Clare looked at him. Her son was right, this was nothing to do with school; it was a private matter, nothing really to do with anyone except the family. ‘OK. I just don’t want any more shouting and screaming. It’s making me ill. We need to sit down and speak to each other with a bit of respect.’

Donny raised his eyebrows at his colleague. Tina started to talk about the subjects Ged was struggling with and by the end of the meeting a new learning plan was put in place. Hopefully, when the two of them got home they would talk about Kevin’s release from jail without it turning into another dog fight.

When Ged had gone back to class, Donny and Tina walked Clare to the door. After the enforced intermission they were already fifteen minutes late for their next meeting. Tina nudged Donny.

‘I’ll go and get the new kid and his mam from reception. Follow me up when you’ve finished.’

Donny pulled her aside. ‘Do us a favour. I have to nip out, can you take the next meeting? I just have to drop some money off for Susan.’

Tina nodded her head. ‘OK, but you owe me one. Go on, get gone, before I change my mind.’

Donny patted her on the arm and hurried off. He could hear Tina’s heels clipping down the corridor as she headed to the reception area to meet the new pupil. He wondered what their story would be. No one – teacher or pupil – wound up here without a tale to tell.

Chapter Thirteen

Donny walked into Susan’s salon and took a seat in one of the silver crushed velvet bucket chairs. He smiled as he looked around, silver glitter walls, huge silver mirrors, proper glamorous. The girls loved it when Susan’s husband came in – he was great with the banter. Chrissy the receptionist smiled at him.

‘I’ll let her know you’re here, she’s just doing a spray tan.’

Donny crossed his legs and unwrapped the tin foil containing his lunch.

‘I’ve told the missus that I will do all the spray tans in future but she’s having none of it. I don’t know why, but I reckon I would do a better job than she does. I’ve creosoted a fence before – same thing, isn’t it?’

Chrissy burst out laughing. ‘You’re a rum bleeder, you are, Donny. I don’t know how she puts up with you.’

He took a large bite of his food and carried on. ‘She loves me, that’s why. Look at me, who wouldn’t love this face?’ Chrissy shook her head. So much confidence – mind you, he was the full package, good looking, good job, great body, what more could a woman ask for? Chrissy walked to the end of the salon and knocked softly before opening the door slightly.

‘Sue, Donny’s here.’