friend in that situation; I’d never seen it from the outside.

I know what you mean, I replied, not trusting myself to say anything more.

Well they’re like that, Sasha continued. As if there’s someone telling them what to do. I think one of the kids has managed to get the others wrapped round their little finger.

Which one? I tried to keep my eagerness at bay as I asked the question, but I felt like Sasha knew something which she was keeping to herself.

She threw her arms up. That’s what’s so bloody frustrating, I can’t figure it out. Cassie is the oldest, but I don’t think she’s bright enough to do something like that. Courtney isn’t interested enough in the others. Kian’s the youngest, he doesn’t have enough influence, and Bradley wouldn’t be able to keep something like that a secret.

I thought about what she’d said. So, you think it was Leon? You think he was controlling the others somehow?