Four hours. That’s how long I managed to hold out at Mum and Dad’s. Four long, torturous hours while a hundred different scenarios ran through my head, including one where Kira wasn’t answering her phone because she was in the police station, handing over the knife. That’s when I rang the taxi cab.

‘Signal’s shit here,’ Jake says. ‘I’ve got like one bar worth of reception. Sounds like Ian’s been shitting a brick because he couldn’t get hold of any of us. Look, I’m going to have to go now, Mum. Are you all right? You sound stressed. Is it because of what DS Forbes said? I’m sorry I freaked out. I just … I can’t talk right now. I’ll come round to Gran’s after work. Okay?’

‘No,’ I say quickly. ‘No, don’t do that. Uncle Stephen and Dad are going to the pub to sort things out tonight. I’d like you to be there. You can be the peacekeeper.’

‘Me?’ He laughs. ‘You’re kidding me, right? That’s your job!’

‘Not any more. I need you to do this, Jake, for your dad, for our family. It’s important.’

He falls silent for a couple of seconds, then says, ‘All right. If that’s what you want. I’ll go along but don’t be surprised if they come to blows. Kidding!’ he adds quickly. ‘It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.’

The taxi driver coughs and glances meaningfully at the meter.

‘I’ve got to go,’ I say. ‘I love you, Jake.’

‘I love you too, Mum. See you later.’

I’d expected to be met at the entrance by a receptionist or a security guard but it’s remarkably easy to stroll into the School of Art building and no one gives me so much as a second look. I don’t know if it’s because it’s a Saturday or if it’s always this quiet. After five minutes in the lobby I approach an Asian girl in a headscarf who’s walking past carrying an armful of fabric.

‘I’m looking for Kira Simmons. Do you know where I might find her?’

‘Is she staff or a student?’

‘A student. She does photography.’

The girl shrugs. ‘Sorry, can’t help. I’m textiles.’

‘She’s putting on an exhibition,’ I add as she turns to leave. ‘Do you know where that might be?’

‘There’s a gallery through there.’ She tilts her head to the right. ‘Looks like it’s being set up for an exhibition. Someone in there might know.’

‘Thank you.’ I flash her a smile. ‘You’ve been very helpful.’

‘I dunno about that.’ The girl laughs as she ascends the stairs and disappears.