Well, Steve did tutor him a little, in science, because that was his specialism and he thought it might help, Liz replied.

‘What about Sasha? What was Leon’s relationship like with her?’

Sasha doesn’t work for the school directly, though of course we have regular meetings about the students’ welfare. There’s a possibility Leon confided in her, but I’m sure she would have told us anything relevant.

‘Was Leon a student here before he was taken into care?’ Singh asked.

Yes, he’s been attending here since he was eight. Before that, he was at his local mainstream school with support from a teacher of the deaf and a teaching assistant, but he was struggling socially. Being the only deaf child in a school full of hearing children can be very lonely, especially when there is a communication barrier.

‘And he became a resident after his mother died, is that correct?’

No, it was around a year later, Liz replied. Leon’s parents had separated, and after his mother died he was in his father’s custody full time. The man was abusive, but it was only discovered when Leon fought back and injured his father, and a neighbour called the police. In that situation no one was going to blame an abused twelve-year-old boy for defending himself, especially one who was going through the turmoil of having lost his mother.

‘Does he have any other family? Anyone he might go to for help?’

Liz frowned. Not that I know of. His father is in prison, and I certainly don’t think Leon would want anything to do with him.

Singh made a note of this. ‘We’ll need his name so we can access the case file. Are you sure it’s not possible Leon could have been trying to see his father?’

I can’t imagine that he would want to see him, Liz replied, looking sceptical. Besides, if Leon had wanted to see his father he could have spoken to Sasha and she could have arranged it, if she thought it was appropriate. There’d be no need for him to run away.

‘Still, it’s an avenue we need to look into,’ Singh replied. ‘We’d also like you to make a list of who Leon is closest to at the school, which students are his friends and which staff know him well. Then we can prioritise our interviews.’

I’ve been thinking about that, Liz replied. His closest friend is Samira. She’s not a residential student so she won’t be back until tomorrow, but I’ve emailed her family explaining the situation and asking for their permission for her to speak to you.

‘Thank you, that’s very helpful,’ Singh said with a reassuring smile.