‘I didn’t know.’ His reaction to being accused was suddenly understandable. People would assume he was like his brother if a similar incident occurred. It was a sad fact that a lot of people were narrow-minded about these things. Matilda wondered how close the brothers were. Was it possible that Sebastian pointed out the more vulnerable pupils to his brother for him to groom? That was a disturbing thought that made Matilda shiver.
‘Evidently. Look, do you have any idea of the damage you’re going to do to this school? I accept members of staff here on their merits and a very vigorous background check is done on each and every one of them. That’s not going to count for anything once the parents put two and two together and come up with nine. They’ll not want Sebastian anywhere near their kids, and he’s done nothing wrong.’
‘I’m just doing my job. Sometimes it isn’t very pleasant.’
‘No. And neither is the aftermath when you’ve left and others have to pick up the pieces.’
‘I’m trying to find a missing girl …’
‘And my heart goes out to her and her family,’ Sheila interrupted. ‘I will do everything I can to help in your investigation, but your bull-in-a-china-shop approach is not the way to go about it.’
She looked at her computer, scribbled an address down on a note pad, tore off the piece of paper and thrust it out towards Matilda. She took it, thanked her, and left.
***
‘I didn’t handle that very well, did I?’ Matilda asked once they were out in the car park.
‘We weren’t to know his brother was a rapist. If we’d have had any other information than ‘Mr Page’ we’d have been able to look him up.’
‘True.’
‘Where to now?’
Matilda looked at her watch. It was one o’clock. Three hours until the kidnappers were due to ring. She felt a headache coming on. Her head was full of dark thoughts and the disturbing acts people did for their own enjoyment. She needed time out. If she continued like this, she’d be a basket case by the end of the day. She let out a sigh. ‘Let’s go off grid for a couple of hours. I’ll buy us something unhealthy for lunch and you can tell me about your sex life.’
‘I’d rather not do that, if it’s all the same to you.’
‘I don’t want to know any details, Scott. I just want to know that someone is actually happy in this frightening world we’re living in.’
They both climbed into the car and Matilda started the engine.
‘I’m very happy,’ he said, beaming.
‘That’s good,’ Matilda found herself smiling back. ‘That’s very good.’
***
From the window of her office, Sheila Croft watched as Matilda and Scott drove away. She turned back to her desk and took her iPhone from the top drawer and scrolled through the contacts until she came to one she wanted. She made a call and waited impatiently, drumming her fingers on the desk. After a dozen rings, the voicemail kicked in.
‘Sebastian, it’s me. Listen, I need you to ring me as soon as possible. I’m afraid I’ve ballsed up.’
Chapter 15
‘Sian, can I have a quick word?’ Rory sidled up to her desk in his chair.
‘If you can get my sandwich out of this hermetically sealed packet, you can have several,’ she said, handing him the pack. ‘I see you’re growing your hair again.’
‘Yes. Natasha likes it long and curly. She says I look like Jon Snow.’
‘The newsreader?’
‘The character from Game of Thrones.’
‘Oh. I’ll take your word for it.’ She turned away and her eye caught DS Aaron Connolly on the other side of the room. ‘What’s wrong with Aaron?’
‘I’ve no idea. Why?’
‘He’s just sitting there staring into space. He’s got a face like a slapped arse.’
‘He’s always got a face like a slapped arse.’
Sian frowned as she studied her colleague. It was true his face belied what he felt. He had the original poker face. However, more than usual he seemed to have the weight of the universe on his shoulders.
‘Maybe he’s having personal problems,’ Rory said.
‘Really? Him and Katrina? I thought they were solid.’
‘Not everyone can be like you and Stuart. Speaking of which …’ He handed her the open packet. She took out the first sandwich, looked at the limp bread and sparse filling and took a disappointing bite. ‘You know your anniversary party at the end of the month?’
‘I should do, I’m planning the whole bloody thing.’
‘I was wondering if I could bring Natasha along with me.’
‘Well, the invitation does say Mr Fleming and guest.’
‘Cheers,’ he beamed.
‘Things getting serious with you then?’
‘I think so.’
‘How long have you been seeing each other?’
‘Five months. I know it’s not long, but when you know you just know.’
‘Yes, Rory. Your generation didn’t invent romance.’
‘She’s just so … I don’t know, I can’t describe it. If I had to write a list of everything I wanted in my ideal woman, I would be describing Natasha. It helps that she’s bloody gorgeous, too. Have you seen her out of uniform?’
‘I can’t say that I have, Rory, no,’ Sian said.
‘She has an amazing body. You should—’
‘Erm, Rory,’ Sian interrupted. ‘I think you’re probably better off waiting until Scott or Ranjeet gets back before you continue that sentence.
‘Oh yes, sorry. I’ll just go and grab a coffee.’
‘Maybe a cold shower as well,’ Sian said. She was about to take another bite when her phone rang. She rolled her eyes.
‘Homicide and Major Enquiries. DS Mills speaking.’
‘Sian, it’s Tony,’ the sergeant on the front desk said. ‘I’ve got a bloke on the phone who says he’s from the British Embassy in France. He’s asked for DCI Darke but she’s not in and DI Brady isn’t answering. Can you take it?’
‘Sure. Put him through.’ She took a sip of cold tea to rinse out her mouth while the call was being transferred. ‘Hello, I’m afraid Detective Chief Inspector Darke is out at the moment. I’m DS Sian Mills. May I help at all?’
‘I hope so. I’m Adrian Moorhead. I’m with the British Embassy Paris. Early yesterday morning a young boy presented himself to Police Nationale in Marseille. He said his name is Carl Meagan. Does that mean anything to you?’
Chapter 16
‘You’re not serious, surely,’ Valerie said, looking up at Sian with wide-eyed amazement.
‘I am,’ Sian said. ‘This young lad just walked into a police station and said he’s Carl Meagan.’
‘Where is he now?’
‘He’s in police protection. He says he was kidnapped, and a couple have been looking after him. They said he was to call them Mum and Dad.’
‘And where is this couple now?’
‘I don’t know. He doesn’t know where he’s been living. They brought him to France for a holiday. They’ve been staying in a hotel, but he doesn’t know which one.’