She came around the counter and Keely relaxed, just a little, as she recalled the jewellery night at Mary’s. “Claire?”

“Yes, that’s right. Welcome to our school. How’s your jewellery making coming along? I haven’t had a chance to touch mine since we were at Mary’s last.”

“I’ve made a few more bracelets,” Keely said. Words whirled around in her head and disappeared. She couldn’t even remember what she’d done. “I’ve been making…wine bottle decorations. They’re for…Flynn wants to sell them at the cellar door this weekend.” Her words tumbled over each other.

“You have been busy.” Claire smiled. “I didn’t realised you were a teacher. I can usually pick them a mile off and Megan tells us your artistic talent extends to sketches and painting. Ken has been keen to speak with you. I’m sure he’s in his office, I’ll just buzz through.” She picked up the phone. “Would you like a coffee?”

“No, thanks.” Keely’s stomach was doing gymnastics and she felt a lump in her throat. She knew she wouldn’t be able to swallow a thing. She clutched her hands together and turned to look through the glass doors. Behind her, Claire spoke on the phone.

Keely looked out into a well-manicured garden courtyard and, beyond that, to an expanse of paving and covered walkways leading to other buildings. There was not a child in sight. If only schools were childless, they wouldn’t bother her at all. Anyway, it didn’t matter. She’d made up her mind to put off any work offers from Ken and then she’d be gone.

“Hello, Keely.”

She spun round and almost lost her balance. She looked down at the portly man with a broad smile who was stepping towards her with his arm extended.

“I’m Ken Retallick.” He shook her hand vigorously. “It’s great to meet you at last. Are you feeling better?”

“Oh…yes…thanks,” she mumbled.

“Come into the office. Would you like a drink? I’m sure Claire would make you something?”

“No, thanks. She did offer.” Keely gave Claire a feeble smile, before she followed Ken.

“Catch you later, Keely,” Claire said.

With feet of lead, Keely followed Ken into his office. He seemed friendly enough but so had the principal at her previous school, at first. Outwardly pleasant and open with staff, but if you didn’t see eye to eye things were very different. Ken exuded that same relaxed and self-assured air. She played with the words in her head, ready to tell him she was leaving soon so she wouldn’t be able to work at the school.

“Have a seat, Keely. I’m so glad you’ve come. I was hoping you might be able to help us out next week.”

“I’m not sure that…”