She’d been far from the most sophisticated candidate, but Robert liked her calm, unflappable style and her knowledge of the school had been invaluable as he’d settled into his headship.

Everyone loved Jenny, from the cleaners to the governors. She knew each child by name and her loyalty to the school was beyond question. Three years older than Robert, she was further down the road to retirement and Robert had often wondered how he would cope when she left. Now, he realised miserably, he’d probably be leaving before her.

Jenny had been absent all of last term, due to a hip operation. Her replacement had been competent, and probably far more up to speed on office technology, but Robert had missed Jenny’s motherly demeanour and was glad to see her back again. At the ready with her notebook and pen, Jenny settled her rotund frame into a chair in front of the desk, a look of deep concern on her face.

‘You’re a right funny colour, Mr Jones. Can I get you a glass of water?’ She spoke with a Norfolk burr.

Robert had a sudden urge to put his head against Jenny’s ample bosom, to feel her maternal arms wrap around him and find comfort in them.

‘That was the coroner’s office,’ he said, dismissing the thought. ‘It’s not good news. There’s going to be a police investigation.’

Jenny raised her bushy eyebrows. ‘No! Surely not.’

‘Let’s just hope they get it over with quickly. It’s going to be disruptive and destabilising for everyone having the police snooping around.’

‘I’ll say,’ agreed Jenny. ‘Do you think we’ll all have to be interviewed?’

‘No idea, but we’ll obviously have to alert everyone. Apparently, a detective is phoning me any minute. I’ll know more when I’ve spoken to him. But perhaps it might be best to call a school assembly in Main Hall tomorrow morning, warn everyone of what’s going to happen. That means all staff, too, from the kitchen porters up. Can you organise that for me?’

‘Of course, Mr Jones. I’ll do it now.’

‘Thanks, Jenny.’

She stood up, then said, ‘Have you called David Millar back yet? He’s rung again three times this morning.’

The last thing Robert needed was a deranged alcoholic parent panicking about his son.

‘No, I haven’t.’

‘Well, he rang several times yesterday evening and left messages, something about Rory being upset on the phone.’

‘I know, you said. He’ll just have to wait. I’ve got more important things on my mind at the moment.’

‘How about some tea? You look as though your sugar levels could do with a boost. It’s ever so good for shock.’

‘Thank you, that would be nice.’ He nodded gratefully.

The telephone rang on his desk. Jenny got there first and picked it up.

‘Headmaster’s office.’

She listened for a moment, then shielded the receiver with the palm of her hand and whispered, ‘It’s a Commissioner Norton to speak to you.’

‘Thanks.’ Robert took the receiver and waited until Jenny had bustled out of the door. ‘Headmaster speaking.’