‘I need to warn you. This will be sensitive,’ the commissioner had said. ‘Wharton’s mother is a notable community member, principal of Brunton Primary School. The one that burned down. This could, of course, be additional motivation for the offence.’

‘Additional motivation?’ Jack found it difficult to breathe. ‘How so?’

‘The suspect may have a grudge against his mother.’

‘What makes you suggest that?’

‘Doesn’t every eighteen-year-old hate his mum?’

Jack had never hated his mother. Fury boiled within him. ‘We’re not naming every eighteen-year-old as a suspect.’

‘I’m saying his mother’s position requires consideration. She’ll have support.’

Detective Feng checked forms in a ring binder. ‘What do we know about the suspect?’

The facts that would hang over Caleb emerged. ‘We’ve heard his name repeatedly today,’ the commissioner said. ‘No prior convictions. But he’s the boy who crippled Sean Henderson. You remember that case, Jack? You were first responder.’

The accident again – its consequences would never end, and not just for Sean and Rosie. ‘I know him,’ Jack agreed. ‘I don’t think you’ve got it right.’

‘You keep that to yourself, Jack,’ the commissioner said. ‘Stick to the facts. People need answers as quickly as possible. Your job is to find evidence. Help us make a case.’

‘What about considering other suspects?’ Jack asked.

‘I think that’s enough,’ the commissioner said. ‘We need people to feel safe again. We have a likely ignition point. We’re looking for evidence linking Caleb Wharton to that place. Concentrate on that.’

6

MINERVA | Goddess of Wisdom, War and Poetry

Minerva’s mother Metis was raped by Jupiter before he changed her into an insect and swallowed her. Minerva then burst from Jupiter’s head, already wearing the helmet and carrying the shield that were her emblems.

Jack would help us. He’d have to. Caleb relied on him.

‘So we’re gunna live like this?’ Caleb had demanded when Jack first stayed over. ‘Dad’s got Ivy and you’ve got random people in my home too, without even asking…’

It had taken Jack a lot of time and patience to develop their relationship to the point where Caleb took his advice about joining the CFA. Jack had cared enough to do that. He had built a relationship with Caleb that seemed based on genuine affection. I was lucky to have met him. I knew that.

‘Mum?’

It was still morning, but light through the hospital window carried its own shadow, the stain of smoke.

‘Caleb!’ Grateful he was awake, I pocketed my phone and kissed his hot, damp forehead. His hair was messy and too dark, and he needed to shave. But at least a nurse had removed the rings from his lips (for hygiene reasons, she had explained – with a wink to me). Free of make-up, Caleb was again the boy I knew, not the goth he’d lately morphed into. Maybe this fresh face would last. Maybe, once cleared, he’d come out of the mood he’d been in since Sean was injured and return to the life he was meant to have, either become the lawyer Stephen wanted, or complete the art course I thought he secretly preferred. Either way, I wanted him thinking about his future.