There’s a pause. My hope is that he can get me out of this Art project mess, because he does actually have some skills in this area, from the olden days when he used to help put on underground raves and events.

‘How’s school?’

‘A bit better now, I guess.’ I haven’t spoken to him since the week Yin disappeared, but I know Mum has probably been giving him updates.

‘Any news on the police front?’

‘Not really. There were rumours today that they’re interviewing teachers again. And some people’s dads as well. And bus drivers, that sort of thing.’

‘I should hope so.’

‘I guess. There’s a reward now, so…’

I don’t even believe the rumours that police are interviewing students’ fathers. People will say anything when they’re feeling desperate.

‘Listen, Chlo, I’ve been thinking. You know how Jarrod is an expert at Dim Mak? It’s a self-defence technique using pressure points. You can temporarily paralyse someone with one finger. Anyway, he’s offered to teach you, if you want.’

I rub my face. I haven’t gone to Dad’s house much in the eighteen months since he’s been back from Western Australia, it’s too far away. And I’m pretty sure I don’t want to voluntarily spend time with Dad’s housemate who wears Thai fisherman pants 24/7. Or experience that much power in one finger, for that matter.

‘Uh, no. I mean, thank you. That’s really nice of him to offer. But we’re doing self-defence in PE.’

‘The offer’s there, Chlo. Or we can look into something else.’

‘Maybe.’ I take a deep breath. He’s taken me way off track. ‘Hey, so I’m calling because I need your help with something. It’s kind of short notice.’

‘Of course, yes! What do you need?’

I try to ignore how eager he sounds, practically panting like Arnold. I tell him about my project, as best I can, without getting into it too deep.

‘So, we need a location,’ he sums up, ‘and you need help picking up the equipment from school and driving it there and back?’

‘Yeah. And we’ll probably need to pick my friend up. Sorry. It’s a lot of work. I can’t ask Mum, with her roster and everything.’

‘It’s no problem, love. I’ve already got a place in mind. I’ll make a few calls and get back to you.’

‘Thanks Dad.’ I feel hypocritical but I remind myself that he probably owes me this. I’m allowed to ask him for things.

‘Let me take care of it, Chlo. Is little Sammy there?’

‘Nah, he’s at soccer practice.’

‘Oh, right. I should watch one of his matches, shouldn’t I?’

‘Yeah, he’d like that.’

‘Speak soon,’ he says, and we hang up.