No, it’s fine, she replied, and as we walked back round to the main building she stayed one step ahead of me, preventing me from asking her anything else. Once we were inside, Sasha walked straight into Liz’s office without knocking, which surprised me. I hesitated for a moment before following her in.

The deputy head didn’t appear to be busy for once, sitting in the chair behind her desk and staring out of the window. She smiled when she saw Sasha, but the smile became more rigid when she noticed that I was there too.

Paige, Sasha and I have a meeting arranged. I’m afraid it’s confidential, discussing students. You understand.

I was about to reply when Sasha got in there before me. It won’t take long. Paige wanted to ask you something about past students, she told Liz.

Well, not exactly, I signed, wondering if this was a good idea. I didn’t want to get the kids into any trouble, and it was probably something completely harmless.

Yes, what is it? Liz asked, doing nothing to hide her impatience.

I looked over at Sasha, who was leaning by the window, then looked back to Liz.

I was wondering, are there any students called Joe? Or who might use that as a nickname?

I thought I saw a flicker of recognition in Liz’s eyes, but then it was gone and she shook her head. No, not currently. Why?

What about past students? Anyone who left in the last couple of years?

No, nobody that I can think of. What is this about?

It’s nothing, really, I replied, turning to leave, but Liz stood up and came around her desk to stop me.

Paige, if a representative of the police is asking me questions about my students, I’d appreciate knowing why. Her words were polite, but her face was stony.

I don’t work for the police, I’m just the interpreter, I replied. I saw some of the students chatting about someone called Joe yesterday, and I wondered who he was, that’s all.

Liz looked confused. What made you assume it was a student? It might not have been anyone they knew at all. Maybe it was a footballer or some other celebrity.

You’re right, I replied with a nod, knowing full well she wasn’t but desperately wanting to end the conversation. I just wondered, that was all.

I left her office, feeling as if I’d been shoved out of the door.

When I got home that afternoon, Anna was more animated than I’d seen her in a while.

I’ve asked around a bit, about the school, she told me before I’d even had a chance to take off my shoes. Nobody knows exactly why Ms Villiers left, but someone told me it was to do with a major safeguarding incident.