I heard a clatter as Liz came after us, and a grunt as she gave up and climbed over the bed. I wasn’t used to carrying heavy weights, and Cassie was nearly the same height as me. She was partly conscious and managed to bear some of her own weight, but I’d only got her as far as the communal area when Liz burst out of Cassie’s room. Pushing Cassie towards a sofa, I grabbed the huge TV and launched it into Liz’s path, slowing her down once more. Suddenly Singh was there, grabbing Cassie and trying to lift her. From outside, I heard sirens, and I got hold of Cassie’s other arm, helping Singh to get her outside, where Sasha and Leon were waiting, the lights of two police cars racing down the drive behind them.

Chapter 40

Thursday 6th December

The atmosphere in the school was a sombre one when we entered the building the next day. There was a feeling of relief at the police having caught the culprit, but it was overlaid with the shock of finding out who had been responsible. I had insisted on being present when they interviewed Leon, despite Forest wanting to get another interpreter and grumbling about me getting myself involved again.

After all Leon had been through, it was agreed that it was best to take his statement in a familiar environment. Sasha met us at the door to the residence and let us in.

He’s doing okay, considering, but I don’t know how well he slept last night, she explained, ushering us all into the building. I stayed over in one of the staff bedrooms, for a bit more reassurance, and he asked me if he could keep his door open. I’m going to arrange to get him some counselling.

Sasha took us into the library, where Leon was already waiting. He smiled when he saw me.

Thank you for helping me, he said. I don’t even know your name.

I’m Paige, I replied. I’m the interpreter.

You’re not a police officer?

I shook my head. No, I wasn’t even supposed to be there yesterday, I told him with a wry smile and a sideways look at DS Singh.

‘I’m glad you were,’ Singh told me. It had transpired that an argument had broken out between Lincolnshire and Humberside police forces over who should be attending, which meant they were delayed in getting to Liz’s house. Apparently, DI Forest had gone ballistic, and for once I wished I’d been there to see it.

‘Leon, we’d like to ask you some questions,’ Forest began once we were all seated. ‘We’d like you to think back to the day you went on the school trip and tell us what happened.’