Ged was struggling to keep quiet. He had more to say for sure, but knew he had to pick his moments. Clare collapsed onto a chair, her head in her hands. Her hands were shaking, a lost look in her eyes. Donny reached over for his mug and sipped at his coffee. He’d done what he’d come for and he wasn’t in the mood to be waiting around. Ged was still in one piece, he’d taken a statement, so in reality he’d ticked all the boxes to make sure his pupil was safe, what more could he do right now?

‘Ged, I hope you get better soon, and we’ll see you back in school as soon as you’re well enough. You have your head screwed on and I know you know how important it is to make sure you sit your exams. You’ve still got a chance to make something of yourself if you make the right choices now. Please ring me if you need anything or if you need a talk.’

Clare slumped a little lower in her seat. Who was there for her? Who could she call for a chat? Bleeding nobody. Her new bloke, Sam, would run a mile if she let on what a shit-show her life really was. What fella would take all that on?

‘Yeah, thanks,’ Ged mumbled.

Donny packed away his paperwork and took a final mouthful of coffee. He stood up and straightened his trousers.

‘Clare, keep me posted. Hopefully, Ged will be back in school next week if those stitches heal nicely.’

‘Yeah, if I’ve not throttled him by then.’

Donny smiled and headed for the door. ‘Bye, Ged,’ he shouted behind him.

Donny waved as he walked down the path. He heard the sound of the front door shutting behind him and headed straight for his car. There was someone standing beside it, waiting.

‘Nancy, what on earth are you doing here?’

The girl was scribbling something down and shoved it straight into her pocket when she heard him.

Donny edged closer. ‘Were you taking my registration number down then?’ he asked. Nancy ignored his question.

‘Hello, sir. I’m on my way to see Ged, is he alright?’

‘He’s fine, Nancy, but shouldn’t you be in school?’

‘I’m not well, sir, bad period pains. My mam said I could stay off.’

‘If you’re not well then shouldn’t you be at home in bed?’

Nancy walked past him and opened the garden gate.

‘I can hang out with Ged. I’ve taken some painkillers so I should be alright. Anyway, I’m doing some research, so you could class that as schoolwork.’

Donny was never quite sure what to make of Nancy. He opened the car door and sighed. ‘I’ll ring your mother and double-check with her. And what kind of research are you doing?’