Of course, she signed.

‘I’d appreciate that, thank you. Now, could you ask the students to collect their belongings and we’ll escort you all back through the park to your minibus.’

What about Steve’s belongings? Sasha asked. His bag and everything are still here.

‘I can pack them up,’ Mike said. There was an eagerness in his eyes that I remembered well, and I wondered if Steve had any valuables that might somehow end up in Mike’s possession, but Singh shook his head.

‘No, thank you, the forensics team will want to take those. That’s another reason it’s a good idea to get the students out of the cabin as soon as possible.’

Of course. I’m reluctant to leave without all of the students we brought, though. Liz looked at Mike and Sasha. Could one of you stay here in case Leon turns up, then get a taxi back to school? You can put it on the school account. I’ll drive the minibus, and come back for my car tomorrow. I would feel more comfortable knowing one of us was still here.

‘Sure, I can do that,’ Mike replied, jumping in before Sasha could respond. He kept his hands behind his back as he spoke, flashing me a triumphant smile, as if he expected praise for not signing his response. I ignored him, interpreted what he’d said and waited for Singh to agree to their proposal. Once he had, we went back through to the main room. The four teenagers were signing to each other but stopped the moment we approached.

Miss Marcek explained to them that they were going back to the school but refused to answer any of their questions, and they all looked dismayed.

Can’t we stay here and help? one of the boys asked.

No, the police have it all under control. I need to make sure I keep the rest of you safe and get you back home.

But what if something’s happened to Leon? What if he’s been kidnapped?

Mike walked over to the group and signed something to the boy, but he had his back to me so I couldn’t see what had been said. Whatever it was, it must have allayed some of the boy’s fears, because a moment later they were all collecting their bags. We led them out of the cabin, where a group of uniformed officers took over, to guide them back to the car park. I turned to Singh as Mike started walking back towards us.

‘What about me? Do you still want me here?’

‘For now, yes please. If Leon does come back, or we find him, we’ll need an interpreter.’

‘I can do that,’ Mike replied as he approached us. ‘You don’t need Paige here. I’m sure she’s got better things to be doing with her Saturday.’