About time, she replied. I don’t know what on earth I’m supposed to do, keeping all the students cooped up like this.

The entire school was there, from reception children up to Cassie, the eldest student. The youngest of them were already getting fractious, and one small girl was crying. I wondered if she could pick up on the tension in the room. The older students definitely knew something was wrong, and the theories would be getting out of hand by now, I was sure.

When we met Singh, he led us to the nearest classroom and we sat down.

‘I think it would be best to send the students home,’ Singh began, but he didn’t get a chance to continue because Liz interrupted him.

Absolutely not. These children have had enough disruption as it is, and if we send them home now there are some parents who will refuse to let them come back until you’ve solved this.

‘I appreciate your concern, Miss Marcek, but do you really think this school is a safe place for any child right now? One of your staff was killed today. We don’t know who did it, or why, but we know it must have been someone who was in the building and is now in that hall. On top of that, it’s snowing heavily and we’ve been advised that the road to the school might be impassable in as little as forty-five minutes.’ He paused for a moment to let his words sink in. ‘I know the students are your top priority, and I am suggesting this in order to keep them safe.’

I can keep them safe, she signed, her face solid with determination.

Singh shook his head. ‘I can’t force you to do this, but I think you’re making a terrible mistake. Some of those children are already scared, especially the youngest ones.’

But what if the school closes? she burst out. What if this is too much for the parents, and they take their children to other schools? We won’t be able to stay open with fewer students than we have now, and then what will happen to us?

‘Do you really think the parents will be happy with you if this has happened and you didn’t call them straight away to let them know? To give them the option of collecting their child immediately?’ Singh asked, his voice calm despite the situation. ‘If you keep this from them, they won’t trust you again.’

Liz Marcek looked aghast, but this hit home and she nodded. Okay. You’re right. I’ll get Karen from the office to start calling parents.