‘Warren’s giving a lecture, so I figured it would be a good time to do this.’ Framed in the doorway, Shaun turned his head and reached for someone who was skulking down the hall, out of sight. ‘We need to settle a few things and you’re an important part of the process. That’s why I thought we’d start right here. Just to get the ball rolling.’

‘Sure,’ I said. ‘Why? What’s up?’

A second later, Aaron Rooney stumbled into the office.

2009

2009

WHEN AARON WALKED into the classroom on Tuesday morning, Joyce was with him.

‘He’ll be a good boy today,’ she said. ‘He’s happy because he didn’t have to spend last night with his mum.’

It was five past nine. Reading was scheduled for ten o’clock. The rest of the kids, thrilled to see a new face, were swarming towards Joyce like iron filings drawn to a magnet. But before I could remind her that reading hadn’t started yet, she said, ‘What did Krystal tell you yesterday afternoon? Bunch of lies, I’ll bet.’

I couldn’t believe my ears. Her son had been stalking his ex and Joyce seemed proud of it.

‘As a matter of fact,’ I said coolly, ‘Aaron’s mum came here to sign that permission form, so he can get counselling.’

Joyce made a derisive noise. ‘Krystal might be dumb, but even she wouldn’t spend thirty minutes signing her name.’

Jesus. ‘Now’s not the time, Mrs Rooney.’

‘What did she tell you? Whatever it was, it’s defamation.’

I took a deep breath. ‘We talked about home activities for Aaron. Reading. Role play. The same things I told you about. Are you finding them helpful?’

‘Not really. I’ve got better things to do than your job.’ She glanced around. ‘Where should I sit? Over there?’

‘Not yet.’ I was trembling, but my voice was calm. ‘First you have to sign in at the office. Then you can wait outside till we’re ready.’ I thrust a tip sheet into her hand. ‘You should check this out while you’re waiting. It tells you what to do.’

Joyce wasn’t even looking at me. She was waving at Phoebe. ‘I know how to read, thanks.’

‘This isn’t about reading. It’s about teaching.’ I clapped suddenly, making a noise so loud and sharp that Joyce winced. The kids began to clap along. ‘Everyone on the mat!’ I cried.

It was a dismissal, and Joyce knew it. She shot Aaron a warning look, then turned and left. I was much too busy to notice what she did afterwards, but at five to ten I peered out the window and saw her talking to three young mothers. I hardly recognised her; she was all bright-faced and twinkly.

I had to paste on a grin as I motioned the women inside.