I entered the house by the large, imposing front door, putting my shoulder to it when it stuck slightly. There was nobody in the entrance hall when I stepped inside, so I looked around to try and figure out where Singh and Forest might be. The door marked ‘Head Teacher’ was closed, and the sign conjured an image in my mind of Steve’s body lying in the snow, making me shudder. Next to his office was an open door so I pushed it further open and poked my head around it. Inside were Singh, Forest and Liz Marcek; the DI and the deputy head were sitting on comfy chairs, which were pulled up to a small table by the window. On the adjacent wall was a desk, which Singh was leaning against.

When Singh saw me, he looked relieved, and I apologised for taking so long to arrive.

Can we start now? Liz Marcek asked impatiently. I noticed to my surprise that she was wearing a well-cut suit. I suppose I had expected a teacher at a residential school to dress down over the weekend, but perhaps she was putting on a professional face for the police. Her make-up was skilfully applied, but it didn’t quite hide the fact that she hadn’t slept well the previous night, if at all.

Is there any news about Leon? she asked as soon as I’d taken off my coat and sat down opposite her.

‘Sorry, nothing yet,’ Singh replied.

Liz shook her head slowly. I was hoping he might have turned up overnight.

‘We’d like to speak to any of the staff who are in today,’ Forest explained, mostly keeping her eyes on Liz but glancing around the room as well.

A few have come in, Liz said, though not many. I’ll make a list and you can decide who you want to see and when. I’ll make the meeting room available for you.

‘Could you let us know who will require signing?’ Singh asked. ‘Then we can work out times with Paige.’

Of course. Liz crossed over to her desk, took a pen and paper and made a list.

‘Thanks,’ Singh said, taking it from her. ‘We’d like to speak to you first, if that’s okay?’

I assumed as much, she said, settling herself into one of the chairs. I have a lot to do, parents to contact, but I’ll tell you what I can.

Pushing away from the desk, Singh took the chair next to me.

‘Have you told the students about Steve Wilkinson’s death?’

She grimaced. Not yet. I didn’t think it was appropriate last night, and I haven’t managed to bring myself to tell them. I’ll do it once we’ve finished here, though. They need to know what’s happened. That’s unless Mike has already told them, she added, a sour look twisting her face.