I saw the news about the head teacher, she told me. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me yesterday.

I shrugged apologetically. You know the rules. It hadn’t been released to the media, so I couldn’t tell you.

Has anyone told the police why Ms Villiers left? she asked, her eyes narrowing.

I frowned. Who’s that?

The previous head, she was still at the school when I was a student.

No, why? Well, they were told she retired.

Anna shook her head, a smug smile spreading across her face when she realised she knew something I didn’t.

What was it then? I asked, impatient for her to tell me and stop playing games.

Her smile dropped. I can’t remember exactly. There was some sort of scandal, I know that, but it was hushed up pretty well. All I know is that there were rumours flying around that Jane Villiers had been forced to leave by the governors, because of something she did.

Can you find out what it was?

Anna chewed a mouthful thoughtfully before replying. I think I know someone who might be able to tell me.

I didn’t push it any further, even though I wanted her to get her phone out and contact that person straight away. If something had happened at the school to force the previous head out, did that have any connection to the murder of her successor? And why had nobody at the school told the police about it?

Thirteen hours before the murder

You need to be careful, that’s all we’re saying. Don’t do anything stupid, Bradley told Leon, but Leon wasn’t interested. The boys were sitting in the room that was theirs for two nights, and Bradley had decided to confront Leon about his plans.

How the hell do you even know about it? he asked, anger bubbling up inside him.

Bradley looked at Kian, who hid his face behind the magazine he was holding.

Cassie told him, Bradley said, indicating his brother.

Shit. That little cow’s been reading my texts. Leon was tempted to go and have it out with her, but Bradley held him back.

Don’t. You know she’s not worth getting into shit over.

Leon struggled against Bradley for a minute, then shoved him away and sank down onto his bed with his head in his hands. What if one of them told the teachers? That was the last thing he needed. It had taken him so much courage to get to this stage, he didn’t want anything messing it up.

The door swung open and Cassie and Courtney wandered in. Courtney sat down on Bradley’s bed, snuggling her body up against his, but Cassie stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

You’ve been reading my messages, Leon said, standing and facing her.

No, I haven’t.