‘I know, thank you.’ Mr Cole came forward. He wasn’t usually late, and he shot a look at Nick as he passed that was almost accusing. Apprehension tightened Bella’s chest. She didn’t enjoy having these sorts of conversations, but it was better to nip Amias’s behaviour in the bud now before it became a problem. ‘Mr Cole, I wonder if we could have a quick chat?’

‘I am running late, Miss Moore. Can’t we do this Monday?’

She opened the large glass door wider. ‘It really would be better if we could speak now. It’ll only take a moment.’ Mr Cole stepped through with a huff. ‘I’m afraid that Amias is being a little disruptive at the moment, and there was an incident in the playground with another boy. The boy feels that Amias deliberately punched him—’

‘I didn’t,’ Amias roared. ‘Freddie’s a liar.’ Bella had become quite adept at recognising lies over the years and was positive this was one. His voice was too high, and the words spoken with too much vehemence.

Mr Cole put a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘If Amias says he didn’t, then he didn’t. Wasn’t it Freddie Cowley who lied about Amias the other day?’

‘It is Freddie, but—’ Bella knew exactly where this was going and, as she suspected, the same words his wife had spoken would come out of his mouth.

‘Well, he’s probably lying for attention. Wants people to feel sorry for him.’

‘I don’t believe that’s the case, Mr Cole. This isn’t the first incident with this other boy, and I’d just like to nip any problems in the bud.’ Bella knew she had to hold firm.

‘By accusing my boy of something he didn’t do?’

‘Not at all. I just want to make you aware of what has happened, and that this other boy feels these things are being done on purpose. Now, I’ve investigated and with today’s incident, Amias said it was an accident but admitted he was running with his fists out, which isn’t a natural way to run.’

‘So you are accusing my boy?’ Mr Cole glowered at her. ‘Unbelievable.’

Bella paused, aware that she had to keep a grip on the conversation and not let Mr Cole’s bluff and bluster get the better of her. ‘Amias has told me he didn’t, and I think it’s best if we put these things behind us and concentrate on being kind and playing nicely together.’

Mr Cole scoffed. ‘Some kids are just weak and attention-seeking.’

Bella ignored him, though she had to press her jaws together to stop herself from saying how wrong he was.