‘I like to maintain good relations with the community, Malcolm. I suggested to the caller that perhaps this was quite innocent. Perhaps the intruder was simply collecting a stray football or some such. But injuring an animal, however unintentionally, is quite another matter. I don’t like the idea that our neighbours might think of our students as anything other than wonderful. Do you see?’

‘Yes, miss.’

‘Good.’ There’s a long pause. Then she lets out a sigh that makes her helmet of silver hair tremble slightly. ‘COMMS, Malcolm. Community Outreach Marden Middle School. We’ll draw a line under today’s incident with Kezia Becker and we’ll say no more about it, not even to your mum, all right?’

‘Yes, miss.’ I can’t believe I’m getting away with this.

‘But – and it’s a very big but …’

Now normally, to hear the large-bottomed Mrs Farroukh say the words ‘a very big but’ would have made me splutter with laughter. Right now, though, I’m too nervous to hear what’s coming to find anything funny. ‘But – you have to promise me that you’ll become part of COMMS. I have already spoken to Kezia and she will be joining us too. Do you agree, Malcolm? It’s a lovely group of hardworking, enthusiastic students and it’s a very worthwhile endeavour. I’ll email your mum. There’ll be a permission form for her to sign, but what you tell her is down to you, all right?’

I’m not sure I have ever heard a teacher describe anything less appealing, but what choice do I have? I nod as solemnly as I can.

She smiles warmly at me and claps her hands. ‘Excellent! We’ll be starting in a few weeks. I’ll team you up with Susan Tenzin. She’s the new girl: you may remember her from assembly and she has already volunteered. Is that all clear, Malcolm?’

‘Yes, miss.’

Susan Tenzin again. Susan Tenzin with her super-clean fingernails and apple-smelling hair and make-me-feel-stupid, peaceful smile. I’m beginning to dislike her. Right now, though, I can’t worry too much about that because …

Seb had the same dream as me.

And I need to talk to him about it.

Chapter 21

On the days when Mam’s working, I’m supposed to be home when Seb gets in from school. So I’m waiting for him. I wouldn’t normally do this, but I’ve poured him a glass of milk and cut him up an apple when he walks through the front door.

‘Oh, hi, Malk …’

‘Last night,’ I say, as he eyes the snack suspiciously.