There was a fancy black sports car in one of the reserved spots outside the main entrance. I briefly thought that it took a brave person to drive around in something like that in this weather; it didn’t look like it was built for tackling icy roads. It was exactly the sort of car Mike had always talked about wanting when we were together – laughable really, because he earned very little and ate through my savings far quicker than I could replenish them. For a moment I wondered if he’d managed to get some horrendous loan and this was his car, but I shook the thought away. Even if it was, it was none of my concern any more. Still, the idea of him being able to afford something like that when I was desperately trying to keep my old car running bothered me a bit. When I’d thrown him out of my flat and my life, I’d had to accept that his debts were my debts now, and I was still paying them off.

Singh had driven down separately from Normanby Hall, and he and DI Forest joined me in the entrance hall. I was expecting to see a receptionist, but Liz Marcek was waiting for us, and she ushered us into her office.

Is there any news? she asked before we had a chance to sit down.

‘Nothing yet,’ Singh replied. ‘We’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything.’

She picked up a piece of paper from the desk behind her.

I’ve made a list of Leon’s friends. Samira Hassan is his best friend, and we’ve received permission from her family for you to interview her. I should warn you, however, that she can be very flighty and prone to making up stories. She’s forever coming out with tales about being left home alone when her parents go abroad, when we know full well she has a brother who is over eighteen who still lives in the family home. He spends more time with her than her parents do, I think.

‘Thank you,’ Singh said, taking the list from her. ‘We’d also like to speak to some of your staff, those who know Leon best.’

Of course, there’s his form tutor, Jess Farriday, Liz replied. Mike of course, and the other residential staff, as they spend so much time with the residential students.

‘We’ll need to know which of the staff are hearing and which are deaf,’ Singh said, ‘then we can make the best use of Paige’s time with us.’

Of course. Jess will need an interpreter, Liz explained, but Mike is hearing, as you know. If other staff wish to speak to you, maybe we could have a time set aside for when the interpreter is available?

‘That’s fine,’ Singh replied, ‘but before we do anything I’d like to see Courtney and Cassie.’