Hi, she said with a wave as her face popped up on my screen, blonde hair swept back out of the way. The heart shape of her face was similar to mine on my ID badge, an old photo that didn’t reflect how my face had filled out in the intervening years. Apart from the difference in hair colour, mine much darker than hers, my sister and I seemed to look more alike as we grew older. She’d turned twenty-nine quite recently, and I knew she had a bee in her bonnet about her next birthday. Two years older than her, I could reassure her that it wasn’t that bad.

Are you still out on that call?

Yeah, I replied. I’m setting off home now but I have no idea how long it’s going to take me in this weather.

Are you still at Normanby Hall? What happened?

I’ll explain later, I told her, though I wouldn’t be able to give her much information. Still, social media would be full of Leon’s picture by now, so it wouldn’t take her long to figure out why I would be going to Lincoln tomorrow.

Something else has happened, she said, looking at me with a frown. Anna, like many BSL users, was sensitive to even minor changes in body language and facial expression, but I was still surprised she’d picked something up over a video call.

I ran a hand over my face. Mike’s here.

What? she exclaimed. What the hell?

I know, it wasn’t exactly a nice surprise.

What do you mean he’s there?

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, willing my hands not to shake. This job, it’s connected to where he works.

Is this the missing kid? Anna asked, cottoning on. She must have seen the appeal already. Are you talking about my old school?

I nodded.

What the hell is Mike doing working there?

I have no idea, I replied, shifting in my seat. I’d been wondering the same thing since I’d first seen him. I taught him to sign when we were together, so I assume he’s used that to get himself a job.

Anna shook her head, her face contorted into an expression of disgust. I wouldn’t want that man working with kids. He’s not exactly a great role model, is he?

I know. He tried to get me to give him a lift back into town.

Bastard. Hope you kicked him in the balls.

I laughed. No, Singh rescued me.

He can probably see through scum like Mike straight away, she replied.

He definitely picked up on something. I haven’t told him anything, but I suppose I should. At least the basics, then he can make sure I don’t have to be alone with him.