The first row of chairs was almost empty, as usual. The only person brave enough to sit there was a uniformed police officer who may or may not have been Bill Khatri, the man responsible for referring Jake. He didn’t seem disturbed by Shaun’s news, though it was hard to see his face under the brim of his cap. Behind him the second row was full of large, lively people who were probably related to Flynn; there was a strong family resemblance. They bobbed and swayed and muttered as Shaun emphasised how swiftly Tyler had been rescued. Behind them sat a stiff, elegant middle-aged couple dressed for an English garden party. As soon as I laid eyes on them, I thought: Hendersons. The man had Zac’s narrow face and beaky nose. The woman looked constipated.

A few seats away sat another extended family passing around home-made snacks: a beautifully dressed matriarch, a bunch of fidgety kids and two sets of parents who seemed to be enjoying themselves hugely. With their colourful clothes and stuffed vine leaves, they were like people on a picnic. Then came someone who was probably Ali’s dad, followed by a small cluster of redheads, a weary woman in Ugg boots, a glossy, well-groomed family like something off a yoghurt ad, and behind them, in the second-last row…

My heart skipped a beat.

Joyce Rooney.

Outside the dormitory, Warren barked an order. Recorded drumrolls greeted the boys as they marched down the veranda steps, advancing in sections, two by two. ‘Waltzing Matilda’ began to play. The audience cheered. People took pictures. A little girl jumped to her feet, clapping.

Joyce didn’t move. Her bushy hair was grey now and her shoulders were hunched, but her aggrieved air hadn’t changed. Sitting next to her was Scott, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap. Even with a beard he was unmistakable. It had something to do with his size, his frown and the angle of his neck.

When the boys reached Shaun, they stopped. The music stopped too. ‘Advance in review order!’ he blared. There was a flurry of boots. ‘On two, right dress! One! Two!’ Every boy stuck out an arm and shuffled sideways. ‘Eyes front! At ease!’

Joyce suddenly caught my eye. She gave a start. I wanted to run screaming, but I held my ground. For a moment we stared at each other.

Then she leaned over and whispered to Scott, who turned his head.

By that time I was sweating and shaking. My legs felt weak. Overcome by nausea, I ducked back inside. Then I leaned against a wall and tried to collect my scattered thoughts.