“I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I mean, I called the police but –”

“You were right to come here,” Mum said. “You shouldn’t be alone.”

“He’s done it before,” Janice said. “But this time feels different. He was so upset yesterday – the worst I’ve ever seen him. He’s had such a hard time, what with his grandparents and my troubles …”

Mum nodded, and told Janice that she understood. Then she looked at me. “Cal, are you well enough for school?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” I told her. “But I want to stay here. The police might find Jacob.”

“No,” Mum said. “Sitting around won’t help. I’d rather you went back today.”

*

Freya gave me a huge smile when I got to school.

“Yay!” she said, but then we both shut up as Mr Gossage walked into class.

“Ah, Cal,” he said. “Great to see you! Could you and Freya stay behind please?”

I sat down, wondering what Mr Gossage wanted. Behind me, Anu Patel was sneering as usual.

“Great to see you, Geek Boy,” she said. “You back, then?”

I turned to face her. Something inside me had changed and, for the first time, she didn’t scare me, not one bit.

“Yes,” I said. “And I’m sure you’re thrilled …”

“Ooh,” she said. “Snarky and brave after your little beating.”

Before, I would have cowered, but not today.

“I’m bored of you.” I turned to face her. “Bored of your stupid games and your bullying. Please stop it.”

“Ha ha!” she mocked. “Geek Boy fights back. And there was me thinking we had an understanding.”

“Not any more.” I shook my head. “You can do your own homework from now on.”

“I don’t think so,” Anu said. “Since when did you tell me what to do –”

“Oh, shut up!” Freya snapped. “You’re such an idiot!”

“Anu!” said Mr Gossage. “Enough!”

“But, sir, I …”

“I said enough!”

When everyone had gone, Mr Gossage came and sat by us in the empty classroom.

“I need you to tell me what’s going on,” he said. “I know what Myles did that day, but is there more?”

“More what, sir?” Freya asked.

“Bullying,” Mr Gossage said. “Miss Spargo and Mrs Collier are particularly concerned and both have named Anu Patel. We’ve also had incidents posted on social media –”

I looked at Freya. Neither of us did social media, so we hadn’t seen anything.

“Anu bullies Cal,” Freya blurted. “I’ve got evidence.”

“She’s just –” I began, but Mr Gossage held up his hand.

“Hang on, Cal,” he said. “What evidence, Freya?”

Freya showed him the videos she’d recorded on her phone and we both watched Mr Gossage’s face grow darker as each incident played out.

“There’s more,” Freya told him. “Anu forces Cal to do homework and projects, and she sells his work to other pupils –”

“What?” Mr Gossage said. “Is that true, Cal?”

I nodded, too embarrassed to speak.

“Right!” Mr Gossage said. “Don’t look so worried, Cal – but both of you get to your lessons now. I need to speak to Mr Ahmed and Ms Jenkins about this.”