0007543093 (N) by Casey Watson

Author:Casey Watson [Watson, Casey]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2015-04-29T21:00:00+00:00

‘I think I should pay him a visit,’ I told Gary Clark the third Tuesday lunchtime, after another Monday when Kiara had failed to appear, even though our cast-iron head had been back for a fortnight. There’d been a voicemail left again, and, once again, he’d simply said she’d been feeling poorly. ‘Don’t you?’ I said. ‘I mean, that’s three out of three Mondays she’s missed now, isn’t it?’

Gary nodded. ‘Though the fact that he always calls reflects well on him, at least. And it might well be that she’s swinging the lead with him, mightn’t it? So she can stay longer with him, rather than go home to her mum. Have you tackled her about it?’

‘I did this morning,’ I confirmed, Gary’s thoughts echoing my own. She wouldn’t have been the first child in the universe keen to extend the weekend by feigning some sort of illness, and, given the circumstances, her dad might well be something of a soft touch. I was beginning to feel a little sorry for Mr Bentley, as I was sure Kiara could wind anyone round her little finger if she had a mind to. ‘She said the same as she did last week – that she must have eaten something funny.’

‘And you don’t believe her.’

I shook my head. ‘No. No, not for a minute. I think you’re right. I think it’s either that she’s pulling the wool over his eyes because she likes staying with him, or that he’s complicit – given his background, he might not have much inclination to lay down the law and insist that she goes to school. Or doesn’t have an alarm clock. There’s always that.’

Gary nodded. ‘Or he likes having her around running errands for him. It’s been known. From the little we do know, a sense of responsibility doesn’t seem to be his strong point.’

‘I agree,’ I said. ‘Not that I want to pre-judge him. There’s no doubt Kiara’s happier as a result of spending time with him. And perhaps – well, if he’s going to play a bigger part in her life, anyway – he just needs a bit of guidance.’ I smiled. ‘At the very least so he’s clear that sending Kiara to school isn’t a lifestyle choice but a legal requirement.’

‘And you want to be the one to put him straight on that, I’m guessing. I’ll get hold of a phone number for you, and if no luck, we’ll send a note home. D’you want me to go with you?’

‘D’you want to check if he has a dog first this time?’ I quipped.

Though I really didn’t mean to laugh quite so loud.

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