We need to tell them what’s happened, Liz interrupted, her face sombre. They’ll be wondering what’s going on. I’ll come over and speak to them.

‘Actually, I’d prefer it if you stayed here,’ Forest told her. ‘DS Singh and Paige can let the students know what’s happening. Sasha can go with them.’

Liz looked like she was about to argue, but Forest was already beckoning to Sasha so I could interpret her request.

You can’t make decisions like that and exclude me, the deputy head complained. These are my students.

‘And it is my responsibility to keep them safe. Right now, I think a detective is the best person to reassure them that they are being protected, don’t you?’

Liz twisted her mouth but she didn’t reply, and Singh, Sasha and I went over to the residence. The forensics team had managed to get away before the weather worsened, and the area where Saul’s body had lain was already covered with fresh snow. It was almost as if I’d imagined it.

When we walked in there was chaos: Bradley was on his feet, shouting and signing furiously at Mike, who was standing opposite him with his arms folded across his chest. Kian was sitting in the corner with his hands over his face and Courtney had her arm round him, while Cassie was folded into a corner of the sofa, chewing her nails.

‘What’s going on?’ Singh asked, stepping in between Mike and Bradley.

Nobody will tell us what the fuck is happening! Bradley fumed, breathing hard from between clenched teeth. Someone else has been killed, haven’t they? Haven’t they?

‘Yes,’ Singh replied, and Bradley was startled into taking a step back. He clearly hadn’t been expecting an honest answer from the DS.

‘Now, go and see to your brother,’ he continued, with a nod to Kian in the corner, ‘then come and sit down, so we can explain.’

Mike looked at Singh. ‘I was handling it,’ he said, his voice a low growl. A flicker of intense dislike passed across Singh’s face, but it was gone again a moment later.

‘We need to tell them what’s happening,’ Singh replied, then turned to the students. I stood next to him to interpret, and I noticed that Sasha deliberately sat on the opposite side of the room from Mike. Once or twice I caught her looking at him with a suspicious frown on her face.

‘Earlier today, Mr Achembe was found dead. That’s why there has been an increased police presence at the school, and why the other students were sent home. Until we discover who killed him, there will be police officers here to make sure you are safe.’

‘To make sure we’re safe?’ Courtney asked, her soft voice quavering. ‘Why wouldn’t we be safe?’

‘We have to take these precautions,’ Singh replied.