Two minutes later, they left the bungalow to make the short walk back to the school.

‘I just popped in to say sorry I had to cancel the other night. As I said, my car’s in the garage. I was thinking maybe we could go to the cinema next week?’ Maddy said.

‘Yes, lovely,’ Jenny said automatically, still thinking about what the inspector had told her.

‘Not sure when my night off is yet,’ Maddy added.

‘No, well, one way and another, things are a bit chaotic, aren’t they?’

‘You could say that. Moving all those boys out of Fleat and into another house. I hope the police sort it all out soon and we can all get back to normality. What did the inspector want, by the way?’

‘Oh, just some admin stuff. Nothing important. No one seems to know what’s going on, do they?’ Jenny sighed. ‘So much trouble this term. It’s not good for the school’s reputation, is it?’

‘No, it isn’t, but until Mr Jones takes a stronger hand, nothing’s ever going to improve.’

‘Mr Jones does his best, you know,’ Jenny defended her boss loyally. ‘He has a lot of people to please. The governors, the parents, the children . . . talking of which, I haven’t seen young Rory back at school yet.’

‘No. I doubt he ever will come back, given what’s happened to him. If I was his mum, I’d keep him safe and sound at home, watch over him. He’s all she’s got now he’s gone, and he’s a delicate little chap. Better at a day school, maybe.’

‘Yes.’ Jenny’s mind was wandering to thoughts of her own long-lost son. ‘Maybe . . .’

‘You sure that detective was here asking you about admin? You seem a bit distracted.’

‘Oh,’ Jenny yawned, ‘just tired, that’s all. Trying to keep Mr Jones sane while all this is going on is a hard job. Although . . .’ Jenny sighed. ‘There is something I’d like to talk to you about, Maddy.’ They came to a halt in front of the main building.

‘Is there?’

‘Yes,’ Jenny nodded, thinking if she didn’t tell someone what the inspector had said, she might explode.

‘Listen, if you can, come over and see me at lunch break,’ Maddy suggested. ‘I’ll be in my medical room, but we could pop up to my flat for a sandwich and a cup of coffee.’

‘Will they let me into Fleat?’ Jenny queried. ‘Thought it was sealed off.’

‘They’re letting me use the medical room during the day. I’ll meet you at the back entrance at one, shall I?’

‘Righto,’ Jenny nodded, ‘I would like to talk to you. Thanks, Maddy, I’ll see you later.’ She waved to her friend and set off towards reception.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jazz arrived at Foltesham station to find Miles and Issy deep in conversation in the car park.

‘Morning, Jazz, just off to see Rory,’ Issy said.

‘Good. Where’s Patrick?’

‘In with David Millar,’ Miles replied.